Twenty-seven architectural projects across Otago have been deemed the very best in Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Regional Awards this year.   

The Ayrburn Precinct by SA Studio was a double winner, claiming awards in the Heritage and Hospitality categories for its adaptation of Ayrburn Homestead. The jury noted how the architects carefully balanced heritage conservation with contemporary use, allowing the building to become a restaurant while keeping its strong historic character.

As usual for the Southern region, the Housing category was especially strong once again this year with 11 projects from the greater Wānaka/Queenstown area being recognised. 

A particular standout was Garden House by Sarah Ritchie, which the jury praised for its thoughtful use of recycled and repurposed materials. Combined with high levels of insulation and triple glazing, the home performs as well as it looks, delivering comfort and sustainability within a compact 111-square-metre floorplan designed for a family of four.

“This year, we have seen many projects emerging as a result of the post-COVID environment. The remarkably high volume of work submitted in the residential categories highlights the profound psychological impact that COVID had on living environments,” says jury convenor and architect Andrea O’Connor of Oakley Gray Architects. “The work quality has been exceptionally high, showcasing meticulous attention to detail, technical precision, and thoughtful design. This response underscores the intricate relationship between architecture and individual experience, illustrating how our surroundings shape our perceptions and interactions with daily life.”

O’Connor was joined on the jury by Lianne Cox (Studio of Pacific Architecture), Regan Hall (McCoy and Wixon Architects) and Ben Hudson (Ben Hudson Architects).

The winners received their awards at an event at the Regent Theatre in Dunedin on 22 May.

Full list of 2026 Southern Regional Architecture Awards winners by category:

Commercial Architecture

• Mount Cardrona Station – Homestead by Leuschke Group Architects (Wānaka)

• Ōtepoti Building by Warren and Mahoney and Aukaha (Dunedin)

• Skyline Carpark by Wyatt & Gray Architects (Queenstown)

Education

• Arthur Street School Redevelopment by Ignite Architects (Dunedin)

Enduring Architecture

• Devine House (2001) by Graeme North and Associates t/a Warkworth Architects (Queenstown)

• Wānaka House (2001) by Paul Clarke (Wānaka)

Heritage

• Ayrburn Precinct by SA Studio (Arrowtown)*

Hospitality

• Ayrburn Precinct by SA Studio (Arrowtown)

• Gantley's Brewhall by yoke (Queenstown)

Housing

• Arrowtown Houses by Cheshire Architects (Arrowtown)

• Bramble Close House by Condon Scott Architects (Wānaka)

• Central Otago House by Wilson and Hill Architects (Arrowtown)

• Corrugated Crib - Mount Iron by Johnston Architects (Wānaka)

• Courtyard House by Anna-Marie Chin Architects (Arrowtown)

• Double Gable by yoke (Arrowtown)

• Garden House by Sarah Ritchie (Wānaka)*

• Māori Point Road House by Rafe Maclean Architects (Tarras)

• Orchard House by Fearon Hay Architects (Queenstown)*

• Rare Earth by Assembly Architects (Wānaka)

• Two Sheds by RTA Studio (Arrowtown)

Housing – Alterations and Additions

• Kingsbury Glasshouse Project by Tessa Kingsbury (Dunedin)

• Lake Hayes by Crosson Architects (Queenstown)

• Pointy Flat House by Chaney & Norman Architects (Hāwea Flat)

Interior Architecture

• DCC Executive Leadership Level by Parker Warburton Team Architects, Aukaha and Kaitiaki Studios in association (Dunedin)

• The Mill by Warren and Mahoney (Queenstown)

Small Project Architecture

• Aluume Spa by Hyndman Taylor Architects (Queenstown)

• Bragato Way Residence by Sharlene Browning (Cromwell)

Note: * denotes Resene Colour Award winner.