Jasmax finished the NZIA Local Awards season with a bang at the Auckland Architecture awards last week, winning three awards for the two projects they were shortlisted for.

The University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering / Te Herenga Mātai Pūkaha B405 – Education Award

“This complex building makes a point of celebrating its function. Behind the exuberant and colourful clothing of the façade and fit-out is a thoroughly resolved and simple skeleton of structure and services that is revealed to offer students a transparent and educational exhibit. A very adaptable and flexible plan and section provide the faculty with a highly adaptable facility, and materials, colour and detailing internally and externally show an awareness of how an institutional building can offer delight to its youthful occupants.” – Jury citation

The University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering / Te Herenga Mātai Pūkaha B405 – Resene Colour Award

“The lively, bold and extensive use of colour has been incorporated in a manner that expresses functionality and makes it evident that students are the primary occupants of the building.” – Jury citation

Western Springs College Ngā Puna O Waiōrea Redevelopment – Education Award 

“This project involved a massive overhaul of a tired campus overburdened with relocatable classrooms and car-dominated courtyard spaces. The architects’ first transformational move was the development of a school masterplan that prioritised the students, making the connections between the buildings almost entirely pedestrian focused. The two new teaching blocks impart a contemporary university sensibility to the campus. One of the blocks, housing the jewel in the school’s crown, Ngā Puna o Waiōrea, the college’s Māori immersion-Rumaki unit, is the product of a collaboration with local mana whenua artist Graham Tipene, whose knowledge of the whakapapa of the area was applied to the creation of integrated art pieces. The almost aircraft hangar-sized opening to a capacious kapa haka stage is a sight to behold. The school’s transformational results in both student attendance and academic achievement are testament to the quality of the new campus, and the pride it has engendered in students and the wider community.” – Jury citation

Source: Jasmax