WINNER: Dunalister House is warm and sophisticated.

TAURANGA-based designer Brendon Gordon from Brendon Gordon Architecture was the standout designer in the ADNZ/Resene Design Awards announced in October. His work impressed the judges with not one, but five different projects, which won three category awards, plus the Resene Supreme Award for the overall winner. He also earned a finalist placing in four further categories.

The ADNZ/Resene Design Awards were conceived to showcase the work of New Zealand’s growing number of architectural designers.

Judges praised Gordon’s winning entry, Dunalistair House, which also took out the award for Residential Single Dwelling over 250m2, for its provision of sheltered and contained outdoor spaces in contrast to the high levels of exposure on the site.

“The designer has created a warm and sophisticated holiday home in a country setting. With its sensitive use of natural materials, spacious and uncomplicated planning, and large open spaces, it provides an attractive environment that looks easy to use. Strong and sensitive to its environment, this is a well-considered and finely detailed house,” they said.

Another of Gordon’s wins came in the Residential Multi-unit Dwelling category for Skelton House in Tauranga. The judges liked its sophisticated scheme, which they felt created a sense of quality in design, materials and craftsmanship.

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BOLD: Pope House in Matakana.

“With a commanding presence in the street, this project reveals a complete control of details and assembly,” said the judges. “It is well planned with generous indoor and outdoor spaces.”

Brendon Gordon’s third award was in the Residential Interiors. The “beautifully composed series of interior spaces articulated in three dimensions and connecting well to the exterior” caught the judges’ attention. They also commended Gordon for his attention to detail, choice of materials, and his sophisticated solution to the challenges of a tight site.

The Gordon residence was also a finalist in the New Residential Dwelling up to 250m2 category, which was won by Warkworth designer Graham Sawell from Pyramidz Architecture Design Ltd for Pope House in Matakana. Its two pavilions are boldly articulated in black and white, with warm, well-planned interiors that incorporate all the living spaces on one level.

The judges described the design as “a scheme of wonderful modesty and restraint, perfectly in tune with its rural setting. This is a satisfying and extremely cost-effective home for a retired couple”.

Architectural Designers New Zealand Inc (ADNZ) was formed in 1966 to promote and develop the professional skills and services offered by its members, who are all specialists in building design and construction.

The National Design Awards acknowledge design excellence in residential and commercial/industrial projects, with a supreme winner award presented to the best overall design.