'Translucent skin' house gets top New Zealand design award

Feast your eyes on this - New Zealand's best architecture for 2024.

Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) announced the winners of its national design awards in Rotorua on Friday night. A Waikato house known as 'Chodge' won the Supreme Award, impressing the judges for its walls and ceilings described as "translucent skin".

There were 10 winning architects with projects ranging from small to large homes and townhouses to commercial interiors.

The chief executive of ADNZ, Keryn Davis, described the supreme winner's design from architect Darryl Church as "glowing and glorious".

The design is reminiscent of a woodshed, but instead of the typical harsh corrugated iron shell, its translucent skin allows for a light-filled space during the day. At night, this is reversed with the interior lighting of the 'Chodge' becoming a diffused glow within the dark landscape.

Despite the idea being somewhat tent-like, the holiday home was designed with the energy-saving Passive Haus principles. Large commercial roller doors create an even stronger connecting between outside and inside.

The National Award for New Home over 300m² went to an off-grid design by Darren O'Neil in Canterbury. Judges called the design "jaw-dropping".

"Considering sustainability at every step from materials selection to their application demonstrates the home's commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising on aesthetics."

Jon McAlpine from TGA Ltd won the National Award for Residential Alterations and Additions for a beach house renovation in Mount Maunganui.

McAlpine's brief was to create a relaxed vibe while also providing room for the client's extended family, which can reach almost 30 people during the summer.

Here are the winning designs:

'Chodge' from Darryl Church, DCA Architects of Transformation

• Supreme Award Winner
• National Award for New Home between 150m² and 300m²
• National Award for Residential Interiors - Supreme Winner

Te Rito o Manaaki Ora from Werner Naudé of DCA Architects of Transformation

• National Award for Commercial Architecture
• National Award for Resene Colour in Design

Kōtare Rise by Dian Tang from X Studio

• National Award for Multi-Unit Housing

House on a Hill from Steven Chambers of Stufkens+Chambers Architects

• National Award for New Home up to 150m²

Whare Waka from Darryl Church of DCA Architects of Transformation

• National Award for Architectural Spaces and Structures

Mrs Blackwell's Village Bookshop from James Mackie of Mackit Architecture

• National Award for Commercial Interiors and Fitouts

Mount Drury from Jon McAlpine of TGA Ltd

• National Award for Residential Alterations and Additions

Ligar Bay Bach from Greg Young of Young Architects

• National Award for New Home between 150m² and 300m²

Kōtare Street from Sam Connell of Figure & Ground

• National Award for New home over 300m²

Off-Grid House from Darren O'Neil of O'Neil + Architecture

• National Award for New Home over 300m²

Tall Tree House from Carolin Friese of CF Architecture

• National Award for New Home up to 150m²
• National ADNZ Resene Kaitiakitanga Award

The Cove from Carolin Friese of CF Architecture

• National Award for Residential Interiors