The three-storey, seismically-protected timber structure was entirely built from locally grown and fabricated laminated veneer lumber.
Designed by Nelson-based architects Irving Smith Jack and engineering consultancy Aurecon, it was described by the judges as “a beautifully integrated design solution where the design process has fully embraced structural timber innovation to create a landmark building for New Zealand”.
The initial design proposal for the NMIT building won a nationwide government competition for a ground-breaking timber structure to demonstrate and stimulate structural timber use.
The design includes world first “damage avoidance” seismic engineering incorporating post-tensioned timber shear walls.
The interior of Wellington Airport’s new international terminal — “The Rock” — won the interior fit-out award, with the judges commenting on its “visually arresting interior” which resulted in “an iconic, engaging series of spaces”.
The terminal was designed by Studio Pacific Architecture in association with Warren and Mahoney.
Other main award winners were:
• Sustainability: MOTAT Aviation Display Hall, by Studio Pacific Architecture and Holmes Consulting Group
• Residential Architectural Excellence: Little Oneroa House, Waiheke Island, by Cantilever Architects
• Cladding Building Envelope: Rotoroa Island Exhibition Centre, Pearson & Associates Architects
The People’s Choice award went to Kanuka Engineered Wood Products Ltd and Structural Concepts Ltd for Red Stag Timber’s Reman building in Rotorua.
