Style: July 06, 2017

STYLE | rebuild 35
The Christchurch North Methodist Church
“ Architecture has the power
to inspire, intrigue, and give
meaning.”
– Mike Callaghan
ARCHITECTURE
MATTERS
As the region rebuilds after the earthquakes, Richard Dalman
believes it is important to reflect on the quality of our new buildings.
In May, the New Zealand Institute of
Architects’ Resene Architecture Awards for
Canterbury bestowed praise and recognition
upon 25 projects from 70 entries throughout
the region. The winning projects varied in scale
from very large and complex to compact and
humble. This month we profile some of the
award winners.
The Arts Centre Clock Tower and Great
Hall was the recipient of a Heritage Award.
The original buildings were designed by
Benjamin Mountfort, with the restoration being
completed by Warren and Mahoney Architects.
The project was extremely challenging, and
Mike Callaghan, a local architect and Canterbury
jury convenor, commented: “Hands-on design
development was required every day as no
detail or space was the same... but the result is
spectacular and thought-provoking.”
Another winner, Burwood Hospital, was a
collaborative project between three practices
– Jasmax, Klein, and Sheppard and Rout. The
outcome is a building focused on staff and
patients’ wellbeing, many of whom have long
rehabilitation stays. The extensive use of
natural lighting, ventilation and views to the
parkland contribute to a homely and comforting
environment.
The Christchurch North Methodist Church
on Harewood Road by Dalman Architects
is a strong but simple form that speaks of its
religious function. The church is deliberately
open and welcomes passers-by to view the
congregation and worship space. The highlevel
tower window serves to not only allow
natural light to pour into the building, but also
to acknowledge the spire of the former church,
which had been a previous local landmark.
Of the commercial winners, a public favourite
is the Christchurch Adventure Park by AW
Architects, which was heroically saved from
the devastating Christchurch fires. It consists of
four simple building forms that create a village
green atmosphere within the forest. Black metal
cladding, pine plywood lining, and prefabricated
elements were used to successfully meet the
tight time frame and budget.
A bold entry and Resene Colour Award
winner is Fush, by C. Nott Architects, a fish
’n’ chip restaurant in Wigram. The restaurant
plays on the imagination with the bold use of
blue colour, giving diners an impression of being
underwater.
Each year the Institute recognises significant
buildings of the past with an Enduring
Architecture Award. This year there were two
such awards presented: firstly, the mirror glass
home in Butler Street by Maurice Mahoney;
and secondly, the Templeton Chapel of the
Holy Family by George Lucking. The latter is
not only great architecture in terms of its form
and function, but also in that it provides a
critical place of focus and belonging for the local
community.
The awards aim to show why good
architecture matters in the ongoing
development of New Zealand’s cities, towns,
and communities. In my view, it is clear
from this year’s awards that many inspiring
and unique new structures have been built,
adding great character to our environment. I
will, however, leave the final words to Mike
Callaghan: “Great architecture begins with
strong ideas; it is about creating exceptional
environments for people to live, work, and
play. It is also about joy – that sense of
wonderment you find when you encounter an
uplifting space or discover an unexpected detail.
Architecture has the power to inspire, intrigue,
and give meaning.”
Christchurch Adventure Park
Fush