New Zealand Architecture Medal 2012

Congratulations to Richard Francis-Jones and the team at Sydney's FJMT Architects who, in conjunction with Archimedia, have won the 2012 New Zealand Architecture Medal for their refurbishment and extension of the Auckland Art Gallery.

The New Zealand Architecture Medal is highest honour awarded to a building each year by the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

“The Auckland Art Gallery is a most deserving winner of the Architecture Medal,” says the convenor of the awards jury, Wellington architect Hugh Tennent. “There were high hopes for this building, and big challenges to overcome. The architects had to work with an existing heritage building and a sensitive site on the edge of Albert Park, as well provide all the spaces and amenities required by a twenty-first century art gallery.

“On all fronts, the architects have risen to the occasion. The existing building looks stunning, the new building looks even better, and the two parts work well together. And with its generous terraces the Art Gallery now makes the most of its connections to Albert Park.”

We'd also like to congratulate another winner: Auckland architect Pete Bossley, who has been awarded the New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal for contribution to architecture. Pete is also a two-time winner of our Home of the Year award. You can read an interview with him about his Gold Medal success in our next issue, on newsstands on June 4.

Fearon Hay wins chapel design competition

Fearon Hay Architects have won the much sought-after competition to design a chapel at Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral.

The firm's design features a glass-walled chapel with a canopy roof featuring mosaic artwork.

"This winning design, in its inherent simplicity and economy of means, provides a powerful starting point for achieving an inspiring, useful and ‘of its time’ Chapel," said David Sheppard, President-elect of the NZ Institute of Architects and the competition judging panel chair. "It promises to become a perfect complement to the great works of St Mary’s, Architect Towle’s Chancel, Dr Toy’s Nave and forecourt, and Jacky Bowring’s memorial gardens.”

It will be located at the south end of the Cathedral, where a "temporary" corrugated iron wall has stood for almost 40 years. Here are some of the images developed by Fearon Hay in their entry to the competition:

Our congratulations to Jeff Fearon and Tim Hay and the team at Fearon Hay Architects.

The design competition was run through the NZ Institute of Architects. The winning entry from chosen from a shortlist comprised of Athfield Architects, Architectus, and RTA Studio in collaboration with Bossley Architects. Work is expected to start next year.