The architectural landscape of Hawke’s Bay is undergoing a visible transformation, shifting toward a philosophy of clarity, purpose, and a deep respect for regional identity. This evolution was on full display at the recent Te Kāhui Whaihanga (New Zealand Institute of Architects) awards, where projects from the region didn’t just compete—they dominated.
The awards, presented at a ceremony held at MTG in Napier on Friday, May 1, highlighted a sophisticated trend in local design: the move away from unnecessary complexity in favor of “enduring, meaningful places.” From critical infrastructure at the airport to the intimate restoration of heritage restrooms, the winning entries suggest a region finding its voice through a blend of modern minimalism and historical reverence.
Leading the charge was Havelock North’s RTA Studio, which solidified its position as a powerhouse in the region. The firm secured three major awards this year, adding to a streak of high-profile wins in recent seasons. Their success across multiple categories—Public Architecture and Hospitality—underscores a versatile approach to design that balances technical rigor with aesthetic restraint.
RTA Studio: A Study in Functional Clarity
The jury’s praise for RTA Studio centered heavily on the concept of “clarity.” In the Public Architecture category, the firm was recognized for two distinct but equally impactful projects: the Hawke’s Bay Airport Fire Station and the Hawke’s Bay Museum Research and Archives Centre in Hastings.
The Airport Fire Station was lauded for its architectural honesty. Rather than opting for an imposing structure, the design focuses on simplicity, ensuring the building serves its urgent function without distracting from its purpose. The jury noted that the form responds directly to the surrounding landscape, creating a workspace that supports the well-being of the first responders who operate within it.
In contrast, the Hawke’s Bay Museum Research and Archives Centre was recognized for its contribution to Hastings’ civic identity. The project utilizes “feathered claddings” to introduce texture and movement to the facade, preventing the building from feeling static or institutional. This tactile approach is complemented by a strategic lighting design that ensures the building maintains a strong, clear presence after dark, acting as a beacon of knowledge and history for the community.
RTA Studio’s versatility extended into the Hospitality sector with the refurbishment of The Loft and Kitchen at Craggy Range. This project presented a different set of hurdles—complex technical requirements and spatial constraints—which the firm resolved into a “calm, balanced space.” The result is an environment that complements the prestige of the Craggy Range estate while providing a seamless experience for guests.
Preserving the Past: The Napier Heritage Win
While RTA Studio captured the headlines for volume, one of the most poignant wins of the evening was in the Heritage category. The restoration of the former women’s restrooms in Napier’s Memorial Square, led by Ann Galloway and Gavin Cooper, earned top honors for its meticulous attention to detail.
Heritage restoration is often a battle between modernization and preservation. In this instance, the jury praised the “thoughtful restoration” that returned the original details of the restrooms. By honoring the building’s historical DNA, Galloway and Cooper have effectively given a forgotten piece of Napier’s urban fabric a viable future, ensuring that the city’s unique Art Deco and early 20th-century character remains intact.
The project’s success was further recognized with a Resene colour award citation, acknowledging that the palette chosen for the restoration was as historically accurate as it was visually compelling.
| Category | Winning Project | Architect/Firm |
|---|---|---|
| Public Architecture | Airport Fire Station & Museum Research Centre | RTA Studio |
| Hospitality | The Loft and Kitchen, Craggy Range | RTA Studio |
| Heritage | Napier Women’s Restrooms | Ann Galloway & Gavin Cooper |
| Housing | Mangakuri Home | Makers of Architecture |
| Housing | Lee House | Clarkson Architects |
Residential Innovation: Light and Simplicity
The Housing category reflected a dual approach to modern living: the pursuit of expansive light and the embrace of efficient simplicity. Two projects shared the honors, each representing a different facet of high-end residential design.
The Mangakuri Home, designed by Makers of Architecture, was recognized for its ability to integrate light and space into the rhythms of daily life. The jury noted that the home does not just look spacious; it supports the lived experience of its occupants, blending indoor and outdoor transitions in a way that feels organic to the site.
Conversely, Havelock North’s Lee House, designed by Clarkson Architects, was praised for its lack of “unnecessary complexity.” In an era where luxury is often equated with excess, Lee House stands as a testament to the power of a well-considered plan. The project unfolds naturally, creating a comfortable, intuitive home that prioritizes the user’s needs over architectural vanity.
The Philosophy of the Jury
Throughout the awards, a consistent theme emerged regarding the “refinement of design thinking.” Jury convenor Matt Edmonds, an architect with Designgroup Stapleton Elliott, emphasized that the winning works were not merely beautiful, but were the result of a disciplined process.
“These works reflect a refinement of design thinking, where careful material selection, craftsmanship, and clarity of intent come together to create enduring, meaningful places,” Edmonds stated. This focus on “intent” suggests that the jury was looking for architecture that solves problems rather than just creating images—a shift toward sustainability and longevity over trend-driven design.
The inclusion of Resene colour award citations for both the Museum Research and Archives Centre and the Napier Women’s Restrooms further highlights the importance of the “final layer.” In these projects, color was not an afterthought but a tool used to strengthen the building’s identity and its relationship with the environment.
As Hawke’s Bay continues to rebuild and redefine its urban and rural spaces, these awards provide a blueprint for future development. The dominance of the region in these categories suggests a maturing architectural ecosystem where local firms are setting the standard for the rest of the country.
The next phase of regional architectural development will likely be seen in the upcoming quarterly design reviews and the announcement of the national Te Kāhui Whaihanga finalists, where several of these Hawke’s Bay winners are expected to compete for top honors on a country-wide scale.
Do you think the trend toward “simplicity” in architecture improves our cities, or do we need more bold, complex designs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
