Double architectural victory for Onehunga2 min read

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Two local architectural masterpieces came out tops at the 2023 New Zealand Architecture Awards by the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).

Claiming the top spot in the Housing Category is Brick House in Onehunga, which was up against five other exquisitely designed homes from across New Zealand. A few kilometres away, the Ngā Hau Māngere clinched victory in the Planning and Urban Design Category.

Brick House was designed by Henri Sayes from Sayes Studio, and he has been living in the house for the past four years, with his wife Nicole Stock and their two young sons.

“We subdivided a larger section and removed a brick and tile home on the site,” says Nicole. “We first built Henri’s mum a home on the rear section, which won a NZIA Auckland Award in 2021.”

She says, “Building our house was tricky as it is on the middle section, with houses, and right of ways on each boundary. So it was a design exercise around how to create privacy, while also opening the house up to allow light in, all within a very constrained footprint.”

Judges praised its architectural ambition, cost-effective use of materials, and innovative design solutions, highlighting its role as a model for successful residential density in future cities.

The newly-opened Ngā Hau Māngere, was crafted by Bossley Architects Ltd. Judges lauded its successful integration of community-engaged design and engineering, with features such

as a mid-span bend to change travelers’ views, scenic vantage points of mountains, and ample space for pedestrians, cyclists, and fishers.

The bridge, a visual link between upper and lower harbour, quickly became a local aesthetic treasure, symbolising a harmonious blend of functionality and artistic brilliance.