Hawke's Bay Museum Research and Archives Centre by RTA Studio in Hastings. Photo / Hazel Redmond
Hawke's Bay Museum Research and Archives Centre by RTA Studio in Hastings. Photo / Hazel Redmond
A visitor information centre, an airport fire station and the restoration of a public restroom have been judged as some of this year’s best architectural projects on the East Coast.
Eight projects across Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay have been deemed the region’s finest at the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New ZealandInstitute of Architects’ Regional Awards, with seven coming from Hawke’s Bay.
Te Wairoa e Whanake, Ahi Kōmau Gemmell’s on Parade & Wairoa Visitor Information Centre by Collaborative Projects Studio won the Commercial Architecture category.
The jury praised the project for its ambition by creating a lively civic space that respects the site’s history while supporting future use.
Te Wairoa e Whanake, Ahi Kōmau Gemmell’s on Parade & Wairoa Visitor Information Centre by Collaborative Projects Studio. Photo / CoP Studio
Havelock North’s RTA Studio won big again this year, taking home three awards to join the three it won in 2025.
This year, RTA Studio won the Public Architecture category for Hawke’s Bay Airport Fire Station and the Hawke’s Bay Museum Research and Archives Centre in Hastings.
The jury valued the simplicity of the design of the fire station and how well it supported both its function and the people who work within it – achieving clarity through a simple form that responds directly to its landscape and purpose.
Hawke's Bay Airport Fire Station by RTA Studio. Photo / Patrick Reynolds
For the research and archives centre, the jury said the project strengthened Hastings’ sense of identity through its feathered claddings adding texture and movement while the designed lighting gave the building clarity and presence at night.
RTA Studios also won the Hospitality category for the refurbishment of The Loft and Kitchen at Craggy Range with the jury valuing the complex technical and spatial challenges of the build being resolved into a calm, balanced space.
The Loft and Kitchen Refurbishment at Craggy Range by RTA Studio. Photo / Hazel Redmond
The restoration of the former women’s restrooms in Napier’s Memorial Square by Ann Galloway and Gavin Cooper won this year’s Heritage award.
The jury said the thoughtful restoration that returned the bathroom’s original details gave the heritage building a clear future.
Restoration of the former Napier Women's Restrooms. Photo / Ann Galloway
Mangakuri Home by Makers of Architecture and Havelock North’s Lee House by Clarkson Architects both won the Housing category.
The jury was struck by the sense of light and space while supporting daily life at Mangakuri House while the jury appreciated how Lee House unfolded to create a comfortable home without unnecessary complexity.
Mangakuri Home by Makers of Architecture. Photo / Simon Devitt
Havelock North's Lee House by Clarkson Architects. Photo / Hazel Redmond
The Hawke’s Bay Museum Research and Archives Centre and the restoration of the Napier Women’s Restroom also won Resene colour award citations.
Winners received their awards at an event at MTG in Napier on Friday, May 1.
Jury convenor and architect Matt Edmonds, of Designgroup Stapleton Elliott, said the jury was struck by the consistently high calibre of projects across the region.
“These works reflect a refinement of design thinking, where careful material selection, craftsmanship, and clarity of intent come together to create enduring, meaningful places.”
