Two multimillion-dollar Wairarapa buildings the Greytown Town Centre and the Masterton police station have won prestigious regional architecture awards. "Surprises around every corner" helped the Greytown Town Centre refurbishment project by Architecture Workshop to honours in the NZIA Resene Local Awards for Architecture 2007, says awards spokesmanMark Russell, with the Masterton police station by Opus Architects another winner in the same category. Judging convenor Richard Middleton, of Wellington architect firm Novak & Middleton, said the revitalisation of the much-loved but previously underused 1907 community building successfully recreated the original form of the building and also created a modern extension using strong elements of the original. "This is a very well executed contemporary insert which constantly delighted us with surprises around every corner." The judges' citation praised the project for reviving and honouring the building, which now includes library, meeting rooms, offices and information centre grouped about an internal cross axis. "The building readdresses the traditional town square and establishes a new and stronger relationship to the townscape and community," the citation read. Judges described the new Masterton police administration block as a project that "creates a distinctive point of entry, set back from the street to connect a new reception and watch house with refurbished cellblocks behind". Judges also praised cultural elements of the project. "Totara carvings, macrocarpa and tukutuku panels add cultural references and warm the polished concrete walls and floor. Work areas benefit from natural lighting and external connections, while maintaining appropriate staff security and efficient work practices." The NZIA Resene Local Awards for Architecture were established to celebrate the innovation, creativity and excellence of architectural projects nationwide, Mr Russell said. The NZIA provides a range of free guides to the many services architects can offer and advice on charges and contracts and a directory of NZIA practices.
