The refurbishment of a heritage building in Timaru has been selected as one the ‘‘very best’’ in the region at this year’s Canterbury Architecture Awards.
The Aigantighe Art Gallery, refurbished by Irving Smith Architects in association Ian Bowman, was one of 28 architectural projects across Canterbury deemed the very best in Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Regional Awards this year.
This year marks 70 years since the house was gifted to the people of South Canterbury to become a public art gallery.
Timaru District Council mayor Nigel Bowen said for many in the community, the Aigantighe held memories as much as artworks.
‘‘It is part of the cultural identity of South Canterbury and a place we are deeply proud of.’’
He said what made the project so successful was the care with which it had been undertaken.
‘‘Significant strengthening and modern building services have been introduced in a way that protects the craftsmanship, detailing and character of the original house.
‘‘Projects like this remind us why heritage matters. These places connect communities to their past, give identity to our towns and cities, and create shared spaces where people can gather, reflect and experience creativity together.’’
In a statement, jury convener and architect Mike Callaghan, of Johnstone Callaghan Architects, said the jury was impressed by the ingenuity architects showed in responding to complex briefs and challenging constraints, while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with clients, contractors and consultants.
Mr Callaghan said ‘‘that collaboration resulted in projects delivered with exceptional care, resolution and craftsmanship’’.
‘‘Across all the entries, the enduring value of architecture — and its positive impact on our communities — was evident.’’
Mr Callaghan was joined on the jury by Julia Mercer (Elbow Architects), Daniel Smith (Edwards White Architects) and lay juror Annabel Cropper (Annabel Cropper Design).
The jury praised the refurbishment of Timaru’s Aigantighe Art Gallery as a ‘‘careful and disciplined restoration of a much-loved heritage building’’.
‘‘Structural strengthening and new services have been added with a light touch, helping preserve the character and detailing of the original house.
‘‘The project follows the idea that the architect should remain almost invisible, allowing the building’s history and craftsmanship to stay at the forefront.
‘‘Rooms have been thoughtfully adapted for gallery use while keeping their domestic scale and atmosphere.
‘‘Well-loved by the community, the project is a quiet and confident renewal that restores both the function of the building and pride in the place.’’
The 28 regional winners stretched from Timaru to Rangiora, from a major public recreation facility to an intimate 17sq m chapel.
Those selected represented a wide variety of projects and spaces that demonstrated the breadth of the architectural capabilities of this region.
The Parakiore Recreation and Aquatic Centre by Warren and Mahoney, MJMA Architecture and Design Toronto and Peddle Thorp (Melbourne) was awarded in the public architecture category, with the jury praising its strong focus on community use, accessibility and practicality.
Banks Peninsula also featured prominently this year, with projects from Akaroa, Governors Bay and Lyttelton getting a nod from the jury in the housing, alterations and additions, and public architecture categories.
The Chapel of St Therese of Lisieux by Bull O’Sullivan Architecture won over the jury with a clear sense of authenticity and personal commitment by the architect.
The winners received their awards at an event at the Christchurch Town Hall on June 4. — Allied Media
