Aqualand makes big splash at architectural awards

BY SHANE COWLISHAW

Queenstown's aquatic centre captured one of two supreme awards at a premier national building competition in Auckland on Saturday.

Alpine Aqualand, built by Naylor Love Ltd (Central Otago division), was awarded the supreme award for commercial projects at the Registered Master Builders 2009 House of the Year Awards.

The project also won the Tourism and Leisure Project Award.

National commercial judge Simon Tonkin said the project was notable for its vast degree of planning and was not a conventional build.

"Alpine Aqualand caught our eyes for a number of reasons, not the least how well the building reflects its surrounding environment, and the high degree of design complexity, which required an outstanding level of workmanship," he said.

"The result is a unique and very attractive facility, and one which is a real asset to the local community."

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Clive Geddes said the award was great recognition for a faci-lity that the community was proud of.

"A great deal of credit is due to the community who supported the council in its endeavour to build an exceptional facility for the community," he said.

David Reid Homes (Southland) Ltd won the best new home in the $350,000 to $450,000 category award at awards for a property in Riversdale designed with the owner's Dutch roots in mind.

Franchise owner Chris Leigh said the win had come as a surprise considering the calibre of houses that were entered in the competition.

"It came as a bolt out of the blue. We were just thrilled to be up there.''

The owners of the house had also travelled  to Auckland for the awards and Mr Leigh said the look on their faces when the award was announced was something he would never forget.

The 100 finalists at the awards were selected from 548 entries in 20 regional competitions held throughout New Zealand during June, July and August.

A three-storey Auckland house described as an "absolute masterpiece" was named the 2009 House of the Year.

- © Fairfax NZ News