The New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) recently listed the building among the recipients of a New Zealand Architecture Award in the Public Architecture category alongside Auckland’s St Kentigern School Jubilee Sport Centre and the City Art Gallery in Wellington.
Kaipatiki Local Board Chair Lindsay Waugh is delighted the community facility has been recognised by the institute.
“The innovative design of this building, which incorporates the local environment, alongside its recognised sustainability features shows that public buildings can be not just functional but also create a sense of place.
“It provides the Kaipatiki Local Board with a quality benchmark as we work towards the implementation of the upgrade of the Birkenhead Town Centre,” Mrs Waugh said.
The New Zealand Architecture Awards jury were impressed by the quality public buildings featured in this year’s awards, describing the Birkenhead facility, the work of Auckland firm Archoffice, as a “wonderful community asset”.
“Textured surfaces and dappled light help to realise the architect’s idea that the experience of reading a book in the library might be akin to reading a book in a tree,” the jury said.
Opened in late 2009 this is not the first award the building has won. Other accolades include:
- 2010 NZ Architecture Award – Auckland Architecture Award for Sustainable Architecture
- 2010 NZ Architecture Award – Auckland Architecture Award for Public Architecture
- 2010 Resene Colour Award
- 2010 Property Council NZ Rider Levett Bucknall Awards – Special Purpose Building (Excellence Award).