HOUSING AWARD

NELSON, WHAKATŪ FEATHER HOUSE BY IRVING SMITH ARCHITECTS “This house is evidence of the clear understanding, trust and collaboration between architect and client, and a testament to the results that can come from continued prototyping and testing throughout design and construction phases. Strong diagonal circulation zigzagging through the house creates a series of flexible living spaces both inside and out. The deconstructed bathroom further enhances the flexibility of the planning, allowing this house to accommodate two people, or an extended family, comfortably. The house is well settled into its site, with the in-situ concrete walls defining further ‘rooms’ and circulation between the building and the hill. Details are sophisticated and beautifully crafted throughout, with bespoke designs making the most of the fact that the owner was also the builder and knew exactly what…