‘Challenging preconceptions’: Canterbury social housing wins third award

The 28 social housing units on High and White streets in Rangiora were among 31 winners at the peer-reviewed Te Kāhui Whahanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Canterbury Awards, held at the Christchurch Town Hall last week. The development was one of three recognised in the multi-unit category of the awards.

“This development challenges preconceptions around what state housing might look like, and the architect has successfully avoided design outcomes often associated with lower-cost housing,” the NZIA said in its citation.

“By considering and adopting the idea that ‘scarcity is a tool’, these 28 warm, modern, light-filled units provide a haven for single tenants. Open areas between the units, with carefully considered and integrated landscaping, create enhanced opportunities for social interaction and a higher quality urban environment.”

The development, designed by Rohan Collett Architects and built by Home Construction, also won a Resene Colour Award.

Rohan Collett Architects designed the complex and it was built by Home Construction.

“The considered selection of materials and colours integrates with the landscaping to provide the feeling of a warm community environment,” the citation read.

Patrick Dougherty, Kāinga Ora General Manager of Construction and Innovation, attended the event on behalf of the organisation. He said the awards recognised “the hard work put in by a range of people to deliver quality designs”.

“The key thing for us is that these well-designed houses are much needed homes for people and families in need. The fantastic design is helping create communities, alongside better homes and outcomes for our customers.”

“To that effect, I also want to acknowledge the hard work our development and construction teams at Kāinga Ora do every day. Our Development Manager, Carolyn, and Project Manager, Deanna, worked hard with our construction partners to deliver homes our customers can be proud of.”

Speaking at the event, Patrick acknowledged the work of Rohan Collett Architects and Home Construction, who designed and built the one-bedroom units to replace nine older homes built in the 1940s and 1960s.

All of the homes feature double-glazing, high-quality insulation and heat pumps. Ground-floor units meet Universal Design standards with features like wider doors, level access, wet-area bathrooms and secure mobility scooter bays.

In 2020 the same development earned a top prize at the New Zealand Property Industry Awards in Auckland, and earlier took out the Grand Prix New Zealand honour in the Dulux Colour Awards.

See all winners in the NZIA Canterbury Awards(external link)

View more on the High and White Street development