NZI CENTRE TAKES OUT TOP PROPERTY AWARD

The NZI Centre in Auckland was awarded the Rider Levett Bucknall Supreme Award at the annual Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards.

After setting it against strict criteria, judges deemed the building "the best of the best" and a very worthy recipient of the Supreme Award - the most coveted among the industry awards.

The judging panel considered the project internationally competitive in all judging criteria. Describing it as a campus style, premium quality office development incorporating meticulous planning, judges said innovative design blended with adherence to sound property investment principles while at the same time delivering one of New Zealand's most energy efficient buildings.

The judges were impressed with the total scope of the project; the innovative design and attention to detail, delivering premium quality office accommodation.

At a cocktail reception and gala dinner in the Langham Hotel's Great Room, in Auckland on Friday June 18, 750 guests celebrated outstanding commercial property projects developed in New Zealand despite challenging economic times.

Chief Judge John Dunn said as expected in the current economic climate, there were fewer entries this year but the quality of submissions and developments was very high.

"Despite the Global Financial Crisis the quality and consistency of submissions were excellent across all categories this year - more so than previous years."

BACKGROUND:

Submissions for the awards are open to both members and non-members of Property Council New Zealand. Entries go through a rigorous, 12-week process in which ten judges review each submission, setting it against detailed criteria. Judging also involves site visits.

Submissions needed to show economic and financial data and were judged on the return on investment, operation and maintenance factors, the degree of difficulty, environmentally sustainable features and urban design principles.

For example, entries needed to show innovation in architectural or engineering design, the efficiency of structure and construction materials and quality of external and internal design and finishes.

Operational factors included air conditioning systems and the quality of building services such as lighting, lifts, security and fire protection. The ability to cope with changes in technology and a positive contribution to the built environment were all considered.

The Supreme Award is the most coveted, presented to the very best from excellence awards in all categories.

Excellence Awards go to specific properties that in the judges' opinions, best meet the judging criteria. These awards are not always made in every category or limited to one per category.

Merit Awards go to properties with a special distinction or element that deserves recognition.

Contact Andrea for more information.

2010 WINNERS:

Rider Levett Bucknall Supreme Award

NZI Centre (Newcrest Group)

Commercial Office Property Award

Excellence:

Deloitte Centre (Brookfield Multiplex)
NZI Centre (Newcrest Group)

Merit:

Aorangi House (Beca)

Coffey Education and Arts Property Award

Excellence:

Te Puni Village (Architectus and Aurecon and Hawkins Construction)
City Gallery Wellington (Wellington City Council)
Diocesan School for Girls Aquatic Centre (MPM Projects)
NZi3 Innovation Institute, University of Canterbury (Warren and Mahoney, and Beca)

Merit:

Te Whanau o Tupuranga School (Jasmax)

Hawkins Heritage and Adaptive Reuses Property Award

Excellence:

City Gallery Wellington (Wellington City Council)

Trends Publishing Industrial Property Award

Excellence:

Schneider Electric Building (Highbrook Development)

Auckland City Council Mixed Use Property Award

Merit:

Carlaw Park Commercial Precinct (McDougall Reidy & Co; Haydn & Rollett Construction; Warren and Mahoney)
Te Ahi, Post Office Precinct (Ngai Tahu Property)

RCG Retail Property Award

Excellence:

Westfield Riccarton (Westfield New Zealand)

Special Purpose Property Award

Excellence:

Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre (Archoffice/RDT Pacific, Mainzeal Property and Construction)
High Performance Rowing Centre, Karapiro (Arrow International)
Wellington Hospital, Newtown Campus (Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner, CCM Architects, Dunning Thornton Consultants)

Merit: