66 | ARCHITECTURE Hyndman Taylor Architects T T Alexia Anderson Industry recognition for spa project Queenstown based architecture firm Hyndman Taylor Architects has earned industry recognition after impressing judges at the 2026 NZIA Architecture Awards. The accolade recognised the firm’s thoughtfully designed Aluume Spa project, located in the heart of Queenstown. The project showcases just what the team at Hyndman Taylor Architects is capable of, making the most of a challenging site, while maximising views, privacy and a bold sense of placemaking. Through the design process Hyndman Taylor Architects have given their clients a legacy experience in which to market and generate a burgeoning wellness business. The design transforms a constrained and irregular site into a rich and immersive sequence of spaces shaped by curved weathering steel walls and dense planting. Movement through the project is carefully planned, creating a strong sense of journey, discovery and retreat. Each pool is designed as a private inward-looking space that draws attention upward to the sky and surrounding tree canopy, helping create calm, privacy and restoration. A clever use of glass canopies dissolves inside and outside space with change and bathroom areas into fun indulgent experiences to inhabit during rain, autumn and snow. The judging panel was unanimous in its findings, noting that the “close relationship between architecture and landscape reflects kaitiakitanga (guardianship), softening the built form and strengthening the connection to place”. Judges also noted that through careful control of space, materials, and movement, the project turns a modest brief into a memorable and deeply restorative experience. However, it is not just the judges praising the work of Hyndman Taylor Architects; customers also are recognising the efforts of the design team. “You can really see the effort and passion that’s gone into the place. It feels personal, not commercial, which makes it even more special . . . I’ll definitely be back,” a customer said. “Let me wax lyrical about just how fabulous this place is. In a word — stunning,” another wrote. Another customer also praised the work of the design team, saying it was an “amazing experience”. “You can tell so much thought went into the design here, it’s easily one of the most calming places I’ve been to,” they added. Those reviews highlight anything is possible with the right team. And, if all of that wasn’t enough, the project takes on another life at night. Hyndman Taylor collaborated closely with Bec Copper of Telfers for the lighting design, meeting on site during the build to finalise light level and placement to ensure the right level of ambience. With projects from personal family homes, unique holiday retreats to careful boutique commercial projects across New Zealand and Australia, we look forward to seeing and experiencing what the design studio of Hyndman Taylor collaborates on next.
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