| 97 ARCHITECTURE Sharlene Browning THE Central Otago home shortlisted at the New Zealand Institute of Architects Southern Architecture Awards stands as a strong example of refined residential design and craftsmanship, with the Bragato Way Residence in Cromwell recognised for its detail and architectural intent. For carpenter Kyle Anderson, it has also been a deeply personal family project that brought together architect and builder collaboration, with relatives contributing throughout the build. Designed for and by his sister, architect Sharlene Browning, the Interior Architecture and Small Project category finalist tested both design ambition and construction capability under tight budget and programme constraints. Family involvement became a defining part of the journey, with Kyle strengthening his relationship with his niece and nephew, who spent a lot of time on site and took an interest in how the home was taking shape. Plumbing was completed by the siblings’ brother in law Jon Baker, plumbing manager at Stocker Solutions, while bespoke fabrication and engineering work was carried out by their brother Jesse Anderson of Ando Design and Manufacture. Kyle says delivering the home as a newcomer to the region came with challenges, particularly building relationships and coordinating trades in an unfamiliar market. “It was difficult at the start, but I connected quickly with the local Placemakers and the reps there, who were extremely helpful,” he says. Support from local trade networks and subcontractors helped maintain momentum and quality. With Kyle completing much of the build himself, he was grateful when a builder working next door stepped in voluntarily to help with a concrete pour. The project reflects Kyle’s broad skillset developed over more than two decades in the industry. With a background specialising in renovations, he works across multiple disciplines on site, giving greater control over sequencing, detailing, and finish quality. Kyle detailed and built all frames by hand on site, pursuing accuracy from the slab upwards so the finishing details aligned with Sharlene’s vision. That precision was most visible in a flush finish hidden bedroom screen door designed to sit level with the wall and ceiling linings. It required careful framing, concealed hinges, and magnetic closers to achieve a seamless result. “That kind of detail is unforgiving, but it is those sorts of features that really lift the finished result,” Kyle says. He says the award recognition comes down to Sharlene’s design, but being able to deliver what she had envisioned has helped showcase the project at a national level. “I fell in love with the place and the people. There are some great opportunities here, to be involved in well designed homes and to keep building at a high level.” The Bragato Way Residence represents both a professional and personal milestone, and a foundation for his future in the region. kyle@andersonbuildingash.com AWARD NOD FOR CROMWELL RESIDENCE New Housing Renovations / Alterations Light Commercial Builds Landscape Construction +64 274 259 927 kyle@andersonbuildingash.com Ashburton, New Zealand Quality isn't just a bullet point - it's our standard. Anderson Building specializes in high-quality residential builds and renovations across Canterbury and Central Otago. Large or small, we bring your vision to life with precision and care. FOLLOW US ON Providing great solutions to great people since 1995. • EFFLUENT • DAIRY • PUMPING • PLUMBING • INDUSTRIAL draft 1 Home a joy to live in Material selection and construction were driven by both cost and sustainability. T T Kelly Deeks A new Cromwell home recognised for its refined spatial design and ability to deliver high-quality living within real-world constraints has now earned national attention, with the Bragato Way Residence by Sharlene Browning, shortlisted in both the Interior Architecture, and Small Project categories at the New Zealand Institute of Architects 2026 awards. Designed for and by Registered Architect Sharlene and built by Anderson Building, led on site by Sharlene’s brother Kyle Anderson, the project reflects a personal and collaborative approach shaped by both professional expertise and lived experience. Sharlene says the project was undertaken independently alongside her role at BCN Architects, where she leads and represents the Central Otago office, and is 3.5 years into managing a complex remediation project – the Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort. “There are a lot of moving parts in projects like that, and multiple stakeholders, including a body corporate, with full consultant teams across hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, BMS, fire, acoustic, civic, seismic, thermal, landscape, interiors, façade, traffic, and structural disciplines,” she says. “Running that alongside designing, documenting and delivering our own home meant balancing two very different scales of work – communication was paramount.” The decision to build new followed several years of Sharlene and her husband Matt navigating Christchurch’s post-earthquake housing market after returning from Australia in 2018. The pair reviewed numerous properties before deciding to build instead, relocating to Cromwell in search of affordability, certainty, serenity and the amenity Central Otago offers. The chosen 316sqm site in the Wooing Tree subdivision came with strict design covenants, requiring careful planning to balance privacy, solar orientation, and engagement with a south-facing greenway. The resulting home spans a 147sqm footprint, extending to 195sqm across two levels – ground floor and mezzanine. “The brief was about doing more with less,” Sharlene says. “Smaller footprint, tighter budget, but still achieving quality, comfort, and flexibility. We both work from home, so it was important our home brought us joy” Material selection and construction were driven by both cost and sustainability, incorporating repurposed and locally sourced materials, alongside enhanced insulation, low E glazing, and passive-design strategies. Budget pressures within a fixed-price contract were intensified by escalating material costs during Covid, and the need to secure consent ahead of H1 building code changes that would have impacted height, insulation, and glazing specifications. “Every decision mattered,” Sharlene says. “We were constantly refining needs versus wants, but the key things for us – natural materials, daylight, and warmth, remained non-negotiable.” Now complete, the home reflects a considered response to both site and lifestyle, with strong connections to outdoor space, including the adjacent greenway and nearby lake the kids and dog frequent daily in summer. “My favourite space is a small corner of the living area where the changing light comes through the skylights and high-level windows,” Sharlene says. “It captures everything we were trying to achieve with light, texture, and volume.” The project’s recognition highlights how thoughtful design, collaboration, and resourcefulness can deliver high-quality outcomes within the constraints facing many New Zealand homeowners. Sharlene Browning – Registered Architect This is not a company name. Sharlene entered the awards under her own name as a Registered Architect. This is the first year the NZIA has offered this pathway.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=