Business South May 2021

72 | Studio Pacific Architecture Airport an ‘attraction in its own right’ T T Kim Newth ARCHITECTURE Rooflogic are proud to have worked with Studio Pacific Architecture in making the new Nelson Airport terminal a reality. W ellington-based Studio Pacific Archi - tecture can be proud indeed of their bold design for Nelson’s striking new airport terminal, which has won a host of awards including the prestigious 2020 Sir Miles Warren Award for Commercial Architec- ture. Named after one of New Zealand’s most successful and prolific architects, this award recognises Studio Pacific Architecture’s achievement as being in the highest tier of commercial design excellence. In making the award, the judges described the new terminal as “a great hovering tent that celebrates the excitement of air travel”. They cited it as an exemplar of passive environmen- tal systems with the architecture a testament to what could be achieved with a strong de- sign team using an integrated design process. The judges concluded that Nelson Airport is set to become a defining moment for Nelson and for New Zealand regional architecture, and an attraction in its own right. Nelson Airport Terminal also won Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Archi - tects (NZIA) commercial awards at both the regional and national level, as well as receiving a Gold pin at the 2020 DINZ Best Awards, with the Best judges noting that Nelson Airport Terminal completely challenges the status quo of what it is to be a regional airport in New Zealand. The new, large-span timber building overlooks the airport apron with a backdrop of Tasman Bay and the Western Ranges. The brief was for an efficient and sustainable air - port terminal with a strong regional identity, connected to the landscape and using local materials, and with a flexible plan that would anticipate future growth. Studio Pacific Architecture has excelled in meeting that brief. In awarding the 2020 NZIA National Award for Commercial Architecture, the judges were glowing in their praise of what has been achieved. Their comments were as follows: “When approached by either air or road, the first view of the building is of the striking folded timber roofscape with mountains in the background. It is a bold design gesture that signifies a brave vision for Nelson, and for sustainable airports. On entering the terminal, tall, bare timber columns draw one’s gaze up to the faceted triangulated timber ceiling and underside of the roofscape, a composition that showcases local expertise in timber fabrication. The architects have been restrained in their selection of materials, instead choosing to make the most out of every part of the build- ing. Structural materials provide both acoustic performance and architectural finish.” Visitors to this stunning airport would surely concur with their closing remarks that this terminal is “a delight to experience, and a celebration of regional New Zealand.” Nelson Airport Terminal was also a mul - ti-award winner in the 2020 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, picking up the national civic award, a gold award and an innovation award, honouring the work of the Project Partners involved. The chosen materials and unique roof de- sign was a huge challenge for both the design and construction team. Judges praised “the incredible technical achievement”, noting that the project was a credit to all involved.