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Claudelands scoops two architecture awards

Friday 28 October 2011, 3:11PM

By Hamilton City Council

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HAMILTON

Hamilton’s events venue Claudelands has received two New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards. The venue received local NZIA Awards in the ‘Public Architecture’ and ‘Resene Colour Award’ categories.

As a recipient of the local NZIA awards, Claudelands is now in the running for the national NZIA Architecture Awards to be judged next year.

Claudelands was officially reopened in June this year after undergoing a $68.4 million redevelopment which saw the establishment of new exhibition and conference facilities, and a multipurpose indoor arena.

Designed by architects Chow:Hill, the venue reflects the natural and cultural heritage of the area, in particular the nearby Jubilee Bush which is the largest remnant of former indigenous forest cover in the Waikato region.

The principle facade of the building features structural columns reminiscent of indigenous trees and hunting spears, while sun shades recall the manner in which native pigeon would migrate from bush to bush in huge flocks and reflect the colour their plumage. Accent colours on the window film reflect the colour distinctive to the other native birds found in the bush, including the blue of Kokako, red of Kaka, orange of Tieke and bright yellow of Hihi.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker said: “These NZIA awards are a testament to the hard work and innovative thought that went into the redevelopment of Claudelands.”

Key consultants and contractors involved in the redevelopment include Chow:Hill, project managers N Compass Ltd, project advisors Klu’dup, services consultants E Cubed, structural engineers Holmes Consulting, audiovisual consultants Point of View, acoustic consultants Marshall Day, quantity surveyors Kingston Partners and main contractor Foster Construction.

“Since its opening earlier this year we have received a lot of positive feedback from event organisers and users about the design and functionality of the venue, and these awards help to attract others to use this high quality events venue,” she said.

Representatives of Hamilton City Council and Chow:Hill accepted the two NZIA Awards on behalf of Claudelands at an award function in Tauranga last night.