Jasmax wins three New Zealand Architecture Awards
We are very proud to have received three prestigious Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects New Zealand Architecture Awards for 2025, recognised for our designs of a landmark commercial development, university campus heart, and a revitalised city streetscape.
BNZ Place
The world-class BNZ Place development in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington for Newcrest LP received a Commercial Architecture Award. This sculptural 12-storey tower maximises the development potential of a prominent central city block overlooking the harbour, delivering panoramic views for anchor tenant BNZ. With base isolation that makes it one of the safest buildings in the capital, BNZ Place sets a new benchmark for resilient, high-performing commercial architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The jury stated: “BNZ Place successfully addresses the challenges of designing a commercial office in a seismic zone while also meeting the needs of the client and tenants. At ground level, it makes a positive contribution to the streetscape, particularly in response to Wellington’s winds.
Located on one of the city’s windiest corners, the building enhances the pedestrian experience through a double-height lobby and a precast concrete colonnade — elements appreciated by both occupants and passersby. The building provides a sheltered and yet transparent outdoor rooftop space that is unusual in the context of Wellington.
The form and curtain wall respond to the challenges of viewshafts, wind, and the ‘skinned’ nature of high-rise structures. This is achieved through subtle variety in its curved façade and carefully spaced mullions.”
AUT Tukutuku
Home to the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences on AUT’s North Campus, Tukutuku received an Education Award. This transformative four-storey facility reimagines the modern learning environment, serving as both the social and academic heart of the campus. As AUT’s lowest carbon and most energy efficient development, Tukutuku demonstrates how sustainable design can create inspiring physical environments that foster collaboration, learning and connection, functioning as a true learning ecosystem designed to uplift student achievement.
The jury stated: “AUT Tukutuku successfully stitches together new and old buildings around a common atrium to create a new gathering place with a series of teaching spaces that create a new heart on the AUT North Campus.
The building makes and allows for connections across the site to the existing library, as well as cross-campus pedestrian connections. The teaching spaces are light-filled but also control sunlight to minimize solar gain and energy consumption.
The exterior of the building has been carefully modulated to control views and outlooks. The existing building has been given a light refresh within the budgetary constraints. Timber technology is deployed for the new build elements to reduce the carbon footprint of the building and act as an exemplar for future development.”
George Street
George Street for Dunedin City Council received a Planning & Urban Design Award for its significant transformation spanning four blocks and surrounding side streets. This people-first redesign prioritises pedestrians, improves accessibility, and establishes a distinctive place-based identity developed in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou and Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki via mana whenua-owned organisation Aukaha. Now recognised as a national benchmark for high street renewal, George Street demonstrates how high-quality, people-focused street design can revitalise bricks-and-mortar retail, driving economic growth and city centre renewal. The project was designed and delivered by the Ō3 Collective, comprising Jasmax, AECOM and Isaac Construction.
The jury stated: “The streetscape successfully blends and prioritises pedestrian movements together with vehicular movements to enhance the user experience for both as well as supporting the retail environment of the central city.
Elements of play are inserted into the framework which, together with planting and seating, provide moments of rest for children and adults alike. The design of the four blocks represents an engagement with local iwi and incorporates artwork into the built environment with paving and artworks. The project is a successful reinvigoration of the urban environment in Dunedin.”
Congratulations to our valued clients, talented project teams and collaborators on these outstanding accolades.