Architects heading for finals

It's enough to make you a little green with envy. Gorgeous designs for Queenstown Lakes houses have seen local architects clean up at the regional finals of the Architectural Designers New Zealand competition, on Friday.

Queenstown's Carolin Friese, of CF Architecture, was one of the big winners with her projects Tall Tree House and The Cove both receiving high honours. Tall Tree House, nestled in a mature beech forest at the base of Mt Creighton and inspired by moody alpine cabins, won four awards, including New Home up to 150sqm, Home Interiors, Colour in Design, and the Kaitiakitanga Award.

"Designed with passive principles in mind, the home boasts a thoughtful program that effortlessly separates private and communal spaces, ensuring both functionality and tranquillity for its inhabitants," the judges said.

Charlotte Muschamp, of Alki Design, also picked up two awards for her Glenorchy one-bedroom cabin The Rātā, a project with Cromwell-based prefabrication specialists Arbol.

They're both headed to the national finals in in Rotorua on 1 November, along with 10 others regional winners. They include the architects of four Wānaka projects: Michael John, of AO Architecture, for his work on Akitu House Two; Warwick McLaren, McLaren Architecture Design Limited, for The Oak Grove Residence; and Keiron O’Connell, KO Architecture, for Swiss Chalet.