Home of the Year on Campbell Live

TV3's Campbell Live also featured our Home of the Year on Thursday night, reported by Kim Hurring and with footage by Jeremy Toth.

New Zealand's best home architecture chosen - Campbell Live - Video - 3 News

On film: Home of the Year 2012

Welcome to the Home of the Year 2012 by Herbst Architects, filmed by Jeremy Toth (with still photography by Patrick Reynolds) and edited by Dean Foster (clever Renaissance man Dean also composed the music). Congratulations to Lance and Nicola and all our award finalists. Our Home of the Year issue, featuring much more coverage of this home and our four fantastic finalists, is on newsstands from Monday April 2.

And the winner is...

We're delighted to announce that the winner of the Home of the Year 2012 is 'Under Pohutukawa,' a holiday home at Piha by Lance and Nicola Herbst of Herbst Architects. You can see images of this amazing home and the four incredible finalists in the award in our new issue, which will be on newsstands on Monday April 2.

The cover shot was taken by Patrick Reynolds, as was the image of the home below. We've also made a short web film of the home which we'll be uploading soon. Thanks again to our Home of the Year partner, Altherm Window Systems, for their ongoing support of the award.

Design Awards 2012

We're calling for entries for our Design Awards 2012, which close on Tuesday April 17, 2012 at 5pm. 

In the Design Awards 2012 we’re looking for the most exciting new furniture and objects for the home. This includes ceramics, glassware and tableware or any similar item that can be displayed and used in the home. Entries are welcome from established artists and designers as well as newcomers to the field.

Entrants must submit up to five images (from a variety of angles) of the furniture or home objects they have designed, and a 250-word statement about the project and its designers. We’ll also choose a Young Designer of the Year from entrants whose work was completed during a tertiary design course in 2011.

We're honoured to have Christian Rasmussen, creative director for Fritz Hansen, judging the awards this year. He will also be giving an exclusive talk in Auckland this May, in association with HOME New Zealand and Corporate Culture. For details on his talk see our previous post.

Send entries to:
designawards@acpmagazines.co.nz
Mail: Design Awards, HOME New Zealand, ACP Magazines, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141
Courier: Design Awards, HOME New Zealand, ACP Magazines, 4th floor, 100 Beaumont Street, Westhaven, Auckland

All entries must be received by 5pm, Tuesday April 17, 2012. A judging panel will choose finalists to view in person before choosing the winner. The works of the winner and finalists will be published in our June/July 2012 issue.

Presenting: Fritz Hansen's creative director Christian Rasmussen

HOME New Zealand and Corporate Culture proudly present Danish designer Christian Rasmussen. Don't miss this exclusive design talk by the creative director of Denmark's legendary Fritz Hansen. 

Fritz Hansen is the company behind some of the most iconic modern furniture designs, including Arne Jacobsen’s ‘Egg’ chair (below) and works by Poul Kjærholm, Hans J. Wegner, Bruno Mathsson and more. As well as overseeing production of these classic works,  Christian Rasmussen is responsible for the company’s collaborations with contemporary designers including Hiromichi Konno, Jehs + Laub, Jaime Hayon and others. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear Christian Rasmussen talk on his upcoming visit to New Zealand, in association with Corporate Culture and HOME New Zealand.

We're counting down until his upcoming visit in May. He'll be giving an exclusive talk on Wednesday May 16, at 6pm at the Auckland Art Gallery Auditorium, corner of Wellesley and Kitchener Streets. Entry is free but seats are limited. You can reserve your place now by emailing kstevens@acpmedia.co.nz.

We're thrilled to announce he'll also be judging our upcoming Design Awards. Look out for the entry form in our upcoming issue, hitting stands on April 2.

Highlights of my week

Hiking at Muir Beach

I owe you, faithful readers, an apology for not being very active on the blog recently. I'll give you an explanation and maybe at the same time a peek into my daily activities.


Last Thursday: The kids get interviewed by Scholastic News. Contrary to previous ones, they enthusiastically accepted to participate in the interview, as they are readers of the periodical at school (vs. People magazine, which they did not know existed).


Friday: I go to the dentist and my hygienist sparks up a discussion on dental alternatives. This woman is full of inventive ideas on how to floss without store-bought floss, and how to brush using twigs. She makes my cleaning a creative thinking delight! I'll have to try some of her ideas and maybe write about it here...

Me rolling

Saturday: We go to our neighbor's St. Patrick's Day potluck, and in front of the beautiful corned beef brisket, feel left out, having given up meat for Lent. I take my revenge on wine (which I gave up for Lent last year).


Sunday: Meat usually helps damper the effect of alcohol in my body... and without it I feel a bit of a hangover. But Scott and I take a hike on the coast and come back with a nice collection of mussels for dinner. Foraging my own protein makes me feel even better.


Monday: The whole family takes on its first "homemade tortilla" challenge, with no press and no rolling pin. As I write this I realize that I gave away my rolling pin a couple of years ago and had not needed it until then; a bottle did the job just fine (just like grandma used to do it). I rolled, Leo flipped, Max timed and Scott took pictures. They were delicious. Will do again!

Leo flippin'

Tuesday: I had a call with the programmers at FreeRange for our Bulk Finder App. It's coming along just great. I am not sure when it will be released yet, but I am so excited to share it with you! It will allow us to find bulk anywhere, even when we travel!


Yesterday: CNN came over for an interview and shoot, the weather was perfect and the kids are really getting used to having cameras around, they even seem aloof. If it airs, it will be the week of Earth Day, aka Superbowl day for The Zero Waste Home ;)


Today: I found out The View played a rerun of our segment... Welcome to you, new readers!

Max displaying the lack of veggies in his creation
-he focused on the flavor of the tortilla instead;)

Well these are the highlights that added interest to my week otherwise spent writing my book. The script is really where I spend most of my days lately. It's a lot of work and I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that I would like to convey, but I am excited about getting all I that I know out of me to share with the rest of the world.



What was the highlight of your week?

Designer Phil Cuttance's new range

More NZ design, this time from regular Design Awards nominee, London-based Phil Cuttance. We like the look of his new 'Faceture' range, produced by casting water-based resin into a hand-made mould. Stocked at Essenze, Douglas + Bec and Simon James Concept Store.

Designer Jamie McLellan's short film

We're just about to call for entries to our annual furniture and homeware Design Awards, which means this short web film is timely. It shows two-time Design Awards winner Jamie McLellan discussing a range of his new works, including the 'Flyover' table that won our Design Awards 2010. Enjoy. The Design Awards call for entries is in our next issue, published on April 2, and heading to the printer today. Back to work!


Resident | Jamie McLellan from Special Problems on Vimeo.

Mini-Wardrobe Fave: The Red Dress

I am having way too much fun with this series.

Today, I played with my red dress. I bought it for its fit and color, but its versatility has proven to be its best advantage. I have taken it from a hike on the nearby mountain to a walk on the beach to a cocktail party, all on the same day! Here are some different looks:



1. With cage heels and clutch for a cocktail party

2. Topped with a pink tank top for a photo shoot ;) (that's what I wore for People Mag)

3. With a chunky 3/4 sleeve sweater and winter fedora for running errands.




4. With a denim shirt tied at the waist for a picnic in the park.



5. With tights and a long cardigan belted at the waist for going to the movies.




6. Over a red strapless dress, and accessorized with Scott's chunky scarf for brunch

7. With a black tank top, necklace, and cage heels for a dinner out.




8. Accessorized with summer fedora and sandals for a stroll on the beach.

9. Under a blazer, with boots for a day in the city.

10. On top of the Striped Shirt, with leggings for drinks with girlfriends.

Here I come, Beerworks!

Sarah's story

This week, Sarah shares her frustrations about ways to raise awareness in her community. I am truly impressed with her persistence. Thanks, Sarah for all you do and please keep in mind: "Energy and persistence conquer all things" Benjamin Franklin.


"In my Utah city, I am fortunate to feel a sense of community.  We watch each others’ kids.We bring dinners to families who have just had new babies.  We lend skilled labor and share knowledge.  I am proud to say that there is a high rate of volunteerism here—highest in the nation, in fact.

There is also a high rate of acquiring stuff.


Though there are regional pockets where prevailing trends advocate and facilitate reduced consumption, the American Dream of a big house, a bigcar and lots of beautiful things is still culturally relevant across much of the country.


Though we are nowhere near zero waste and have plenty of room for improvement, my family of 5 has been ahead of the trend when compared to the rest of our community.  Last year I took our (rather large) garbage bin out to the street only 5 times.  A lot of garbage to zero waste proponents, extremely little to my peers.


Because of this distinction of being comparatively weird (though lovably so), I try to act as an easy-going guide to my peers in this foreign world of less waste.


I started blogging. My tone was mostly to show a self-mockinghumor in daily green living.  People living conventional lifestyles can be easily spooked by what they perceive to be militant hippie-ism.  (Let’s face it, people, we can get a little freaky at times.) If I can introduce new ideas while infusing a bit of levity, maybe readers would be willing to at least listen. Then maybe give it a try.  Even if it’s just one thing.


I am not a natural at self-promotion or social media, so readership was minimal.  I decided to expand my outreach: community education through the local university extension.  I persuaded the administrators to add two new classes.  Two people signed up.  The classes were canceled.


Next attempt.  I approached newspapers to become a contributor in online communities.  One local paper took me on.  It’s hard to say how high the readership is.


On to civic involvement. I addressed the city council regarding environmentally-sustainable initiatives.  The council invited me to present at a work session at an upcoming meeting.  Nothing immediate or tangible came of that meeting.  But, maybe—I hoped—it got afoot in the door.


In another attempt at community education, I approached a large gardens/museum complex in the area and proposed a series of classes.  The first month, one person signed up.  The classes were again canceled. 


A few months later I met with a couple of the directors there to propose a revised approach.  They seemed hopeful.  Unfortunately nothing has, as yet, come of that meeting.


Being ahead of the market is frustrating.


Because this lifestyle is uncommon here and because most members of my community are beginners (if not pre-beginners), it is taking a while to lay the groundwork.  It is arduous and discouraging.  Though the feedback is positive when it is given, there is little action so I am often left with question marks.


At the same time, it is invigorating.


On my second attempt to work with city government, I approached the mayor and city council with a request.  For the past 7 summers I have organized a neighborhood “free yard sale.”  I am interested in expanding it to a citywide event and, therefore, need the city’s help.  I was asked to leave my contact information for follow-up.  After the meeting a couple of council members approached me with appreciation.  The mayor asked me to please call to make anappointment to meet with him.


Not quite sure what will happen, but it’s another foot in the door.


Utah’s recent history is shaped by the devoted footsteps of thousands of pioneers searching for a land they could call home.


Today there is a new generation of pioneers.  In communities across the world, people are steadfastly, footstep by symbolic footstep, sharing ways to live in greater harmony with nature and each other.


I reach out to the Zero Waste community and ask: what are some more ways I can get the word out? What are you (or someone you know) doing in your community?"

The Grey Lynn house making headlines

Here's the house that has excited every real estate agent in Auckland with its sales price. Designed by Richard Naish of RTA Studio, it was a finalist in our Home of the Year 2011 award. Neighbours quoted in the New Zealand Herald today who think it's ugly: we strongly disagree! And before you judge, take a look around.

Our five 2012 Home of the Year finalists

All the shoots of the finalists in our 2012 Home of the Year are now in and being laid out, so we wanted to share these sneak peeks of our five finalists in the award with you. You'll be able to see all five homes in our lavish Home of the Year 2012 issue, on newsstands April 2.

So, in no particular order: this little bach is by Ken Crosson of Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects, and is on Whangapoua Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. The photo is by Jackie Meiring.

Another bach on the Coromandel Peninsula, this one at Onemana, a low-budget beauty designed and built by Dave Strachan of SGA Architects and Dave's students at the Unitec School of Architecture. If we were architecture students, we'd be stoked to have our first-ever creation named as a Home of the Year finalist. The photo is by Simon Devitt.

This home by Warren & Mahoney is on a beautiful peninsula just north of Tauranga. The photo is by Patrick Reynolds.

This home in an abundant garden near Wellington is by Alistair Luke, of Jasmax. The photo is by Paul McCredie.

Last but not least, this home at Piha is by Herbst Architects. The photo is by Patrick Reynolds.



Home of the Year hall of fame

As we hurtle towards sending our Home of the Year 2012 issue to press, we thought it was a good time to review the previous winners of the award, which is now in its 17th year. So here they are - we'd like to live in all of them.

(This year's Home of the Year winner will be revealed in our new issue, on newsstands April 2. Thanks again to our Home of the Year partner, Altherm Window Systems, for their ongoing support of the award.)

First, our 1996 winner: in Auckland, by Patrick Clifford and his colleagues at Architectus. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

Our 1997 winner, also in Auckland, was designed by Felicity Wallace. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

This house in the Bay of Islands by Pete Bossley won Home of the Year in 1998. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

Back in Auckland, architect Gerrad Hall's own home won the award in 1999. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

Fearon Hay Architects took the prize for this Bay of Islands holiday home in 2000. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

Architect Gerald Parsonson's own family bach on the Kapiti Coast was our 2001 winner. Photograph by Paul McCredie.

Stevens Lawson Architects won the first of their three Home of the Year titles for this Auckland home in 2002. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

Architect Ken Crosson's bach on the Coromandel Peninsula won the Home of the Year 2003 award, as well as the Home of the Decade prize (held to mark 10 years of the Home of the Year award) in 2005. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

The Home of the Year 2004 was this Bay of Islands holiday home by Pete Bossley. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

This house in the King Country by Mitchell & Stout was named Home of the Year 2005.  Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

The Home of the Year 2006 in Day's Bay, Wellington, was designed by Hugh Tennent. Photograph by Paul McCredie.

This Auckland house by Stevens Lawson Architects was our 2007 Home of the Year. Photograph by Mark Smith.

The 'Signal Box' in Masterton, designed by Melling Morse Architects, was our 2008 winner. Photograph by Paul McCredie.

Mitchell and Stout Architects' Waiheke house was the 2009 Home of the Year. Photograph by Patrick Reynolds.

Our only South Island winner to date, the 2010 Home of the Year is near Wanaka and was designed by Stevens Lawson Architects. Photograph by Mark Smith.

 

Last year's Home of the Year was the Kare Kare house, designed by Michael O'Sullivan of Bull O'Sullivan Architects.