The Black Pine team was very humbled to take to the stage at the recent 2025 Western Architecture Awards in recognition of our part in an award-winning project.
The competition, organised by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, is held annually as a series of regional events celebrating the best new architecture across the country. It includes projects of all shapes and sizes, from commercial and public spaces to education, housing, and heritage.
The local award came in the Housing category for Martins Farmhouse, an off-grid sustainable project in Fordell, just outside Whanganui, for which we were able to use our Passivhaus certification and experience to collaborate in a contract administration, observation and site supervision role to help guide and manage the project on the ground. Overall design credit for this project goes to the lovely team at Energy Architecture.
The farmhouse was designed and certified to Passivhaus standards, meaning it must meet strict criteria around energy efficiency and comfort. This building is constructed with natural materials including straw, clay, and sustainably grown timber to create an airtight, low-carbon dwelling that is modern and comfortable.
It was really neat seeing this little rural project up in lights against some of the biggest and most high-profile architectural projects in our region, and we’d like to give a HUGE shout-out to the clients for having the bravery and belief to commit to a truly sustainable project, as well as the builders and other collaborators who helped bring the project to life.
For the wider 2025 NZIA awards, Black Pine was privileged to have had four projects shortlisted in three different regions. In addition to the Martins Farmhouse, we were also shortlisted for a home extension in Whanganui East, a certified PHI low energy home in Hawkes Bay, and a low energy alpine retreat in Cromwell.
It’s extremely exciting, stimulating and challenging for us as architects to work on such a variety of projects in very different environments, and we thank all our clients deeply for the opportunities. These are the people living and working in these spaces, so to have them tell us they love their homes more and more every day makes us very proud of the work we’ve contributed. Any award is just a bonus.
You can view the award winners on the NZIA website.
Martins Farmhouse Open Day
The homeowners of the Martins Farmhouse are hosting open days on July 19-20, 2025. This is an opportunity to come and experience firsthand the benefits of Passivhaus, see how a modern home can be made with straw, clay, and other natural building materials, and ask questions of the architects, builders and homeowners.
The open days will be free, but bookings are required: email martinsfarmhouse@fastmail.com.
📸 Image credit: Andy Spain