Coronet Peak's base building wins architecture award
Queenstown, New Zealand - The new multimillion dollar base building at Coronet Peak, which has received high praise from skiers and riders throughout the season, has now been officially recognised as a superior facility by the architecture industry.
Designed by Michael Wyatt, the project received a Southern Architecture Award in the commercial category from the New Zealand Institute of Architectures (NZIA) at an awards ceremony in Dunedin on Saturday (22 November).
One of several projects in the region to receive an award, it’s now eligible for consideration for a New Zealand Architecture Award in early 2009.
The building was described by judges as looking “rather like a big hawk, with its wings outstretched, facing the slopes. The aim was to achieve a very smart flow of people from entrance way to payment area, on to hire facilities and up to the ski field. The outcome works like an airport and is very successful.”
James Coddington, CEO of NZSki, congratulated Michael Wyatt on the win and wished to acknowledge all those involved in the development of the world class facility.
“This was a huge undertaking which entailed a lot of hard work from multiple parties who will be thrilled to hear about the project’s success.
“We’ve had great feedback from our customers during the season which is the biggest form of praise there is. To have the official seal of approval is the icing on the cake – it’s fantastic.”
The development of the new base building began in October last year and opened in time for the 2008 snow season in June.
“This building was designed to be a beautiful, functional building that will future proof Coronet Peak by catering for growth across our winter and summer markets,” said Mr Coddington.
The project was part of $30million plus investment programme which also included installing one of the most sophisticated snowmaking systems in the world.