Two Britomart developments, the Showcase retail space and Mexico restaurant and tequila bar in the Kiwi Tavern building, were among 28 designs honoured at the 2012 New Zealand Institute of Architects’ annual Auckland Architecture Awards last night.

The Showcase was awarded in the commercial category, while Mexico picked up an interior architecture award. Cheshire Architects was behind both projects.

The Awards jury singled out the “sophisticated structure” and “Meccano-like perforated steel skins” of the Showcase, designed by Cheshire Architects in association with Assembly Architects, which they said, “express a joy in construction.”

The interior architecture of Mexico, designed by Cheshire Architects in association with Brendan Ryan and Nick McCaw, drew praise for its clever design and choice of inexpensive materials. The judges noted that this had created “a relaxed and convivial atmosphere,” and provided the perfect backdrop to the “lively and crowded scene” at the restaurant and tequila bar.

Two Britomart-based Cheshire projects, the Stanbeth-Excelsior heritage development and The Britomart Country Club, also scooped awards at last year’s Auckland Architecture Awards.

Cheshire Architects is also behind the latest Britomart construction project, The Pavilions, which is now in development at the centre of the precinct.

Read more about the New Zealand Architecture Awards 2012