Photo: Bernie Velasco
WelCom June/July 2021
Annette Scullion
Our Lady of Kāpiti Parish Church was honoured at last month’s 2021 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Awards, as one of the winners in the Public Architecture category.
Designed by DLA Architects, the building was recognised for ‘collecting and connecting two Kāpiti parishes and three former churches under one roof with the design showing the parishes’ intention to play an inclusive and open role in the Kāpiti community’.
DLA director Glenn Gardiner said, ‘The team at DLA were thrilled to have their efforts recognised by receiving the award for Public Architecture.
‘It was a splendid project to be involved in and was a huge team effort for the clients, consultants and building contractors, in creating the beautiful and captivating building outcome for the Our Lady of Kāpiti Parish.
Noted at the awards were the themes and connectivity shown inside where the central gathering space connects directly to both the smaller chapel and larger nave, allowing seamless flexibility.
Members of OLOK Steering Group attended the awards ceremony on 6 May at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington and were delighted to join DLA in accepting the award.
John O’Sullivan (Steering Group Chair) in his short acceptance speech, dedicated the award to Rick Goodman and family in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the project. Sadly, Rick passed away, the same week, on 3 May.
Parish priest Fr Michael McCabe said the architects were very good to work with. ‘They listened to the input of many parishioners and incorporated a large percentage of our suggestions. They were very patient and creative and we are very proud of what they have produced. It really does work very well.
‘We can have a small intimate liturgy in the 50-seat chapel or a grand event with hundreds in the church and plenty of overflow available in the greeting space, and several hundreds more able to watch simultaneously online.
‘Our church building and complex works – it is good for liturgy and good for the community.’
The local awards honour the best new architecture in each of the NZIA eight regional branches, with Kāpiti falling under the Wellington umbrella. Winners at the Local Architecture Awards level may be considered for further honours at a national level.