Art Deco - Woman’s Rest
Award: Gisborne & Hawke’s Bay Architecture Award
Presented to: Ann Galloway and Gavin Cooper in association
For: Restoration of (Former) Napier Women’s Restrooms
Categories: Heritage, Resene Colour Award
Year: 2026
The jury praised the care and collaboration behind this project and its return to a valued civic destination. It is a thoughtful restoration that gives an important heritage building a clear future. Research guided the removal of recent modifications and the return of original details. Modern services are added discreetly, supporting use without harming heritage value. Accessibility is handled carefully to avoid visual clutter. Inside, new and old elements are clearly shown while retaining traces of earlier layouts.
The colour palette has been carefully researched and closely matched to the original Art Deco scheme, setting a standard for heritage accuracy. The quality of this work directly influenced changes to Napier City Council’s district plan. Inside, colour is used just as carefully, applied subtly to distinguish original parts of the building from new additions, improving clarity while keeping a consistent and respectful design language.
