Architect Christopher Beer won the $15,000 prize for his 155-square-metre, Japanese inspired project which was the stylish outcome of a modest budget.

The award, which is sponsored by Altherm Window Systems, saw most of the six short-listed finalists using APL Window Solution's Metro Series and APL Architectural Series products in a wide range of applications.

The other finalists were Belinda George Architects (Mahurangi house), Patchwork Architecture (two Wellington City projects), Guy Tarrant Architects (Point Chevalier house) and Glamuzina Architects/Paterson Architecture Collective (Matakana house).