This award, sponsored by Altherm Window Systems, is New Zealand’s richest architectural prize and is open for entry prior to Christmas through an entry form in HOME New Zealand magazine (December/January issue) or download an entry form here.

The earlier staging of the 2012 competition – judging in February and publication in April/May issue – is designed to bring the award more into line with the NZIA awards programme and to allow judging and photography of homes during summer.

Brian MacKay-Lyons is a principal of Halifax practice, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, which has won over 75 awards, including five Governor General’s Medals and the American Institute of Architects Honor Award. The firm’s emphasis on a strong ‘Atlantic Canada’ design approach is reflected in a number of acclaimed residential projects and, in more recent years, has led on to larger scale work involving university and cultural buildings.

During his visit MacKay-Lyons is also scheduled to give two public addresses - in Auckland on Wednesday 8 February (6.30pm), and in Wellington, on Thursday 9 February (6 pm). Tickets are available on Ticketek from 2 December (booking fees apply). Ticket cost is $15 for students and $20 for regular purchasers.

Entries for the award should consist of up to 12 photographs, a written description of the project and drawings including plans, elevations and sections. These should be submitted in presentation format (A4 size acceptable) in both print and digital versions. The deadline for entries is 5pm 15 December. Entry forms need to be signed by architects and homeowners.

Postal entries need to be sent to: HOME New Zealand magazine, Home of the Year Award, ACP Media, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141.

Couriered entries need to be sent to: HOME New Zealand magazine, Home of the Year Award, ACP Media, 4th floor, 100 Beaumont Street, Westhaven, Auckland 1141.