An expansion to an original 1962 electrical substation, this NZE targeted electrical switchgear building represents a couple of “firsts” in environmental stewardship. Its faceted façade–an abstraction of the city’s power grid–and lush green wall lend welcome aesthetic relief to the otherwise gritty urban fabric of its surroundings.

The jury was moved by this display of loving kindness (and energy efficiency) for a neglected building type. It is a distinctively sculptural contribution to an increasing number of examples of infrastructure as great architecture.