Who are First Light Studio?

First Light Studio is an award-winning sustainable architecture and interiors practice based in Wellington, New Zealand. Founded by architects with a shared passion for high-performance, environmentally responsible design, the studio has won multiple NZIA National Architecture Awards and operates nationwide across New Zealand.

What does First Light Studio specialise in?

First Light Studio specialises in sustainable residential architecture, passive house (Passivhaus) design, high-performance housing, home renovations, interior design, multi-unit townhouse and apartment developments, and master planning. They are certified Homestar designers and certifiers.

Where is First Light Studio based and where do they work?

First Light Studio is based at Level 1, 1 Ghuznee Street, Wellington, New Zealand. They operate a nationwide practice and have delivered projects in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Taupo, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti, Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin, as well as internationally.

Is First Light Studio a registered architecture practice in New Zealand?

Yes. First Light Studio is a registered practice with the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and its architects are registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). The studio is also a Bronze Member of the Passive House Institute of New Zealand and a Superhome Movement supporter.

What awards has First Light Studio won?

First Light Studio has won multiple NZIA National and Local Architecture Awards (2017–2024), Master Builders House of the Year awards including National Category Winner and Top 100 placements, the 2023 Master Builders Commercial Property Awards Gold for Heritage and Restoration, and placed 3rd overall at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon with the Meridian First Light House.

What is a passive house and does First Light Studio design them?

A passive house (Passivhaus) is a rigorous international building standard that results in ultra-low energy buildings which require little energy for heating or cooling. First Light Studio are experts in Passivhaus principles and design, and are certified Homestar designers and certifiers. They work in partnership with eHaus, New Zealand's largest builder of passive homes.

How do I start a project with First Light Studio?

You can contact First Light Studio by phone at (04) 385-3789, by email at info@firstlightstudio.co.nz, or via the enquiry form at firstlightstudio.co.nz/contact. The studio offers a complete end-to-end architectural service from initial briefing through design, consents, contractor procurement, and site observation.

Does First Light Studio do home renovations?

Yes. First Light Studio has extensive experience in residential renovations and alterations across New Zealand, from modest upgrades to significant whole-home transformations. Their design approach treats each renovation as a unique project tailored to the site and the client's lifestyle.

Can First Light Studio design a bach or holiday home?

Yes. First Light Studio has designed numerous holiday homes and baches throughout New Zealand, including the award-winning Te Horo Beach House on the Kāpiti Coast, Pukatea Beach House, and the Karitane Crib in Otago. They bring the same commitment to sustainability and site-responsive design to all project types.

What is Homestar and is First Light Studio certified?

Homestar is New Zealand's national rating tool for the health, warmth, and efficiency of homes. First Light Studio are certified Homestar designers and certifiers, meaning they can design, assess, and certify homes to achieve a Homestar rating — giving clients independent verification of their home's performance.

News

Enjoy a selection of what we’re currently creating, celebrating and contemplating.

Inspiring ideas and achievements worth sharing.

Two Gables

Completed 2023
Photographed by @davidhenselphotography

A simple and elegant farmhouse designed for suburban living. It has been carefully crafted to strike a balance between public and private spaces, featuring a central courtyard/deck t

Four Corners

As a home designed for life, the dwelling needed to be energy efficient, low maintenance, wheelchair accessible and comfortable year-round. Its efficient floor plan features an open-plan living and dining space, four good-sized bedrooms

Wingspan House.

Construction photos from an incredible site in St Leonards, Ōtepoti, Dunedin. The clients are now enjoying their new home.

#architect #architecture #architectural #architecturelovers #architecturedesign #architecturaldesign #archite

St Hilda's Anglican Church Renovation

In 2017, St Hilda’s Anglican Church in Island Bay approached First Light Studio with a brief describing the need for a beautiful, quality, and timeless design for the existing church. This request followed

Te Āhuru Mōwai Townhouses | Tuki

Tuki is the second installment of a long term partnership between First Light Studio and Te Āhuru Mōwai, formally established in 2023. These ten homes delivered here form part of a broader programme of more than 50 n

Wingspan House

Nestled amongst native bush, this thoughtfully designed studio weaves together simple forms and natural materials to create a warm, functional retreat. The home sits lightly within its landscape and has spectacular views of St Leonard

Buckley Road

"On first appearance this is a humble gabled home, but a closer encounter exposes a glowing timber entry porch that has been carved out of the dark exterior façade.

Once inside, the simple planning concept of a long centra

Luwte

We're excited to share these progress shots from this phenomenal site. It has views to Matiu Island and Mana Island!

Builders: @flipbuild
Roofing: @orkneyroofing
Photography: @davidhenselphotography

#architect #architecture #architectu

↑ To keep up to date, check out our Instagram, @firstlightnz‍

First Light Studio's News section features our latest completed homes, renovations, multi-unit projects, awards, and architectural thinking - from high performance homes on the Kāpiti Coast to affordable housing in Porirua.

First Light Studio 23/06/2026 First Light Studio 23/06/2026

Tamahere Arts Centre: Completed for Crafts

First Light Studio 22/06/2026 First Light Studio 22/06/2026

Redefining Retirement Living in North Auckland

First Light Studio 11/06/2026 First Light Studio 11/06/2026

Our Whare Our Fale: Winning Hearts and Awards!

First Light Studio 05/06/2026 First Light Studio 05/06/2026

Award Winning! Rongopai Renovation blends heritage & contemporary design

First Light Studio 03/04/2026 First Light Studio 03/04/2026

Our Whare Our Fale: Stage One Complete

First Light Studio 01/04/2026 First Light Studio 01/04/2026

L-evated: Lofted and Luminous

First Light Studio 30/03/2026 First Light Studio 30/03/2026

Peka Peka Beach House: Protected and Panoramic

First Light Studio 27/03/2026 First Light Studio 27/03/2026

Falcons Rest: Framing the Foothills

First Light Studio 27/03/2026 First Light Studio 27/03/2026

Rongopai Reno: Reimagining and Restoring

First Light Studio 27/03/2026 First Light Studio 27/03/2026

Ask an Architect 02: Aotearoa’s Architectural Aspirations?

First Light Studio 26/03/2026 First Light Studio 26/03/2026

Luwte

First Light Studio 25/03/2026 First Light Studio 25/03/2026

South Wairarapa Home

First Light Studio 24/03/2026 First Light Studio 24/03/2026

Shortlisted! 2026 NZIA Local Architecture Awards

First Light Studio 11/02/2026 First Light Studio 11/02/2026

Ask an Architect 01: Indoor-Outdoor Flow in a Wild and Windy City?