Finalists! Three projects shortlisted for the 2024 NZIA Local Architecture Awards
We are thrilled to share that three of our recently completed projects have been shortlisted for the NZIA Local Architecture Awards this year.
From beachfront baches through to re-imagining earthquake-prone heritage architecture, these three projects showcase some of the variety in approach and sensitivity to context, client and brief that we take at First Light.
Click the links below to learn more about these projects, and congratulations to everyone that’s been shortlisted in this years local architecture awards!
Pukatea Beach House
Complete with temporary accommodation during the build and an attractive rentable space thereafter, the 870m² site is now host to two warm, beautifully designed, year-round baches at the beach. A careful balance was struck between making the most of all the site had to offer for the two homes while maintaining a high degree of privacy between them. The brief for the main house was simple: a relaxed, no fuss, people and pet friendly, two-bedroom home with clean lines using natural and robust materials, designed for a lifetime of enjoyment in the sun. Accessible hallways, tiled bathrooms, level entry doors, low-maintenance materials and low running costs will make this bach the place to be for as long as possible.
St Hilda’s 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 a one-year ultimatum from the council to address the building's earthquake-prone status.
Recognizing the importance of a larger congregation space and revitalizing the street-front connection with the community, the parish chose to remove the earthquake-prone elements of the brick façade. Additionally, they desired an extension to the nave that would provide more space for the baptismal font, increased seating, and a new façade facing the street. St Hilda’s Anglican Church's design integrates architectural elements that honor the church's sacred nature. The design embraces beauty, quality, and a sense of warmth to create an inviting environment for both the congregation and the surrounding community.
Two Gables
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 that serves as a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. Its flexible living areas can be adapted to suit various needs, offering both an open and airy feel and more intimate settings. The house prioritizes an environmentally conscious to housing, boasting high-performance/Passivehaus design features.
