Three for Three! This years shortlisted projects take home NZIA Local Architecture Awards
We are thrilled to share that three of our recently completed projects have been recipients of a New Zealand Institute of Architects 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 all winners!
Pukatea Beach House
Jurys comments:
”Not only have the architects provided two comfortable, delightful homes that consider the site and aspect, but they have also helped the client develop a strategy for her site. The ‘FLiP’ house, a prefabricated prototype, provides rental income, and in her own home, the client has a dedicated area to run her dog-grooming business – these lucky hounds have a ‘groom with a view’. The original retaining wall of the previous house creates an interesting textured landscape feature between the two dwellings. The main home addresses the very public beach front with carefully considered planning, window placement and recessed outdoor living areas. The bush-clad hills to the east are framed through high-level windows and, combined with a deck and sliding doors, allow morning sun to fill the living space.”
St Hilda’s Church Renovation
Jurys comments:
”The façade treatment and extension address overdue earthquake remediation. Marked by the integration of beautiful curving new structural LVL portal frames, the extension successfully identifies as a modern addition. The inspired folded and faceted aluminium screening serves on multiple levels: to shield from the busy street and bring dynamism, warmth and filtered light to the interior. The abstracted geometric patterning has been inspired by the local Tapu Te Runga environment, referencing the coastline, island, sea, sky and stars. The project brings a modern identity to the church, its community and visibility within the wider community.”
Two Gables
Jurys comments:
”At first glance the house seems to be cut from the same cloth of its new subdivision typology. But appearances can be deceptive. Built on a low budget for a home designed to passive house principles, the outcome delivers a lot and should be seen as an exemplar for what could and should be our future – designing and building to passive house standards and applying these principles to mass development. Simple gable forms are carved, scaled and layered to create a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. Timber was sourced from family farms and stones in the floor from the owners’ former home in Ōtautahi Christchurch.”
