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.

Tamahere Arts Centre: Completed for Crafts

RECENTLY COMPLETED

23 Jun

Written By First Light Studio

Tamahere Arts Centre is the Waikato’s hottest new craft haven for the residents of Tamahere Country Club, and it's officially open. The space gives residents and local artists room to paint, sew, throw pottery, and exhibit their work together, somewhere the original clubhouse art room never quite had the light or the space for. At the heart of it all are a set of striking oak trusses, a nod to seven mature oak trees that once stood on the site, now carried through into the building itself. It's a project we're proud to have delivered for the Sanderson Group and Tamahere Country Club, and we can't wait to see what gets made inside it.

Click here to learn more

Project Type: Commercial & Public, Arts Centre
Year Built: 2025
Location: Tamahere, Waikato
Client / Builder: The Sanderson Group
Architect: First Light Studio
Interiors: First Light Studio & The Sanderson Group
Photography: Amanda Aitken

First Light Studio www.firstlightstudio.co.nz

Tamahere Arts Centre: Completed for Crafts

Redefining Retirement Living in North Auckland