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.

Peka Peka Beach House

NEW HOMES

23 Apr

Written By First Light Studio

A Coastal Beach House on the Kāpiti Coast

Peka Peka Beach House is a contemporary coastal home on the Kāpiti Coast, designed to respond to wind, dunes, privacy, and expansive sea views. This new home balances durable materials, sheltered outdoor living, and carefully framed spaces to create a year-round family retreat.

Peka Peka Beach House on the Kāpiti Coast by First Light Studio

Entry approach to contemporary beach house in Peka Peka

Aerial view of courtyard beach house by First Light Studio

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Designed for Coastal Living

Beachfront sites require a different architectural response. Exposure to salt air, strong northwest winds, and changing weather patterns shaped every design decision for this home.

A reverse C-shaped plan creates privacy from neighbouring properties while forming a protected outdoor courtyard. Living areas open to sun and views, while more private sleeping zones are carefully sheltered.

Indoor outdoor flow in beach house design by First Light Studio

Timber kitchen with curved wall in Peka Peka beach house

Sheltered courtyard at Peka Peka Beach House on the Kāpiti Coast

Living area opening to protected courtyard in modern beach house

Open plan living room with sea views at Peka Peka Beach House

Contemporary kitchen interior with island at Peka Peka Beach House

Dining area opening to outdoor living at modern beach house

Timber joinery and textured material detail in coastal kitchen

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A Home for Gathering

Designed for extended family stays, the home balances generous communal areas with quieter private zones. Split-level planning helps separate functions naturally while maintaining visual connection throughout the house.

A bunk room for younger guests, flexible sleeping spaces, and durable finishes make the house equally suited to summer holidays and winter weekends away.

Modern bathroom interior at Peka Peka Beach House

Brick screening detail creating privacy and filtered light

Modern bathroom interior with skylight and LED lighting at Peka Peka Beach House

Interior hallway connected to courtyard at Peka Peka Beach House

Split level interior architecture responding to dune landscape

Bedroom interior in calm contemporary beach house

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Built to Last on the Coast

Material selection focused on resilience, warmth, and texture. Whitewashed brick, dark timber detailing, and robust exterior finishes were chosen to weather beautifully in the coastal environment while keeping maintenance low.

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Project Details

Project Type: New Home
Year Built: 2023
Location: Peka Peka, Kāpiti Coast
Architect: First Light Studio
Interiors: First Light Studio & Tate Design
Builder: Agility Builders
Photography: David Hensel Photography

Awards

Master Builder House of the Year 2024 | Regional Silver
New Home $2 million - $4 million
More info

Registered Master Builders House of the Year Silver Award 2024

Related Projects

Falcons Rest house project by First Light Studio

An Alpine Retreat
Castle Hill, Christchurch

Governors Bay coastal home by First Light Studio

A House on the Hill
Governors Bay

Eastbourne House residential project by First Light Studio

A Beach Home
Eastbourne, Wellington

See all projects →

Looking for an architect on the Kāpiti Coast?

First Light Studio is a Wellington-based architecture practice designing homes across the Kāpiti Coast, including Waikanae, Ōtaki, and Paraparaumu. We specialise in coastal homes, with experience responding to wind, salt air, and complex site conditions.

Learn about our residential architecture services

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First Light Studio www.firstlightstudio.co.nz