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.

Swansea Street

RENOVATIONS & EXTENSIONS

7 Nov

Written By First Light Studio

Modernist Courtyard House Renovation by First Light Studio

Despite a small number of interior renovations over 60 years, this beautiful example of a 60s modernist courtyard house remains a refined and timeless home. The goal was to design an addition that looked like it had always been there. Developing the concept came easily as only one response felt right: a black box, sitting lightly on top, bridging the gap between the existing garage and low-slung house.

Built: 2022
Engineer: Spencer Holmes
Builder: Pinnacle Construction
Images: Bonnie Beattie
The home is built on a rear section, just visible down a long driveway lined by established natives. With houses on every side and a few overlooking the house to the north, the design response needed to be private. One that reached up and made the most of the beautiful view of the Skyline Walkway to the west and rested lightly on the existing house. An extremely rare and sheltered spot for Wellington, it was important that the addition had little impact on any valuable sunshine and the relationship to the outdoor spaces was prioritised.
The clients and their young family live in a beautiful example of 60’s modernism, the low black-clad courtyard house is nestled in a sheltered dip that catches all day sun. The original Architect, David Launder, created a design that despite a number of small interior renovations over the last 60 years, remains a refined and timeless home. So much so, that when the clients approached us with the brief of adding a peaceful/private main bedroom + en suite, and a separate home office, we didn’t want to add anything.
Despite the initial reaction, developing the concept came easily as only one response felt right; a black box, sitting lightly on top - bridging between the garage and house to create an indoor hallway beneath, with an office opening onto a sunny previously unused decking area. The main bedroom sits above, with a large window giving an expansive view over the land to the ‘Crow’s Nest’ and bush-clad hills. Downstairs, the laundry and bathroom were reconfigured and renovated to give access through the house, and the rather public previous main bedroom became a kid’s play area or spare room for guests.
Adaption and re-use are important concepts in the debate for a sustainable future, especially in a city like Wellington which has natural city boundaries and few free sections to develop with new housing. In this instance, continual small upgrades to make a successful house more versatile and liveable for its occupants means that a great example of New Zealand modernist architecture stays in the housing stock.

Elevated modernist bedroom addition with large window framing bush and skyline views

Renovated modernist master bedroom interior improving flow and effective storage

Built-in timber storage integrated into modernist renovation for functional living

Bespoke timber cabinetry detail in contemporary villa renovation by First Light Studio

Timber stair detail in modernist renovation first light studio

Sculptural timber staircase in Wellington villa renovation enhancing vertical circulation

Contemporary stair design with timber treads and clean lines in modernist home upgrade

Private retreat bedroom in Wellington home renovation designed for light, warmth, and views

Contemporary bathroom in architectural villa renovation balancing minimal design and natural materials

Walk-in shower detail in modernist bathroom renovation with clean architectural lines

Contemporary modernist bathroom renovation in Wellington with timber vanity, natural light, and refined minimalist detailing

Bathroom with natural light and privacy in modernist Wellington home renovation

Softly lit bathroom interior with warm timber finishes and minimal detailing

Modernist courtyard house renovation in Wellington with elevated black box addition and seamless architectural integration

Project Details

Year Built: 2022
Location: Khandallah, Wellington
Architect: First Light Studio
Interiors: First Light Studio
Engineer: Spencer Holmes
Builder: Pinnacle Construction
Photography: Bonny Beattie