Imagine Architecture

04/06/2026

The Omata High Performance Home encapsulates Imagine Architecture’s commitment to energy efficiency, timeless design, and life-enhancing spaces. Thoughtfully composed and meticulously engineered, it is a home that not only meets the demands of its environment—but elevates everyday living for the family who will call it home.

Tony walks us through the progress to date with this project currently under construction.

You can also have a browse of the design concepts and read more about this home on our website here - https://www.imaginearchitecture.co.nz/concepts/omata-high-performance-home---new-plymouth

02/06/2026

Inside the Tjibaou Cultural Centre now, and Tony couldn't resist photographing the original architectural models on display. 📐

Seeing Piano's physical working models up close is a reminder of something we sometimes forget in the age of parametric software — that great buildings are worked out by hand, iteratively, with craft and intuition as much as calculation. You can see in these models exactly how the curved timber ribs of each ""case"" were conceived: their relationship to the wind, the way they open at the top, the inner and outer shells working together.

And then there's the interior — that extraordinary curved wall of louvred timber panels, with a traditional Kanak figure standing guard beneath. Architecture and culture inseparable, exactly as Piano intended.

This is why his words resonate so deeply with us — and why we're proud to feature them on our website. Some architects just get it.

28/05/2026

More from Tony's visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa — and the closer you get, the more extraordinary it becomes. 🙏

These photos start to reveal what makes Renzo Piano's design so special: the way the ten towering "cases" are linked by a covered spine of timber and steel, creating a village-like procession through lush tropical gardens. Each case is different in height, creating a rhythm that feels almost musical as you walk through the complex.

And then there's the detail. Look closely at that last shot — the intricate lattice of iroko timber slats, engineered to flex and ventilate naturally in the Pacific breeze. No air conditioning needed. The building quite literally breathes.

This is what great architecture does: it solves problems beautifully, and in doing so, it moves you. We can see why Piano is such an enduring inspiration — and why his words sit proudly on our website.

26/05/2026

Got a project rattling around in your head? Let's talk. Book a chat with Tony and see if we're the right fit to bring it to life. We'll come to you, meet at our studio, or wherever works best. No pressure, just a good conversation.
👉 Email [email protected]

21/05/2026

Perched high above Tauranga Harbour, this single-level family home was designed to live lightly on its hillside site — flowing with the land, capturing the northern sun, and opening up to those stunning panoramic views.
A big focus for this project was energy performance, and the results speak for themselves: a blower door test result of 0.87 ACH — an extraordinary outcome for a timber-framed home. Near-Passive House performance achieved through careful design, precise construction, and a building envelope we're really proud of.
See the full project here: https://www.imaginearchitecture.co.nz/portfolio/welcome-bay-energy-efficient-home

19/05/2026

What a privilege to visit one of the world's most extraordinary buildings — the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa, New Caledonia. 🌿

Designed by Renzo Piano (yes, THAT Renzo Piano — one of Tony's all-time heroes, and a name you might recognise from our own website!), this breathtaking complex was completed in 1998 as a tribute to Kanak culture and the legacy of Jean-Marie Tjibaou.

The iconic "cases" — those soaring timber and steel structures inspired by traditional Kanak huts — are even more spectacular in person. Piano's genius was in honouring indigenous architecture while creating something entirely of its own time, designed to breathe with the trade winds off the Pacific.

Tony came away deeply moved — and with some pretty stunning photos to show for it. What do you think? 📸

14/05/2026

We’re proud to announce Tony Biesiek as Local Chapter Lead Tauranga for the Passive House Institute of New Zealand (PHINZ). As our chief imaginier and a Certified Passive House advocate, Tony will connect Bay of Plenty designers, builders and developers with proven science: airtight envelopes, continuous insulation, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. These principles deliver healthier, quieter and dramatically more energy-efficient buildings — practical outcomes that matter for homeowners and commercial projects alike.

If you’re curious about applying Passive House thinking to your next project, or want to collaborate on high-performance design in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato or Taranaki, get in touch. Watch this space for upcoming events, workshops and resources led by Tony. Welcome to the role, Tony — Tauranga’s buildings will be better for it.

Read more: https://wix.to/mVDPskH

Big news for the Bay of Plenty building community — our very own Tony Biesiek has been appointed as Local Chapter Lead Tauranga for the Passive House Institute of New Zealand (PHINZ).For those who know Tony, this appointment comes as no surprise. As our chief imaginier and fearless leader, Tony ha...

14/05/2026

For those who missed Tony's visit to the Sugi Showroom a couple a weeks ago, here's a closer look at just the Sugi timber range. We highly recommend a stop by the showroom to check out the full selection of finishes and profiles for both exterior and interior feature walls and joinery...

13/05/2026

🎉 Exciting news from our team!
Tony Biesiek — our fearless leader and chief imaginier — has officially been appointed as Local Chapter Lead Tauranga for the Passive House Institute of New Zealand (PHINZ).
This follows Tony's long-time involvement with the global Passive House movement and his passion for helping our local building industry understand the real science and benefits behind Passive House design.
Through PHINZ's focus on Education, Research and Advocacy, Tauranga now has a seat at the national table. Tony is looking forward to connecting with builders, designers and developers across the Bay of Plenty to explore how Passive House can be applied to local projects.
Congratulations Tony — we're so proud! 🙌

12/05/2026

Curious what your project could look like in the right hands? Book a meet with Tony. Come to our studio, we'll come to you — whatever works. Let's just have a chat.
👉 Email [email protected]