CF Architecture

CF Architecture Bespoke architectural design studio based in Queenstown with a focus on Passive House design!

Very excited to share that The Eyrie has been published in abode magazine  (January 2026).Perched above Queenstown, this...
04/02/2026

Very excited to share that The Eyrie has been published in abode magazine (January 2026).

Perched above Queenstown, this home sits in an extraordinary location — but from the beginning, the goal was never to let the view do all the work. The focus was on creating a grounded, calm and energy-efficient home that feels comfortable to live in every day, while still responding to the drama of the site.

It was a collaborative and carefully considered process, and I’m proud of how the architecture balances warmth, restraint and performance. Huge thanks to Nichol Developments and the wider project team — and yes, Pepper approves 🐾

You can pick up a copy at Paper Plus, or read the article online here:
https://www.abodemagazine.co.nz/home/2025/12/18/the-high-life

I love how this Christmas market comes together through layers - a snapshot form my visit to Germany a few weeks ago... ...
13/01/2026

I love how this Christmas market comes together through layers - a snapshot form my visit to Germany a few weeks ago...

A historic church tower in the background, old houses to the side, and bare tree branches stretching across the view — leafless in winter, yet transformed by illuminated stars and festive lights. Against the historic backdrop, these temporary elements create warmth, depth and a sense of gathering.

It’s a gentle reminder that architecture is shaped not only by buildings, but by season, light and how people inhabit a place. Even subtle interventions can completely change how a space is felt.

This thinking sits at the heart of my work — creating spaces that are responsive, atmospheric and deeply connected to place.

✨ Introducing The Perch ✨Perched above the turquoise waters of Bob’s Cove and nestled within native bush — pittosporums,...
03/10/2025

✨ Introducing The Perch ✨

Perched above the turquoise waters of Bob’s Cove and nestled within native bush — pittosporums, five-finger, beech and marble leaf — this home grows from the same land where its Kiwi owners first lived in a tiny house. Their dream was simple: to create a permanent home that treads lightly, preserves the forest around it, and opens to both the intimacy of the canopy and the vastness of the lake.

Elevated on piles, The Perch sits gently among the trees, framing ever-shifting views to the bay, the Picnic Point lookout, and the jetty below.

We’re excited to begin shaping this home, where forest, lake, and sky will all play a part in the daily rhythm of life. 🌿🏔️💧

Follow along as The Perch comes to life.

At The Eyrie, light is an architectural material in itself.Custom timber screens filter light and views across the inter...
29/09/2025

At The Eyrie, light is an architectural material in itself.

Custom timber screens filter light and views across the interior & exterior, casting dappled shadows that shift with the day. These layered thresholds blur the boundary between inside and out — offering privacy without closing off the view.

🏔️✨ New Beginnings in TekapoA new project begins — and what a backdrop to start from.Our site sign now stands proudly ab...
25/09/2025

🏔️✨ New Beginnings in Tekapo

A new project begins — and what a backdrop to start from.

Our site sign now stands proudly above the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, with the Southern Alps stretching out behind. It’s early days, but the vision is clear: a special family bach, designed to hold memories and keep the connection to Aotearoa strong for generations to come.

Grateful for the trust — can’t wait to bring this one to life.

🦜✨ Nestor Cabin Update: The Shape Takes Flight!The frames are up, and Nestor Cabin is starting to take shape — bold, bri...
23/09/2025

🦜✨ Nestor Cabin Update: The Shape Takes Flight!

The frames are up, and Nestor Cabin is starting to take shape — bold, bright, and full of character just like the kea that inspired it.

From sketch to structure, you can now see the cabin’s playful form emerge amid the lush bush of Bob’s Cove. It’s not just a studio, it’s a vibrant little retreat ready to come alive with energy and colour.

Stay tuned as this spirited cabin continues to rise!

The interiors of The Eyrie are grounded, warm, and intentionally quiet.Dark walnut Abodo timber ceilings pair with match...
18/09/2025

The interiors of The Eyrie are grounded, warm, and intentionally quiet.

Dark walnut Abodo timber ceilings pair with matching oak flooring, tying overhead and underfoot in a continuous gesture that anchors the home to its alpine setting. Between them, a sculpted plaster fireplace provides a central focus, while stone benchtops and soft beige tiles reflect the natural tones of the Queenstown landscape — earth, rock, and light.

This restrained, tonal palette creates a calm interior stage — allowing the dramatic lake and mountain views to take the spotlight.

Minimalism here is not about absence — but balance, texture, and belonging.

Introducing The Eyrie — a light-footed alpine retreat perched above Lake Wakatipu.Resting gently on steel posts, the hom...
15/09/2025

Introducing The Eyrie — a light-footed alpine retreat perched above Lake Wakatipu.

Resting gently on steel posts, the home sits lightly on Queenstown Hill, preserving the slope beneath. From its elevated position, it opens to wide cinematic views of the lake and The Remarkables, yet remains quietly embedded in the landscape.

Clad in enduring metal and softened with timber at the human scale, The Eyrie was designed not to dominate, but to observe — a modern lookout shaped by light, weather, and restraint.

THIS THURSDAY!! Green Drinks: Designing Homes That Last 🏡
19/08/2025

THIS THURSDAY!! Green Drinks: Designing Homes That Last 🏡

Introducing: Nestor Cabin 🦜🌈A small studio with big energy — bold on the inside, bright green on the outside, and nestle...
12/08/2025

Introducing: Nestor Cabin 🦜🌈
A small studio with big energy — bold on the inside, bright green on the outside, and nestled in the beautiful bush of Bob’s Cove. Inspired by NZ’s colourful native parrot, the kea, Nestor Cabin is a celebration of play, personality, and place.

Setout complete and ready to rise — stay tuned.

Meet Carolin Friese (CF Architecture), Queenstown’s award-winning architectural designer who’s been quietly changing the...
08/08/2025

Meet Carolin Friese (CF Architecture), Queenstown’s award-winning architectural designer who’s been quietly changing the game for over a decade.

🏡 Carolin’s homes aren’t just pretty faces. They work... with the climate, the land, and the people living in them.

Using Passive House principles, she crafts spaces filled with natural light, warmth, and effortless comfort, all while keeping energy use low and style high!

Her award-winning work (hello 2025 Australian Biophilic Design Award!!), shows it’s totally possible to create homes that support well-being and tread more lightly on the planet.

Catch Carolin at Green Drinks: Designing Homes That Last 🏡 on Thurs 21st Aug, where she’ll share how design can help us all live better, smarter, and greener.

6pm at Crowne Plaza Queenstown - get a ticket now through the linked event above!

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
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