First Light Studio Ltd

First Light Studio Ltd First Light Studio are architects who believe in the power of design to create a better living future for more people. We believe in great living.

We believe in its enduring power to enhance our wellbeing, and its ability to work with nature, not against it. But for too long great living has been defined by the wrong thinking, resulting in buildings that are unhealthy, expensive and unsustainable. We are speaking up for a fresh direction. Our purpose is to redesign our living future. To create living environments that flex with the rhythms o

f life and grow beautifully together with their natural surroundings. Brilliantly designed spaces that enhance life and our connection to our land and each other, for generations to come. At First Light we combine internationally award-winning design with leading-edge eco technology and a love of working closely with people passionate about truly sustainable living. Based in Wellington, but serving commercial and residential clients throughout New Zealand, we are architects who believe in the power of design to create a better living future for more people. For more information visit www.firstlightstudio.co.nz

The CubeAt 36m2, this former garage provided a perfect platform for redevelopment.Lower Hutt, WellingtonBuilder: Black S...
31/05/2026

The Cube

At 36m2, this former garage provided a perfect platform for redevelopment.

Lower Hutt, Wellington

Builder: Black Sheep Construction
Photographs:

The TwinsNestled amidst the picturesque hillsides of Brooklyn, Wellington, "The Twins" stand as a testament to the visio...
29/05/2026

The Twins

Nestled amidst the picturesque hillsides of Brooklyn, Wellington, "The Twins" stand as a testament to the vision and collaboration of two directors from First Light Studio. This project, aptly named "The Twins," revolves around the concept of duality, it represents an ingenious solution to the challenges posed by the Wellington housing market while embodying principles of sustainability and community.

Wellington

Built by:

Karitane CribThe brief chronicled a day at the crib: a morning coffee, lots of reading in the sun and then dinner at sun...
24/05/2026

Karitane Crib

The brief chronicled a day at the crib: a morning coffee, lots of reading in the sun and then dinner at sunset, perhaps with fish caught that day. Their space needed to encourage visitors: couches and window seats that double as beds, and acoustics that will stand up to the grandkids’ sleeping schedules.

Karitane,
Dunedin

Built by Copland Building Ltd
Photographs by:

Ihaka, Concept At the end of a long driveway, this home rises up, creating captivating spaces that unfold both upwards a...
22/05/2026

Ihaka, Concept

At the end of a long driveway, this home rises up, creating captivating spaces that unfold both upwards and downwards, while embracing the beauty of the surrounding spaces on either side. Designed to capture the ever-changing play of light throughout the day, both inside and out.

Currently on the drawing board.

Shark house'Bold, confident and far from anything remotely resembling a box! Drawing inspiration from the clients’ love ...
19/05/2026

Shark house

'Bold, confident and far from anything remotely resembling a box! Drawing inspiration from the clients’ love of European supercars – particularly the qualities engendered by the sleek and powerful Maserati. “The Shark” as it has come to be known, stretches down the length of the site, rhythmically flexing its sinews.

Indoors, a textural concrete core reveals the timber grain of its formwork, complementing and contrasting the rest of the rich timber interior. Ever the show-off, black steel plate folds into ribbony steps between levels in a display of strength and gravity-defying agility.

This house is indeed a building of dualities: its entirely static construction of solid surfaces manage to achieve a dynamic fluidity, sculpted inside and out with hard and durable materials that look soft, tactile and malleable.

Merivale, Christchurch
Completed 2018

Built by:
Photography by:

Fox HouseThere is no wasted space in the three-bedroom 130m2 footprint. It does everything it needs to and nothing it do...
17/05/2026

Fox House

There is no wasted space in the three-bedroom 130m2 footprint. It does everything it needs to and nothing it doesn’t. The dramatic dark exterior form references its volcanic setting, though its volumetric divide provides a functional purpose for the interior too: playing public vs private / active vs resting / living vs sleeping spaces off one another in an L-shaped plan configuration.

Built: 2016
Engineer: Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineers Ltd
Builder: Harley Builders
Images:

Valley Road Renovation•On the drawing board•
15/05/2026

Valley Road Renovation

On the drawing board

Buckley Road House•Southgate, WellingtonCompleted 2021•Built by i_construct_Photograph by                               ...
12/05/2026

Buckley Road House

Southgate, Wellington
Completed 2021

Built by i_construct_
Photograph by

Peka Peka Beach House.Set back from the foredunes at Peka Peka on the Kāpiti Coast, this beach house is conceived as a y...
10/05/2026

Peka Peka Beach House.

Set back from the foredunes at Peka Peka on the Kāpiti Coast, this beach house is conceived as a year round retreat from Wellington and a gathering place for extended family. Slightly elevated above the shifting sand, the site looks west to Kāpiti Island and sits fully exposed to the persistent sea breeze. The brief called for a coastal home that felt timeless and enduring, able to engage with its landscape while offering genuine shelter from the wind.

Peka Peka is live on our website, find it under the 'architecture' tab to read more!

Built: 2023
Builder:
Interiors: First Light &
Images:



Funky beach house concept on the drawing board. Watch this space!                                                       ...
08/05/2026

Funky beach house concept on the drawing board. Watch this space!

Address

Level 1, 181 Cuba Street
Wellington
6011

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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