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First Light Studio Ltd

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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

23/06/2026

Unbuilt: A compact home in Mangawhai, hugged by native bush and overlooking a favourite surf break.

21/06/2026

Our Fale Our Whare

We’re stoked to have contributed to this award-winning project, recognised in the Multi Unit category at the Wellington Architecture Awards. Here’s a look inside the communal fale, with a selection of interior images from the heart of the development.

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Material and construction decisions were driven by cost discipline and performance. Homes are timber framed with high insulation values, insulated slabs, continuous mechanical ventilation and low-emissive glazing, achieving Homestar 6. The large roof forms reference traditional Pacific fale while accommodating stacked density and providing privacy to upper-level bedrooms. Ground floor living spaces are intentionally flexible to support formal and informal gathering, intergenerational living and wider family events such as funerals and devotions.

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17/06/2026

Our Whare Our Fale

It was a privilege to be part of the team behind this project, and we're stoked to see it recognised with a Regional Architecture Award in the Multi-Unit category at the Wellington Architecture Awards.

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The brief was to deliver 18 affordable, intergenerational homes that embody Pasefika identity, nurture wellbeing and restore dignity through community-led housing, challenging conventional housing models by centering cultural narratives as the foundation of place. First Light Studio worked alongside CPC to translate this vision into an affordable, buildable and high-performing architectural outcome, providing technical and environmental sustainability expertise throughout the design process. The homes were delivered through local Pasefika builders, creating employment opportunities across the region, with high-quality construction led by South Coast Construction.

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15/06/2026

Thrilled to share that Our Whare Our Fale took home a regional architecture award in the housing - multi-unit category at the Wellington Architecture Awards! A quick look back at some early iterations of the typologies.

This project is now live on our website, you can read more about it there or through the Central Pacific Collective website.

Built: 2025
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Renders: .studio.co

Our Whare Our Fale is the vision of reimagining the Pacific village in Aotearoa, transforming the life outcomes of the Pasefika community in Wellington through design that is by Pacific, for Pacific. The cultural force at the heart of the design makes it different to anything seen before. The central malae and common fale, express the principle of anoafale – it is not so much about the house, but the people living in the house and the relationships between them.

Big congratulations to everyone involved in this project.
This project is now live on our website, you can read more about it there or through the Central Pacific Collective website, congratulations to all other winners!

12/06/2026

Thrilled to share that Our Whare Our Fale took home a regional architecture award last night in the housing - multi-unit category at the Wellington Architecture Awards!

Client / Design Lead:
Builder:
Images:

Our Whare Our Fale is the vision of reimagining the Pacific village in Aotearoa, transforming the life outcomes of the Pasefika community in Wellington through design that is by Pacific, for Pacific. The cultural force at the heart of the design makes it different to anything seen before. The central malae and common fale, express the principle of anoafale – it is not so much about the house, but the people living in the house and the relationships between them.

Big congratulations to everyone involved in this project.
This project is now live on our website, you can read more about it there or through the Central Pacific Collective website, congratulations to all other winners!

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09/06/2026

Fair Acres
Palmerston North

This progressive development delivers five Cross-Laminated Timber constructed townhouses, mirrored again across the street corner to create a matching set. Each home is subtly unique in form and muted khaki tone yet unified by the same mass timber construction system. Thoughtful interior fitouts paired with exposed CLT panels evoke warmth and comfort. A legacy project, it champions longevity over short-term gain—lighting the path forward for sustainable urban living."

You can learn more about this exciting project on our website under 'Architecture: Multi-unit'

Built: 2023
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Lighting Design:

07/06/2026

We're thrilled that Rongopai Reno picked up a local architecture award at the Western Architecture Awards Ceremony last Friday.

You can learn more about this exciting project on our website under 'Projects: Renovations & Extensions'

A new master suite includes considered wardrobing and an ensuite, while bathrooms are modernised to support both current use and future family needs. The renovation prioritises practical living without unnecessary complexity.

The result is a warm, light filled villa renovation that feels grounded in its history while confidently adapted for modern life. The home retains its character while offering the comfort, clarity, and ease expected of a contemporary family home.

Built: 2025
Builder: John Kitto Construction
Images: David Hensel Photography

04/06/2026

Rongopai Reno Concept

Rongopai Reno received a local architecture award at the Western Architecture Awards!

Learn more about this project on our website under 'Projects: Renovations & Extensions'

Like many villas, the original home had a series of separated rooms, limited connection between spaces, and uneven access to light. The design addresses these typical constraints while respecting the proportions and character that give the house its identity.

Original features are retained where possible and paired with contemporary additions and carefully detailed joinery. This allows old and new to sit comfortably together, creating a cohesive architectural language rather than a contrast between eras.

Palmerston North
Completed: 2025
Built by: John Kitto Construction Limited
Photography by:

02/06/2026

We're stoked to announce that Rongopai Reno took home a local architecture award at the Western Architecture Awards Ceremony on Friday.

You can learn more about this exciting project on our website under 'Projects: Renovations & Extensions'

What was once a separation between kitchen and living spaces is replaced with a connected open plan arrangement, bringing kitchen, dining, and living together as the social and functional heart of the home. Natural light is drawn deep into the plan, ensuring warmth and sun are felt throughout the day rather than confined to a single space.

Palmerston North
Completed: 2025

Built by: John Kitto Construction Limited
Photography by:

31/05/2026

The Cube

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

Lower Hutt, Wellington

Builder: Black Sheep Construction
Photographs:

Address

1/1 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro
Wellington
6011

Opening Hours

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

Website

http://www.firstlightstudio.co.nz/

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