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.
Project name
Karitane Crib
Architecture firm
First Light Studio Ltd
Location
Karitane, Otago, New Zealand
Principal architect
Anna Farrow
Design team
Nick Officer, Anna Farrow
Structural engineer
McConaughy Consulting
Construction
Copland Building Ltd
Material
Light timber framing, timber cladding, metal roofing
Typology
Residential › Housing
There are so many amazing architectural projects happening in New Zealand. They’re at the forefront of combining the importance of design and nature. This balance results in thoughtful architecture that enhances the natural landscape. Which is your favourite?
Written by
Jamie Gilchrist
In 2017, St Hilda’s Anglican Church in Island Bay approached First Light Studio with a brief describing the need for a beautiful, quality, and timeless design for the existing church. This request followed a one-year ultimatum from the council to address the building's earthquake-prone status.
Project name
St Hildas Church Alteration
Architecture firm
First Light Studio
Location
Island Bay, Wellington, New Zealand
Principal architect
Bronwyn Phillipps
Design team
Ben Jagersma, Guy Marriage, Bronwyn Philliipps
Collaborators
AE Tilley (screen), Black Sheep Construction (Builders), Techlam (trusses)
Interior design
First Light Studio
Built area
53 m², 9.5m high
Structural engineer
King & Dawson Architects & Engineers Ltd
Lighting
Fifth Season Design
Construction
Black Sheep Construction
Material
Glulam Trusses With Light Timber Structure, Timber Structure, Perforated Aluminium
Client
St Hildas Anglican Church
Typology
Religious Architecture › Church, Heritage Alteration
Inspired by the traditional gable house, the Boat House is comprised of an asymmetrical form suited to house the client’s powerboat and Laser yacht fully rigged.
Project name
Boathouse 01
Architecture firm
Michael Cooper Architects
Location
Herne Bay, Auckland, New Zealand
Photography
Mark Scowen Photography
Principal architect
Michael Cooper
Interior design
Michael Cooper Architects
Structural engineer
AMX Structures
Environmental & MEP
Green Group Limited
Construction
IBL Building
Typology
Residential › Coastal & Marine
First Light Studio: The Whitby Residence is a simple and elegant farmhouse designed for suburban living. It has been carefully crafted to strike a balance between public and private spaces, featuring a central courtyard/deck that serves as a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. Its flexible living areas can be adapted to suit vario...
Architecture firm
First Light Studio
Location
Nelson, New Zealand
Photography
David Hensel Photography
Principal architect
Ben Jagersma
Design team
Mitch Holden, Ben Jagersma, Charlotte Fisher
Interior design
First Light Studio
Structural engineer
MY Consulting Engineers
Construction
Light timber frame
Material
Metal sheet cladding, Japanese cedar cladding, poplar ceilings
Typology
Residential › House
Situated overlooking the Gulf Harbour Marina, with views looking back to Rangitoto this idyllic site was perfect for the family of four.
Project name
Laguna Place
Architecture firm
Michael Cooper Architects
Location
Whangaparaoa, New Zealand
Principal architect
Michael Cooper
Interior design
Michael Cooper Architects
Structural engineer
AMX Structures Limited Material: Cedar
Typology
Residential › Single Residential Home
Architecture plays a vital role in New Zealand casinos. The design aesthetics often reflect the architectural style of the region. You will find that New Zealand incorporates modern and contemporary Maori design, which helps create a distinct look which resonates with local culture and the environment.
Photography
Grand Casino Dunedin
Nestled within the coastal forests of New Zealand, Zenith Grove emerges as a beacon of architectural innovation and sustainable design. This small forest residence, delicately perched atop a tree, represents a harmonious fusion of futuristic aesthetics and organic forms, redefining the boundaries of contemporary living.
Project name
Zenith Grove
Architecture firm
Masoumeh Aghazade
Location
Coromandel Forest, New Zealand
Tools used
Midjourney AI, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Masoumeh Aghazade
Design team
Studio Bafarin
Visualization
Masoumeh Aghazade
Typology
Residential › Forest House
