Nestled within a narrow, cascading site in Wellington’s character suburb of Mt Victoria sits the Ellice Street House. Studio Pacific was commissioned to renovate the existing pre-1900s two-storey villa and add a contemporary living pavilion that maximises connection with the outdoor space and leafy garden beyond.
Project name
Ellice Street House
Architecture firm
Studio of Pacific Architecture Limited
Location
Mount Victoria, Wellington, New Zealand
Principal architect
Stephen McDougall
Design team
Stephen McDougall, Takeshi Kominami, Richard Beatson, Dorian Minty
Interior design
Studio Pacific Architecture
Built area
312 m² (New: 184 m², Existing: 128 m²)
Structural engineer
David Lai (Focus Engineering)
Construction
Overton & Associates
Material
Black-stained timber cladding (new elements), White painted rusticated weatherboards (existing villa), Oak timber screen feature, Sustainably grown timber, Heavily insulated slab, walls, and roof
Typology
Residential › House, Alterations and Additions
One of the main advantages of living in a tiny house NZ is that the thoughtfully designed space encourages a mindset focused on essentials. Instead of accumulating unnecessary items, residents make deliberate choices about what truly adds value.
Photography
Amazing Architecture
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
