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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

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:

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:

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:

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.

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:

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:

15/05/2026

Valley Road Renovation
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On the drawing board
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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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