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In 2011 First Light Studio’s directors took the eco design world by storm, beating international talent from Europe and the Americas to a podium finish at the US Department of Energy’s prestigious Solar Decathlon competition.
The team’s passion for clever thinking and sustainable design remains as strong as ever, and the Wellington-based practice has continued to produce award-winning architecture ever since.
Dedicated to reducing energy and resource use in the construction sector, First Light Studio believes that every kiwi should have access to a warm, comfortable, and healthy home, and firmly believes in a better built future for all of New Zealand.
NZIA 2019 Practise, 2019 Winner Canterbury Architecture Award
In the hills overlooking Kinloch, a jetty-like structure extends down towards the lake, embodying the lakeside lifestyles in its architecture. The Jetty House meets our eHaus Euro standard and is a calm, unobtrusive form reflecting the surrounding low-lying hills in both shape and in its natural materiality.
The holiday house is approached via a bridge-like entry deck, which is continued inside through the length of the house to the split-level living space. A collection of bedrooms are nestled at the top of the sloping site, with the living spaces - both inside and outside - extending down the hill, maximising views over Lake Taupo. The natural materials of the exterior are continued inside to create a warm and inviting retreat from the busy city life.
There is absolutely no wasted space, with all 178sqm perfectly utilised. Every detail is well thought out, like the direct access from the spa to the bathroom meaning no wet feet traipsing through the house.
Despite Covid lockdowns, material shortages, and site orientation challenges, the eHaus team designed and delivered an exceptional home that the owners and guests are incredibly happy with. The high performance of the holiday home means they can come and go, knowing it will always be comfortable, dry, and healthy, whatever time or season they arrive.
To read the case study and discover more about the design and build process of this stunning eHaus, see the floor plan, and hear from the owners click here.
Photo credit: David Hensel Photography
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