News
Opening of Tuatahi Centre
The Tuatahi Centre Community Hub has opened on High Street in Lower Hutt, creating a space for community groups and social agencies to connect. Proud to have played a small part.
13 Aug 2026
Reflections
What is the Future of Education Design?
Reflections on LEA 3001 in Brisbane, exploring the future of learning environments, schools as civic spaces, high-performance design, user feedback, and keeping education spaces human.
14 May 2025
News
Opening of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito
Te Kōrari at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito has officially opened. It was an honour to collaborate with the incredible school community and see the project completed and brought to life.
18 Feb 2025
Series: Lower Hutt Modernist Buildings
Exploring 19 Laings Road
Built in 1958 by James T Craig, this distinctive modernist building has a bold, graphic form, with layered geometric volumes creating a striking presence on its prominent corner.
16 Apr 2024
Series: Lower Hutt Modernist Buildings
Series: Lower Hutt Modernist Buildings
Exploring the War Memorial Library
The War Memorial Library, built in 1956 by Ron Muston, forms part of Lower Hutt’s modernist civic complex, combining bold architecture, gardens and memorial art.
28 Feb 2024
Series: Lower Hutt Modernist Buildings
Exploring the St James Anglican Church
St James Church is a striking modernist landmark in Lower Hutt, built in 1953 by Structon. Its bold form, tower and setting make it a distinctive gateway to the Hutt.
07 Feb 2024
Series: Lower Hutt Modernist Buildings
Exploring the Hutt Valley RSA
A quirky Lower Hutt gem, this modernist building stands out for its distinctive street presence, clever laneway connection and suspended terrace overlooking the river.
16 Jan 2024
Series: State House to Passive House
Series: State House to Passive House
Joy of Modelling
Can we really design high-performance buildings by instinct alone? This article explores how designPH and PHPP modelling helped test ideas, uncover lessons and improve the retrofit design.
02 Aug 2023
Series: State House to Passive House
Sketch Retrofit Concept
Innie or outie? One of the first decisions in a deep retrofit is where to place insulation and airtightness layers. This article explores the options, challenges and why we chose an “innie”.
12 Jul 2023
Series: State House to Passive House
Researching State Houses
Before you can retrofit, you need to understand what you’re working with. This article follows the detective work behind uncovering the history, drawings and details of a 1940s state house.
20 Jun 2023
Series: State House to Passive House
Deep Retrofit Workflow in 10 Steps
What does a deep retrofit actually involve? From researching the existing building to modelling, detailing, construction and testing, these 10 steps outline a path to a high-performance home.
05 Jun 2023
Series: State House to Passive House
5 Features That Make a Building Better for Refurb.
What makes a house a good candidate for deep retrofit? From compact form and raised timber floors to restrained glazing and steep roofs, this article explores the features that make retrofit easier.
08 May 2023
Series: State House to Passive House
I wasn’t going to do this again
After learning the hard way, this article reflects on the lessons of an earlier home renovation and why deep retrofit, airtightness, insulation and performance must work together.
26 Apr 2023
Series: State House to Passive House
Introduction
Follow the retrofit of a 1940s ex-state house as we explore the challenges, opportunities and lessons of upgrading New Zealand’s existing homes for a healthier, more sustainable future.
11 Apr 2023
News
Silverstream School Receives Two Awards
Silverstream School has received two awards, recognised for thoughtful learning spaces, considered use of colour, strong pedagogy, and cost-effective design.
04 Apr 2023
