Derwent

COMPLETE
WELLINGTON

This bespoke home sits as an infill dwelling on a newly subdivided hillside site in Island Bay, Wellington. The steep, exposed setting required a careful and considered response, creating the opportunity for a high-performance home that integrates seamlessly into an established coastal neighbourhood.
Designed by First Light Studio for FLiP Homes and delivered by FLIP BUILD, the project reflects a close and productive collaboration between architect and builder. Anchored into the slope, the home opens toward expansive views of Wellington’s south coast, demonstrating how strong architectural thinking and experienced construction can transform a challenging site into a calm, comfortable, and healthy place to live.
The compact two-bedroom layout is carefully resolved, with living spaces located on the upper level to take advantage of views, light, and the volume created by the pitched roof. Private spaces are positioned below, nestled into the hillside to provide shelter, privacy, and a sense of retreat. This arrangement balances efficiency with a feeling of openness and generosity.
Designed and built using passive house principles, the home features a high-performance building envelope supported by Pro Clima airtightness systems. FLIP BUILD’s in-house Passive House carpentry expertise ensured these systems were executed with precision, delivering rigorous performance standards and long-term comfort.
Externally, Abodo timber cladding is paired with Coloursteel to create a durable, low-maintenance exterior well suited to Wellington’s coastal conditions. Inside, open-plan living spaces are oriented to maximise light and views, with generous glazing units supplied by Altus. The quality of the build is the result of close collaboration between FLIP BUILD and a skilled team of subcontractors, including Wiretec for electrical and lighting, supported by careful project management throughout.
This project demonstrates the value of strong design, skilled craftsmanship, and collaborative delivery in creating a refined, high-performing home on a challenging site.