HERE MAGAZINE
Dec 25
We are delighted to see BB House, designed by Upoko Architects, featured in the latest issue of Here Magazine. It has been a rewarding and enjoyable project to be involved in, and a pleasure to celebrate the home with our clients over recent months.
The project has received significant recognition, including two NZIA Local Awards, an NZIA National Award, and being named Here Magazine’s Aotearoa’s Best New House 2025.
Most importantly, BB House is a carefully considered new home in Wellington that truly works for the people who live there. Seeing our clients enjoy their home on a daily basis is the greatest measure of success.
NZIA NATIONAL AWARDS 2025
Nov 25
We are delighted to share that the ‘BB House’ has been awarded a Te Kahui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects National award. It is wonderful to have this home recognised by peers, friends and colleagues whose work that we admire. Thank you to the @nziarchitects National Jury and to everyone else that has been involved in the home.
‘With just 27 square meters of floor space, the BB House is a compact home that embraces simplicity, focusing on what truly matters and what holds genuine value.’
AOTEAROA ‘BEST NEW HOUSE 2025’
Nov 25
UPOKO Architects and the BB House has won HERE Magazine’s ‘AOTEAROA’S BEST NEW HOUSE 2025’
‘A house precisely fitted around the client, with a rare architectural clarity. The small footprint is cleverly quartered, while an outdoor deck is shrouded by operable screens, making the house light, secure and defensible in one simple gesture. High roof forms make the space feel generous and effortless, while moody materials and colour create a home rich in experience.’
-HERE Magazine Citation
NZIA NATIONAL AWARDS 2025
Oct 25
Exciting News: BB House Shortlisted for NZIA National Awards 2025!
We’re thrilled to share that the BB House has been shortlisted for the NZIA National Awards 2025! It’s been a privilege to show the judges around the home, sharing the story, design, and details that make it special. The winners will be announced at the NZIA ceremony in November 2025, and we couldn’t be prouder to see our work recognized on a national stage.
NEW HOUSES IN WELLINGTON
Sep25
Private, Light-Filled Living by Upoko Architects
Upoko Architects have completed the concept design for a series of new houses in Wellington, each carefully crafted to offer privacy, light, and a strong connection to nature.
Each compact 6 × 6 metre home is designed around a two-storey internal atrium, which creates a private outdoor space at the heart of the house. Every room has a glazed wall which opens into the atrium, filling the interiors with natural light while maintaining complete privacy from neighbouring homes.
These new Wellington houses showcase our approach to thoughtful small-scale living — homes that feel open and generous despite their modest footprint.
NZIA LOCAL AWARDS AWARDS 2025
Jun 25
We’re thrilled to share that Upoko Architects ‘BB House’ has received a Wellington Architecture Award from Te Kahui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects this week. This project has been such a joy to be part of. Despite the small size of the building, it feels like a big home, and it means a lot to see the project recognised alongside so many inspiring works.
A SMALL INFILL HOME
Upoko Architects has been designing a compact home in preparation for the upcoming government rule change, which permits the construction of homes under 60 square meters without the need for building consent.
This home has been tailored for a small backyard, featuring two bedrooms and an internal courtyard for added privacy
SEE SAW HOME PUBLICATION
We are really happy that the SEE SAW Home has been published in HERE Magazine. And it is on the Cover. A copy of HERE Magazine can be ordered through their website. More or this home can be viewed here too.
NEWTOWN VILLA ALTERATIONS
We’re excited to share that work is about to begin on our Newtown cottage renovation. The project includes a re-design of the existing kitchen and dining spaces, along with a new bathroom and study.
What was once a series of dark, enclosed rooms will soon become light-filled and welcoming spaces that all flow together. Our design balances modern comfort with respect for the character of the original cottage — which we estimate to be around 130 years old.
Our work with this home is being done in conjunction with LOCA Architects
NZIA NATIONAL AWARDS AWARDS 2023
We are honoured that the See-saw home received a National Award from Te Kahui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects at last night’s event which we are very proud of. It has been a very rewarding project to be involved in.
It was equally rewarding to work alongside our clients and to see the home recognised alongside all the wonderful work undertaken by the other award winners.
Thank you to our wonderful clients and to Spice Build for the pride that you take in your work and attention to detail.