At the Here Awards 2025, despite economic headwinds that have battered our fine capital in recent years, houses from Te Whanganui-a-Tara led the charge, taking out both Best House Aotearoa, and our runner-up prize. Now, both are welcoming visitors for our first Open Home with Dulux for 2026.

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Winner of the top prize in 2025, as well as the Reuse and Renovation category, is Sergeant’s Cottage by Guy Tarrant Architects. Originally intended as temporary accommodation while client Luke Pierson built a new house up the back for himself and his family, this project has surprised everybody with its delightful scale, attention to detail and sense of romance. Pierson lives between two buildings here: a restored 1940s cottage, now repurposed as living space; and an identically scaled 33-square-metre “sleepout” that houses a bedroom and bunkroom. As well as being beautiful, it’s daring in its way, challenging notions of how much space we really need for family life.

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Our runner-up, BB House by Upoko Architects, sits on an almost impossible site in Island Bay. With multiple overlays and a very public walkway to the north, the house manages to create a sense of privacy and generosity, despite its tiny footprint. Built to a three-metre grid, interior spaces measure just 27 square metres, while a screened deck occupies a further nine square metres. Clever planning, rich colours and darkly stained timber give the house a sense of sophistication and generosity that belies its small stature.

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We’re looking forward to showing you both of these houses. Order your tickets today – it’ll be sure to sell out.

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Open Home Wellington

Sergeant’s Cottage by Guy Tarrant Architects; BB House by Upoko Architects

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Where:

Worser Bay and Island Bay, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

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When:

Saturday 14 March, 2026; sessions from 9.30am

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