A Pāuatahanui home transformed from a tired Lockwood dwelling into a contemporary family house has won recognition at the 2026 Wellington regional ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards.
Deviation House was designed by Esekia Faiga, a registered architect and co-founder of Pou Architecture.
The project expanded the rural two-storey home from a 125-square-metre footprint to 314 square metres, creating more space for a growing family while retaining the original building.
A new open-plan kitchen and living area became the centre of the house. The redevelopment also added a rumpus room and double-garage workshop at ground level.
Pou Architecture said the design was based on “deviation”, deliberately moving away from the constraints of the original Lockwood layout.
The old and new parts of the house are distinguished through their form and materials. A curved brick base anchors the building, while dark Abodo timber cladding and large windows define the upper levels.
Inside, previously compartmentalised rooms were reconfigured to improve light, flexibility and connections between living spaces.
The project team included structural engineers StrucD and main contractor NZ Proud Property Improvements. The completed house was photographed by Ashley Alexander Agency.
Faiga is Samoan-born and has more than a decade of experience in architecture. Before co-founding Pou Architecture, he worked at CCM Architects and was involved in designing and managing the Samoa High Commission’s chancery building in Wellington.
Deviation House was one of eight projects recognised at the regional awards on 21 August. It will represent the Wellington region at the National ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards in Auckland on 30 October.
