AM wins at Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Awards 2025 - 1
CLIENT

Family Trust

LOCATION

Grey Lynn, Auckland

COMPLETED

2024

CATEGORY

Residential

AWARDS

2025 Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Award – Housing

Infill housing done well – a new home which maximises the potential of a challenging and compact inner Auckland rear site.

AM wins at Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Awards 2025 - 2

Tucked into a steep, native tree-lined site in Grey Lynn, Sefton House redefines what’s possible for compact family living in the inner suburbs.

Inspired by Wellington’s hillside suburbs, this 150m² family home carefully steps with the land—maximising light, views, and privacy, while preserving native vegetation.

AM wins at Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Awards 2025 - 3
AM wins at Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Awards 2025 - 4
AM wins at Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Awards 2025 - 5

Black Colorsteel cladding and oiled cedar create a striking yet understated exterior, while warm plywood and timber interiors bring a natural, inviting feel. A true exemplar of infill housing done right, proving that compact homes can be both thoughtful and beautiful.

AM wins at Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Awards 2025 - 6

2025 Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Award Jury Citation:

“This is a welcoming family home that manages to overcome its steep and constrained context. Informed by Wellington housing typologies, the architect-owners have created a sectionally rich, raking gabled house that feels much larger than its modest size and unlocks expansive south-west views. Plywood wall linings and timber floors make for a warm and glowing interior, offsetting the more recessive and prosaic metal exterior cladding.”

AM wins at Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Awards 2025 - 7
AM wins at Te Kahui Whaihanga Auckland Architecture Awards 2025 - 8
PROJECT TEAM
  • Ben Sando
  • Pam Sando
  • Simon Arms