Light Catcher

A reimagined Grey Lynn villa by Jose Gutierrez Architects, transformed into a contemporary urban retreat centred around light, space and a tranquil courtyard.

Unassuming from the street, Light Catcher retains the character of the original villa while revealing a distinctly contemporary interior. Behind the traditional façade, monolithic forms, natural materials and an inward-facing courtyard create a sense of calm and privacy within its urban setting.

Our approach was to capture not only the architecture, but the experience of being within the home. Light plays an important role throughout, so we photographed from morning through to dusk, following the changing light across the interior, courtyard and central water feature.

The contrast between the home and its Grey Lynn surroundings also shaped our approach to film. We moved from the energy and bustle of the neighbourhood into the quieter spaces within, reflecting the sense of retreat at the heart of Light Catcher.