Kingsbury
Glasshouse
Project

AS SEEN ON GRAND DESIGNS NEW ZEALAND

TOUR THE HOUSE
COME SPEND A NIGHT OR TWO!

Tessa Kingsbury

Architect • Gardener • Sheep Enthusiast

Hi. I’m Tessa.

Recently, I built my dream ‘forever’ home out of a leaky old Sunday School Hall in Dunedin (New Zealand) and this awesome show called Grand Designs decided to buckle up and join me for the journey…

This website is where I will share that amazing journey, reveal some history, show you what was involved and keep you updated with the glasshouse development and other gloriously green details.

Come and join me, my little Buddy and big boy Rex.

READ MORE

Supreme Award – Winner 2024

“… the judges were in agreement that this project stood out above the others. What identifies a Supreme Winner is a sense of surprise, a shock that a problem, perhaps not an unusual one, can have been so skilfully solved in a way that might not have been expected and yet is completely convincing. 2024’s Supreme Winner, the Kingsbury Glasshouse Project, achieves all this – and more.”

READ THE ARTICLE

Come and meet Buddy! He’d love to see you…

Buddy was born on September 5th 2022 and had a rough start to life after being rejected by his mother. He was lucky to find himself on Tessa’s doorstep and after 2 days of ’round the clock care – he rallied and they’ve been inseparable since.

MORE ABOUT BUDDY

The Glasshouse

 

The glasshouse occupies the area between the one-bedroom residence (on the former stage) and the loft style guest studio (at the original entrance) and takes the lion’s share of the building footprint.

LEARN MORE

The Flora

The glasshouse is the main element of this design ‘dish’ and invites gorgeous sunlight into the residence end which opens directly off of it. While it is expected to morph over time as the main trees establish… it will always remain Tessa’s favourite playground.

LEARN MORE

   Ooooh – check out what they’re saying…

* Twice! 

“Grand Designs NZ: Ambitious glasshouse build…”

READ THE ARTICLE

“Grand Designs NZ: We rank this year’s projects.”

(Spoiler alert – we’re number 1… EEEH!!)

READ THE ARTICLE

“Dunedin Hospital architect’s glasshouse home features on Grand Designs NZ”

READ THE ARTICLE

“The Kingsbury Glasshouse Project”

READ THE ARTICLE

"Best Airbnb we’ve been to yet. The place is beautiful and each detail was very thoughtfully put together. The vibes are impeccable and we barely wanted to explore Dunedin because the space was so relaxing and cozy. Tessa was a fantastic host as well. She made sure we were set for our stay and checked in a few times through our trip, providing tips, recommendations, and a few snacks. She is also genuinely friendly, funny, and pleasant to talk to. We could have talked to her a lot more as well, lol. We would rate more than 5 stars if we could and would happily stay here again but maybe for a bit longer next time."

Daniel • Albuquerque, New Mexico

"Tessa's architectural gift is on full display with what she's done with The Glasshouse... and her work ethic, determination and sheer grit made this gorgeous building a reality. I can't wait to see it in a few years, when the trees and gardens have matured! Also – BUDDY!! Can he be any cuter?!"

Pepper • Nashville, Tennessee

"Staying in an architectural masterpiece with the architect was an amazing experience. The place was perfect down to a tee in terms of accommodation standards. Meeting Tessa was an honour – delightful person. Buddy is adorable. Well situated in terms of getting around. Can’t say enough good things about it!!"

Tara • Sydney, Australia

TOUR THE HOUSE
COME SPEND A NIGHT OR TWO!

Sign Up & Stay Informed!

Be the first to hear about news and happenings at The Glasshouse!