Specialising in High-Performance and Passive Homes where elevated design meets performance.


Tawa is a well-established, multi-disciplinary architectural design firm based in Cambridge, Waikato.

TAWA Architecture is led by Director & Designer Brooke Cholmondeley-Smith. With over 25 years of national and international experience, Brooke brings exceptional expertise in architectural and interior design, specialising in high-performance and Passive Homes, as well as SIPs construction. TAWA Architecture are dedicated to all aspects of design and sustainable technologies, ensuring that every project combines innovation, efficiency, and beautiful design.

Certified Passive House Designers

As Certified Passive House Designers, TAWA is passionate about creating homes that are both enduring in design and highly sustainable. Brooke achieved Passive House Certification and completed the first Passive House in the Waikato in 2011. As pioneers in this building method, TAWA is dedicated to using the latest technology to ensure homes are timeless, incredibly energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Passive Homes offer superior energy efficiency, exceptional indoor air quality, and enhanced thermal comfort - setting the standard in sustainable living.

High-Performance Homes

Specialists in designing high-performance residential homes, Tawa Architecture ensures the success of their projects by partnering and aligning with Certified Passive House Tradesmen. This crucial collaboration between a qualified builder and designer guarantees that every detail is meticulously planned and executed, resulting in homes that achieve the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. By incorporating advanced building techniques and materials, TAWA Architecture’s expertise ensures reduced energy consumption, lower utility costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. Their high-performance designs also prioritise durability, strength, and overall occupant well-being, creating healthier and more sustainable living environments.

SIPs Construction

Tawa’s knowledge and understanding of Passive principles strongly informs their design approach giving them a critical understanding of thermal modelling using PHPP software, airtight and thermal-bridge free construction. This experience enables them to seamlessly integrate these principles into the SIPs framework which offers them a huge advantage to deliver exceptionally built bespoke architecturally designed homes that are not only beautiful but outperform standard methods of construction on many levels.

Interior Design

Brooke and his wife Amie, who brings over 20 years of experience in diverse design applications, work together to curate stunning interior spaces. Their interior schemes seamlessly reflect the architectural stories of the homes they design, ensuring every detail complements the overall aesthetic. Tawa thrives on the details and the use of quality, enduring materials paired with a sophisticated palette to create bespoke solutions for their clients.