How could we unlock the potential of state housing backyards? Could these overlooked spaces be transformed into new homes? This is what 2024 F Gordon Wilson Fellowship recipient Patrick Kelly set out to discover through his year-long research project ‘Paint the Town Blue’.

Now working in Australia, Patrick describes himself as “New Zealand born, and Ireland raised”. He has worked on architecture projects for public housing in Wellington and surrounding areas.

Patrick: “Through Paint the Town Blue, I’m exploring how we can unlock the hidden potential of public-housing backyards, using the Bluefield model of gentle infill to create new homes and shared spaces without losing the character of existing suburbs”.

“The project brings together data, maps, and design ideas from over 40,000 Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities sites across the country — testing what’s possible when we think about density differently. Having the opportunity to present this work at Parliament reinforced (to me) how important design research can be in shaping better housing policy and outcomes. Ngā mihi to everyone who’s supported this journey — colleagues at Breathe Architecture, mentors, and the NZIA for making this research possible — and a special thank you to the NZIA Fellowship Jury for their support and belief in this work”.

Through compact homes and shared communal spaces, the study shows how everyday housing land can quietly grow into stronger, more sustainable communities. In September, Patrick presented this work at Parliament at an event celebrating the 2025 F. Gordon Wilson Fellowship recipients, opened by Hon. Christopher Bishop. The 2025 shortlist is viewable here It includes a proposal from UDF member Graeme Scott for a new mixed-use precinct in Auckland, and from Construkt Architects – also related to infill.

You can check out Patrick’s emerging findings on this new website, including research and interactive maps: paintthetownbluenz.com