Biophilia
We share a deep, innate connection with nature, developed over millions of years of evolution that has attuned us to the natural world. For many, this bond is most vividly expressed in the simple beauty …
Read More →We share a deep, innate connection with nature, developed over millions of years of evolution that has attuned us to the natural world. For many, this bond is most vividly expressed in the simple beauty …
Read More →Vision is one of our key senses and is enhanced by light from direct, reflected and artificial sources. Light allows us to notice our environment and can enhance architecture.
Natural and artificial light illuminate colours and …
Read More →Tadelakt:
Tadelakt is a type of natural, lime-based plaster originating in the Marrakech region of Morocco.
It provides a solution for finishing that is kind to the environment and to our health, while providing a beautiful and …
Read More →Something that Aotearoa has an endless supply of is sheep. That is why this insulation material – essentially a by-product of one of our biggest exports – is not only a sustainable material option, but …
Read More →Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is one of the most significant types of engineered wood product recently developed for structural applications. [1]Constructed from layers of timber glued together in opposing directions, it can also be …
Read More →Continuing the conversation on natural building materials, is an overview of clay plaster. Clay could be considered a vernacular New Zealand building material, given our land’s richness of the substance. It can sometimes be used …
Read More →Trees play a large role in New Zealand’s vernacular architecture. It is hard to beat locally grown and harvested native, naturally durable timber to facilitate our demand for sustainable construction.The awareness and demand for naturally …
Read More →Longevity of a building is rooted in its materiality. We want our buildings to stand the test of time, and we often go the extra mile to separate our buildings from the elements. What would …
Read More →What is Ishibatate?Traditional Japanese timber frame construction set the standard for what holistic architecture could be. All materials are natural, sustainably sourced, and replenished after harvest. They are handled sustainably during all the stages of …
Read More →What is Universal Design?‘Universal Design’ is a term coined by architect Ronald L. Mace. A wheelchair user from a young age due to Polio, he was acutely aware of the accessibility challenges posed by most …
Read More →We’re always on the lookout for healthier and toxin-free materials to specify in our projects. And we want our outdoor environments to be as healthy as our indoor environments.Macrocarpa is a species that provides low …
Read More →Creating healthy environments is the highest priority for us, we are continuously looking for the healthiest, toxin-free materials we can find. These include the materials used as substrates for our finishes – wellness should be embedded …
Read More →Our work is aimed at improving people’s lives, so we’re always looking to incorporate low-carbon, chemical-free solutions into our projects. Thankfully more solutions are surfacing all the time, including for foundation design.
Screw piles are one …
Read More →As part of the race to upgrade the building industry and lessen our carbon footprint, a new service is available that estimates your project’s expected carbon output. This service is in the form of a carbon …
Read More →Recycling and Brand IdentityRecycling is not only an ethical and planet-friendly activity, but it can support brand identity for businesses as well.Designing your place of business with the intention of reusing materials creates an identity …
Read More →Straw bale construction is by no means a new building method, but it’s humble and simple methodology is sustainable, regenerative, and carbon-smart.Essentially a waste material, it is also cost-effective and easy to come by. It …
Read More →Companies across the world are attempting to heal our Earth by using mushrooms to tackle a multitude of planet-harming industries.More specifically, the root-structure of mushrooms – known as Mycelium. Mycelium gets combined with other natural substances …
Read More →Worm-based septic tanks use the power of nature to provide a passive, low-energy and reliable method of wastewater treatment. These tanks comprise an engineered ecosystem that mimics the way nature breaks down and decomposes organic matter …
Read More →Did they really say that?! No, surely not? So what are Architects all about?(read PDF)
Read More →A building project is a significant commitment and investment. It’s also a great opportunity to create spaces designed specifically for you. Your needs and circumstances drive the project; your hopes and dreams are invested in …
Read More →Windows with tilt and turn functionality are commonplace in Europe and are now gaining popularity amongst discerning architects, designers and property owners in New Zealand. The tilt and turn is a joinery system designed to give …
Read More →Roof windows are a great way to increase the amount of light and ventilation in your home. Options are available in a range of sizes as well as partial opening with some rain protection. …
Read More →Unwanted sound affects both our health and well-being. It’s not losing our hearing that we need to worry about but it’s time to address the impact sound has on our moods, cognition and behaviour in …
Read More →Wool is a natural and effective material in reducing high noise levels and reverberation issues common to open plan and multi-purpose spaces. Plentiful, sustainable and needing no chemicals, wool really is the wonder product that …
Read More →“Wellbeing, one of the fastest growing global trends in Design”, here Ash Buchanan from Cohere, defines what Wellbeing is and how the chosen design process can positively influence it. (read PDF)
Read More →The Italian for ‘baked earth’, terracotta continues to be a staple building material around the world. This hard-wearing clay-based ceramic comes in different shades and shapes and can be used for building projects both indoors …
Read More →Traditional spa pools are a luxury item which are usually costly to run and need chemicals to counter the higher risk of harbouring bacteria in warm water.
Stainless steel hot tubs provide a durable, low …
Read More →The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. While they do cost more upfront than traditional incandescent or halogen lights, they last a lot longer which means less buying …
Read More →Photovoltaic or PV glass windows generate free and clean electricity thanks to the sun. Less obtrusive than installing traditional solar panels, PV glass windows seamlessly integrate solar energy generation into your building project.
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Read More →Hemp* is one of the strongest and most durable natural textile fibres and is used for a range of products from rope, clothing to building materials. It is make using the fibres from the stalks …
Read More →Used for centuries, Hemp* is one of the most sustainable building materials and one of nature’s strongest fibres. (*the Hemp used in construction is not the same kind of cannabis which gets all the publicity …
Read More →Shou sugi ban is the ancient Japanese technique that preserves wood by charring it. Also known as yakisugi – it began as a way to fireproof fencing and façades of rural homes and storehouses.
Traditionally, …
Read More →Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth. Its ability to regenerate to full size in just 3 years makes it an eco-friendly building material plus it loves poor and otherwise unproductive soils.
This is …
Read More →Acrylic Solid Surface is available in New Zealand under a number of brand names such as Laminex Solid Surface, Tristone and Corian. under a number of brand names such as Laminex Solid Surface, …
Read More →Natural swimming pools are pools that use plants and other biofilters instead of chemicals to keep the water clean.
Developed in Europe, natural pools are divided into two zones: the swimming area and a …
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