Category: Sustainability
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228: The Shape of Sustainable Architecture
Architects shape the places where they work. Good Architects are also shaped themselves by their surrounding environment. For Chaney & Norman Architects, responding respectively to the natural environment of Central Otago is fundamental to their work. Living and working in Wanaka, Beth Chaney is very conscious of being part of a place that most people…
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225: Good Wood
After studying Japanese and international business, Daniel Gudsell’s plan was to go to Japan and sell New Zealand produced milk, but he ended up selling wood in the South Pacific, an enterprise that led to the creation of Abodo Wood. In places like Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga Daniel witnessed the increasing demand for building timber.…
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224: Why are we so far behind?
I’ve heard it said that New Zealand and Australian are a decade or two behind the US and that the US is a further decade behind Europe when it comes to the quality of our buildings. That leaves us with a lot of catching up to do. Why are we so far behind? I’m not…
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223: Sustainable Architecture
Throughout her career, Anne SalmnoIn has always been interested in sustainable architecture. In 2019 she was made a Distinguished Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, a high honour available to a maximum of only ten people at any one time. As a trailblazer throughout her career, Anne is a worthy recipient of this…
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218: An Airtight ECO-Block House in Tauranga
Simon Cator of Pro Clima New Zealand recently caught up with Kirstie Brown at a sustainable house that Kirstie has built using ECO-Block Insulation Concrete Forms (ICF) in Tauranga. Simon finds out about the advantages of using ECO-Blocks and how an airtight construction is already contributing to great performance. This episode and accompanying article originally…
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216: Studio Origami
I’m always interested in the perceptions of architects and builders who have been trained or have experienced living in Europe and then come to the Southern Hemisphere. Their reaction to typical houses in New Zealand and Australia usually involves a level of disbelief. A common sentiment is that they’ve never been colder, despite this being…
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215: Building Biology
As a trained biologist, Joachim Herrmann describes the science of life as “endlessly fascinating”. Sustainability has always interested him and when he heard about Building Biology he wanted to know more. Joachim now offers a range of services and products through his company, Building Biology Services. He aims to make homes, workplaces and buildings healthier…
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214: Energy Efficient Homes
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Robert Whitehouse is Director of Whitehouse Builders and Energy Efficient Homes. He started as an apprentice carpenter in the UK where he gained experience in a range of building work from making kitchens through to working on commercial sites. He also did a bit of building in Germany. When he came to New Zealand, he…
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211 Energy Architecture
Guy Shaw originally trained in Architecture in Wellington, New Zealand. But it was his experience working in the UK that introduced him to more sustainable design and lead him to become a Certified Passive House Designer.
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208: OMEGA Windows and Doors
Aluminium is stable, completely recyclable and relatively abundant, but it’s also a great conductor of heat. It’s the dominant choice of material for window and door frames in New Zealand, accounting for 90% of the market. But how can you make it a more sustainable choice? OMEGA Windows and Doors offers some good options. Dyann…