In a world increasingly focused on environmental stewardship and human well-being, natural building materials are gaining recognition for their ability to create homes that honor both people and the planet. Materials such as straw panels, untreated macrocarpa timber, lime plaster, hemp, rammed earth, and charred timber offer a path to designing spaces that are regenerative, efficient, and deeply connected to nature.

2024 has been a year of growth, challenges, and remarkable achievements for Alki Design Architecture Studio. As a women-owned, Wanaka-based architecture firm, our ethos of people, planet, performance, poetry continues to guide every project, collaboration, and decision we make. In this blog, we want to take a moment to celebrate the people who make Alki Design thrive—the clients who trust us, the consultants who bring expertise, the educators and mentors who inspire, and our own talented team led by our founder and architect, Charlotte.

Architecture has evolved over millennia, shaping human civilization and reflecting cultural, political, and technological shifts. From the rudimentary shelters of prehistoric people to the fluid, computational designs of Parametricism, each style tells a story of its time. This blog explores key architectural styles across history, shedding light on how they influenced modern built environments.

At Alki Design, every project is more than just architecture—it’s an exploration of how we connect with the world around us. This philosophy isn’t just limited to the spaces we create; it extends to the art that inspires our process. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our upcoming collection of art prints, a visual representation of our design journey and the landscapes that fuel it. In this blog, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes of this collection and share how each print captures the spirit of nature, technology, and the creative process.

As global temperatures continue to rise, the challenge of keeping homes cool becomes increasingly significant. While air conditioning provides immediate relief, it is neither environmentally sustainable nor economically feasible for long-term use. Instead, harnessing solar techniques and passive solar innovations offers a sustainable and efficient solution to prevent homes from overheating. Here’s how you can do it -

Every year, as the weather turns colder, we’re reminded yet again about the sorry state of our homes. It’s a cycle we’re all too familiar with: the temperature drops, the rain pours, and our homes reveal their inadequacies in keeping us warm, dry, and healthy. Our health system battles with preventable illnesses exacerbated by homes that fail to provide a healthy environment. Damp, cold homes contribute to respiratory issues, infections, and other health problems that could be avoided with proper housing conditions. As energy costs soar, it seems the more we pay for heat, the more warmth (and money) slips through the cracks of our poorly insulated homes.

New Zealand’s performance-based Building Code was loosely derived from the Norwegian model and was New Zealand’s first nationwide Building Code. Before this, both central government and municipal authorities enforced building control legislation. While safety and structural issues were considered in the late nineteenth century, it took almost 100 years for a national building act to be established in 1991, with the New Zealand Building Code following in 1992. The performance code was selected over the common ‘prescriptive code’ to allow innovation and technology to be incorporated into New Zealand’s construction industry and to have a stronger focus on the durability of homes. However, B2 (durability) only covers 50 years, so homes built in the Pre, Inter, and Post War Eras are starting to degrade, requiring homeowners to retrofit, renovate, or simply live in dangerous, wet, cold, and toxic environments. With climate change redefining what ‘performance’ should mean in a building, retrofitting can offer significant benefits across various dimensions, including financial savings, improved health outcomes, and energy efficiency.

In our increasingly interconnected world, community services play a vital role in fostering well-being, equity, and sustainable development. From food and nutrition programs to crisis intervention and outreach services, these initiatives support diverse populations, including ethnic groups, tribes, and vulnerable individuals. However, their potential can be significantly enhanced by connecting with architecture. This integration can be further enriched by collaborations with university doctorates, specialists, clean energy initiatives, and developers. This blog explores how such synergistic partnerships can advance human evolution and equality, creating resilient, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

In a world where sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly crucial, the housing sector stands as a pivotal arena for change. New Zealand, known for its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to environmental preservation, is no stranger to this paradigm shift. Amidst rising concerns about climate change and escalating energy costs, the spotlight has turned towards innovative solutions in the realm of housing construction. One such solution gaining momentum is the development of high-performance and passive house homes. While the initial costs of constructing these homes may seem daunting, the long-term financial incentives and benefits they offer are truly compelling. Let’s delve into why investing in high-performance and passive house homes could be a game-changer for New Zealanders.

In the realm of architecture, there's a growing recognition that the built environment doesn't exist in isolation from the natural world—it's an integral part of it. From ancient civilizations to modern urban landscapes, architecture has always been shaped by and intertwined with nature. In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of biophilic design, exploring how architects are harnessing the principles of nature to create spaces that not only coexist with their surroundings but thrive within them.“The built environment doesn't exist in isolation from the natural world—it's an integral part of it.”

Architecture is often considered the silent poetry of form and the embodiment of philosophical ideas in physical space. It transcends mere functionality, serving as a canvas for human expression and a reflection of cultural values and beliefs. In this blog post, we'll explore the dual nature of architecture as both poetry and philosophy, examining how it evokes emotion, stimulates thought, and shapes our perception of the world around us.

In the pursuit of sustainable architecture and energy-efficient design, the adage "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link" rings particularly true. Every building is a complex system of interconnected elements, and the thermal performance of a structure is only as strong as its weakest detail. In this blog post, we'll explore why attention to detail is crucial for achieving high levels of energy efficiency in buildings and how overlooking small aspects can undermine the overall performance of a structure.

Kia Ora from Wanaka, New Zealand. The happy home of our Architectural Design firm ‘Alki Design’, our adventure playground, and the inspiration for Alki Design’s creative process. I’m thrilled to welcome you to our first blog. A platform where you’ll be introduced to the philosophy of Alki Design’s Architecture and our stories behind the scenes—where our passions prosper, innovations foster, culture connects us, and sustainability gets nerdy.