A growing collection of articles, links, guides and inspiration that resonate with us here at Fineline. Influences that shape our thoughts and drive our designs spanning architecture, materials, urban design, art, nature, objects and other fine things.
NZGBC’s practical guide to upfront carbon reductions
This NZGBC practical guide to upfront carbon reductions launched in December covers ways to significantly reduce carbon in materials and construction processes.
podcast interview with the nelson pod
Magda got invited by the Nelson Pod podcast to talk about what motivates her, Fineline’s vision, and the need for a systematic change to curb urban sprawl.
Scott & JEss from Scott brown Carpentry
If you're contemplating whether to involve an architect in your renovation project, we believe the answer is quite clear. But don't just take our word for it!
Jess and Scott from Scott Brown Carpentry explain why they chose to collaborate with us and discuss the value of good design in their own renovation project.
opinion: size matters
As individual citizens who believe a radical change is needed in the way we design and live in our cities, it may feel daunting to realise that a lot of top-down decisions being made by government and local councils seem a world apart from where we need to be heading in order to meet our Carbon Zero target.
It is crucial, therefore, that we all take the opportunities we have to voice our concerns.
opinion: the silent sprawl (Stuff)
For as long as I can remember, my life in architectural education and practice has revolved around reflecting on the value of architecture.
Good design increases well-being, strengthens connections and can be a significant factor in tackling social and environmental issues.
stuff interview
Every tonne of grain produced in New Zealand yields the same weight in straw. Using this straw differently – and more widely – to build homes in New Zealand would not only cut the harmful gases released by burning the crop residue, it would lead to homes that emitted less carbon, during construction and after, and that cost less to build and heat than houses typically built now.
stuff article
A plan for homes made with straw-filled timber panels has won an international architecture competition, and support for a potential prototype in the Nelson region.
The Kiwi-designed “Strawlines” project took joint first prize in the competition run by London based organisation, INTBAU, (International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism).
Strawlines x mission Zero
A modular housing system with straw panels.
A Climate Leaders’ Programme project, Strawlines is a modular housing system that addresses Aotearoa New Zealand’s most pressing issues of climate change and a chronic housing crisis.
Strawlines featured in the Architectural Review
Competition results: INTBAU Architecture Challenge 2022 winners revealed.
The Strawlines team were awarded for their housing proposal for Te Waipounamu in New Zealand. Tackling climate change and a chronic housing shortage, the team proposed a new vernacular in their designs for a modular low carbon housing system, using straw and timber in structural insulated panels.
first prize in international design competition
Winner of the 2022 INTBAU Architecture Challenge!
Strawlines presents a fresh and homegrown housing model that combines vernacular traditions with future-focused building practices, providing a way forward in response to the housing crisis and climate emergency.