Our changing architectural landscapes
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New building materials and philosophies are changing the way we're building houses – and that's good news for the future. The diversity of landscapes and climatic conditions across New Zealand not only has a huge impact on our lifestyles, but also undoubtedly acts upon our psyches in subtle ways, helping to define our sense of ‘home', whether that be the coast, the city, or farm. But it's not just the natural landscape that enters our psyche and says ‘you belong here'. Consider the impact that our architectural landscape plays in creating our sense of place. What could be more fundamental to our sense of who we are and where we come from than the homes we chose to build and live our lives in? In New Zealand, weatherboard homes have historically been the quintessential residential style. Of course, a wide variety of other ‘imported' architectural styles, have had their periods of popularity – in recent years, most notably, the ‘Mediterranean-look'. Originally intended to make a statement of difference, in some areas it has now become almost ‘standard'. While the style may suit regions with a ‘med-like' climate, in less gentle climates it is now increasingly seen as misplaced. Today, there is a growing recognition among architects, builders and enlightened homeowners, that good design is not something that can be appropriated, but rather something that should evolve in response to our own landscapes, climates and lifestyles. Not only that, but they should use materials that have a low environmental impact and are sustainable. In New Zealand, a new style of architecture is evolving using combinations of exterior cladding materials – and James Hardie products are proving an increasingly popular choice - with Linea® Weatherborads being combined with panel products like Titan® Facade Panel and Hardiflex® Sheets, and with Monotek® Sheets to create a distinctive architectural style that is appropriate to the often harsh coastal environments. It's the sort of development that vice president of Architectural Designers New Zealand, Fraser Gillies supports wholeheartedly. “Gradually more and more architects and designers are starting to realise the importance of accommodating their environment, both in terms of design and materials. They're beginning to rate products for their environmental characteristics, in terms of being sustainable in the New Zealand climate, rather than purely because of how they look. “It's part of a bigger picture that's seeing local, colloquial designs being favoured over ones that are borrowed from overseas but don't necessarily suit our lifestyles.” Read more articles related to this story...
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