Capana Group

Deep retrofits can transform existing homes into low-carbon, healthy places to live.
 
This project with One Tree Hill College upgraded a former Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities state house to achieve HomeStar 7 (v5), improving health, comfort and energy efficiency. At the same time, the design team focused on:
 
- Retaining as much of the original structure and cladding as possible

- Applying low-carbon design strategies and materials

- Working with local trades and supply chains

- Improving thermal comfort and weathertightness
 

The result: a healthier, drier home with 33% less embodied carbon than a full rebuild, proving retrofit can deliver both better living standards and lower climate impacts.
 

Francisco will be speaking about LCAlink for the upcoming Life Cycle Assessment Tools Overview Webinar hosted by Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects

The webinar aims to provide an introductory overview of some of the more commonly used Life Cycle Assessment Tools in NZ and is a great chance to learn about the benefits and practical use of the different tools available.

🗓️ 12pm, December 5th

See more and register online at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sv_oDWMwRoO28LYPrNSYCw #/registration

You can also contact us at anytime with questions about LCAlink at [email protected]

A few months back, I had the honour of giving a lecture on architectural detailing at the University of Auckland. The focus was on refining skills and understanding the art of communication.

Grateful for the positive feedback, and looking ahead to more opportunities like this!

OPEN LECTURE

Cath Carbajal will be off to Thailand Vetiver Network International Conference in a couple weeks to present her paper “How to facilitate faster uptake/acceptance of Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT)” This is an opportunity to experience it locally before she leaves!

All welcome!

Abstract
This presentation addresses ways to facilitate faster uptake and acceptance of vetiver grass technology (VGT). VGT offers numerous benefits for sustainable development, such as soil conservation, erosion control, phytoremediation, and wastewater treatment. Despite its potential, the adoption of this technology faces many challenges, including: lack of awareness; inadequate knowledge and misguided concepts; excessive costs related to plants and labour; and limited access to planting materials. Various issues have been identified and this presentation looks at possible strategies to overcome common problems with some innovative responses and by adopting a more accommodating approach.
This paper is written through a personal lens.

Catherine Carbajal