Zola Rose interviews Magda Garbarczyk from Fine Line Architecture about the 'Straw Lines' project, a modular housing system using low carbon materials like straw and timber to address New Zealand's housing crisis, climate change, unhealthy and expensive building materials, and waste from the agricultural sector.

The project aims to reconnect traditional building methods with modern practices, promote community involvement, and reduce environmental impact.

Magda, alongside collaborator Min Hall, discusses their design competition entry focused on carbon-negative construction that uses locally sourced materials and prefabricated straw panels, making housing construction faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, they explore the potential for community-led and neighbourhood-scale building initiatives to enhance affordability and sustainability.

Links: 

https://www.finelinearchitecture.co.nz/projects/strawlines

https://www.commonground.net.nz/

https://thehousinginnovationsociety.com/

00:49 The Relevance of Sustainable Building Materials

02:10 Magda Gik's Architectural Journey

03:09 Project Collaboration and Research

06:26 Historical Context of Building Traditions in Aotearoa

07:44 Straw Lines: Design and Implementation

10:24 Research and Development of Prefabricated Panels

17:57 Community Involvement and Future Vision

21:52 Q&A Session: Addressing Audience Queries