User-oriented architecture

By Natasha Parrant

CA Architecture specialises in energy-efficient residential and commercial designs using thermal construction techniques for new homes, renovations, extensions, or commercial.

It offers boutique architectural designs to clients with unique desires. The team carefully plans and designs, so they can turn their client’s dream home or space into a reality.

The team goes beyond the New Zealand building code’s minimum requirements, reduces operational costs and maximises energy efficiency because healthy homes are beneficial for clients and the planet.

The team manages building costs and keeps their clients up-to-date about the entire process from the get-go. They enjoy designing various buildings and homes and particularly love creating high-quality, passive, energy-efficient homes all over Aotearoa.

CA Architecture uses modern technologies and concepts during the design process to improve a building’s function and its occupants’ health.

The company’s creative director/architectural designer, Casey Curtis, founded CA Architecture in January 2016.

“It’s a bit of a lacklustre story, but I started the business as I was a contract architectural designer to a housing company and became inundated with enquiries I couldn’t take on.

‘So, the decision was made to employ a team member and make a real go of it – and the rest is history,” Casey says.

The great thing about CA Architecture is it’s a proud active member of the super home movement as the team shares a passion for creating warmer, dryer, healthier, and more comfortable homes for occupants and the environment, Casey says.

Casey is a contributor and a part of the review team of The Healthy Home Design Guide, which was established through the super home movement aiming to educate others about improving the design and construction of homes through new concepts, technologies and techniques.

CA Arch is a “firm believer that our current housing stock is failing us and a major contributor to much of the airborne sickness we see today. Our homes have a direct impact on our health.”

The team is passionate about educating their clients about the perks of building a super home.

“One family in a healthy home is a step in the right direction.”

Education is important, Casey says. The more people are educated on the sustainable design factors and options available, the more healthy homes can be designed and built, and the healthier Aotearoa will become.

“Designing energy efficient ‘healthy homes’ for our clients is a clear passion for myself and our design team.”

The design guide is essential in creating a more sustainable way of building, and hopefully, it will become the new norm in Aotearoa, Casey says.

She has studied Passive House through the Passive House Academy New Zealand, so she’s an expert in the sustainable building practices field. Her team uses various available products and methods required to design and build healthy, energy efficient and passive homes.

“We are huge fans of Formance SIP panels and have been a lead design partner working closely with Formance for many years now.”

Casey loves working closely with her clients and designing.

“Being the vehicle to bring our client’s dreams and visions alive. Seeing their love and passion for the project come to life through our designs, and working closely with them - is beyond rewarding.

“The process of designing a home/building from scratch. You start with nothing but a site and bit by bit, the design comes to life before your eyes. I never tire of creating and designing homes and buildings. You never know quite where the design process will take you.”

Like any business, CA Architecture has faced many challenges. Running a business feels like a never-ending battle of overcoming challenges, Casey says.

“People are quick to assume that once you’re up and running, things are easy, or just because you’re doing well it’s all smooth sailing.

“I have come to realise, no matter what stage of business you’re in, no matter if you’re snowed under with work coming out your ears, or battling to find the next project, there are always and forever challenges and hurdles. The challenges and hurdles themselves just change.”

In February 2023, CA Architecture will launch its sister brand CA Plans – an architectural drafting service aimed at offering builders, developers and smaller budget clients a costeffective service and excellent product.

“We are excited to be able to showcase our completed man cave project in the coming months, along with an exciting multi-milliondollar South Canterbury home.

“We are looking forward to pushing into the commercial architectural market, in collaboration with and alongside our network of design professionals.” CT

CA Architecture

817 Colombo Street Christchurch (03) 344 3301 Casey: 0274426252 info@caarch.co.nz www.caarch.co.nz

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