Aladina Harunani - Striving for holistic, green sustainable architecture in NZ

Sustainable Architecture with a Physical & Spiritual Blend

Our mission at apa Architects & Project Managers is to work with people and the environment for a better world. We are strong believers in sustainable architecture. Apa in Maori means fold, layer or spiritual being. We partner with clients as a fold reflecting positive outcomes. We partner with builders and other consultants as a layer, reflecting help towards each other. We partner with the end users as spiritual beings seeking out greater good for a better world and environment with green, sustainable architecture.

Apa’s vision is to offer our services using a spiritual partnership through “co-operative” and collaboration principles. We use these principles to deliver projects worldwide that touch and enhance the lives of those who use our spaces.

We Embrace the Koru

Our business model, the koru, represents a newborn, unfurling fern frond and symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace.

We believe that beautifully encapsulates our philosophies of holistic, green, sustainable architecture.

Our Core Philosophies

A Holistic Design Philosophy

So, what is an holistic design philosophy? We feel that an holistic design philosophy explores and develops the functional relationship between an architectural space and the environment ‘as a whole’. A holistic architectural design will often focus on the protection of the Earth’s resources, as well as incorporating elements of spirituality. The ultimate aim of holistic design is to create spaces that enrich the quality of the environment and the lives of those who use them.

With a strong belief in sustainable architecture, apa Architects seek to minimize the negative environmental impact of our designs and where possible, use our designs to enhance the environment. Sustainable architecture is a conscious philosophy of energy and ecological conservation in the design of architectural spaces.

Only through ideas of sustainability, green architecture and ecological design can we ensure that our actions today do not inhibit the lives of future generations.

Islamic architecture embraces a range of secular and religious styles from the foundation of Islam right through to the present day. These styles influence the design and shaping of buildings and spaces in Islamic culture and beyond. Prominent Islamic architectural buildings such as Mosques, Palaces, Schools and other urban spaces are great examples of islamic architectural styles. The design and contruction of these buildings saw Islamic architecture developed a rich ‘vocabulary’ that was also used for buildings and spaces of a smaller scale, such as public baths, fountains and domestic architecture.

Born and raised in Mombasa, one of Kenya’s largest tourist and multicultural centres both my wife, Shiffa and I share a rich heritage. Mombasa is rich with multicultural food, architecture and education. The city is still noted for being the gateway to East and Central Africa through its busy port. Arabs, Portuguese, early Bantu settlers were met with our Indian fore fathers well before the British arrived. Churches, Hindu Temples, Mosques can be found in almost every suburb. Thus celebrating each other’s festivities and culture is normal and very complimenting. We lead a balanced spiritual and practical way of life through our Multicultural learning. Our strong faith allows us to reflect, understand and associate with other people who embrace elements of spirituality in their lives. We are always keen to identify the spiritual requirements of each client’s architectural needs. As architects, we are only holding the pen as the captain does on the boat. The result speaks louder than words and we believe that all of our projects have inherent spirituality brought out from each client who invited and engaged us.