Page 26 - IB September 2024
P. 26
Building and Construction Building and Construction
P R O U D L Y
the challenge is not just about surviving storms but about
100% planning for a future where such events are the norm.
For young architects like Tualagi Nokise, who won the
All roads lead New South Wales’ Architects Medallion in 2022 for his thesis
on sustainable building in Fiji, the focus is on designing
to Flame Tree. infrastructure that is not only cyclone-resistant but also
environmentally sustainable.
The preferred choice for high quality Nokise’s project, Niu Growth: The In-Between, uses
Infrastructure and Civil Engineering projects traditional materials like local mahogany and vesi timber
while incorporating modern cyclone-proof techniques such as
in Fiji and the South Pacific. cyclone roof bracing and trusses for cross-ventilation.
“My research was profoundly influenced by my experience
Flame Tree Developments is Fiji’s and the Pacific growing up in the Pacific,” says Nokise.
Islands’ elite provider of Specialist Engineering “I’ve seen the damage that cyclones leave behind, but
Construction, Contracting and Quarry aggregate I’ve also witnessed the resilience of our people. That’s what
supply. Our extensive experience and specialist I’m trying to capture in my work - how architecture can help
teams can manage and deliver your project to communities recover and thrive.”
exceed your expectation. According to Nokise, the projects not only reduce the
carbon footprint of structures, but they also support the
region’s economy by adopting local materials and techniques.
“We’re creating jobs and reducing reliance on imported,
high-carbon building materials,” Nokise added.
Challenges in green building
Despite the progress being made, Pacific nations still face
significant challenges in their green building efforts.
One of the major hurdles is the competition from lower-
priced Chinese building materials, which have flooded the
market.
Ba Industries Pte Limited, a Fijian construction company,
SPECIALIST PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION | ROADING says lower-priced Chinese materials are less environmentally
| QUARRY AND AGGREGATE SUPPLY | MOBILE ROCK friendly but far more affordable.
CRUSHING | EARTHMOVING | WATER SUPPLY “The demand for Fijian-made products has decreased
| UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE | PROJECT because customers are opting for cheaper Chinese
MANAGEMENT | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE alternatives,” says Sanjay Badgujar, General Manager of Ba
| BEER SPECIALISTS Industries Pte Limited.
“It’s difficult to compete on price, but we’re focusing on
the quality and sustainability of our products, like cyclone-
certified shutters and local timber structures.”
Badgujar remains hopeful that awareness can be raised
about the advantages of locally produced, sustainable building
materials.
“We need to make people understand that quality and
sustainability come at a cost - but it’s an investment in the
future,” he adds.
Blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation
In Niue, architects are also looking to balance tradition with
innovation.
In January 2024, Anthony Liuvaie, a Niuean architect based
in Wellington, held a presentation in Aliluki, Niue, focused on
OFFICE 675 0995 PATRICK 896 7731 sustainable rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Heta.
GLENN 992 0334 ANDREW 999 3324 Liuvaie’s research investigated the integration of resilient
WEB flametree.com.fj materials like bamboo and native trees into modern
EMAIL contactus@flametree.com.fj construction.
“One of the key solutions we discussed was planting trees,
26 Islands Business, September 2024
