Is Concrete is Killing Us? Rethinking Architecture from the Ground Up – Ep 99 with Alexandra Nikolova and Jonas Aversøg
In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Alexandra Nikolova and Jonas Aversøg, founders of NA Architects in Copenhagen, for a bold conversation on the future of construction. Specializing exclusively in bio-based and recyclable materials, NA Architects is reimagining how buildings are made—from structural systems to interior finishes. Alexandra and Jonas share how their global journey, from China to London to Denmark, inspired them to challenge the conventions of concrete and steel. They dive into the potential of materials like hemp, straw, clay, cork, and even fish scales, exploring performance, cost, fire safety, and biophilic benefits. From stunning aesthetics to holistic building science, this episode is a masterclass in designing for humans and the planet—where every surface tells a story, and buildings evolve with time.
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More About Alexandra Nikolova and Jonas Aversøg
Alexandra Nikolova and Jonas Aaraø are the co-founder of n/a, an architecture and design studio based in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a strong international focus. Rooted in Scandinavian culture, the studio approaches design at all scales from a humanistic and pragmatic perspective, working exclusively with bio-based and recyclable building materials.
Both hold a Master of Science in Architecture from Aalborg University, Denmark, Alexandra and Jonas bring extensive experience from some of the world’s most renowned architecture and design offices in Beijing, London, and Copenhagen. Their approach to architecture integrates technical, artistic, and humanistic elements, shaping designs that are both functional and sustainable.
At n/a, sustainability is at the core of every project. The studio houses a curated collection of over 200 bio-based materials, categorized for all aspects of construction—from foundations to interiors. By investigating the past and understanding the present, the studio strives to create innovative, user-oriented solutions that contribute to a circular economy. Recently they founded a bio-based material company, Materials We Like, in order to support their architecture and design projects directly with supplying bio-based and low carbon materials from around the world directly to construction sites. With “Materials We Like” their commitment to not only thinking about a different type of architecture, but ensuring that they are executed and realised, is underlined. Through their leadership in these two companies working in tandem, they provide at full scope service for any client spanning all architecture and engineering disciplines and delivering the physical materials needed for the construction.
The studio’s guiding principle, "never boring / always biobased," reflects their commitment to redefining architecture through sustainable, forward-thinking design.
CONTACT:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-nikolova/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-aarsoe/
https://www.aboutna.com/
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