Halvorsen Architects’ interest lies in modern design and how it may sympathetically be integrated into its context. The practice does this by letting its design philosophy govern everything from the planning strategy to the choice of materials and their careful detailing. Our buildings harmonise with their surroundings, both urban and rural.

At Halvorsen Architects you will get continuous one-to-one involvement of the principal. We take time and care to fully understand our clients' needs. We listen. By analysing a brief from first principles, we try to exceed our clients' aspirations in the quality of work we produce. By taking more care at the design stage we bring long term value, as well as pleasure to the buildings' users.

Halvorsen Architects believes that building sustainably not only benefits future generations but a building's current occupants. Wherever possible we introduce "green" features, such as use of daylight, non-toxic materials and breathable walls, to create a healthier and more comfortable internal environment. Breathable walls, for example, control a building's indoor air quality by naturally regulating humidity levels. They therefore reduce the risk of common complaints such as asthma.

Halvorsen Architects' emphasis is on reducing the energy demands of a building, so the source of that energy becomes less important. This is mainly done by super-insulation and natural cooling.

There is a misconception that green buildings cost more. They do not have to. Many of sustainable features that have a greater capital cost have a pay back and therefore are more economic in the long term, for example geothermal heating. Halvorsen Architects can look at this whole lifetime cost for you.