Philosophy - Halvorsen Architects

Halvorsen Architects’ interest lies in modern design and how it may sympathetically be integrated into its context. Our buildings harmonise with their surroundings, both urban and rural. We work with an interdisciplinary team of like-minded engineers, environmental engineers, landscape architects and artists.

However, the role of the architect is changing.

Building new isn’t always the answer. In this era of climate change and other environmental crises, we need to question the merit of new buildings and make better use of existing ones – prioritising retrofit, renovation and refurbishment. With a little imagination, and systematic design, we feel we can also add value to clients’ lives and buildings without building new.

Halvorsen Architects can help you design the best solution for your project, from site selection until after completion, to fine-tune the design and oversee post occupancy evaluation.

We will apply good design to do more with less, including adaptability for future flexibility.

This doesn’t solely apply to individuals but also to communities. Communities have the potential to share facilities including gardens, communal rooms, laundries and even energy systems

Holistic Approach

Halvorsen Architects believes that all new buildings should should have as little environmental harm as possible. Our buildings do not wear their green credentials on their outside; these aspects are fully integrated into the design concept. However, environment-friendliness does not emerge without some changes to traditional forms, and also in the choice of materials used. The practice provides consultancy on broader issues including: when it is more advisable to convert existing buildings and when to build new ones, from both an environmental and an economic standpoint; the transport ramifications of building on a remote greenfield site; and the impact of local geography and climatic conditions on a building’s running costs. The practice performs a rigorous analysis of each client’s needs in order to identify the most sustainable solution.

Energy-efficiency

We aim to make our buildings as energy-efficient as possible so that the choice of energy source is relatively immaterial. This is achieved through orientation, super-insulation and air-tightness which help reduce the need for heating in winter. We also build in natural shading and thermal mass to store heat until it is needed and minimise over-heating in summer. Halvorsen Architects has designed Passive House buildings and specified a variety of renewable energy systems.

Health and Well-being

Good indoor air quality can help alleviate health conditions including asthma, as well as creating a more pleasant environment in which to live. The best ways to improve internal air quality are through the use of natural materials and giving the building a breathable structure (one that allows moisture to move through it). If we are to help reduce pollution in the environment it is important that we consider all building materials and try to eliminate all toxic ones.

Conservation and retrofit

Where possible, Halvorsen Architects encourages clients to renovate and re-purpose existing buildings rather than to build from scratch – as renovation and repurposing are almost always better for the planet. However, retrofit, refurbishment and renovation require a thorough understanding of the techniques, processes and materials involved. Halvorsen Architects has built up expertise in many aspects of the renovation and repurposing of historic buildings through its extensive work on Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) projects in the Lothians.