Our approach is based on the principle that a building design can arise from understanding all aspects of the situation which it will serve.

We particularly try to understand:
The needs and aspirations of the client.
The situation of the site. (landscape, townscape, neighbouring buildings, local
building materials, local building forms, climate etc.)
The physical aspects of the site (orientation to the sun, access, slope, etc.)
The available resources (budget, self-build capacity etc.)

If a building answers these aspects of the situation effectively, it will be organically related for its place and time. This does not mean that it will imitate forms in the natural world but that it will be true to its own nature. The parts will belong to the whole, in the same way that a hand relates to the rest of the body.

Our understanding of organic architecture is therefore close to that of Louis Sullivan, the American pioneer of modern architecture, who studied natural forms and concluded that “form follows function”, “function” being every aspect of the situation.

Although buildings are essentially physical, they can affect our sense of well-being, positively or negatively. Architectural space has qualitative aspects which relate to our soul and spirit nature as well as addressing our purely physical needs, however vitally important these are. This intangible aspect of architecture is increasingly valued today and is, we believe, the key to the real nature of architecture as an art.

Our understanding of architecture for the soul and spirit is partly inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner, who developed the principle of organic architecture to include the concept of metamorphosis. This approach involves introducing a sense of movement and change into the static forms of architecture whenever it is appropriate for the situation including, of course, the client’s wishes.

Our organic approach to design extends to considering a building’s impact on the environment. There are a number of factors we consider under the general heading of sustainability, for example:

minimising energy use and CO2 emissions by, for example:
planning for solar gain.
maximising insulation levels. (in excess of current regulations)
storing heat in the building fabric.
using energy-efficient equipment.
using solar panels for hot water.

conserving water by rainwater harvesting, low water use WCs etc.
reducing pollution by, for example, using zero ozone depleting materials.
conserving resources by using products with low embodied energy, from
renewable sources and made from durable materials.
creating a health-promoting interior environment by using non-toxic
materials derived from natural sources where possible.

Further information on sustainability can be seen on the website of
The Association for Environment Conscious Building. www.aecb.net

Magazines:
Andrew Beard, The Modern Movement: Is it relevant to a spiritual-scientific approach to architecture?” Anthroposophy Today, No 9, Spring 1990
Andrew Beard, Architecture as a Spiritual Art, New View, Spring 2006

Books:
Andrew Beard, Rudolf Steiner Architecture, An Introductory Reader, Rudolf Steiner Press / Sophia Books, 2003
More information at Architecture - Rudolf Steiner - An Introductory Reader