How We Work

Solearth’s design method is systematic, integrated and progressive, proceeding from analysis through design concept and on to developed and detail designs and completion. Ideas and proposals are tested and refined in an iterative process – combining the pragmatic and the intuitive. We design in a way that is partly collaborative valuing the many voices (client, user, planner, consultant, builder) while ensuring that a cohesive clear design, which optimises the many pressures and opportunities involved, emerges.

SEEDING – FROM ANALYSIS TO CONCEPT TO INITIAL DESIGN

Initial design ideas are generated from analysis of site, budget, brief and the ecological opportunities that the context offers. These are developed in consultation with the client and end user, and communicated via sketches, photographs and models.

brief research – climate and environmental context, energy cycles, material flows
brief scoping – social aspects, context and historic context
brief analysis – surface areas/sizes, spatial relationships, cost implications
brief evaluation – precedents, site visit studies, immediate and larger context
initial concept – concepts, patterns, relationships,
initial design – figure-ground, spaces, forms.

FORMING – DEVELOPING THE DESIGN

Design development is pursued through drawing, physical and digital modelling involving environmental analysis as well as explorations of form. Design options are refined iteratively and environmental perfomance evaluated to ensure an optimistion of quantitative and qualitative benefit. While the rigours of budget, planning and building regulation are paramount inputs, environmental concerns are also prioritised, unlocking as they do the outsize benefits to be found in natural daylight and ventilation, ease of use, low running costs and comfort.

outline design 1 – plan; arrival, organisation, circulation
outline design 2 – section; daylight and ventilation, spatial connections
design – energy, passive design, carbon neutral / energy-plus
design – scale and measurement – precision, proportion, cost implications
regulation; planning applications, univeral access, fire protection certifcates.
developed design – structural integrity, tectonics, legibility.

MAKING – FROM DETAIL DESIGN TO CONSTRUCTION REALITY

Detail design is steered by the original design concept, client preferences (including budget) and by the values around materials of the practice. It is processed through drawing, mock-ups, product samples and visual simulation as well as prototype production on occasion.

detail design – materiality, material properties, tactility, depth
detail design – enjoyment of craft and economy of means, scale and measurement/ proportion
production design – energy & resource intelligence, servicing logic, cost implications
final detail – precision, pragmatics, integratedness, completeness
building, constructing, commissioning and inhabiting the design – the realisation of these values.