Design Philosophy

CONCEPT FOCUSED

At AVNA Architects they seek to explore ideas, through sketching, drawing, and modelling. They treat each project as unique. A project’s context often gives rise to these ideas, and concepts usually take clues from the local surrounds, nature, and the culture of a place. As an architectural practice they pursue artistic design and programme informants that are clearly explained and agreed with the client. This methodology is used whether working on a small residential house or a large mixed-use commercial building. Ideas must follow through from the concept stage to the finished constructed project.

HERITAGE INTEGRATION

Heritage is both built and unbuilt. AVNA is passionate about all heritage preservation, not only in its built form, but also relating to the site and environment. The written and spoken history of a place often gives rise to rich concepts and ideas for a project. AVNA staff is experienced in heritage research and documentation. AVNA treats heritage with care and consideration but aims for modern contrasting interventions that still give respect to the past.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

AVNA Architects are acutely aware of the current climate crisis and strive to have a strong focus on sustainable design. AVNA recommends implementing green principles at client chosen levels on all projects. Every small intervention goes a long way in tackling the larger environmental agenda.

PLACEMAKING

At the outset of each project a thorough analysis is done of all aspects leading to an understanding of the “spirit of the place” or “GENIUS LOCI”. This grounds each building to sit comfortably in the physical, cultural and natural landscape.

PUBLIC REALM & URBAN DESIGN

AVNA has a strong focus on developing rich public realms focusing on user experience of the “in-between spaces”. Buildings that enrich street life and urbanity are always encouraged. Active façades and edges, good building to street interfaces with threshold design, pedestrian routes, and alternative transport pathways all add to a better urban environment.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL & MATERIALITY

The team has a strong focus on the use of contrasting materials and clever assembly detailing. AVNA’s policy is that all building typologies should be well designed, considered, and detailed. AVNA has experience in a wide range of construction methods from brick and stonework to large concrete structures. AVNA is always exploring the latest construction alternatives such as cross laminated timber, light-weight steel construction and rammed earth building methods. Materiality takes clues from the local surrounding landscape, whether it is built in the urban environment or in remote natural landscapes. This grounds projects to be locally appropriate, relevant and creative at the same time.