Our process

1. Site Immersion: HAVN analyzes your land—sun paths, prevailing winds, existing ecology, views, water flow—to find natural inspiration. This can be achieved by walking the property together and accessing the site’s assets as well as using computer modeling.

2. Define Your Nature Connection: We’ll discuss your personal biophilic goals (e.g., calming sounds, forest feel, lake views), as well as your overall vision of the home including lifestyle needs, budget and timeline.

3. Research: HAVN will conduct thorough research and site analysis, assessing environmental conditions, zoning, and building codes to determine feasibility.

1. Diagraming & Massing: HAVN develops initial design concepts using sketches and digital models. This phase determines your home’s overall size, shape, and proportions, as well as the layout, spatial organization & orientation of your home to optimize the features of the site.

2. Plan Development: Initial floor plans are developed, defining room sizes and how spaces relate to one another and the outdoors. A key biophilic activity is designing seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors, possibly via large glass walls, access to terraces or courtyards, or open floor plans that promote natural airflow.

3. Systems Overview: Preliminary considerations for structural, mechanical (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing systems are outlined. Biophilic design informs these choices by prioritizing systems that enhance well-being, such as natural ventilation strategies to ensure fresh air flow.

4. Preliminary Material Intent: While specific products aren’t selected yet, the architect will start developing a “look and feel” or project narrative that guides material choices toward natural, authentic options like wood, stone, and bamboo, which add texture and warmth.

5. Cost Estimation: A rough cost estimate is produced based on the conceptual design to ensure the project remains within the established budget and alignment of the functional objectives.

Deliverables

• Site Plan: Illustrating the building’s footprint and its relationship to the surrounding land, access points, and basic landscape elements.

• Floor Plans: Basic layouts of each level with overall dimensions, showing the spatial organization and general window/door placements.

• Renderings/VR: These illustrative materials help you visualize the spaces and how they will feel with natural light and views incorporated.

1. Systems Integration: HAVN collaborates closely with engineer consultants (structural, mechanical, electrical & plumbing) at this stage to ensure full systems integration.

2. Material & Finish Selections: Specific product selections are made. This is where “preliminary material intent” becomes “actual material specification.” The architect will specify natural, tactile materials such as certified sustainable wood flooring, non-toxic paints, natural stone countertops, and cork wall coverings,

   prioritizing local and sustainable sourcing when possible.

3. Detailed Planning for Biophilic Elements: Specific biophilic features are designed in more detail including window systems & integration of natural elements.

4. Interior and Exterior Detailing: This phase includes refining the plan design, including structural systems, cabinetry layout, door, window and exterior cladding details. These details ensure cohesive transitions and integration of natural materials throughout the home’s interior and exterior.

5. Updated Cost Estimating: The detailed specifications allow for a more accurate cost estimate, which is crucial for staying within budget before moving into the final construction document phase.

Deliverables

• Site Plan: Illustrating proposed grading of the site & integrating mechanical and plumbing systems including septic if required.

• Detailed Floor Plans: More accurate drawings with specific dimensions, room names, and precise material notations.

• Exterior Elevations: Drawings that show how the building looks from different sides & specify precise material notations and fenstration.

• Building Selections and Key Details: Detailed vertical cuts through the home showing complex assemblies and how materials come together.

• Consultant Drawings: Coordinated structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings that ensure all systems are integrated into the architecture.

The final and most detailed design stage. The goal is to produce a comprehensive set of legally binding documents (construction drawings) that a general contractor will use to build the home, apply for permits, and purchase materials.

All the biophilic elements and sustainable material choices are finalized and specified in minute detail during this phase.

Deliverables (A complete set of construction drawings)

• Cover Sheet

• Site and Demolition Plans

• Dimensioned Floor Plans

• Exterior Elevations (all sides)

• Building Sections and Detailed Wall Sections

• Enlarged Plans and Complex Details (stairs, windows, custom features)

• Reflected Ceiling Plans (showing lighting and ceiling heights)

• Engineering Drawings (Structural, MEP, Landscape)

When the teams architectural vision becomes a physical reality. HAVN will act as your representative and the “guardian” of the design intent, ensuring the contractor builds the home according to the detailed construction documents and specifications.

The architect provides essential oversight, problem-solving expertise, and quality control, but does not manage the day-to-day construction, which remains the contractor’s responsibility.

Deliverables

1. Site Visits and Observation: HAVN conducts regular site visits to monitor progress and verify that the work aligns with the drawings and specifications. This is crucial for checking the correct installation of elements like window placement to maximize natural light and views, or ensuring that sustainable, non-toxic materials are used as specified.

2. Reviewing Submittals and Shop Drawings: HAVN reviews detailed product data, material samples, and shop drawings (detailed drawings for specific items like structural steel & roof trusses) submitted by the contractor. This ensures that the chosen materials and systems meet the quality standards and design intent.

3. Responding to requests for Information (RFIs): Unforeseen conditions or questions from the contractor are inevitable during construction. HAVN provides timely clarification and direction through formal RFIs, ensuring potential issues are resolved quickly without compromising the design.

4. Managing Change Orders: If site conditions require design adjustments or you request changes, HAVN evaluates the proposals and helps manage the formal change orders, protecting you from unexpected expenses and ensuring the changes are documented and integrated into the overall plan.

5. Punch List and Project Closeout: Near the end of construction, the architect conducts a walkthrough to create a “punch list” of minor deficiencies or incomplete items that need addressing before final payment and occupancy.

By staying actively involved in the construction administration phase, HAVN acts as an invaluable advocate, ensuring your investment is protected and your biophilic dream home is realized with precision and integrity.