Our Architectural Design Services

At Dark Horse Architecture, we specialize in creating homes and workplaces that enhance comfort, sustainability, and value. Guided by a wellbeing-first philosophy, our architectural design services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, whether you’re seeking cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions or bespoke, high-performance designs.

Why Choose Us

At Dark Horse Architecture, we strive to have an unwavering commitment to designing spaces that are more than just buildings. Here’s what sets us apart:

Passive Solar as a rule
Sun and wind orientation must lead the plan and facade. Summer shading, winter gain, energy conversation, daylighting, cross ventilation mapped from day one. We establish a Performance Standard with you to follow and adjust it through the entire process.

Comfort you can measure, co-created
Your wellbeing needs must lead the design. Building code is a just a baseline for minimum life and fire safety and doesn’t consider how you actually live and work. We start every project by writing a Comfort Standard with you, then we design to it, verify it, and tune it after you move in.

HOUSES

BESPOKE VALUE

For clients who envision a home that’s truly their own; a space reflecting their unique lifestyle, built with lasting quality, and designed for exceptional comfort and efficiency; our Bespoke Value Package offers completely personalized solutions. We focus on creating long-term value that aligns with your priorities.

Key Features:

  • Your Unique Design:
    We’ll work closely with you to create a home that perfectly matches your vision, from the layout and materials to the overall look and feel.
  • High-Performance Standards:
    Your home will be designed to go beyond standard energy requirements, and we can even connect you with experts for certifications like Passive House or LEED if you’d like.
  • Quality Materials:
    We prioritize durable, sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, Accoya wood, CLT, hempcrete, aluminum, and zinc to ensure your home stands the test of time.
  • Designed with Your Wellbeing in Mind:
    Every aspect, from lighting and air quality to acoustics, is thoughtfully optimized to create a home that supports and enhances your comfort, health, and overall wellbeing.

AFFORDABLE COMFORT

Designed for homeowners who prioritize simplicity, cost-efficiency, and long-term savings, our Affordable Comfort Package offers pre-designed layouts with flexible customization options.

Key Features:

  • Predesigned Layouts:
    Choose from thoughtfully designed bungalows and two-storey homes.
  • Energy Efficiency:
    Exceeds National Building Energy Code energy performance standards by at least 25%.
  • Sustainable Materials:
    Durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible materials.
  • Customization Options:
    Tailored finishes and upgrades for energy efficiency, fixtures, and equipment.

OFFICES

TAILORED WORKPLACES

For businesses seeking strategically tailored workplaces that not only prioritize human wellbeing but also elevate brand value and embody their commitment to sustainability.

Key Features:

  • Human-Centered Design:
    Layouts and interiors crafted to support focus, comfort, and connection; enhancing productivity and mental wellbeing.
  • Sustainable Materials:
    Durable, low-maintenance, and responsibly sourced options like reclaimed or recycled materials, and low-VOC finishes.
  • Brand-Integrated Aesthetics:
    Custom design elements that reflect your values and visual identity, reinforcing culture and client perception.
  • Smart and Efficient Systems:
    Optional integration of energy-efficient lighting, climate control, and smart technologies to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

We are a fit if

You value your, your family’s and your coworker’s well-being, comfort, clean air, even light, and low upkeep more than extra square footage or saving capital costs. You invest in planning for future benefits, will orient the building for the sun and accept well-being focused design and building performance as a non negotiable, you want decisions made with evidence across summer and winter, not fashion.

Ready to begin?

Start with our Wellbeing and Performance Audit. It is the fastest way to see your site or space potential, explore your wellbeing needs, understand comfort and maintenance trade offs in hot summers and cold winters, and decide next steps with confidence.

Let’s create a space that inspires and enhances your life. Contact us to discuss your vision and learn more about our process.