This is a unique architectural practice with a long history; Envirotecture has blazed a trail for sustainable design for three decades. It was founded by Dick Clarke, a building designer who had no time for statement architecture but rather was passionate about designing homes and other buildings that were inviting, comfortable and sat lightly on the earth. Dick has unparalleled expertise in the use of passive solar principles in the Australian context and this approach predominates in Envirotecture’s early work.

Building science made giant strides in the 1990s, leading to the development of the Passivhaus standard, a performance standard for incredibly energy-efficient buildings. Homes, workplaces, classrooms, hospitals—any kind of building—certified to this standard are supremely healthy indoor spaces, make radically less demand for energy for heating and cooling and are well-built and durable. Directors Talina Edwards and Andy Marlow are among Australia’s most experienced Passivhaus designers. They blend a rigorous understanding of building physics to their deep understanding of passive solar design principles; the two are not contradictory.

Envirotecture merged with Talina Edwards Architecture in 2022, bringing two leading environmental architecture practices together to expand their reach and influence. The practice now has teams in two offices, in VIC and NSW, and works on projects around Australia and the world.