Helen and Per Bernard set out to design and build comfortable homes in a rural setting, with an aim towards achieving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The combination of Helen's sensitive approach with the pencil, and Per's Danish approach of precision with the hammer, has developed into a successful team which has produced numerous quality homes throughout the state.

The quest for better energy efficiency and thermal performance, especially through the chilly winters of Daylesford, led to Helen and Per's discovery of the use of strawbale as an insulative wall material. Consequent public interest in this building method resulted in abundant commissions for the design and construction of strawbale homes.

In general, the practice has focussed on achieving minimum 5-star energy ratings in a broad range of materials, well in advance of the Victorian legislated building requirements.