Discover the Harkrader Method.
A practical guide to climate-responsive design and construction that works in harmony with nature throughout the seasons. Drawing on more than fifty years of knowledge from visionary architect and builder Richard Harkrader, this educational resource makes his unique and timeless design principles accessible to homeowners, architects, builders, students and educators — inspiring a more thoughtful and eco-conscious way of building for generations to come.
THE HARKRADER DIFFERENCE
Not more technology
A home that seamlessly adjusts to the seasons.
Not more complexity
A short list of practical design principles.
Not working against nature
Aligning with nature.
Not expensive or exclusive
Smarter design from the outset, at no additional cost.
The Harkrader method is Richard Harkrader’s interpretation of passive solar design, an approach that uses natural sunlight to reduce heating and cooling costs. The method focuses on efficiency and connection to nature in both design and construction. It is based on a set of timeless, common-sense principles which help a building respond to climate, light, and the landscape. Importantly, most of the design principles cost no more to build than conventional construction.
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Dreaming of Building?
Explore the philosophy, experience and real homes.
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Do you Design or Build?
Explore the practical principles, technical knowledge and construction methods.
Why the Harkrader Method is different.
Modern buildings lean on complexity, and are planned around their exterior appearance. The Harkrader Method begins with timeless design principles that do not add cost, create an indoor environment that is much more efficient to heat and cool, and invite a connection to nature.
Rooted in climate, sunlight, orientation and thoughtful planning - design decisions made before a single wall is drawn.
TIMELESS PRINCIPLES
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Work with Nature
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Live with the Sun
iii.
Design before Technology
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Comfort through Simplicity
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Buildings for People
vi.
Knowledge worth Sharing
A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Richard Harkrader has spent his career designing buildings that work with nature, not against it.
This website exists to preserve and share a lifetime of architectural and construction knowledge, so it outlives one practice and one lifetime.
Explore Harkrader Buildings
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![A modern blue house with a yellow garage door is surrounded by tall trees with green leaves, in a wooded area.]()
The Treehouse
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![A cozy living room with large windows, a red sofa with patterned and solid pillows, a white side table with a blue frame picture, various potted plants, and a brick floor. The room features wooden accents and wall art.]()
The Artist House
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![Interior view of a modern home with a curved wooden ceiling, a wood stove, hanging pendant lights, large windows, and light-colored walls.]()
Solterra
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Cobb
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Carrol
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West Lakewood
Better buildings begin with eco-conscious decisions.
THE HARKRADER METHOD
Design Principles Free Download
Your information will remain private and won’t be used for marketing, we’re simply curious to see where in the world people are exploring these principles of building and design.
