Rio Architects

Our recent visit to Watton Mount shows that work is progressing well for Brecon Beacons College’s project to restore three Grade II listed properties – The Old Library and 19th-century Watton Mount and its coach house - transforming them into a dynamic hub for the community. As works advance, we’re looking forward to seeing the transformation unfold. Watton Mount, shown here, will provide IT-based subjects, including hair and beauty, with fully equipped salons and therapy rooms for teaching and commercial practices for up to 140 people. The college will also have six IT classrooms and improved facilities. A series of sensitive interventions will rejuvenate the building and improve the flow between spaces. Once complete, it will regain its former importance in the community by providing a new and adaptable learning space for students at Brecon College. The team: Grŵp Colegau NPTC Group of Colleges | AECOM | Asbri Planning | Hydrock, now Stantec | GRAYS (Consulting Engineers) Ltd | Andrew Scott Ltd

A fantastic day of social value in action as we took part in a community tree planting, supporting Cardiff Council’s Coed Caerdydd (Cardiff Forest) initiative. The initiative is an ambitious 10-year programme of tree canopy expansion in Cardiff, linked to the city’s One Planet climate change strategy. We planted 10 trees this morning, including cherry, apple, and mulberry trees, which will start producing fruit in a couple of years for the community to enjoy. The morning was a fantastic experience to contribute to a greener, healthier environment and an important reminder of how small actions can create long-term impact. There are many more events around Cardiff to volunteer at - find out more on their website: https://lnkd.in/etwATuNg #socialvalue #communitybenefits #architecture

A recent visit to The College Merthyr Tydfil shows the first phase of interior refurbishments is almost complete. The refurb comprises unified and integrated features and is part of a wider initiative to enrich the student and staff experience. The new interior is a superb example of incorporating a natural and muted colour palette alongside biophilic design principles that transform the space into a calming environment that supports student and staff well-being. Our Interior Design teams’ expertise creates a space that brings nature inside by using elements that promote a sense of connection to the outdoors. Key features include timber treatments and bespoke furniture designed around large planters, creating a warm, calm, welcoming and integrated space.

We’re excited to share our vision for the future of one of Cardiff’s most cherished historic spaces—High Street Arcade. The 3,500m2 venue brings much-needed revitalisation to the former two-storey Emporium nightclub. We are prioritising retention and refurbishment of this Grade II listed space, ensuring that it continues to serve Cardiff for generations to come. Working closely with Loft Co, Mansford LLP, and their teams, the exciting street food destination will feature 12 independent traders, concept restaurants, event spaces, and a wedding venue. This intervention preserves the architectural integrity of this treasured Victorian and Edwardian arcade while enhancing Cardiff’s pedestrian network, reconnecting this space with the city. The team behind the project: Mansford LLP | Loft Co | RPA Quantity Surveyors Ltd | RNF Property Group | Austin Partnership | Avison Young │ UK | EJ Hales | Holland Heritage

Good news for the Cathays community as 64 social housing homes are given (unanimous) planning permission. The redevelopment of Medallion House, a key site along Crwys Road in Cathays, aims to help regenerate the area with a new mixed-use development that serves the residential and commercial needs of the community. The design will transform the long-term empty site, creating 64 social housing homes, three private flats and 1,072m2 of refurbished commercial space. It will also include a new 750m2 community facility with a garden and café area – perfect for bringing people together. This project addresses the growing demand for more housing and community regeneration. Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/e4FfsvSP #architecture #redevelopment #regeneration #Cardiff #mixeduse #residential #housing #sustainability

We’re delighted to share this project that we’ve been working on – Cardiff’s first purpose-built co-living tower on Custom House Street aims to help address the changing trends for city centre living and lifestyle preferences. We look forward to progressing this project and transforming this once-neglected site into a thriving community. #architecture #cardiff #coliving 

We are delighted to announce some well-deserved promotions and changes in roles at Rio! Please join us in congratulating two talented members of the team: Nia Morgan and Claudio A. P. J. Couto, who have been promoted to Senior Architectural Technologists. These promotions are a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and commitment. We're proud to support their growth and celebrate their achievements as part of our ongoing commitment to professional development and team success. Congratulations again to each of you – we look forward to seeing you grow further in your new roles! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWVDMNCx #Architecture #Promotions #JobPromotion

We’re pleased to see Cardiff Airport take a big step forward with the launch of its next-generation security scanners! As part of the airport’s expansion and refurbishment of its customer facilities, the redevelopment of the central search system was a natural progression. The project focused on creating a smoother, more efficient and welcoming environment for passengers. To make this happen, we adopted a phased approach to ensure minimal disruption to the airport’s daily operations. By looking closely at how the building is used, how passengers move, and how space is allocated, we designed new access routes, improved queuing zones, new redress areas and the installation of new scanner lines and boarding scanners. These improvements streamline the security process and contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable journey for passengers. Another fantastic achievement for everyone involved. Find out more on our website: https://lnkd.in/e3Uu3V2T #architecture #airportdesign #interiordesign

What better way to start the new year than by a final visit to one of our recently completed projects? Trinity Fields School, Caerphilly, is designed to support an additional 80 pupils with additional learning needs. The extension, linked to the existing school, is tailored to meet the needs of staff, pupils and the community. A safe and secure drop-off at the main entrance with a sheltered canopy leads pupils inside, where spaces include a welcoming reception area, flexible learning areas, soft playrooms, staff areas and community facilities. For the more outdoorsy, the forest garden offers a transformative experience for SEN pupils, providing additional educational resources and opportunities to learn about nature and the environment and benefit their well-being. Landscaped areas extend from the forest garden, encouraging biodiversity through grassland, shrubs, ferns, wildflowers, trees, and bat and bird boxes. It’s a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in the project, and we look forward to seeing how it supports the needs of staff, pupils and the community. Caerphilly County Borough Council | Willmott Dixon | Hydrock, now Stantec | MSafe Group | DPP | TACP (UK) Ltd | Carbon Consult LTD #architecture #buildingconsultancy #education #educationdesign

Here’s to the end of a remarkable 2024! As we close out the year, here’s a look back at the past 12 months. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful end to the year from everyone at Rio. We’ll see you in a few days.