DeLo & Co.

In the coastal suburb of Collaroy, which is located within the city of Sydney in the New South Wales state of Australia, a community center puts the protection and preservation of the natural environment at the forefront of its design. The beachfront facility strives to be a sanctuary for not only the residents of the area, but for the native flora and fauna. Natural and manmade sand dunes separate the facility from the beach acting as protective barriers for both the built and natural environment. Locally sourced natural materials were chosen for the facades of the pavilions with the intention of creating structures that blended naturally with their surroundings. Strategically placed and sized windows and doors as well as an open air concept within the structures allows for the movement of natural air throughout the spaces, providing natural venthilation and temperature regulation. This strategic design allows for minimal need for mechanical heating and cooling systems, which lowers the energy needs of the facility and lowers its overall carbon footprint. The project puts the health, safety, and wellbeing of the plants, animals, and humans first, which promotes sustainability in a more holistic and all encompassing manner. We’re All In This Together #sustainability #sustainabledesign #architecture #sustainablearchitecture #architecture #architecturaldesign #conservation #beachfront #wellnesscenters #sydney #australiandesign #australianarchitecture

On the French Island of Réunion, located in the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean, a resort in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage site is completely autonomous. Capable of accommodating 100 guests at a time, the resort is at the summit of a volcano, from which the design of the resort is inspired. The biophilic design of the resort, is meant to represent the basaltic lava flows of the volcano. To create a strong connection between the natural and built environments, the resort utilizes natural and native materiality in its construction and finishes. Locally sourced cryptomeria wood was used in the framing, finishes, and furniture within the resort. The entirely self-sustaining development is powered by its own photovoltaic system which is also utilized to heat water. The water is supplied through a dual system, one part being rainwater collection, treatment, and storage, and the second being an atmospheric water generator. The atmosphere water generation system, extracts moisture from the humidity in the air, producing potable water. With a focus on preserving, protecting, and maintaining the surrounding natural environment, 34 never before collected endemic plant species were cultivated. These seeds and cuttings enabled the planting of over 5000 trees and shrubs on and around the site. The green roof helps maintain the biodiversity of the site while also providing natural insulation for the structure. This project is a stunning feat of sustainability in every aspect. The project will hopefully inspire more development of its kind globally. We’re All In This Together #sustainability #sustainabledesign #sustainanlearchitecture #architecture #architecturaldesign #biophilicdesign #greenconstruction #construction #conservation #preservation #UNESCO

In the hamlet of Nercón, on the island of Chiloé in Chile, a barrel vaulted home sits atop a hill armored with locally sourced recycled shingles. Located in the Chilean Patagonia, the timber frame constructed home is a series of volumes, interconnected by galleries and terraces. Strategically placed and expansive windows and doors allow for an abundance of natural like to illuminate the interior spaces. These openings also provide stunning sweeping views of Patagonia. Blurring the lines between the built and natural environment, the home’s overall impact on the natural environment is minimal. We’re All In This Together #sustainabledesign #sustainability #sustainablearchitecture #lowimpact #recycledmaterials #design #construction #patagonia #chile #architecture #architecturaldesign #greenbuilding

In the city of Kyoto, located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu in Japan, a 100 year old adaptive reuse project brings a new hotel to the historic city. Hoping to maintain the characteristics of the original building as much as possible, historic preservation was a key component of the remodel. Utilizing and recycling the original structural elements and materials, the hotel creates a truly unique experience transporting guests back 100 years. The hotel seamlessly combines historical architectural elements with contemporary additions. The traditional architectural elements of the building are reminders of a time when mechanical heating and cooling systems and electricity weren’t a luxury to control indoor climates. The strategic placement and sizing of windows and doors, allows for natural sunlight to illuminate the interior spaces while also providing venthilation and cross breezes. Earthen floors are a another key element of the original building that were kept in tact, providing temperature regulation and a natural cooling element within the interior spaces. The hotel is a great example of a combination of multiple sustainability initiatives that integrate smoothly and create a truly unique experience. We’re All In This Together #sustainability #sustainabledesign #sustainablearchitecture #architecturaldesign #architecture #conservation #historicpreservation #adaptivereuse #preserve #historicarchitecture

In the coastal town of Køge, located in the Sjælland Region of Denmark, an addition to a brewery is designed to be deconstructed. The Seaport Town is at risk with global warming melting the polar icecaps causing ocean levels to slowly rise. In an effort to combat this eventuality, architects wanted to design a space that could be disassembled and moved should the need ever arise. To achieve this, the building is constructed of moveable and removable parts and pieces that can be reused or upcycled. The materials chosen for the project were also carefully chosen for their adaptability and longevity, selecting materials that were capable of being built into modular components. Sustainably sourced timber is one of the main structural elements of the project lowering the overall carbon footprint of the project. The completed project stands at the forefront of the potential for adaptive reuse architecture and recycling. By looking at the entire lifecycle of our buildings and furutreproofing them the best that we can, we can better prepare for future climate events, creating more sustainable and resilient structures. We’re All In This Together #sustainabledesign #sustainability #sustainablearchitecture #architecture #architecturaldesign #construction #greenconstruction #adaptivereuse #upcycle #upcycling #recycle #recycling #renewable #lowimpact #modularconstruction #brewery #brewerydesign

In Germany’s capital city of Berlin, an addition to a historic preservation project focuses on adaptability in its multi-modal modular expansion. Constructed with primarily wood and polycarbonate, the translucent shell allows for natural light to effortlessly stream into the interior spaces. The new space gives the freedom of opening and closing to the outdoors as desired and has the ability to be easily insulted when needed for thermal comfort inside. The materials and construction method allows for the entire addition to be deconstructed and recycled at the end of its lifecycle. The transformative space is enhanced with gardens, which promote natural cooling and fresh air while creating a connection between the built and natural environment. The lush gardens are an every day yearround reminder of the importance of the natural environment and the necessity to preserve, protect, and enhance biodiversity in our cities. We’re All In This Together #sustainability #sustainabledesign #sustainablearchitecture #adaptivereuse #conservation #historicpreservation #adaptability #regenerativedesign #urbanplanning #smartcities #urbangardens

In the city of Canobbio, located in the Lugano District of the Ticino Canton of Switzerland, residences built into a hillside overlooking Lake Lugano incorporate hanging gardens into their aesthetic to create a connection between the built and natural environment. Living walls separate the units, utilizing climbing jasmine plants to scale the vertical exterior facades. Tucked into the hillside, the residences benefit from the natural insulating materials of the surrounding earth. The rooftop gardens, walls, and terraces, further assist in temperature regulation as well as water filtration. Strategic placement of windows and doors allows for thermal regulation by reducing solar gain. The award winning project showcases the ability of the natural environment to be artistically integrated into the built environment. We’re All In This Together #sustainability #sustainabledesign #sustainablearchitecture #architecturaldesign #design #construction #architecture #greendesign #greenroof #hanginggardens #lowimpact #residentialdesign

In Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi, a temporary school amongst the trees, uses living walls, recycled materials, and locally-sourced repurposed materials in its construction. The school, which is only temporary as it is on a land lease that lasts only 10 years, needed to get creative to build the facility quickly, efficiently, and cost effectively. Drawing inspiration from the natural environment within which it resides, the classrooms are built between the trees, weaving through the forest creating a strong connection between the natural and built environment. Utilizing recycled polycarbonate panels with dirt and leaves from the site for insulation, the project is a collaboration between students, parents, and teachers that gives them a meaningful connection to the space even if only temporarily. The project is an incredible example of sustainability in every aspect. The school can hopefully be an example for developers globally on how to build low-impact environmentally focused spaces. We’re All In This Together #sustainabledesign #lowimpact #sustainability #sustainable #architecture #architecturaldesign #conservation #recycledmaterials #locallysourced #naturalmaterials #renewables #design #education #environmentaldesign

In the city of Cabo Rojo, located in the United States of America’s commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a newly planned luxury resort seeks to compliment the natural beauty of the region. Comprised of 106 rooms and suites, and 83 residential villas, the developers have partnered with world renowned luxury hospitality group Mandarin Oriental to deliver the highest quality experience for its future guests and residents. Developers Reuben Brothers partnered with Three Rules Capital and have enlisted architecture firm Álvarez‐Díaz & Villalón and studio mk27 to design the new sustainability focused resort. Located on the pristine beaches of Puerto Rico amongst the sand dunes and mangrove forests, the property plans to have as minimal of an impact as possible on the existing natural environment. Green roofs, rolling hills, gardens and locally sourced native vegetation will adorn the buildings and the site, maintaining and enhancing the islands biodiversity. We’re All In This Together #sustainability #sustainabledesign #sustainablearchitecture #architecture #architecturaldesign #design #construction #greenroofs #greenroof #smartcities #luxuryresort #resorts #sustainable #lowimpact

In the downtown neighborhood of the City of Chicago, located in Cook County within the state of Illinois, in the United States of America, a former 1920’s warehouse has been repurposed into a vibrant mixed-use destination. Boasting a ground-floor restaurant with sidewalk seating, a coffee bar, retail space, food innovation film studio and test kitchens, private dining spaces, office and event space and a rooftop farm and greenhouses, the development breathes new life into the neighborhood. The former industrial warehouse space utilized as much of the original structure as possible, while upgrading and modernizing the interiors spaces and adding supporting elements for the rooftop. Upgraded doors and windows and mechanical systems reduce the buildings overall energy demands. By far one of the most exciting additions is the rooftop farm and greenhouses, which not only provide an insulative element to the building, but promote biodiversity in the immediate vicinity. The farm grows fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers throughout the year, providing them to local farmers markets, restaurants, and the public. The innovative project, is a great example of adaptive reuse projects that promote a more sustainable future in dense urban environments. We’re All In This Together #sustainability #sustainabledesign #sustainablearchitecture #architecture #design #architecturaldesign #adaptivereuse #smartcities #recycledmaterials #urbanfarm #urbanfarming #locallysourced #biodiversity #cityplanning #development #urbandesign