DCNOMA’s Post

Let's Talk About It...Modular housing might sound like something out of 20th-century science fiction—entire homes created in a factory, complete with furnishings, and shipped to their final site. But this method offers incredible benefits for speed, cost, and sustainability. Our client Forge Craft Architecture + Design has been at the forefront of this innovation, transforming the modular landscape with projects like Cheatham Street Flats. This 143-unit student housing community showcases how modular construction can be both innovative and efficient, combining off-site fabricated residential units with on-site construction to create a high-performing, sustainable living environment. Read more from Founding Principal and Chief Operations Officer at Forge Craft, Rommel Sulit, as he addresses modular housing design and what's needed to help make modular a bigger part of the future of construction: https://lnkd.in/gk3n9mb9 #SideCarPR #modularhousing #constructioninnovation #ForgeCraft #housingsolutions #architecture #modulardesign #austintexasbuilders

We've certainly had some challenging Downer projects this past 12 months. I think this particular projects is a favourite of the whole team. It is satisfying when you see the range of facades our Downer framing supports. DM me if anyone would like to know more or have a meeting. 👍 #downerframing #itsnotjustmetal #downerdesigner

Today we have excellent news, our client just received the approval from the Landmark Preservation Commission, for a unique project we crafted. What does that mean? 🙄 After 6 months of back and forth, full dedication and overlapping decisions and work to lose as little time as possible, between several engineers architect expedidor, partners, clients and team. We as a team submitted a concept, a storytelling (both the client and design team fall in love with) a detailed scope of work to help the bidding and a provisional planning. We then came out with a DOB construction set, a Design set package, a Schedule for finishes equipment, material and furniture. A complete set of documents to submit to the city of NYC DOB and Landmark in this case. 🎬 With the project now approved, the GC and partners can forge ahead with their plans, paving the way for progress and craftmanship. Effective communication efforts & patience paid off! #design #Landmarkcommission #architecture #construction #teamwork 🏗️👷♂️👷♀️🏢" 🤠 #fred_interiors_architecture #dob #nyc.#nyc #americahousing It’s also important to remember that 25% of Manhattan is landmarked, compared to 3% of the rest of the city. The high-density neighborhoods with large historic districts are also the ones that can support the production of affordable housing. In contrast, neighborhoods with high market-rate rents and zoning for tall towers are the places where affordable housing development is most likely to happen. However, some argue that historic districts help preserve older, rent-stabilized buildings that are susceptible to redevelopment or demolition. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, as condo conversions in pricey, historically protected neighborhoods like the Upper West Side, Park Slope, Harlem and Brooklyn Heights are still happening. Thus, to build affordable and sustainable over the next decades, as appointed by the city officials, it might be time to consider how the city can encourage designed and well-thought-out construction in historic districts as well. Designation creates extra hurdles, for owners not only because the property might be more expensive, but also because getting LPC approval for a project can be long and costly. Architects and engineers often make multiple trips to present revised plans before the commission approves a modification or new building. Therefore, more rules and a better and higher staff review process could help speed up approvals for new buildings or alterations. As an interior designer working in this magical city, I'm looking forward to helping build a safer more responsible city with better high-end design solutions for all environments and for all. Fred 😘 #Staytuned

Thomas Heatherwick is one of the more polarising figures in architecture. Often dismissed as "not an architect", his buildings are often criticised for being over the top and not functional. In many ways, he reminds me of the late Wil Alsop. Both challenged accepted architectural conventions in the name of bringing delight to the built environment. Of course, challenging norms are going to bring out the haters. But I think Heatherwick is spot on with this…   "Over the last 70 to 80 years, we've had an epidemic of characterlessness in newly built parts of cities. This isn't about any one individual building; it's about a prevailing characteristic that has defined itself as being functional. Buildings need to mean something to people, or they won't be sustained, they'll be more likely to be demolished. And in our environmental crisis, the demolition industry is society's giant dirty secret…Commercial buildings in the UK have an average lifespan of 40 years. I'm told that in Seoul, South Korea, it's 30 years for commercial buildings. In China, the average age of a residential building is 34 years; a commercial building 35 years."   And all of this comes at a time in the so-called housing crisis, when many in the industry are advocating standardisation and repeatability, which, in my opinion, is just repeating the mistakes of post-WWII. We must remember that good design is about effectiveness, not merely efficiency. If not, it's just fast fashion.   https://lnkd.in/gzFXsKsq

Reviving Historic Structures: University of Oregon - Huestis Hall When you look at the buildings surrounding you, you probably notice a mix of old and new. The new structures are designed to meet the safety standards of today; however, the older structures may not meet today’s standards, potentially posing a risk to the safety of the public. So how do we fix this problem? Do we tear down the old buildings and replace them with new ones? Or are there ways to ensure our older buildings can be repurposed to meet modern code? At catena, we take pride in finding ways to couple creativity and applied science to revive our older building structures. At the University of Oregon, the renovation of Huestis Hall was completed while the building remained occupied. To mitigate noise, vibration, and dust (a critical need for the highly sensitive occupants) within the four-story, 60,000-sf building’s environment, the team employed Fiberglass-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) to add the strength and ductility needed for the original vertical core walls to adequately function during a large earthquake. FRP is applied using a gluing process that nearly eliminates noise, vibration, and dust. The final thickness is less than ¼”, maintaining critical square footage for Huestis Hall. The existing vertical stair and elevator cores, which were originally isolated from the main building structure, were used as part of the strengthening strategy – a process only made possible through the creative use of building technologies and advanced analyses. It was the only solution that met the constraints of the occupants, budget, schedule, and desired post-earthquake building performance. After a two-year design and construction schedule, Huestis Hall is completely open to the faculty and students and ready to serve the University for the next 50 years. University of Oregon TVA Architects Lease Crutcher Lewis

🏗️ Toronto Uni’s Wooden Tower: Out of Ground and Rising Fast! 🎓 The University of Toronto’s new 14-storey mass timber building is making waves as one of the world’s largest structures constructed for a university. Now, out of the ground, crews are busy working on the lower floors of this innovative project. 🔍 Why This Matters: 1️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Designed by Patkau Architects and MJMA, the "Academic Wood Tower" features a structural steel elevator and stair core hung from a mass timber exoskeleton, showcasing cutting-edge architectural and engineering design. 2️⃣ Multifaceted Purpose: Located at Devonshire Place and Bloor Street, the tower will serve the Rotman School of Management, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, and the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, providing ample space for transformative education and research. 3️⃣ Sustainable Construction: The use of mass timber not only reduces emissions but also sets a precedent for responsible construction practices. The project serves as a "best practice" case study for designers and engineers, proving that sustainable buildings can contribute to the vibrant architectural fabric of a dense city like Toronto. 🪵 Broader Impact: This update comes on the heels of Toronto planning officials recommending the approval of a 31-storey cross-laminated timber building, potentially making it Canada’s tallest hybrid timber structure. With new building codes allowing mass timber buildings up to 18 storeys, Ontario is leading the charge in addressing housing shortages with sustainable solutions. 🔗 Explore more about the Academic Wood Tower and the rise of mass timber construction in Toronto: https://lnkd.in/gNUMaUm2 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can the adoption of mass timber in high-rise construction transform urban landscapes and address housing shortages sustainably? Share your thoughts and perspectives! 💬 Join the conversation on the future of sustainable urban development and the role of mass timber in reshaping our cities. #masstimber #sustainableconstruction #architecture #urbanplanning #construction #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #highrisebuildings #education #innovation #timberconstruction #toronto #buildingcode #housingmarket #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #timber #canada

DESIGNING A HOOKAH LOUNGE — When working with a tenant occupying a landlord's space without a tenant improvement allowance, it's vital to prioritize cost-saving objectives throughout the project. In the case of converting this commercial space into a hookah lounge, we're actively seeking an administrative adjustment to minimize the current landscape requirements for parking lots. These requirements include additional landscape setbacks, trees, shrubs, and ornamental fencing, which can significantly increase our client’s construction costs. Typically, engaging an architecture firm beforehand will allow for a thorough review of the project, ensuring that the client will have options for zoning relief during the tenant build-out phase. Otherwise, expenses for parking lot landscape construction alone could escalate to approximately $20,000 for projects similar to this one. Commercial and mixed-use projects are among our architecture design specialties. When selecting an architecture firm for such projects, it's important to choose one that is well-versed in all aspects of commercial projects and knowledgeable about local codes. Failure to do so may result in months spent in engineering, design, and permitting review, delaying the project and increasing costs. #DesigningChicago Visit our website for additional project photos and more updates. #architecture #architecturaldesign #chicagorealestate #commercialrealestate by #chicagoarchitect #BLDGPROJ Chicago Architecture Firm | BLDG PROJECTS | bldgproj.com

RetroFirst Stories: Airspace With up to 40 per cent of carbon emissions coming from the construction industry, the profession needs to find ways of adapting the type of buildings it designs, and fast. The default option for any project should be to adapt and re-use an existing building, one of the key demands of the AJ’s RetroFirst campaign. Our ongoing series seeks to celebrate the projects that save buildings from ruin or give them a brand-new life. Today we hear from Damion Burrows, founder of Damion Marcus Burrows Architects, about his practice’s recently approved plans to transform of a 135-year-old commercial building on London's Charing Cross Road into new office space - saving 763 tonnes of carbon compared with an equivalent new build ... #architectsjournal

🇨🇦 31-Storey Mass Timber High-Rise to Ease Toronto’s Housing Squeeze? 🚦 Set to be one of the world's tallest, a new 31-storey mass timber project is set to be greenlit, set to tower over downtown Toronto’s busiest street! 🔍 Why This Matters: 1️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Poised to be Canada's tallest hybrid timber building, this project pushes the boundaries of sustainable urban development and positions Toronto as a leader in green construction. 2️⃣ Affordable Housing: With 80% of its 490 units designated as affordable housing for 40 years, the development addresses critical urban housing needs while promoting sustainability. 3️⃣ Regulatory Progress: The proposal aligns with Ontario's updated Building Code, which permits encapsulated mass timber buildings up to 18 stories, reflecting a green shift towards #netzero building practices. 🪵 This development represents a leap in architectural innovation and showcases the potential of mass timber to provide solutions to urban housing challenges and carbon reduction goals. 🔗 Discover more about this groundbreaking project and its implications for Toronto’s urban landscape: https://lnkd.in/g9fJTghZ 🗣️ #questionforgroup: As cities worldwide face similar housing and environmental challenges, what other building technology and materials innovations could redefine urban living? Share your ideas! WoodSolutions International Mass Timber Conference Craig Rawlings WoodWorks #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #timber #sustainabledevelopment #toronto #architecture #urbanplanning #greenbuilding #housing #housingcrisis #innovation #engineering #construction #timberengineering #timberconstruction #woodcentral #canada #woodcentralau1 #woodsolutions #housingshortage #quickbuilds #climatechange #climateaction

Did you know we built the first new development on Annacis Island in over five years? Completed in 2023, 785 Derwent Way holds a 56,734 SF industrial-warehouse space that was a feat considering the 3.3 acre irregular-shaped lot and right-of-way challenges on 38% of the land size! Despite a 2-year design process & 8-month construction delay, we persevered with an 11-month build, on budget. Sometimes obstacles become optimization as we strategically utilized every square foot to create essential features like easy access, efficient loading and safe pedestrian walkways. Our property also boasts: • An innovative design with modern visually-striking facade • Functionality with 32-ft ceilings, ample loading and parking • Durability with tilt-up concrete and steel construction • Sustainability features such as reused soil and EV charging infrastructure The property has been leased to a single tenant exceeding initial lease rate projections. Check out our full success story! https://lnkd.in/gab2zM5r #construction #sustainability #industrial #annacisisland #vancouver