LDA Design’s Post

This would have to be one of my favourite urban regeneration projects. Many of you would be well aware of this project. The repurposing of the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings building, one of the world's first high rise buildings which became the template for many high rise buildings around the world. Even more impressive is that it was constructed in the late 18th century. #shrewsburyFlaxmillMaltings#urbanregeneration#constructioninnovation#sustainableconstruction#sustainablearchitecture#environmentfriendlyconstruction#urbandesign#UKarchitecture

Building a Community in apartment complexes: "If you build it, they will come” A vital but intangible element of the very best high-end apartment experiences is “community”. But what is community, and how do influence it from design stage and post completion? A great example of this can be found in 2 of our more established sites. Saltus in Stonefields and Elm in Remuera. When looking at the commonalities of these sites, and the elements that contribute to building community the obvious ones are: 1.     Functional communal spaces where residents can interact. 2.     Similar demographic (age, race, wealth and life stage) 3.     Well designed and spacious apartments – happy people = happy community. 4.     Great building managers to keep residents informed and supported. 5.     Competent and responsive Body Corporate Managers – it takes a village to make a great village. What is less obvious, and something I have observed that also has an impact on the success of building apartment communities is: 1.     The level of customisation those sites have and how connected the residents are. 2.     Biophilic design and quality of green spaces not just the quantity. 3.     A very low number of on-sales (this tells us they enjoy their apartments and the building) Low turnover means deeper relationships, longer-term neighbours. 4.     Regular and informative communications from the building managers. 5.     Similar apartment prices throughout the building so there is no sub-class. With the exception of #3, all of the above points can be incorporated at design stage. #3 is the result of success in all of these. The team behind Elm: Clearwater Construction, Cooper & Associates, MAP architects. #loveyourbuilding #apartments #architecture #biophillic

BPTW has been appointed to design Phases 4 & 5 of the award-winning Rochester Riverside regeneration, with the reserved matters planning application recently submitted for approval. This appointment underscores our continued involvement in transforming this significant waterfront site, in collaboration with Vistry Group and The Hyde Group. This project is a lasting legacy to Chris Bath, who sadly passed away last month. He worked on this major regeneration project from its inception. His passion and enthusiasm for creating great places to live is evident and will continue with his talented team led by Caroline Dommett and Peter Sofoluke. Medway Council's flagship masterplan will provide over 1,400 new homes alongside commercial and community spaces in a landscaped public space network that connects the biodiverse riverside to the historic centre. Central to this vision is the commitment to placemaking which strengthens the local identity and creates a vibrant, cohesive community. The latest phases will introduce 353 new homes, comprising 115 houses and 238 apartments, built by Vistry under its Countryside Homes brand. 79 of the apartments will be provided as affordable homes. In addition, there will be ample car and cycle parking, and innovative public spaces, including an extension to the new river walk and green spaces that enhance connectivity with the historic Rochester High Street. Building upon the scheme’s established design principles, Phases 4 & 5 will further develop distinct designs that respond to the area’s industrial heritage. Phases 4 & 5 will utilise Vistry’s off-site manufactured timber frame structure for the houses, developed by BPTW, featuring standardised components that improve production efficiency and reduce carbon emissions during construction. A striking new entrance gateway at Eventide Park will feature strong frontage with a number of commercial spaces providing valuable amenities for residents. Public realm improvements are central to the scheme enhancing the river walk as a safe and inviting space for community interaction, while also supporting biodiversity. A temporary dock at Limehouse Wharf has been proposed by Medway Council offering the opportunity for river boat access including the Waverley Steamer, the world's last sea going paddle steamer. The project is set to progress through public consultation in the autumn, with a determination by Medway Council expected by winter. If approved, construction on Phases 4 and 5 is anticipated to commence in spring of 2025. Looking ahead, the masterplan will continue to evolve with the subsequent Phase 6, which will complete the regeneration of Rochester Riverside. CGI by Dean Wells #planningsubmission #architecture #regeneration #medway

An application we submitted to retrofit and extend Aylmer House in Harlow town centre has been given a resolution to grant, subject to a S106 Agreement.   29 new one, two and three bed apartments will be created, following the recommendation for approval of plans for a two-storey upwards extension and conversion of the building’s second and third floors from commercial to residential. An existing Wetherspoons public house, at ground level, will be retained.   “Harlow town centre is undergoing an exciting transformation and we’re working closely with Harlow Council to help achieve their vision for a more residential-led townscape and, in particular, deliver more new homes within the town centre itself,” comments our associate planner, Hannah Fawdon MRTPI. “This includes redeveloping commercial premises as residential, to mitigate against the continued problem of vacant office space.   “Aylmer House occupies a prominent position within the town centre boundary and was identified within the recently adopted North Development Brief as having the potential for new residential apartments and increased height. It was therefore a credible candidate for redevelopment and we were pleased to bring forward this application on behalf of our client, Martorana Properties.” adds Hannah.   The newly approved proposal will see the height of the building increase to six storeys and has been designed with architectural detailing to match the neighbourhood, including a contemporary sawtooth roof and green cladding.   This design approach is welcomed in the planning officer’s report, which states “the proposed development is considered to significantly improve the appearance of the existing building through the use of contemporary architectural design and materials. It is also positive that it would repurpose and extend an existing building to prevent its demolition, presenting a much more sustainable solution.”   The report further praises the wider benefits the redevelopment will bring, particularly the delivery of new homes within a sustainable location, the introduction of a green roof to enable a 100% biodiversity net gain, adequate noise controls to minimise impacts to residential properties arising from the ground floor pub, provision of carbon reduction measures, and it being car-free. Image credit: Ackroyd Lowrie #planningapproval #planningpermission #planningnews #proudofplanning #resolutiontogrant #upwardsextension #retrofit #reuse #refurbish #regeneration #redevelopment #biodiversity #biodiversityawareness #useclasses #planningadvice #harlow #essex

Flipping Houses in Boston: Challenges in Boston🏡⬇️ While the profit potential is promising, house flipping in Boston comes with its set of challenges. The city's real estate market is known for its competitiveness, making it essential to ensure that your projected profit margin justifies your investment. This is particularly pertinent in a bustling city like Boston, where desirable neighborhoods command high prices. Another aspect that makes house flipping in Boston distinctive is the city's historic architecture. While these buildings hold immense charm, they can also pose challenges during renovations. Striking a balance between modernizing a property and adhering to historic preservation regulations requires careful navigation. #bostonrealestate #bostonhomes #bostonluxuryhomes #homesellinginnewton #sellingnewton #newtonma #newtonrealtor #newtonhomes #brooklinerealestate #newtonrealestate #newtonluxuryhomes #brooklinehomes #brooklineluxuryhomes

It becomes more pedestrian-friendly! Designing areas where people can walk and dine outdoors without concerns about cars increases foot traffic. Businesses like cafes and restaurants thrive on attracting people, not vehicles. Unless you're specifically a car-related service like a gas station or car wash, attracting more people to pass by your establishment is advantageous. 📍Stephen Ave, Calgary, Alberta #yyc #yycliving #architecture #urbanplanning #planning #urbandesign #design

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Exactly!!! Some interesting ideas in the list regarding alleys. I like it!

Mixed-use developments play a crucial role in shaping self-sufficient cities by integrating various functions within a single area. They contribute to reducing the need for extensive travel and commuting, thus promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Additionally, these developments foster a sense of community by creating vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods where residents can live, work, and engage in recreational activities within close proximity, enhancing overall quality of life and urban resilience. #mixedusedevelopment #sustainability #urbancities #smartcities #cityinfrastructure #thinkingdesign