Loughton Contracts Plc’s Post

Listed building restoration project completes, enhancing historic charm with modern functionality. Propitas were instructed to project manage the significant external refurbishment of a listed building in the heart of Swansea, aimed at preserving its historical charm while enhancing its functionality for modern use as a bookshop and cafe. The Carlton Cinema, a notable early 20th-century landmark, is an important part of the city’s architectural heritage. The external restoration work, which began in early 2024, includes essential repairs to the building fabric, the reinstatement of original design features such as feature lighting and redecoration to match the original colour scheme. The project was managed and completed on time with additional works running on from the initial programme to further improve the building. #ProjectManagement #ListedBuilding #ProjectCompletion #Restoration #OriginalFeatures #OnProgramme https://lnkd.in/eHqNMzX5

Walking through my neighborhood, I noticed something peculiar about the street outside my apartment: two curbs, one small and the other leading up to the sidewalk. It’s the kind of design you might not pay much attention to until you stop and think, why is it like this? In my latest video, I explore a few possible reasons: - Could it be a traffic calming measure to slow vehicles down? - Or is it for drainage purposes, helping manage water runoff during heavy rains? Interestingly, there’s construction starting soon, so perhaps they’re planning to fix or even change this unusual layout. This experience reminded me how urban design often has hidden logic, even when it looks strange to us at first glance. Have you seen anything like this before? What’s your take on this design? Check out the video here: https://lnkd.in/eVZnTXBP

🔹In the design of the Vitry Centre metro station in Paris, only the Fancy Fence system could meet the specific technical requirements, becoming a key element in the integration of technology with urban aesthetics. The designed gate consists of five independent sections that lower into the ground, which can be controlled both individually and collectively. This modular design not only provides flexibility in access control but also allows for adaptation to varying ground heights, which was crucial for this project. Additionally, the system offers the option to open only the central section, which is particularly useful in cases requiring increased access control. 🔹The Vitry Centre station project sets new standards in integrating technology with urban aesthetics, demonstrating how a transfer space can become a significant urban element. The introduction of the Fancy Fence system allows for seamless integration of the station with its surroundings, highlighting the importance of thoughtful integration of practicality with aesthetics in designing modern public spaces.

South Station in Boston is named an “Architecture Project Set to Shape the World in 2025” by CNN - a fantastic recognition. 🏅 "A major expansion of Boston’s South Station, the busiest ground transport hub in New England, is wrapping up this year. Upon completion, the redevelopment project [by Hines] will have increased the terminal’s bus and rail capacity by 50% and 70%, respectively. Architecturally speaking, the challenge facing Pelli Clarke & Partners was not only to reimagine the hub’s concourse and erect a soaring 51-story skyscraper above it, but to respect the original Classical Revival station building. Listed under the US National Register of Historic Places, it has stood there since 1899. The resulting contrast — between gleaming glass and weathered stone — was always going to be stark. But the tower’s soft, sculptural form seeks to complement its historic counterpart. The expanded, arched concourse meanwhile offers visitors a more grandiose arrival into the city." Full story here: https://lnkd.in/gJaXzZ7s

Designing a contemporary extension to this listed building, to make the most of these views.

Looking forward to joining these distinguished panelists to discuss the current real estate market from several perspectives. #iida #jll #Howardbuildingcorporation #HDR #TangramInteriors

We like the challenge of transforming buildings and public spaces with an economy of means. Retaining and re-using existing materials wherever possible means that we don’t have a big library of favourite finishes that we regularly specify – so when we spoke to RIBA Journal’s “Three things” column we talked about three ways of maximising impact and quality in a challenging funding environment by using standard materials. 1. Using line marking paint to define space in the public realm with BOB Design Ltd for Islington Council and in Shape Newham for London Borough of Newham. 2. Promoting the use of natural stone instead of concrete for public projects, working with Hardscape Surfaces on these bespoke benches. 3. Adapting cast glass pavement lights into a balustrade screen in Bankside with New Age Glass Ltd. Photo by Luke O'Donovan of new social seating and raingarden in Kingsford Square in Beckton - raingarden designed in collaboration with Robert Bray Associates. RIBA Journal article https://lnkd.in/e--3vYHB

The new OBC will permit EMTC buildings up to 18 storeys, an increase from the previous limit of 12 storeys. Will this may not seem applicable to many designers there I see the biggest opportunity in the lower buildings. Two examples below. Residential Buildings: Design and construction of multi-family housing up to 18 storeys, offering sustainable and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Up to 8 storey buildings can be 100% exposed timber. Educational Facilities: Development of schools and universities utilizing mass timber, benefiting from reduced construction times and environmental impact. Up to 6 storey buildings can be 100% exposed at 7,200 m2 per floor.

Historical Restoration 🫱🏻🫲🏾 Modern Architectural Techniques Developer Soller Group has submitted plans for an incredible 18-storey ‘upside-down’ tech tower in Manchester which incorporates several buildings at street level. Dubbed the NXQ scheme, the project is set to create a truly unique and dynamic space. The aim is to retain and respect the 19th-century buildings and the nearby Grade II listed Daily Express Building whilst incorporating forward-thinking features like intelligent façades and mixed-mode ventilation. The cantilevered structure supported by an efficient raking column will marry the old with the new harmoniously. It will be interesting to see how the final structure integrates with Manchester’s cityscape and how tech companies will utilise this innovative space. Projects like this reflect a growing emphasis on creating buildings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sensitive. #manchester #realestate #development #propertydevelopment

As an architect, one of the most rewarding challenges is weaving modern developments into the fabric of our historical cities. We're crafting three residential towers that will bring 867 new homes to a vibrant London neighbourhood. But these contemporary structures are being carefully designed to complement and preserve two remarkable heritage buildings: a charming Station Master's House and a Grade II Listed "Grange" building. The journey of balancing preservation with progress is complex. Working with heritage consultants and local authorities requires patience, vision, and creativity. But these constraints often lead to the most innovative solutions. The Goods Yard not only provides homes but creates meaningful public spaces - including 22,000 sq ft of commercial space, public squares, and green areas. Which is proof that embracing architectural heritage can lead to unique architectural design.