Maccreanor Lavington’s Post

How much does it cost to live in the award-winning Accordia development in Cambridge? My next instalment of 'Icons of Architecture' is out, where I argue that new build developments have just as much capacity to become iconic as heritage buildings. Designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Maccreanor Lavington, and Alison Brooks Architects, and constructed by Countryside Partnerships and Redeham Homes, Accordia set a new benchmark for the construction of high density housebuilding in the UK. 🏆 Accordia was the first housing development to win the prestigious Stirling Prize but at the same time highlights the inherent tensions with creating new communities from scratch. It provides a fascinating site that gives us crucial lessons for the future of the new development which we so desperately need. You can read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/g7r5rUZX ‘Icons of Architecture’ is a Savills blog series where we explore some of the UK’s most extraordinary housing developments. We look at what makes their architecture so compelling while digging into their values and places in the housing market. This is the world of the RIBA meeting that of the RICS, to tell increasingly holistic pictures of our built environment. #Architecture #Housingmarket #Cambridge #Housingdevelopment

On a social level, the architecture of collective housing plays a major role in the cohesion or fragmentation of urban communities. The design of these homes can profoundly influence the way individuals interact with each other, and by extension, the feeling of belonging to a community.   Buildings designed to encourage meetings and social interactions, with well-designed common spaces such as shared gardens, welcoming lobbies or roof terraces, can strengthen social connections. They promote a more collective and supportive way of life, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods. On the other hand, unsuitable architecture, where private spaces are completely isolated from public spaces, can lead to a feeling of isolation and alienation. However, contemporary architecture seeks to overcome these problems by promoting more inclusive and sustainable approaches. The emergence of concepts such as participatory housing or social diversity in development projects aim to create residential complexes where the diversity of residents is encouraged, thus allowing better social integration. In the project below, I have managed to bring those ideas into a vibrant architectural approach.  

Happy Friday! But the work doesn’t stop here. 💪 We’re working tirelessly to deliver high-quality joinery faster than ever before—without cutting corners. This is all thanks to continuous improvement, reducing downtime, and minimizing waste. While market conditions may have contributed to shorter lead times, I’m thrilled to say that our job processing times have dramatically improved year over year. Just because the market is quieter doesn’t mean we’re slowing down our efforts. 🚀 Faster turnaround times have always been a priority, and we’ve grown our capacity without simply adding more resources. It’s about working smarter, not just harder! 🙌 #ContinuousImprovement #Efficiency #JoineryInnovation #BusinessGrowth #Timbernerds

Joint developers Regal and 4C Group have submitted proposals for a scheme of 187 student bedrooms and 27 affordable homes in Camden Town. Designed by architect Morris+Company the planned building will wrap around a historic 19th-century pub on Jamestown Road, transforming underutilised sites into vibrant, future-forward spaces. This exciting project is a step forward for affordable housing in Camden, combining history with innovation. Our perforated materials, widely used in construction for applications like radiator covers, panelling, and decorative elements, are perfect for enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in modern developments like this! Read more: https://bit.ly/3UQSMkd #MetalPerforations #Engineering #BritishSME #Architecture #Metal #Industry #Perforated #UKEng

Local Housing: The Eternal Dilemma In South Africa, housing remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges. As our Constitution clearly states, every citizen has the right to access dignified housing, an essential component of social equity and well-being. However, as rural residents increasingly move to urban centers, searching for employment and better services, the pressure on city infrastructure has skyrocketed, and our housing demand is only intensifying. As architects, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to housing solutions that reflect both the urgency of the need and the richness of our local context. Our role goes beyond merely designing buildings; we are facilitators in the creation of resilient, inclusive communities that can sustain diverse populations. Learning from Global Initiatives There’s much we can learn from housing strategies around the world. For instance, countries like Singapore and Brazil have implemented large-scale public housing projects with a focus on high-density, community-centered design. Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) stands out for its public housing model that combines accessibility with affordability, achieving high standards in urban living and economic integration. Another example is Germany’s Baugruppen model, where residents collectively fund and participate in the design of their homes, ensuring affordability and customization in a shared community. This model also builds a sense of ownership and engagement within communities, which could be particularly powerful in our South African context, where fostering local ownership is key to the long-term sustainability of housing solutions. Adapting Concepts for South Africa While these examples provide inspiration, adaptation is essential. South African cities are marked by unique spatial challenges, economic disparities, and social dynamics. Therefore, an effective adaptation could involve a mix of incremental housing and mixed-use development, leveraging what we already have in informal settlements and upgrading those to sustainable, serviced communities over time. By integrating transit-oriented development and maintaining cultural ties to rural areas, we can create environments where residents can build lives without needing to migrate. Moreover, to address both the housing backlog and the economic upliftment of our communities, housing initiatives can incorporate local employment and skills training. Architects can play a role in designing housing that accommodates live-work units, cooperative business spaces, and communal facilities, supporting community resilience. Our commitment to collaboration, learning, and adaptation can help create dignified, affordable, and resilient housing for all South Africans

When it comes to heritage homes, people often think everything has to be grand and elaborate, but that’s not always the case. This small, upmarket renovation with The Construction Company and 4C Studio shows how a few thoughtful updates can make a big impact. #NextLevelJoinery #TimberNerds #Auckland #Construction #Architecture #TimberJoinery #NZBuilder #NZBuild #AucklandConstruction

🌿 **Passionate about Architecture that Honors Culture and Sustainability** 🌿 Hello! How's everyone doing? I wanted to share something that really inspires me. For me, architecture is more than just designing spaces; it's an opportunity to connect with history and the environment around us. Projects like *Townsville North Rail Yards* in Queensland, Australia, are a great example of how to revitalize heritage areas while respecting cultural identity and promoting sustainability. Here, old rail tracks and historic structures are seamlessly integrated with contemporary buildings, creating the perfect balance between the past and the present. This approach not only preserves the past but also respects the tropical climate of the area by incorporating local vegetation to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing landscape. The use of natural light, open spaces, and sustainable design shows how architecture can be transformative, connecting communities and promoting environmental well-being. 🌱 I'm inspired by how projects like this not only transform spaces but also positively impact the surrounding communities. Do you know of other projects making a difference? 🌍🏛️ #SustainableArchitecture #CulturalPreservation #ResponsibleDesign #Townsville [Link to the project here](https://lnkd.in/dmdiAtru)

Adaptive reuse and urban regeneration at its best, well done to the whole team involved 👏🏼

Refurbish, remodel, repurpose. We love working with Architects and Clients on schemes that breathe new life into old building structures. Take a look at these visuals showing how we’ve integrated a modern structure within the original shell of a former library to create a new Health and Education Hub in the heart of Runcorn town centre. The design, by Cassidy+Ashton Architects, Building Surveyors & Town Planners is based around an ‘internal garden’ which will be an oasis of calm for visitors, who will benefit from a more central location for this Health Hub. #structuralengineering #structuralengineernearme#sustainability#UrbanDevelopment #communitybuilding

With Walsh Construction Co. and SMR Architects , AHBL contributed landscape architectural services to Housing Hilltop, which includes 231 affordable units, courtyards, street trees, and community-focused amenities. By addressing cultural identity, housing costs, and retail affordability, the development creates opportunities for displaced residents to return and thrive. #AHBL #AHBLLife #HousingHilltop #Tacoma #AffordableHousing #LandscapeArchitecture