Paul Conroy’s Post

Homes designed to integrate with nature can significantly boost wellbeing while offering a front-row seat to the beauty of changing seasons, writes Elizabeth Fazzare. There’s a natural calm that comes from being immersed in nature, and science backs it up. Research highlights a clear link between exposure to the outdoors and improved mental health and overall wellbeing. Homes located near natural spaces, particularly forests, can enhance this feeling, especially when their architecture embraces the surrounding environment. As fall approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the vibrant colors of the season provide an added visual benefit. Olson Kundig, a Seattle-based architecture firm, is renowned for its work exploring the connection between built and natural environments. "We design architecture that recedes into the forest, with the building becoming secondary to nature," explains Kevin M. Kudo-King, co-principal and co-owner of the firm. Carefully positioning a home in a forested lot is key to achieving this balance. "Our structures weave through and around trees," he continues, "elevating the building to inhabit the forest canopy while still allowing native plants t#architecturelovers Read More: https://lnkd.in/g6KFs5nm #ContactAndreaBertucci #AndreaBertucci #NatureInspiredDesign #WellbeingThroughNature #ArchitectureAndNature #ForestHomes #SustainableLiving #FallColors #OutdoorLiving #EcoFriendlyHomes #MindfulArchitecture #NatureHealing #OlsonKundig #ForestViews #WellnessDesign #NaturalLiving #FallVibes #ArchitectureLovers

Growing up, I watched my grandfather transform old spaces into thriving businesses. He started by selling suits from his car, eventually purchasing a historic storefront downtown. Today, I carry that same passion into my work restoring historic buildings. I think that the scope of my work is an art far beyond preserving walls. I am always, always grateful for breathing new life into spaces that hold the stories of a community. In one project, we worked with a client to bring a crumbling historic structure back to life. The façade had to meet strict preservation standards, but inside, we created a modern, functional space that aligned with the client’s vision. We think these types of spaces deserve love and admiration the same way modern structures do. The result? A building that tells a story—a perfect balance of heritage and innovation. But, restoration isn’t easy. It takes patience, understanding of regulations, and years of effort. But at the end of the day, these projects remind me of something my grandfather taught me: preserving the past is how we honor the future. #HistoricPreservation #Architecture 

I recently authored a blog post celebrating the aesthetic, functional and ecological benefits of living roofs in mountain architecture. Let me know what you think:

"The built environment is dynamic and continuously adapting, which is crucial for modernization and growth. Adapting is not about removing something but evolving it, taking what already exists and changing its use." Rebecca Holmquist, AIA, NCARB writes on historic preservation and the sense of place in her new blog, "Story of Place: Cultivating Connection and Identity through Historic Preservation." Read on: https://lnkd.in/gMcFsc9t

Planning permission and listed building consent have been granted for the conversion of the Grade II listed Humyak House, located in the Duke Street conservation area of central Liverpool, to comprise 13 apart-hotel suites and a bar restaurant. Working with agent Greyside Planning and Liath Heritage, MGMA Architects delivered a site specific design concept, and detailed coordinated project drawings, to secure the approvals. The building is currently vacant with the previous office consent works part-completed. Completed in 1864, Humyak House is a structure of significant mass and weight, built with materials and techniques of astonishing durability: an architecture seeking permanence in contrast to its temporary holdings. Characterised by substantial timber beams, heavy cast iron columns, and the material muscularity of thick brickwork walls, the tectonic elements of fireproof warehouse construction are the timeless matrix for a changing inventory. The open nature of the floorplates was a key characteristic in the original building, and had informed the previously approved consents. There is a prima facie conflict with the Client’s intended use as an apart-hotel, which inevitably requires a degree of subdivision. The conservation approach therefore had to limit subdivision, enable the reuse of the building, and safeguard the heritage elements disassembled during the previous, part-completed works. The baled, sacked, barrelled, or crated holdings stored securely in fireproof framed warehouses provides a narrative beginning for development of the design concept. Borrowing the term ‘storehouse’, the project seeks to connect the historic use and mode of storage with the contemporary visitor economy. The design concept employs sleeping and sanitary accommodation within ‘crate’ style pods within the apart hotel suites. The crates are dispersed within the suite in a non-aligned fashion, so as to emphasise the temporal nature of stored materials in the warehouse setting. Greyside Planning Laith Heritage BLACKETT-ORD CONSERVATION LIMITED Rodney Environmental Consultants Vextrix AM Pyro #heritage #listedbuildings #conservationarchitecture #retrofit #retrofitlistedbuildings #liverpoolwarehouse

Brisbane development update for Kangaroo Point Verso Developments has revised its plans for the Shafston Estate increasing the project to 25 storeys proposing 48 apartments and two low-level river homes.  The site located on Castlebar Street, is a riverfront location that will reuse the historic Shafston House, built between 1851 and 1904, repurposing it as function rooms and health and wellness spaces for residents. Additionally, the development aims to expand the riverwalk, linking to Mowbray Park. #architects #interiordesigners #townplanners #brisbane #greenbridge #architecture #brisbanedevelopment Proposed perspective for 23 Castlebar Street in Kangaroo Point (Photo credit: KHA/ Brisbane PD Online)

Beautifully restored Union Terrace Gardens, #Aberdeen’s central green space, is a RIBA Journal cover star 📷 The story makes for a great read, setting the scene before LDA Design was commissioned to bring life back to the Gardens. As LDA Design Director Rory Wilson explains, our brief from Aberdeen City Council was to reimagine the park but respect its historic nature, as well as create a green heart for the city and open it up as a venue for public events. Our first move? To get the people of Aberdeen involved, to find out their hopes and concerns and to help them to fall in love with the space all over again, and to believe in its potential. There's interesting detail here which reveals some of the complexities of making UTG more welcoming and accessible. Key moves included better connecting the park to street level, creating a public plaza that acts as a new gateway, and making the grand staircase into the Gardens – 69 steps over six flights that were steep and difficult to use – more accessible. Our proposal allowed for the steps to be re-laid using the original stones on the same axis but over a deeper area to reduce the incline, making a much more leisurely and comfortable experience. A new embankment-height accessible route now weaves between, providing a gentle route to the lawns. There are details too about the three new pavilions by architects Stallan-Brand which are inspired by the city’s trams and are designed to draw people to the Gardens from day through to evening. Engineering and lighting design by Arup. In short, “The project hits every necessary aspect of the brief and recreates Union Terrace Gardens for the better and the long term.” Here, here! 👏 Have a read of May's issue (subscription): https://lnkd.in/dZGZdqw Rory Wilson Kirstin Taylor Joanne Walker RIBA #landscapedesign #parks #landscapearchitecture #architecture #greeninfrastructure #placemaking #poweroflandscape #wellbeing #community

🌟 Exploring the Iconic Woodward's 43 in Vancouver 🌟 Standing tall at 122.3 meters, Woodward's 43, also known as W43 or simply the W Building, is a striking example of modern urban design in the heart of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. This mixed-use skyscraper seamlessly blends residential, commercial, and community spaces, redefining the skyline and the spirit of the neighborhood. The W Building is more than just its height and architecture—it represents a vibrant hub of activity and a symbol of revitalization for this historic area. Its innovative design combines cutting-edge engineering with thoughtful urban planning, creating a space where people live, work, and connect. We at Hingeneering Consulting draw inspiration from projects like W43, which showcase the power of engineering and architecture to transform communities. Here's to shaping cities where innovation and inclusivity thrive! What are your favorite examples of transformative urban design? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 #Architecture #Engineering #Vancouver #UrbanDesign #Innovation

Die Sonnenblumenhäuser exemplifies a collaborative, plural approach to urban planning, contributing to the vibrant new Wildgarten district in Meidling, Vienna. Developed as part of a 10-hectare project following the Europan 10 competition, this initiative involved multiple architecture teams, social housing enterprises, and cooperatives, fostering a democratic design process. arenas basabe palacios led the design of 11 housing blocks, including 82 residential units, community spaces, and commercial facilities. The architecture embraces a garden-matrix concept, where each block surrounds its own green space, creating a seamless integration of urban living and nature. Buildings of varying heights—from single-family homes to collective housing blocks—support a dynamic and inclusive urban fabric. Ceramic façades optimize sun exposure, while flexible interior spaces offer adaptability for residents. The project balances historical preservation with innovative construction, ensuring sustainable living through green corridors and low-maintenance landscapes. The result is a diverse, cohesive neighborhood that enhances both community connections and environmental harmony. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dXzqcYGd #UrbanPlanning #SustainableArchitecture #SocialHousing #CollaborativeDesign #ViennaDevelopment #GreenUrbanSpaces #ArchitecturalInnovation #CommunityBuilding #Wildgarten #MixedUseDevelopment