Ratcliff Architects’ Post

It can all change in AN INSTANT. Do What you CAN DO, to plan for LATER, NOW. #AgingInPlace #LongevityPLANS #Accessible #Equitable #Inclusive #HousingSolutions #DesignMatters #ForeverHome #ADMarchitecture

Spotlight on one of our past projects: Located just minutes away from all the action, this beautiful community is not just a housing unit, it came in with easy access to transportation, shopping, entertainment, and only minutes from the beach and canals. This neighborhood boasts many outdoor recreation activities, including several parks and golf clubs just a short drive away. At Select Structural we understand the appeal of sprawling living areas, ample closet space, and all the bells and whistles of condo living. But creating these dream spaces requires more than just good looks – it requires a solid foundation in structural engineering. Larger living areas often translate to wider spans between supporting walls. Our team of experts designed efficient framing systems that delivers the open-concept feel. #StructuralEngineering #DreamApartment #ModernLiving

Haworth Trivati #office #wall #partitions provide the ultimate #spaceplanning freedom. Its #flexible tri-channel rail can be fitted with up to three layers of vertical insert panels—letting you fine-tune #aesthetics, #visual and #acoustical #privacy, and #budget—room by room, with a cohesive look. #glasswalls #glasspartitions #demountablewall #modularconstruction #interiorarchitecture #architecturaldesign

Thinking of converting a barn into your dream home? There's been a shake-up in the rules (Class Q & R permitted development) affecting barn conversions in England as of April 30th 2024. Here's a breakdown: More Barns Get the Green Light (Kind Of) Up to 10 dwellings can be created from one barn (previously 5). Single-story rear extensions up to 4 metres on existing hard surfaces. Hold on, There are Limits... Each dwelling can't be larger than 150sqm (previously flexible). The total converted area can't exceed 1,000sqm. The final design must meet national space standards for comfortable living. The barn must have suitable access to a public road. Confused? We can help! Check out the link to our blog below: https://buff.ly/3wpwNYB #BarnConversion #ArchitectCornwall #PlanningPermission

The High Line, New York “On the High Line, everything was hyper present. The scale is so intimate that your focus is amplified” - Lisa Switkin, James Corner Field Operations A weekend reading about the High Line. The best part of the book is the section on the process of making the High Line - the interview with the designers. The absence of precedent gave them the opportunity to think differently. The focus was very much on the visitor experience - the lightings are mounted at waist length that they didn’t interfere with the night views of the city, the seating of different types and some with wheels so that visitors can choose to sit alone or with someone else by rearranging the seats, the beam discovery playground where children could inspect the railway beams and play at the same time, etc. I love their landscape design - the concept of going wild, where the plants could “grow out/ around” the structures along the High Line, blurring the line between hardscape and softscape. Every segment looks different. “The idea was that the design would not be subservient to prior programming, but the programming would follow the design. The design provided “settings” that would both inspire and support a variety of programs”. - James Corner The whole idea of promenading, a simple walk could be seen from the design of the linear space, starting from the carefully planned entrances that were designed based on the duration to get to the High Line and the experience of entering the space. The design of simplicity… #highline #nyc #landscaping #landscapearchitecture #adaptiveuse #urbandesign #urbanplanning #urbanism #publicspaces #placemaking

What is better than one student activities complex? Two student activities complexes!   The Socorro ISD Student Activities Complex II will allow the six schools within the school district more flexibility in scheduling sporting events and special events, including concerts, movies, festivals, and banquets. The facility will also support fine arts, career and technology programs, and administration.   In collaboration with HKS, Inc., Parkhill served as associate architect for the multi-level District Building on the south end. The terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows in the banquet hall offer premium stadium views.   Parkhill also provided civil and landscape architectural design which artfully celebrates the local landscape aesthetic by integrating the 6500-seat stadium into the topography with terraces behind the end zones, accessibility guided by the landscape, and stadium fencing which blends into the facility. The field’s design allows for competition-level play including a separate field events zone. Site development unifies the site creating efficient event parking, safe pedestrian and traffic circulation, and proper drainage improvements.   City of Socorro, Texas Socorro ISD HKS, Inc. Banes General Contractors Inc. Hector De Santiago Jacob Hernandez Lynda Macias, EIT, CNU-A Landon Bell, RLA, ASLA Hector Rodriguez II, Assoc. AIA   #BuildingCommunity #RibbonCutting #TeamSISD #K12Education #Architecture #SiteDevelopment #LandscapeArchitecture”

#mondaythoughts 'Well, summer's arrived finally it seems!' We're marking the debut of summer with another blue sky project from Downer Framing. We're flashing back to this luscious living wall scheme, brought to us courtesy of our client Viritopia. Downer was proud to provide a Helping Hand to this vibrant education sector scheme, with the provision of our original DCS031 Helping Hand system, which you can't see.... but take our word for it, it's hidden away behind those evergreen walls, providing dependable and robust support. Thank you for the mention on your case study too Viritopia! Much appreciated. We're pleased to support you and your vivid living wall projects. It's so refreshing to see our Downer Framing implemented on such innovative and environmentally friendly schemes and we look forward to more. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dwiKdg52 Environmental Gains 425g oxygen produced per year 32.5kg of dust trapped per year Aesthetic Gains Striking, evergreen walls Home to more than 150 students, St Mary’s, Bristol, has a soil-based living wall covering over 250m² of its façade. 'Behind the planting and modules, we used our helping hand build-up, with parts supplied by Architectural Panel Solutions. As the plants grow, the corners will fill out, creating a seamless wrap-around effect. Unseen by passers-by, whilst the plants grow the roots will also be establishing and migrating from cell-to-cell within the module, made possible by the central section being a separate component. This allows for natural composting when roots die, and a healthier living wall.' If you'd like to find out more about our Original Helping Hand Framing system, and what all those numbers mean, take a look: https://lnkd.in/eMEXTXEa https://lnkd.in/esGhWbp3 Book a presentation here - info@downerframing.com #summertime #blueskies #downerframing #downerdesigner #itsnotjustmetal #theoriginalhelpinghandsystem

Innovative Facades: Durability Meets Design in the Evolving Landscape of NSW   Finally, the rise of self-healing concrete. Gone are the days of cracked facades and never-ending maintenance cycles. Imagine walls made of bio-fabricated bricks that not only trap carbon but also self-repair minor cracks. This material automatically repairs cracks, extending the lifespan of buildings and decreasing environmental impact. Imagine government projects with timeless facades that reflect our commitment to sustainability and resilience. NDIS projects in which facades give enjoyable experiences. Or Childcare Centers with self-healing, self-ventilating facades like the beauty of nature.   We're looking at these resources to assist you bring your concept to reality, whether it's for a residential, child care, or university. These ground-breaking facades open up new options. At Sami Design Architects, we think that construction should be functional while also reflecting nature. We are passionate about creating timeless and beautiful homes that exemplify harmony, balance, and a dynamic way of living.   Let's shape the future of facades together! Connect with us to learn how these materials may bring your unique idea to life, creating something that stands out.   Website: www.samidesign.com.au Phone: (02) 8358 1100 Email: sam@samidesign.com.au   Follow our social media accounts:   Facebook: https://lnkd.in/gtpHnZ4R Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gMmMW4bK LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gX8qjNat #sustainabledesign #innovativearchitecture #AusArchitects #NDISProjects #greenbuildings  

Should you focus on the past... or is the future what matters? As someone who works closely with construction professionals in Ohio, it's inspiring to see the incredible work being done to revitalize historic buildings and neighborhoods in downtown Cincinnati. Take the Willkommen Project in Over-the-Rhine (OTR) for example. It’s more than just a preservation effort—it’s a forward-thinking approach to combining affordability, good design, and historic renovation. By restoring 11 historic buildings and adding modern infill, Willkommen is bringing much-needed affordable housing to a historic area while maintaining its rich architectural fabric. (https://lnkd.in/gtHCnia8) Historic preservation isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about shaping a future that’s both sustainable and economically sound. Cincinnati shows how we can blend innovation, heritage, and community to create lasting progress. If you’re passionate about urban revitalization or work in construction, I’d love to connect and discuss how these projects are changing the landscape of Cincinnati! 🌍 #UrbanRevitalization #HistoricPreservation #CincinnatiConstruction #ConstructionJobs #Sustainability #BuildingTheFuture

As our planet grows warmer, the responsibility to design for shade becomes increasingly critical. At CannonDesign, we believe building owners, civic leaders and designers must collaborate to increase shade cover through creative approaches. Projects like our Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, designed in partnership with Hepner Architects, is just north of Tampa, Florida. The project employs a minimum 2:1 ratio for shading full glazed walls. All other windows are covered with a perforated metal panel to provide shading and safety to the exterior. Simple things add! We can provide comfort, energy savings, and quality of life. These shaded spaces aren’t just performing - they become social centers, places to get away, or meet with friends. Discover how we can work together to create cooler, more comfortable environments for our communities: https://lnkd.in/gtf67FhR