Ryan Graye’s Post

Nice piece in the Architecture Today. An interview with Laura Davies from the White Arkitekter London Office about our recently completed #retrofit office space, designed to maximise the #reuse of furniture and support the #circulareconomy. Through this approach we managed to achieve 80% reuse on the CAT B fit out and saved money. When considering reuse opportunities in both CAT A and B our calculations show that this approach has the potential for significant carbon savings in the commercial fit out sector. An area of the industry that creates a lot of waste through short tenancy cycles. #sustainabledesign #retrofirst #circulareconomy

c$60M Office Tower Approved for Cremorne’s Thriving Tech Hub! The vibrant precinct of Cremorne is set to welcome a 12-storey, $56.5M A-grade office tower at 101 Cremorne Street. Approved by the state planning minister, this development will replace a three-storey building with over 10,900sqm of office space and nearly 570sqm of retail offerings, designed by LIFE Architecture and Urban Design (Formerly CHT Architects). This project will include a three-storey podium and a distinctive eight-storey recessed tower. Drawing inspiration from Cremorne's heritage as Australia’s first pleasure gardens, the building’s silhouette and perforated steel mesh facade create a light, fabric-like appearance. Additional highlights include passive design elements for energy efficiency, a rooftop clubhouse with a moonlight cinema and pickleball court, and a rooftop urban farm for tenants. With a 5.5-star NABERS Energy rating target and features like 136 bicycle bays and rainwater storage, this development aligns with modern sustainability practices. Landscape designer Jack Merlo will enhance the streetscape with trees, planter beds, and public seating. Situated 450m from Richmond Station and near Swan Street's bustling activity, the tower is set to anchor Cremorne’s continued growth as a hub for tech and creative industries. Want to know more about this addition to Melbourne’s skyline? Click below for further details. Need recruitment help? Reach out and let’s explore my construction and property connections. #BuildingTalks #MelbourneConstruction #PropertyDevelopment

Our winning submission for a major mixed-use retrofit job in the European Quarter in Brussels, Belgium, beating UK and international competition was covered in the Architects’ Journal this morning https://lnkd.in/epRG_6jD As reported, 0ur winning scheme was born out of a deeply collaborative approach and spirit with Belgian practice a2o, VELD and landscape architects TN PLUS to overhaul L’ilot 130, an office complex near the European Commission, which will transform around 100,000m2 of office space into upgraded workplaces, homes, and community facilities. Real estate fund Whitewood and developer #Cityforward said the winning scheme prioritised ‘sustainability and circularity, focusing on opening up the ground floor, adding green spaces, and improving water management, carbon footprint, and energy efficiency’. Whitewood business development director Christophe le Polain told the AJ that the winning scheme was ‘an ambitious project that aligns perfectly with our expectations, values, and those of the authorities.’ He added: 'Their ability to design a large-scale project within a short timeframe, adhering to key principles of circularity and sustainability, demonstrates both their expertise and commitment to a more responsible future. ‘This project integrates high-quality residential components essential to the neighbourhood while providing office spaces that meet current market demands with optimal energy performance. We look forward to bringing this collaboration to life and continuing our work together on the detailed design of this landmark project.’ The competition brief had called for the complex’s ground floor to be opened up while ‘greening’ the building’s interior and delivering a building with around 70 per cent offices, 25 per cent housing, and 5 per cent facilities space. Morris + Company was shortlisted along with UK firms Caruso St John Architects, in a team with Bovenbouw Architectuur and Kollektif Landscape, and Maccreanor Lavington working with Dutch firm Popma ter Steege Architecten. The other finalists included: ArtBuild Architects with 3XN and Delva; Juurlink [+] Geluk, Urbanism and Landscape Design, Geluk and V8; and OZ architect with Stijlgroep Landscape & Urban Design. Almost an entire block long, L’ilot 130 it is one of 21 European Commission buildings tipped for redevelopment as part of a masterplan by Brussels-based practice Plusoffice Architects, which includes ‘sustainable buildings’ and the introduction of housing. #Architecture #Sustainability #EuropeanQuarter #Innovation #ILOBuilding #Brussels #EcoUrban #Whitewood #EuropeanDistrict #ILOT130 #EuropeanQuarter #VilleDeBrussells

#Gensler's recent analysis of office-to-residential conversions hits several nails on the head: 1. Buildings aren't iPhones - their uniqueness is an asset, not a liability. 2. Deep floor plates do not necessarily mean dark units. They can also mean unique, vertically stacked amenities like gyms, lounges, and coworking spaces. 3. Non-uniform layouts: In a sea of cookie-cutter units, distinctive floor plans and unexpected nooks command premium rents. 4. Selective demolition isn't just an expense; it's value creation. Carving out sections can add light, air, and critically, allow for reallocation of floor area to high-value penthouses or rooftop amenities. 5. Façade upgrades: Not just costs, but future-proofing investments, often subsidized by energy efficiency incentives. However, Gensler overlooks the elephant in the room: #tax benefits. Local and government incentives often drive these projects more than design innovation. Perhaps Gensler's next piece could explore how creative architecture can maximize tax advantages. After all, in real estate, the most influential architect is often the tax code. #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstateEconomics #ArchitecturalInnovation

c$60M Office Tower Approved for Cremorne’s Thriving Tech Hub! The vibrant precinct of Cremorne is set to welcome a 12-storey, $56.5M A-grade office tower at 101 Cremorne Street. Approved by the state planning minister, this development will replace a three-storey building with over 10,900sqm of office space and nearly 570sqm of retail offerings, designed by LIFE Architecture and Urban Design (Formerly CHT Architects). This project will include a three-storey podium and a distinctive eight-storey recessed tower. Drawing inspiration from Cremorne's heritage as Australia’s first pleasure gardens, the building’s silhouette and perforated steel mesh facade create a light, fabric-like appearance. Additional highlights include passive design elements for energy efficiency, a rooftop clubhouse with a moonlight cinema and pickleball court, and a rooftop urban farm for tenants. With a 5.5-star NABERS Energy rating target and features like 136 bicycle bays and rainwater storage, this development aligns with modern sustainability practices. Landscape designer Jack Merlo will enhance the streetscape with trees, planter beds, and public seating. Situated 450m from Richmond Station and near Swan Street's bustling activity, the tower is set to anchor Cremorne’s continued growth as a hub for tech and creative industries. Want to know more about this addition to Melbourne’s skyline? Click below for further details. Need to recruit? Message me here and access my extensive construction and property network. #BuildingTalks #MelbourneConstruction #PropertyDevelopment

You just bought a house, but the structural design is old for current trends, how do you repurpose it to meet your taste? 📝 Assess the Structure's Current Condition The first step is to thoroughly inspect the property. Understand the integrity of the building’s foundation, wiring, and plumbing systems. This will give you insights into which parts need refurbishment and which ones can be repurposed as-is. 📝 Reimagine Spaces to Serve New Functions One of the most exciting aspects of repurposing property is turning it into something entirely new. Perhaps that bungalow can be turned into a chic co-working space, or an old shopping complex might have the potential to become a trendy mixed-use building with cafés, offices, and communal spaces. It's all about identifying how the space can serve modern-day needs. 📝 Factor in Sustainability and Modern Trends Incorporating sustainable designs is not just a trend, it’s fast becoming a necessity. For example, turning an old, abandoned residential structure into a green office space with energy-saving solutions can significantly enhance its value. 📝 Compliance and Legal Considerations Repurposing doesn’t end with design and functionality; you need to ensure your project complies with current zoning regulations and building codes. Always consult with legal experts, especially in real estate law. 📝 Personalization and Market Needs What’s the purpose of the building? If it's a family home, you might emphasize outdoor living spaces or create functional home offices. If it’s a commercial property, you could optimize for modern office needs like open floor plans and tech-friendly designs. Repurposing old structures is a way to give buildings a second chance while also unlocking their full potential in today’s real estate market. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Are you looking to revitalize an old structure or need legal guidance to repurpose your property? Let’s connect and discuss how to turn that property into a high-performing asset! #RealEstate #Repurposing #PropertyDevelopment #SustainableDesign #RealEstateLaw #CommercialRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #TrendySpaces

You just bought a house, but the structural design is old for current trends, how do you repurpose it to meet your taste? 📝 Assess the Structure's Current Condition The first step is to thoroughly inspect the property. Understand the integrity of the building’s foundation, wiring, and plumbing systems. This will give you insights into which parts need refurbishment and which ones can be repurposed as-is. 📝 Reimagine Spaces to Serve New Functions One of the most exciting aspects of repurposing property is turning it into something entirely new. Perhaps that bungalow can be turned into a chic co-working space, or an old shopping complex might have the potential to become a trendy mixed-use building with cafés, offices, and communal spaces. It's all about identifying how the space can serve modern-day needs. 📝 Factor in Sustainability and Modern Trends Incorporating sustainable designs is not just a trend, it’s fast becoming a necessity. For example, turning an old, abandoned residential structure into a green office space with energy-saving solutions can significantly enhance its value. 📝 Compliance and Legal Considerations Repurposing doesn’t end with design and functionality; you need to ensure your project complies with current zoning regulations and building codes. Always consult with legal experts, especially in real estate law. 📝 Personalization and Market Needs What’s the purpose of the building? If it's a family home, you might emphasize outdoor living spaces or create functional home offices. If it’s a commercial property, you could optimize for modern office needs like open floor plans and tech-friendly designs. Repurposing old structures is a way to give buildings a second chance while also unlocking their full potential in today’s real estate market. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Are you looking to revitalize an old structure or need legal guidance to repurpose your property? Let’s connect and discuss how to turn that property into a high-performing asset! #RealEstate #Repurposing #PropertyDevelopment #SustainableDesign #RealEstateLaw #CommercialRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #TrendySpaces

Occupants now demand that their homes, offices, and the stores they shop at improve productivity, protect the planet, and promote wellness. Read our recent blog to learn how high-performance buildings accommodate these expectations and their five key design elements. https://lnkd.in/ee2w23Bc #ArchitecturalDesign #CommercialDesign #AdaptiveReuse

𝗜𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁, 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 The Q3 2024 office market report from JLL confirms what we've been seeing on the ground: Tenants are selective, demand for high-quality spaces is up, and new supply is down. For brokers, building owners, and tenants navigating these changes, one question is clear: How do we make office spaces work for the people who will actually use them? 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻. At Gray Space Architecture, our team specializes in commercial interiors that go beyond just filling floor plans. We create strategic test fits and pre-builds that cater to tenant needs, help brokers close deals faster, and maximize a building's market appeal. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗨𝘀? •Tenants want quality: Upgraded amenities, modern designs, and flexible layouts aren’t "nice to have"—they’re must-haves •Industry diversity matters: Tech and finance aren't dominating leasing in smaller buildings. A mix of industries means designs need to be adaptable •Retention is key: Tenants are holding onto spaces longer, so a thoughtfully designed office can be a long-term differentiator 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 When we approach a test fit or pre-build, we don’t just think about square footage. We consider: • Flexibility: Can this space adapt to different types of tenants? • Functionality: Are the layouts intuitive for brokers to sell and tenants to envision? • Future-Proofing: How can this design stay relevant as workstyles evolve? At Gray Space Architecture, we translate market insights into designs that solve real problems. Give us the challenge, and our team will create the solution. Let’s make your building the one that works for everyone—now and in the future. #CommercialRealEstate #Architecture #OfficeDesign #CRETrends #TenantExperience #Brokers #BuildingOwners #TestFits #PreBuilds

As vacancy rates soar, tenants have more power in the commercial real estate business. Landlords face the challenge of improving commercial spaces on small budgets to attract or retain tenants for long-term leases. What measures can be taken by landlords to make their real estate attractive to businesses? Our industry partner Metro Wall suggests focusing on bright aesthetics and meeting privacy needs for both sight and sound. Find out more about this powerful tool of privacy tools in office design in today’s blog: 👇🏻 https://lnkd.in/ej7p8hdC #modernarchitecture #privacyinofficedesign #glasspartitions #modularoffice