Structural, energy and environmental problems related to the large Italian built-up heritage lacking architectural value often raise the issue regarding the economic viability of renovation projects, which in the end leads to the alternative of demolition and reconstruction in most cases or the sharp option of using virgin land in others. Nonetheless, within the context of environmental sustainability projects of a wider scope which are currently more urgent than ever, and thus highly incentivized we can immediately understand the importance of renovation works aiming to provide existing buildings with features comparable to new ones. By adopting an approach decisive enough to meet the expectations of contemporary architecture, we can restart the life cycle of buildings, preserving their original footprint and minimizing waste and pollutants. With regard to the design phase, the presence of the past which is traditionally the main theme of reusing allows architects to develop intriguing interpretations on how to transform constraints into opportunities.
This condo, overlooking the Cathedral of St. James in the heart of downtown Toronto, was converted into an apartment building from a parking garage in the 80’s, and came to us completely in its original state: popcorn ceiling; an enclosed and very dated kitchen; mirrored walls; and worn-out carpeted floors. With a new owner, the entire unit was in need of an extensive update.
The Concept store for the designer Guilherme Wentz is a result of a renovation of a two-story building. The Architecture office took advantage of the existing recessed entrance to create an external seating area with tropical garden and a facade in two planes: one in the gable of the neighboring lot with the name of the store, and the other, the shop front itself with access to the store.
The scope of the project included a porch addition, pool and cabana structure, for an existing home located in Old Metairie, LA. The clients wanted to reform their backyard space into a secluded refuge, where their entire family could take advantage of a previously underutilized backyard. The goal was for the porch to feel better connected to the yard thereby visually extending both areas. The porch was re-designed to be as open as possible and it incorporates many similar materials also incorporated throughout yard. Stairs were redesigned to be much wider and lead directly to the backyard for a great sense of connection between the two. The cabana is clad in ipe with a cedar ceiling, concrete columns, and a metal standing seam roof. It includes a full kitchen, outdoor shower, bath and activity area.
Article source: Charles Todd Helton Architect, Inc.
A church that was in need of a facelift and a few additions. We changed the overall look of the campus, from an outdated split face cmu block look, to a more contemporary stucco and stone ‘shining beacon on the hill’ look and feel. I love the almost Greek Island feel it gets with the whites and the blue sky. We added a fellowship hall, various entrance porches, redesigned the sanctuary, and added a much needed set of new bathrooms (plus many other items as well). Loved the people I worked with there. Built in Spring, Texas.
This project incorporates the partial demolition and reconstruction of an existing hotel.
The project includes the addition of a new building structure and reconstruction of all rooms, suites, terraces, corridors, lobby, pool, and cafeteria.
A new volume on the front facade with direct sea views was created, extending from 12 into more than 30 rooms with seafront views. An existing structure on the ground floor, by the front entrance, has been substituted by a newly designed cafeteria and reception area where the views of the beach and the sea become part of the internal courtyard. The position of the cafeteria was chosen so the large pool and terraces are viewed and easily accessed.
Chelsea Building Products, manufacturer of Everlast® advanced composite siding, recently partnered with Hood Distribution (Ayer, MA) and Schernecker Property Services (SPS) for a complete renovation of the condominiums at the Village at Hager Meadows in Marlborough, MA.
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