Hybrid Planning & Development’s Post

BPTW has been appointed to design Phases 4 & 5 of the award-winning Rochester Riverside regeneration, with the reserved matters planning application recently submitted for approval. This appointment underscores our continued involvement in transforming this significant waterfront site, in collaboration with Vistry Group and The Hyde Group. This project is a lasting legacy to Chris Bath, who sadly passed away last month. He worked on this major regeneration project from its inception. His passion and enthusiasm for creating great places to live is evident and will continue with his talented team led by Caroline Dommett and Peter Sofoluke. Medway Council's flagship masterplan will provide over 1,400 new homes alongside commercial and community spaces in a landscaped public space network that connects the biodiverse riverside to the historic centre. Central to this vision is the commitment to placemaking which strengthens the local identity and creates a vibrant, cohesive community. The latest phases will introduce 353 new homes, comprising 115 houses and 238 apartments, built by Vistry under its Countryside Homes brand. 79 of the apartments will be provided as affordable homes. In addition, there will be ample car and cycle parking, and innovative public spaces, including an extension to the new river walk and green spaces that enhance connectivity with the historic Rochester High Street. Building upon the scheme’s established design principles, Phases 4 & 5 will further develop distinct designs that respond to the area’s industrial heritage. Phases 4 & 5 will utilise Vistry’s off-site manufactured timber frame structure for the houses, developed by BPTW, featuring standardised components that improve production efficiency and reduce carbon emissions during construction. A striking new entrance gateway at Eventide Park will feature strong frontage with a number of commercial spaces providing valuable amenities for residents. Public realm improvements are central to the scheme enhancing the river walk as a safe and inviting space for community interaction, while also supporting biodiversity. A temporary dock at Limehouse Wharf has been proposed by Medway Council offering the opportunity for river boat access including the Waverley Steamer, the world's last sea going paddle steamer. The project is set to progress through public consultation in the autumn, with a determination by Medway Council expected by winter. If approved, construction on Phases 4 and 5 is anticipated to commence in spring of 2025. Looking ahead, the masterplan will continue to evolve with the subsequent Phase 6, which will complete the regeneration of Rochester Riverside. CGI by Dean Wells #planningsubmission #architecture #regeneration #medway

$220M Twin Tower Development coming to the Sunshine Coast! Walker Corporation has unveiled plans for a significant $220M development in the heart of Maroochydore's emerging CBD. This project, known as ‘Sol by Walker’, features two 19-storey towers with 251 apartments and townhouses, setting a new benchmark for mixed-use development in the area. Designed by Plus Architecture, the development will include a three-level podium with retail and office space, as well as landscaped rooftop terraces, a pool deck, and other amenities to enhance urban living. The project's design focuses on sustainability and sub-tropical living standards, aiming to create a vibrant and engaging public realm. Construction is set to begin as early as the second quarter of 2025, pending approvals, with the project being rolled out in three stages. This ambitious development aligns with the rapid growth of the Sunshine Coast, where the population is expected to increase by 219,000 people over the next 25 years. Directly across the road, Walker Corporation is also working on the $90-million office tower at 50 First Avenue, further cementing its commitment to developing the Maroochydore City Centre. With other nearby projects like Habitat Development Group's recently completed The Corso, the area is quickly becoming a hub of growth and innovation. #BuildingTalks #SunshineCoast #SustainableLiving #PropertyDevelopment #MixedUseDevelopment

🛠️ Mission Rock development - San Francisco 🌉 The Mission Rock development in San Francisco is a remarkable project transforming the city's waterfront. This ambitious initiative includes multiple high-profile buildings, totaling over 3 million square feet of residential, office, retail, and public spaces with structural steel playing a pivotal role. The project incorporates an estimated 5,000 tons of structural steel, highlighting the scale and complexity of the construction. Its innovative design aims for LEED Gold certification and prioritizes sustainability while creating a dynamic urban environment. Mission Rock is set to include a mix of uses such as 537 new apartments, office spaces, and a waterfront park. Reflecting the strength of San Francisco’s construction and steel industries, Mission Rock stands as a testament to blending structural innovation with dynamic urban living. An incredible achievement for the city and the teams behind it! 🏗️ #MissionRockSF #StructuralSteel #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability #LEEDGold #SanFranciscoConstruction #SteelInnovation #UrbanLiving #WaterfrontDevelopment #SmartCities #ModernArchitecture #SteelIndustry #EngineeringExcellence #ConstructionTrends

**Residential Conversion Secured for Disused Building**   Zesta Planning Ltd are delighted to confirm that we have secured planning permission for the change of use of a long disused four-storey office building into 2no. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to 18 bedrooms in total, including a mansard roof extension, on behalf of private clients.     This building has been disused as an office for some time and the proposals represent the viable reuse of a handsome building within a highly sustainable brownfield location. These HMOs have been designed to a high quality, including internal space standards, for young professionals and include private amenity space on site, as well as secure cycle parking.   Working closely with Forde Architecture (Denise Gooding) we prepared a well-considered development suitable for this historically sensitive Conservation Area location within the City of #Gloucester. The proposal includes a mansard roof extension to replace the existing dual low-pitched roofs which allows for an additional 3no. bedrooms with ensuites to further aid the overall viability of the scheme and also allows for the installation of solar panels on the flat roof so that they are hidden from view in the street scene.   If you are looking for options for disused buildings and brownfield sites, please do contact the team here at Zesta Planning Ltd, who can advise on its potential. #Planning #Development #Urban #Conversion #Office #HMO #Brownfield #MansardRoof

🏘️ Municipal Affordable Housing: A Model for Flexible, Community-Centered Living 🌿 In close proximity to Brno's city center, CHYBIK + KRISTOF ARCHITECTS has unveiled an innovative pilot project designed to foster vibrant, community-oriented living. Comprising six buildings with 90 apartments, the complex blends public and semi-public spaces to promote social interaction and a strong sense of belonging. More than just housing, this project redefines urban living. 🏡 Human-Centered Design At its core, this project embodies flexibility, communal living, and inclusivity. Movable sliding walls in the apartments allow residents to easily adjust their living space, catering to individual needs. This multifunctional design creates a new, adaptable experience of urban life. Additionally, Brno's iconic courtyard architecture, rooftop areas, and communal stairways encourage social cohesion, providing gathering spots that go beyond traditional housing. 🌍 Affordable and Sustainable Endowed by the Brno Municipality, this affordable housing project offers a unique financial model where young residents can gradually pay off their homes through rent, making ownership more accessible. Sustainable design elements and lush green courtyards enhance the living environment, transforming the complex into a lively community hub for residents and passersby alike. 🏙️ Urban Integration Spanning over 10,362 m², the development seamlessly blends into the historic urban framework of Brno, while invigorating the surrounding area with walkable spaces, shops, cafes, and a community center. The design prioritizes urban connectivity, ensuring the project contributes to the social and economic progress of the city. This project exemplifies the power of architecture to address housing crises while creating inclusive, flexible, and human-centered living solutions. 💡 #AffordableHousing #HumanCenteredDesign #UrbanLiving #SustainableArchitecture #CommunityLiving #Brno

𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 At Kunz Raubenheimer Architects, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of every piece of land, transforming it into more than just a feasible project, but a thriving community that balances high density with exceptional livability and maximum return on investment. Our revised Concept Site Development Plan for a new senior living community in Pretoria is a perfect example. This new senior living community features 516 units, including 2 and 3-bedroom single-story houses, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom rowhouses, and 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. By breaking the development into smaller, unique "villages," each with its distinct character, we’ve created vibrant neighborhoods that feel like individual communities within the larger estate. Architectural elements vary across the villages, incorporating diverse materials such as face brick, roof colors, aluminum finishes, painted plaster, privacy screens, wayfinding elements, and street-facing feature walls. These thoughtful variations add layers of character and identity to each pocket of the estate. Walkable Neighborhoods and Green Spaces Our master plan prioritizes walkability and connectivity, weaving open green spaces, parks, and communal herb gardens throughout the estate. A network of pedestrian trails and walking routes links these green spaces to the Clubhouse and Care Center, encouraging an active lifestyle and fostering a strong sense of community. This design approach ensures residents enjoy the beauty of nature and the warmth of village-like living within an urban environment. Ecologically Sensitive Green Belt Surrounding the estate is an ecologically sensitive green belt that provides a serene setting for all perimeter units. The Clearview fencing offers unobstructed views into this green belt, while a series of thoughtfully integrated amenities like a sculpture garden, bird hides, and hiking trails encourage residents to connect with the natural surroundings and enjoy leisurely outdoor activities. Our design philosophy focuses on creating well-considered, liveable neighbourhoods within high-density developments, where every detail is crafted to enhance community, sustainability, and quality of life. Through our innovative approach, we help developers achieve both feasibility and a profound sense of place. #MasterplanMonday #UrbanDesign #CommunityLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SeniorLivingCommunity #WalkableNeighborhoods #GreenSpaces #EcologicalDesign #UrbanPlanning #SustainableLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #CommunityDevelopment #DesignForLife #KunzRaubenheimerArchitects

🏗️ Transforming Chicago’s Skyline! 🌆 #ConstructionInnovation Exciting developments at 400 N. Elizabeth Street as Mark Goodman & Associates, Inc. and Weldon Development Group turn a traditional office site into a cutting-edge, mixed-use high-rise. This ambitious project not only meets Chicago’s growing demand for urban living but also integrates sustainable practices crucial for future developments! 🌍 Highlighting sustainability, the design incorporates geothermal energy with 110 wells, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. This all-electric development features: •Two residential towers with 724 apartments, including affordable housing units. •348 parking and 724 bike parking spaces. •Retail spaces and modern residential amenities. •Advanced facade system enhancing energy efficiency and aesthetics. As urban construction is redefined, how do you see such sustainable developments impacting your local communities? 🌱💼 City Club of Chicago City of Chicago Bisnow Michael Fassnacht JB Pritzker ARCHEO Design Studio Inc. World Business Chicago AIA Chicago W.E. O'Neil Construction ASA Chicago Associated General Contractors of America #UrbanDevelopment #SustainableBuilding #ChicagoRealEstate #Architecture #GreenBuilding

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is delighted to see the The Arch Company's commencement of work on transforming four dilapidated railway arches on America Street, Southwark. SGP's design combines technical expertise with historic building experience to create contemporary spaces, which nod to the industrial heritage of the arches. Located in an area undergoing significant renewal and encompassing the Low Line urban regeneration initiative, the America Street scheme will transform previously unloved arches into contemporary spaces for new leisure, food and drink and retail businesses. Santosh Patel from Pick Everard highlights the project's significance in fostering a vibrant cultural hub. Principal Architectural Technologist, Josh White, emphasises the aim for pedestrianisation and integration with the local milieu. Alan Soper, Studio Director at SGP, underscores the project's transformative potential and commitment to local revitalisation efforts. Craig McWilliam, Chief Executive at The Arch Company, said: “We’re investing £2.5m into these spaces to provide much-needed additional commercial space suitable for leisure use. Repurposing these arches is part of our ongoing programme to create fit-for-purpose spaces in which businesses can thrive. The America Street project is just one of over ten such projects for which SGP has been commissioned to develop designs. Two schemes have recently achieved planning consent in Manchester, whilst elsewhere in London Crucifix Lane and Witan Street are progressing on site. The latter is already on site and due to complete soon and comprises the refurbishment of six arches into high-specification commercial premises for light industrial use located just 16 minutes away from the City of London. To read more visit 👇 https://lnkd.in/eadrf2zd #RailwayArches #RailwayHertitage #Fitout #RailwayArchesRestored #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalTransformation #LondonLeisureHub #LowLineRegeneration #SustainableDevelopment #LocalBusinessSupport #AdaptiveReuse #CreativeSpaces #LondonArchitecture #SGPLeisureAndHospitality

Building a Community in apartment complexes: "If you build it, they will come” A vital but intangible element of the very best high-end apartment experiences is “community”. But what is community, and how do influence it from design stage and post completion? A great example of this can be found in 2 of our more established sites. Saltus in Stonefields and Elm in Remuera. When looking at the commonalities of these sites, and the elements that contribute to building community the obvious ones are: 1.     Functional communal spaces where residents can interact. 2.     Similar demographic (age, race, wealth and life stage) 3.     Well designed and spacious apartments – happy people = happy community. 4.     Great building managers to keep residents informed and supported. 5.     Competent and responsive Body Corporate Managers – it takes a village to make a great village. What is less obvious, and something I have observed that also has an impact on the success of building apartment communities is: 1.     The level of customisation those sites have and how connected the residents are. 2.     Biophilic design and quality of green spaces not just the quantity. 3.     A very low number of on-sales (this tells us they enjoy their apartments and the building) Low turnover means deeper relationships, longer-term neighbours. 4.     Regular and informative communications from the building managers. 5.     Similar apartment prices throughout the building so there is no sub-class. With the exception of #3, all of the above points can be incorporated at design stage. #3 is the result of success in all of these. The team behind Elm: Clearwater Construction, Cooper & Associates, MAP architects. #loveyourbuilding #apartments #architecture #biophillic

KFA Senior Associate, Tarrah Beebe, AIA, was featured on Spectrum News discussing the innovative transformation of abandoned commercial office buildings into much-needed residences. As more people continue to work from home, many office buildings across California are left empty. AB 3068, a new bill, aims to fast-track permits for converting these vacant spaces into apartments, addressing the housing shortage swiftly and efficiently. KFA Architecture continues be at the forefront of this movement, turning a long-vacant office building in San Pedro into over 200 new apartments. "Statewide, we have office space that is available and housing that is needed. Converging these needs is going to be better for us to address the housing crisis." says Tarrah Beebe. This bill could expedite the development process, making it easier for developers and investors to bring new residential units forward, although some cities have concerns about ensuring public safety with the shorter timeline. We believe adaptive reuse is a sustainable solution, allowing us to reimagine and repurpose buildings, creating a win-win situation for our communities. Watch the full video to learn more about this exciting initiative and how it can make a positive impact statewide! https://ow.ly/YzTY50SELSP #KFA #kfaarchitecture #KFAnews #AdaptiveReuse #HousingCrisis #Architecture #SustainableDesign #KFAArchitecture #CaliforniaLiving #Innovation #AB3068 #TarrahBeebe #LosAngeles #SanPedro #UrbanDevelopment #CommunityImpact #ArchitectureMatters #DesignForGood #EmptyToEfficient #BuildingTheFuture