MKSK’s Post

"It turns out that a dairy barn can become a family getaway without much ado, design-wise. Consider this rural Virginia property, where the livestock habitats were flipped into living spaces without adding or removing major walls. As Mark McInturff, FAIA, and Peter Noonan, AIA, tell it, the new spaces nested easily into the old—programmatically, at least. The builder, Sam Morgan of Added Dimensions, has a different perspective. He describes the pitch-perfect “farm to table” renovation as 'the simplicity on the other side of complexity.'" Learn more about this barn-to-house renovation in Residential Design's recent Case Study: Farm to Table by McInturff Architects. Photo Credit: Anice Hoachlander #residentialdesign #residentialarchitecture #barnrenovation

Jersey City Approves High Rise at 829 Bergen Avenue A narrow lot in Journal Square that has been home to a vacant building for many years is slated to be revitalized into a new rental complex that will add even more residents to a growing Jersey City neighborhood. The parcel is a narrow lot spanning about 6,800 square feet next to the St. George and St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church. The two-story brick building at the land dates to 1940 and was once home to the Samuel Reynolds Glass Co. despite remaining empty in recent times. Drawn up by Hoboken-based MVMK Architecture + Design, the approved plan calls for the complete demolition of the current structures to be replaced with an 11-story building that will rise 122 feet at the tallest point. The structure will be decidedly modern compared to its surroundings, sporting a tiered design that allows outdoor balcony spaces on select apartments. A total of 77 units will be built within the complex, breaking down as 30 studios, 27 one-bedrooms, 19 two-bedroom units, and a single three-bedroom space. Four of the apartments, or 5% of the total, will be set aside as affordable housing. A resident lounge is included on the first floor of the development, while the top of the structure will feature a 1,500 square foot common roof deck. #jerseycity #realestate #journalsquare #bergen #housing

PLANNING CONSENT: Tanner Architecture has won planning consent for two proposed extensions to this house sited in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and bordering a Conservation Area. The original house is formed from the conversion of a pair of mid-nineteenth century attached abattoir-worker cottages and the proposals continue its subsequent 165 year+ tradition of adapting and extending in response to the evolving lifestyle needs of its owners. The consented proposals include some internal replanning of the ground floor level and the formation of an associated new garden room. A separate single-storey side extension provides an additional sitting room and further ancillary accommodation. The adaptation and re-use of existing buildings represents one of the most highly sustainable strategies: ‘The greenest building is the one that already exists.’ #homeextension #houseextension #homedesign #renovate #home #retrofirst #tunbridgewells

| Planning Permission   We’re pleased to share news of an exciting Planning consent, for an exclusive development of four, three- and four-bed dwellings, in a charming Hampshire village, a few miles south of Reading. Located within an established residential area – and adjoining a prominent Conservation Area – the goal was to create a small enclave of seamlessly integrated properties, drawing inspiration from the neighbouring architecture and the rich palette of materials found locally.   Comprising four family homes with traditional building spans and roof pitches reminiscent of rural architectural forms – including Plot 1 that echoes a domestic farmhouse, and Plots 2, 3, and 4 that evoke the simplicity of traditional barn conversions – the design works to respect the existing settlement pattern, where each home carefully assimilates into the setting, allowing for spacious accommodations without compromising the amenity of adjacent dwellings or the surrounding landscape. Plot 2 has also been designed as an accessible and adaptable home that meets requirement M4(2) of the Building Regulations, providing ease of access and adaptability for future needs. Balancing traditional elements with contemporary design and detail, the dwellings avoid being derivative, offering modern living spaces with a nod to the area's heritage. A restrained palette of high-quality materials, including brick and horizontal timber cladding, lends the development a modern edge while visually connecting it to the local building stock. Expansive glazing to the rear floods the homes with natural light, while maximising long-distance views and a connection to the generous gardens - which sit at approx. five times the size of neighbouring properties. Working closely with the Local Authority, we have been able to achieve a design that optimises the value of the land for our client, while also introducing a thoughtfully designed scheme of dynamic and sympathetic homes, carefully curated for their rural setting. Many thanks, as ever, to all involved – Edgars, HCUK Group, Infrastruct Cs Limited and Windrush Ecology. Works have already commenced on site, so please stay tuned for more updates as things progress. To take a closer look, visit the link below: https://lnkd.in/e-RNk7kN #andersonorr #architect #architecture #design #archilovers #archidaily #instadesign #instaarchitecture #designinspiration #house #home #planningpermission

Transforming hardscapes into greenspaces! MKSK celebrates World Landscape Architecture Month with a glimpse into our before-and-after projects. Our projects include the reimagination of former malls, industrial sites, brownfields, parking lots, riverfronts, and more, into vibrant centers of destination for urban life. The urban heat island effect has a significant impact on the environment of our cities. Communities can take action to reduce urban heat islands with strategies like increasing tree and vegetative cover, installing green roofs, using cool pavements, and utilizing smart growth practices. For each project site, we strive to achieve low-impact site development utilizing these strategies. These are the projects MKSK designs. Featured Projects: Bridge Park District & Riverside Crossing Park, Dublin, OH - The project transformed a former strip retail center, downtown riverfront, and the surrounding roadways into a walkable destination for visitors and residents to the Bridge Street District with the mixed-use development Bridge Park, a walkable tree-lined boulevard along the re-aligned Riverside Drive, and a new Riverside Crossing Park supported by gained open space introduced by the realignment of Riverside Drive.   Dorrian Green, Columbus, OH - 6.5 acres of surface parking was transformed into the surrounding neighborhood’s ‘central park’. The park is a green roof above a new 630-car below ground parking garage serving visitors to the Scioto Peninsula Cultural District, Center of Science and Industry, and National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Lawrenceburg Civic Park, Lawrenceburg, IN - Replaces over an acre of underutilized surface parking located in the heart of downtown to create a signature central greenspace, park, and entertainment destination, and the catalyst for a new downtown entertainment district. Centennial Commons, Royal Oak, MI - The relocation of downtown Royal Oak’s Police Station and City Hall resulted in the perfect opportunity to provide an inclusive outdoor amenity and experience space for the community. The greenspace provides a “world class” resilient landscape for community events and is sized for the City’s annual winter ice rink. Crisscrossing pathways promote porous edges for convenient access to the park, connecting the entire district with the community. American Society of Landscape Architects City of Dublin, Ohio USA Columbus Recreation and Parks Department City of Lawrenceburg, Indiana City of Royal Oak, MI #MKSK #ShapePlace #PlacesforPeople #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanDesign #Planning #Design #EnvironmentalImpact #ResilientDesign #Greenspace #ASLA #OCASLA #INASLA #MiASLA #ULI #WLAM #WLAM2024 #ThisIsLandscapeArchitecture #April #BeforeandAfter

We've recently obtained planning approval for another exciting new build project, this time for clients in Nether Edge, Sheffield. Leila and Chris came to us after they bought a detached bungalow with a beautiful garden in the Nether Edge Conservation area. The existing property was cramped and had a poor relationship to the external space. HEM Architects were tasked with designing a new build home on the same plot. It would have a focus on creating a connection to the garden, providing lots of natural light and delivering fun and excitement. The brief called for a large focal kitchen/living/dining area, snug space, music room and play area. Also Leila and Chris wanted a basketball court, table tennis table and mezzanine, with climbing net and slide. Openings were to be considered to make the most of leafy views, promote access to the garden and welcome sunlight. Whilst also ensuring internal temperatures were controlled. Planning permission has been successfully gained and technical detailing is underway, for an extensive new three storey timber framed home. The property will be highly sustainable and energy efficient. It will be built to Passivhaus standards, and incorporate technologies including solar panels, air-source heat pump and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). Distinctive interlocking gabled volumes, clad in timber, zinc and stonework, create a striking yet sensitive contemporary addition to the local area. #betterliving #notesfromasmallpractice #sheffieldarchitect #residentialarchitecture #homedesign #environmentalimpact #lowenergyhome #newbuild #sustainabledesign

Super excited our proposal for a carefully crafted stone built mixed-use development at the entrance to Northampton, brought forward by the team at @iceni, has passed the validation stage and is set for committee in April. This development has been designed to enhance the southern gateway to Northampton with a finely crafted building of fifty-four high-quality apartments and ground floor commercial space. These are distributed across a future-proofed structure with dual cores and twin stairs, ranging from six to eight storeys, and featuring a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units. Importantly, 35% of these homes are planned to be affordable, highlighting a commitment to inclusive community development. Located at the town's entrance, the development has been designed to offer panoramic views of Northampton from its rooftop gardens, blending modern design with a nod to tradition. The design incorporates two interlocking blocks with a curved stone facade, a gesture towards the town’s historical stone-built buildings. Being close to a scheduled Ancient monument, the project was developed in close collaboration with heritage officers, aiming to set a precedent for future developments in the town centre. Our design approach respected Northampton's architectural heritage and anticipates its future needs. The facade, with its textured and smooth stone layers, is intended to complement both the local streetscape and nearby structures, including the Grade 1 listed St. Peter's Church. Sustainability has been a key aspect of the project, with features like rooftop gardens, renewable energy use, and carbon reduction strategies to create a healthier environment for residents. As we move forward, our focus is on positively impacting Northampton by providing contemporary living spaces, supporting job opportunities, and contributing to a welcoming new commercial area. We look forward to keeping you informed as the project progresses. Beautiful CGI’s by Blackpoint Design Ltd. Design Ltd  Planning and heritage Iceni Projects Civils by Herrington Consulting Ltd   #NorthamptonDevelopment #sustainabledesign #communitybuilding #mixedusedevelopment #regeneration #northampton #placemaking #housing #mixeduse #newbuild #newbuilding #stefanshawstudio

The residential complex we designed is under construction in North-East Melbourne! This double-storey 10-unit complex comprises of ten, four-bedroom townhouses. Designed with a lower basement level comprising of 10 garage spaces and storage for each dwelling. ☀️This development was designed with a focus on maximising available views and nature light. 👥 In the design we incorporated more space than other developments in the area, allowing for a pedestrian street between the units. This creates a more liveable space, with room for greenery and plants and to go on a stroll through. 🌿 The landscaping softens the hard surfaces, creating a peaceful environment bathed in natural light, while increasing the perceived distance between the residences opposite each other. This more spacious design also increases resident’s safety, whilst fostering community. #design #architecturedesign #architecture #development #residential #residentialdesign #developer #propertydevelopment

A full planning application has been submitted to redevelop a prominent Hackney site with new homes and a commercial unit. The proposal is for 8 one-, two- and three-bed apartments together with a ground floor retail unit, cycle storage and secure amenity space exclusively for residents’ use. “The trio of existing buildings were originally built in the late 19th Century and are typical of the housing style at the time,” explains our associate, Antoine Reaud, who is leading the project. “Simple in form, they have been subject to a series of differing alterations, meaning they have little commonality with the streetscape. “Our proposal has focused on re-establishing continuity with the existing three-storey building line, expressing the retail unit frontage to provide a distinct ‘base’, and recessing the massing to minimise visual impact. “A material palette of brick, terracotta and aluminum provides noticeable differentiation while contemporary detailing responds to the adjacent building and adds visual interest to the façade. “We are hopeful for a positive outcome from this application so that these buildings can be repurposed to help meet housing need in the Borough,” adds Antoine. Antoine Réaud, Charlotte Staton, CMA Planning #planningapplication #planningsubmitted #newhomes #Hackney #reuse #regeneration #architecture #design #mixedusedevelopment #urbandevelopment #repurpose #brownfielddevelopment

A full planning application has been submitted to redevelop a prominent Hackney site with new homes and a commercial unit. The proposal is for 8 one-, two- and three-bed apartments together with a ground floor retail unit, cycle storage and secure amenity space exclusively for residents’ use. “The trio of existing buildings were originally built in the late 19th Century and are typical of the housing style at the time,” explains our associate, Antoine Reaud, who is leading the project. “Simple in form, they have been subject to a series of differing alterations, meaning they have little commonality with the streetscape. “Our proposal has focused on re-establishing continuity with the existing three-storey building line, expressing the retail unit frontage to provide a distinct ‘base’, and recessing the massing to minimise visual impact. “A material palette of brick, terracotta and aluminum provides noticeable differentiation while contemporary detailing responds to the adjacent building and adds visual interest to the façade. “We are hopeful for a positive outcome from this application so that these buildings can be repurposed to help meet housing need in the Borough,” adds Antoine. Antoine Réaud, Charlotte Staton, CMA Planning #planningapplication #planningsubmitted #newhomes #Hackney #reuse #regeneration #architecture #design #mixedusedevelopment #urbandevelopment #repurpose #brownfielddevelopment