Zarkon Group, Author at Zarkon Group Real Estate Builders & Developers

Diagram of Feedback Solutions system for HVAC optimization

Occupancy Intelligence for Energy Savings

By Zarkon Group,10/10/2023

Approximately 28% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the operations of buildings. And heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems alone contribute to 40% of the average commercial building’s energy consumption. More and more, high performance buildings are turning to data to curb energy use with cost-effective, easy-to-implement energy conservation measures. Feedback Solutions uses third-party people counting sensors, with a patented software platform, to optimize ventilation rates seamlessly, in real-time, based on actual occupant demand.

Continuously calculating highly accurate occupant counts within each HVAC zone in a building, Feedback Solutions communicates occupancy to the existing building automation system (via BACnet, cloud platform, or DDC controller). Then real-time adjustments can reduce the HVAC-related energy consumption by as much as 40%. This can save money, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and result in less wear and tear on critical HVAC equipment—all while meeting important ASHRAE standards for maintaining occupant health and comfort.

Feedback Solutions has completed multiple successful installations for universities (New York University), commercial landlords (Manulife Financial/John Hancock), and progressive municipalities throughout the US. This technology also attracts significant incentives from a number of utility companies. For example, Con Edison recently approved an incentive application—covering 50% of the project costs—implementing Feedback Solutions in a large New York library building.

Diagram of Feedback Solutions system for HVAC optimization

Retrofit solution

The over-ventilation of campus, municipal, and commercial buildings is both a prevalent and longstanding issue. The results achieved with Feedback Solutions tools produce compelling payback periods and ROIs for organizations seeking immediate greenhouse gas reductions without doing deep retrofits.

A building’s automation system is normally designed to bring in outside air, which it then heats or cools and circulates, based on the number of people in an HVAC zone. In the absence of accurate real-time occupant counts, the building automation system typically brings in the amount of outside air assuming “full” occupancy. This is almost never the case (even before the introduction of new trends like the hybrid back to work model).

As occupancy goes up and down in a zone over the course of a day, Feedback Solutions cues an automatic ventilation response. The significant savings and emissions reduction are produced by both fan energy reduction and thermal conservation. At the same time, Feedback Solutions also provides for a data-driven indoor air quality strategy that prevents under-ventilation.

How Feedback works

Feedback selects the most appropriate and cost-effective people-counting sensors according to site conditions at the building.
Next steps include hardware installation, appropriate zone creation, and assurance of the accuracy of the data. (Feedback is able to produce highly accurate real-time occupant counts, even where there are multiple entrances and exits, via their proprietary intelligent algorithm running on an Intel IoT edge device.)
Zoned, real-time occupant counts are then delivered to the building automation system. Then once the sequence of operations has been defined, the HVAC equipment is optimized automatically, and seamlessly. This patented solution integrates easily with all the major building management systems.

Screenshots of Feedback Solutions dashboard showing occupancy patters as value-added info

Cleantech and proptech converge

The space utilization data that Feedback Solutions creates, can also be used to inform numerous operational decisions. Feedback provides customers with up to 10 customized reports—including analytics such as a comparison of peak occupancy over the course of a day, week, or month—providing visibility to how many people use a given facility and when. Thus, operations, security, marketing, and planning groups within a campus, municipality, or commercial real estate portfolio gain valuable insights custom to their operations.

USGBC-LA Net Zero Accelerator

Feedback Solutions joined the 2023 cohort of the Net Zero Accelerator (NZA), to benefit from learning from subject matter experts in marketing, business development, and networking. The NZA, a program of the U.S. Green Building Council–Los Angeles (USGBC-LA), focuses on piloting projects in real-world, trackable implementations, to drive measurable adoption of net zero solutions, today.

Since its founding in 2018, the accelerator has guided the success of 85 growth-stage companies in the cleantech and proptech space across the US and Canada. The program bridges the gap between net zero building policy and current technologies in use in both commercial and affordable housing sectors. The NZA builds awareness of viable solutions and market-ready innovations through marketing, media, events, and curated networking. Then shepherds the tech to market through onsite pilots with committed green building leaders, accelerating scaled adoption. The goal? Make net zero carbon, energy, water, and waste a reality for Los Angeles and beyond.

The author:

As Chief Marketing Officer of Feedback Solutions, Karen Smith focuses on helping facility operators understand and evaluate Feedback’s hardware-enabled software platform. Smith has extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry, both private and institutional owners, specializing in leasing, marketing, asset management, and capital budgets. She believes that property owners and managers engaging with cleantech initiatives seek easy-to-implement solutions that produce immediate results.

Reference

Architecture

moreau kusunoki completes ‘le berlier,’ a timber tower in paris

By Zarkon Group,10/10/2023

la berlier: A Timber Tower Redefines Architecture of paris

In the heart of Paris‘ thirteenth arrondissement, a new addition to the urban fabric has emerged with Le Berlier timber tower, designed by locally-based architecture studio Moreau Kusunoki. This forward-thinking tower rises fifty meters (165 feet) above the streets of the French capital city, and represents an harmonious blend of architectural innovation and a deep understanding of its site. Positioned at the intersection of various urban flows, networks, and scales, this residential project stands at the intersection between the monumental and the domestic.

images © Maris Mezulis | @mariocee

The ‘Inhabited Wall’ facade

The essence of Moreau Kusunoki’s design for the timber tower Le Berlier lies in its concept of the ‘inhabited wall.’ The building’s facade takes shape with a grid that introduces both a rhythmic texture and a functional filter. This grid, born from the design team‘s deep understanding of the site, plays a crucial role in preserving the tower’s sense of domestic tranquility amidst the densely-built urban environment. It’s a marriage of form and function, where the grid both complements the architectural aesthetics and shields the residents from the surrounding urban chaos.

The design of Le Berlier’s frame and its proportions exemplifies structural necessity and aesthetic intent. The tower’s verticality, an intentional choice made by the architects, results from the elongation of its proportions — the tower confidently stands its ground against the towering heights that encompass it, effectively becoming a part of the monumental Parisian landscape. This contrast between the tower’s massive, introverted inhabited wall and its transparent base is a feature that defines its architectural identity.

Le Berlier timber tower reaches new heights in Parisian architecture

moreau kusunoki emphasizes verticality

In contrast to the tower’s towering presence, the transparent base of Le Berlier opens itself up to the city. This public space serves as a welcoming gesture to the bustling urban environment that surrounds it. It aspires to seamlessly integrate with the cityscape, forging a strong connection between the tower and its vibrant surroundings. This dichotomy between introverted privacy and extroverted openness adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

Moreau Kusunoki’s careful attention to detail extends to the choice of materials, with charred and pre-weathered wood being a prominent feature. This choice adds a layer of texture and depth to the tower’s aesthetic, evoking a sense of timelessness. This commitment to materiality is echoed in the thoughtful layout of the residential units. Each unit opens onto a private exterior space, effectively weaving a discreet and respectful connection between the interior and exterior. This decision fosters an harmonious relationship between nature and the city, private and public spaces, and ultimately, the growing neighborhood and its inhabitants.

a transparent base welcomes the city into the heart of the tower

the ‘inhabited wall’ is a grid facade that balances form and function

Reference

Bentley Motors' residential tower in Miami

Interior Design

Bentley’s branded residences in Miami will include a patented car elevator

By Zarkon Group,09/10/2023

Promotion: Bentley Motors’ first Bentley-branded residential tower will include a vehicle lift that allows residents to seamlessly travel from the road up to their homes without exiting their cars.

Located in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, the Bentley Residences tower will contain 216 luxury homes designed in collaboration with Bentley, architectural firm Sieger Suarez Architects and US property developer Dezer Development.

Standing 61 stories high, the 749-foot building will be completed in 2027 and aims to be an iconic figure on Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach coastline.

The brand says that the building will have a focus on indoor-outdoor living spaces exemplified by its cylindrical form and floor-to-ceiling windows, which are designed to ensure each of the residences enjoys uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and the intracoastal waterways.

Inside the Bentley residences — The vehicle lift will allow residents to travel from the road up to their homes inside their cars

Bentley’s design language is integrated throughout the design. For instance, Bentley’s signature diamond motif – a shape used across all of the brand’s products and cars – is echoed in everything from the meticulous diamond-shaped glass facade panels that are carefully angled to create the natural light refraction, to the elegant diamond-shaped tiles adorning the floor of the lobby.

Built to suit the needs of luxury car owners, each residence boasts an in-unit multi-car garage with storage for up to four cars per home, with convenient access to a state-of-the-art patented car elevator nestled in the core of the building.

Named the “Dezervator” after Bentley’s partner Dezer Development, this innovative lift will allow residents to travel directly up to their residences inside their cars.

An RFID sticker placed in residents’ cars will be automatically scanned on arrival into the building. This triggers a sophisticated lighting system to guide the driver to the correct Dezervator to reach their own floor.

The technology recognises this ID and takes them directly to their residence, without the driver having to step out of their vehicle or press a button.

Outside of Bentley Residences — The building will have a focus on indoor-outdoor living spaces

Each lift features a hydraulic system that gently secures a car by its tyres to smoothly bring it on top of a robotic shuttle system, which in turn transports a car up or down to the correct story. The lower floors of the elevator shaft are enclosed by glass, granting passengers a full panoramic view of the shared spaces of the building.

Each of the Bentley Residences will additionally feature an oversized private balcony, a swimming pool, sauna and an outdoor shower. The building’s amenities will include a gym, spa, pet spa, whisky bar, a resident-only restaurant, wellness centre and cinema.

Swimming pool looking out towards the sea — All homes will include a private swimming pool

Designed in accordance with the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certification to ensure maximum protection of the local environment and its wildlife, the tower’s architectural design incorporates environmentally safe building materials and reduced coastal lighting, safeguarding the habitat of endangered sea turtles.

The interiors of Bentley Residences will be made from sustainably sourced, natural materials and finishes such as wood, leather and glass, thoughtfully curated to create a calming colour palette that reflects the residence’s coastal surroundings.

Inside the Bentley Residences tower — The building is scheduled to be completed in 2027

In the lobby space, structural pillars are veined with wood that has been ingrained with copper dust to add a subtle, metallic finish. This technique was used in Bentley’s concept car, the EXP 100 GT.

In order to appeal to a luxury consumer, the design team, led by Chris Cooke, head of design collaborations at Bentley, ensured that the residences were designed with the same unwavering dedication to detail found in every Bentley car.

Bedroom featured in the Bentley Residences Tower — Prospective buyers have the opportunity to explore a full-size 6,000-square-foot replica unit luxuriously appointed by Bentley Home within the on-site beachfront sales gallery

“One of the biggest achievements when we design a car, is to have a whole group of designers working together, but to make it look like it came from one person’s hand,” said head of design collaborations at Bentley, Chris Cooke

“We have the same exciting challenge with Bentley Residences Miami but on a 61-storey scale.”

“In reality, each element has been considered, understood and designed by the Bentley Design Team, by our partners at Dezer Development and by Sieger Suarez Architects, but the overall effect is seamless,” Cooke added.

“We have applied the same attention to detail that goes into our cars into this very building.”

Bentley Residences's oceanfront gym — Bentley Residences also includes an oceanfront gym as one of its distinguished features

For example, Bentley’s design DNA is subtly woven into communal amenities, epitomised in such as the cinema, which is designed to mimic the concept of a Bentley car interior.

“A cosseting sofa wraps around the back of the rear three walls, embracing residents in the space,” said Cooke.

The whisky bar will reference the matrix grille of Bentley’s cars and feature a bar suspended from the ceiling to appear weightless and floating.

While the building completion is slated for 2027, potential buyers can view a full-size 6,000-square-foot replica residence, lavishly appointed by Bentley Home, within the on-site beachfront sales gallery.

The sales gallery can be found at 18325 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160.

To learn more about the development visit Bentley Residencies Miami’s website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen as part of a partnership with Bentley. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

Reference

Bello! bench by Lars Beller Fjetland in the new forest green colour situated in a forest

Sustainable News

Lars Beller Fjetland designs “100 per cent recyclable” aluminium bench

By Zarkon Group,09/10/2023

Norwegian designer Lars Beller Fjetland explains how his fully recyclable Bello! bench created for Hydro aims to showcase the possibilities of extruded aluminium in this exclusive video produced by Dezeen.

Designed in collaboration with Shapes by Hydro – a knowledge hub created by aluminium producer Hydro – the bench is made from nearly 90 per cent recycled and 100 per cent recyclable aluminium, according to the designer.

“I wanted to make something that was extremely robust, and for me, aluminium was the answer,” Beller Fjetland told Dezeen. “It has all these amazing properties that make it a super durable material, especially when you introduce it in an anodised finish.”

Beller Fjetland and Hydro recently presented the latest colourway of the bench in forest green during the Material Matters Fair during London Design Festival, where Beller Fjetland spoke to Dezeen about the collaboration.

He cited forest landscapes as a source of inspiration when creating the vibrant green seat.

“I was just walking in the forest and contemplating aluminium as a material, and I was thinking about having a light impact or a low footprint in nature,” Beller Fjetland said.

“Green just felt really fitting. It can also be a cliche, in a way, to think about green, but I think for us it really works.”

Close of the ridged finish of the Bello! bench by Lars Beller Fjetland — The bench can be modified to integrate tables, lamps or chargers for use in public places

The bench is characterised by its ridged surface, which Beller Fjetland explained was informed by the shape of penne rigate pasta.

“One of the things we discussed was how can we make the concept of extrusions accessible for as many people as possible,” Beller Fjetland explained in the video.

“That’s where I started to think about the analogy with the pasta, because the manufacturing technique is surprisingly similar.”

The bench is manufactured using a similar extrusion process to how dried pasta shapes are formed. For the Bello! bench, molten metal is poured through a moulded opening to create a ridged surface.

“You’re pushing the material through a die, which creates a form and, visually, it looks like a penne rigate or a rigatoni pasta,” Beller Fjetland explained.

Close up of the ridged finish of the Bello! bench by Lars Beller Fjetland in the new forest green colour — The bench’s texture is informed by the shape of penne rigate pasta

The bench, which was designed for both inside and outdoor use, features a hard-wearing finish making it suitable for high-traffic settings such as public transportation hubs.

“What is interesting with aluminium is that it is a material that has an inherent value in itself, which kind of makes circularity way easier,” Beller Fjetland said. “There’s an incentive there to actually recycle the material, because it has a monetary value.”

“The beautiful thing is that the energy needed to recycle aluminium to make new material is very low. It makes me believe that recycled material doesn’t have to be a compromise,” he continued.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen for Shapes by Hydro as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

Reference

Sustainable News

Electrifying cement production for kiln-free concrete

By Zarkon Group,09/10/2023

Spotted: Cement is a vital component in construction, with an estimated 4 billion tonnes produced each year. Yet at the same time, cement production is also a huge contributor to global warming, generating 1.67 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2021. Clearly, getting the world to net zero is going to require reducing emissions from cement. One of the companies working to achieve this is Sublime Systems.

In conventional cement making, limestone is heated to 1400 degrees Celsius until it decomposes, releasing CO2 as a by-product. The fossil fuels used to power the kilns and the CO2 released through limestone decomposition are responsible for almost all of cement’s carbon emissions.

Sublime’s technology uses an electrochemical process, instead, to break down non-carbonate rocks and other raw materials (such as industrial wastes) that don’t release CO2 when decomposed. This can run at room temperature and be powered by renewable electricity, making Sublime’s process net zero while also reducing manufacturing costs and complexity. The resulting Sublime Cement can be used in place of ordinary Portland cement for any use.

The company recently announced the closing of a $40 million (around €38 million) series A funding round, led by climate-tech-focused fund Lowercarbon Capital, and with participation from Siam Cement Group, the largest cement producer in Southeast Asia.

Reducing emissions from cement manufacture is crucial to reaching net zero. Luckily, there is no shortage of innovators working on ways to help with this. Recent advances spotted in the Springwise archive include using artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise concrete recipes and using fly ash to reduce cement emissions.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

Historic convent building meets new metal addition

Architecture

RootStudio transforms convent into Centro Gastronómico de Oaxaca

By Zarkon Group,09/10/2023

Architecture firm RootStudio has converted a historic convent building into a centre for celebrating the rich culinary legacy of Mexico’s Oaxaca region.

The Centro Gastronómico de Oaxaca occupies the former convent of Carmen el Alto in the city of Oaxaca – the capital of the state of the same name.

Dating back to the 16th century, the colonial-style structure has been carefully restored by RootStudio to create “an educational and multidisciplinary space where culinary traditions and sustainability create a sensory experience”, which hosts different chefs from across the region.

The cultural centre accommodates several areas and functions within the existing building and its grounds, including a study centre comprising an administrative office, classrooms and public library.

Arched tunnel within historic brick and stone — Strict preservation guidelines dictated that the old building had to be restored as it was first built

An array of commercial and recreational facilities are also incorporated, such as a restaurant, kitchen, cocktail and tasting rooms, gallery, cafeteria, multipurpose rooms, auditorium, courtyards, arcade gardens and retail premises.

The restoration work was carried out in compliance with guidelines provided by the Oaxaca division of the National Institute of Anthropology and History, which dictated the preservation of primary features and the original layout.

Works contributed by local artists include a mural by Demián Flores that depicts endemic corn species

A team of more than 20 designers and supervisors from the Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural del Estado de Oaxaca (INPAC) and the Instituto Oaxaqueño Constructor de Infraestructura Física Educativa (IOCIFED) took part in the project.

Over the years, the building had been used as a civil registry and a warehouse, among other functions, and several discoveries were made during the efforts to strip it back to its original bones.

Deep steps ascending through a long vaulted plaster room — Frescos uncovered during the project were restored and highlighted

Among them was an 18th-century sewer, which has now been transformed into a space for mezcal tastings and other culinary events.

The team also uncovered a diagonal window similar to one located in the convent of the same order in San Ángel, Mexico City.

Dark room illuminated by oculus in brick ceiling — Details were restored using traditional construction techniques and local materials

Wall frescoes, vaulted ceilings and the original floor levels were all recovered, while windows that had been walled-up were reopened.

Details were restored using traditional construction techniques, with materials like lime, brick, wood and Oaxacan Cantera verde stone.

Arched niche within a larger arched, plastered wall — The colonial-style building dates back to the 16th century

“[The] synthesis, which preserves the materiality and typology of the building, establishes a dialogue between the urban environment and the pre-existing building,” the studio said.

Extensive restoration work was also required across the building’s exterior and the surrounding landscape, which was planted with species that are either edible or associated with cooking.

An 18th-century sewer with a vaulted brick ceiling — An 18th-century sewer was also discovered during the restoration and is now used as an event space for mezcal tastings

Arcades in the former goods handling yard were converted into spaces for outdoor events, while a new intervention that juxtaposes the historic building was constructed in the parking lot.

“In order to contrast past and present, [we] installed an elevated contemporary element in raw steel, containing the industrial kitchens,” said the firm.

This two-storey pavilion with a steel frame and vaulted brick ceilings also houses 12 commercial spaces and a large, flexible event space with a panoramic view of local landmarks.

Throughout the cultural centre, a variety of collaborations with local artists and artisans are displayed.

Steel-framed addition in an open courtyard space — A steel-framed addition was inserted into a former parking lot on the site

These include a mural by Juchitán-born artist Demián Flores that illustrates the various species of corn that are endemic to the region, and imagery that indicates the building’s different functions by Sabino Guisu.

Furniture was custom-made using Macuil wood, also called rosewood, which is known for its medicinal properties.

Vaulted brick ceilings above a retail space — The addition features vaulted brick ceilings and houses 12 commercial units

Close attention was also paid to accessibility in the new addition, which has multiple elevators.

“Accessibility and inclusion are fundamental principles in this project, as it seeks the interaction of individuals with their environment through facilities for people who have some type of disability,” said RootStudio.

Cutouts in the metal elevator gates cast patterns onto the concrete floor

RootStudio is led by architect Joao Boto Caeiro and is known for its approach to sustainability, with previous projects including a concrete hotel on the outskirts of Oaxaca that was constructed in stages.

Centro Gastronómico de Oaxaca is longlisted in the Heritage Project category for the 2023 Dezeen Awards, along with the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station in London and the conversion of a Beijing textile factory into headquarters for a Chinese pastry brand. See the full architecture longlist here.

The photography is by Lizet Ortiz.

Reference

La Casa de los Olivos in Valencia by Balzar Arquitectos

Interior Design

Eight restful bedrooms decorated in the colours of autumn leaves

By Zarkon Group,08/10/2023

In this lookbook, Dezeen has selected eight bedrooms that feature shades of green, yellow, orange, red and brown to create cosy environments with an autumnal feel.

As the northern hemisphere settles into the autumn season and the days get colder, this roundup showcases examples of how to create serene and restful bedrooms by using colours similar to the changing hues of leaves.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring airy loft conversions, kitchen islands with waterfall countertops and art-filled living rooms.

La Casa de los Olivos, Spain, by Balzar Arquitectos

Spanish studio Balzar Arquitectos designed a copper-toned home in rural Valencia with an interior colour palette informed by the colours of the surrounding landscape.

Taking cues from the leaves of the surrounding olive trees, green cupboard doors feature in the bedrooms and kitchen, while terracotta-toned flooring throughout the home mimics the colour of the reddish soil.

Find out more about La Casa de los Olivos ›

Bedroom in Zero House with wood-panelled walls and an orange carpet — Photo by Mariell Lind Hansen

Zero House, UK, by Ben Garrett and Rae Morris

Informed by the mid-century period this London home was built in, recording artists Ben Garrett and Rae Morris renovated Zero House with a warm-toned material palette.

Timber ceilings were stained a dark red hue, while the walls were stained a lighter yellow tone.

A rusty red carpet covers the floor in the main bedroom, complementing the orange velvet upholstery on the dark wood bed frame.

Find out more about Zero House ›

Bedroom with brown curtains covering a glass door leading outside — Photo by Derek Swalwell

Somers House, Australia, by Kennedy Nolan

Australian studio Kennedy Nolan finished the interior of Somer House in Victoria with shades of dark down and pops of red, mirroring the dark timber cladding and red-hued render used on the exterior.

A range of textures in the tactile flooring, curtains and wood-lined walls create variation in this deep-brown bedroom, which is accented by red bedding.

Find out more about Somers House ›

Canal Saint-Martin apartment by Rodolphe Parente — Photo by Giulio Ghirardi

Canal Saint-Martin apartment, France, by Rodolphe Parente

A palette of warm neutrals was chosen to enhance the classical heritage of this 19th-century Parisian apartment, which French interior designer Rodolphe Parente renovated in a contemporary style.

Caramel-coloured walls and a leafy green throw in the bedroom create a warm and inviting environment, which is juxtaposed by a vivid purple rug and lavender-hued bed sheets.

Find out more about the Canal Saint-Martin apartment ›

Brown bedroom with custom leather headboard — Photo by Fabian Martinez

Colonia Condesa house, Mexico, by Chloé Mason Gray

Local interiors studio Chloé Mason Gray renovated a mid-20th century house in Mexico City, embracing the lack of natural light in the home by flooding the walls with deep shades of brown and green.

The bedroom has a moody atmosphere, with brown textured plasterwork walls accompanied by a leather headboard and green linen bedding and curtains.

Find out more about the Colonia Condesa house ›

Hygge Studio by Melina Romano — Photo by MCA Estúdio

Hygge Studio, Brazil, by Melina Romano

Named after the Danish word describing a sense of cosiness and contentment, Hygge Studio is a São Paulo apartment designed by Brazilian designer Melina Romano.

Creamy brick walls, terracotta flooring and warm-toned accents feature throughout the home, including in the oversized upholstered headboard in the bedroom.

Romano also added nature-inspired elements to the bedroom in keeping with the cosy, bucolic feel of the home, including branches speckled with lichen and insect-shaped wall art.

Find out more about Hygge Studio ›

Bedroom with lime plaster walls in Hybrid House by Sketch Design Studio — Photo by Purnesh Dev

Hybrid House, India, by Sketch Design Studio

Architecture firm Sketch Design Studio used vernacular building techniques from both north and south India to create the three-bedroom Hybrid House.

The house was made from pink-toned rammed-earth walls, which were partly covered with lime plaster in the interior, and terracotta floors feature a kolam inlay created using rice flour.

Find out more about Hybrid House ›

Bedroom, Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo by Direccion — Photo by Fabian Martinez

Casa Tres Árboles, Mexico, by Direccion

Varying shades of brown define the interior of Casa Tres Árboles, a holiday home in Valle de Bravo designed by Mexican studio Direccion to be a “monastic sanctuary”.

Darker, cool-toned shades were used for the bedrooms to create a tranquil atmosphere and counterpoint to the warmer tones in the exposed timber ceiling beams.

Find out more about Casa Tres Árboles ›

Reference

Sustainable News

Detecting cancer cells with an AI-powered web platform

By Zarkon Group,08/10/2023

Spotted: Urbanisation may prove highly beneficial for increasing employment and educational opportunities, but scientists are increasingly noting the negative impact of urban environments on our health, including rising instances of cancers. And according to researchers, the burden of cancer is set to rise faster in developing countries in the coming years, including in Nigeria.

At the same time, the country’s health system is woefully understaffed, with a ratio of less than 100 clinical oncologists for every 100,000 cancer patients. A team of data scientists and healthcare students saw an opportunity for artificial intelligence (AI) to help reduce that gap. Working together, they built TensorScan, a web-based tool for real-time detection of malignant cells in histology micrographs.

With the power of AI at hand to help review cancer scans, oncologists can order more tests for more patients, thereby contributing to a reduction in waiting and diagnosis times. As patients begin to move through the healthcare system more quickly, the potential for earlier identification of malignant cells grows, further increasing the rate of positive care outcomes.

TensorScan also provides additional services for scientists and patients. The developers built a native token called $CARE with blockchain technology to ensure the security of research data and the privacy of patients. Doctors upload scan results and receive payment in $CARE tokens. Researchers use the tokens to buy data, and patients are able to connect with others in support groups and receive payments for their time. The payments to patients can be particularly helpful in countries with less developed or accessible national health systems.

The team envisions up to 70 breast cancer screening centres spread throughout Nigeria. After participating in the FuelAfrica 2.0 hackathon held in early 2023 and earning second runner-up, the team plans to continue developing the strength of the algorithm and rolling out the technology as quickly as possible.

AI’s ability to handle volumes of data and tasks far greater than a human’s capacity makes the technology of particular interest to many nations struggling to provide equitable, high-quality healthcare to their populations. Springwise’s archive contains additional examples of AI improving healthcare by prioritising patient cases according to the probability of illness and examining scans for areas of secondary concern.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

Architecture

20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa

By Zarkon Group,08/10/2023

South Africa is a country filled with contradictions. Home to large mountains, vast forests and endless coasts as well as to the native Xhosa and Zulu tribes and the European colonizers, the country has an array of varying landscapes and clashing cultures. Even during its contemporary history, the Apartheid era was responsible for heavily segregating South Africa in multiple of contexts.

Naturally, this countrywide division is apparent to many architectural and urban settings. Spatial inequalities, most commonly found in the city of Johannesburg, as well as the infamous marginalized District Six in Cape Town, are some examples of what challenges local architects currently face. Fortunately, from the beginning of the 21st century these ‘lines of division’ are gradually being patched up through the design and construction of many notable architectural works.

Nowadays, South African architects have the space and freedom to design in multiple contexts and for many architectural typologies, with cultural and residential architecture being the most prominent. Respectful of the country’s astounding natural landscape, conscious material use is in the epicenter of these practices. They prioritize locally sourced materials such as bricks, bamboo and stone, effectively blending them with the surrounding context while supporting local material economies and becoming pioneers in environmental sustainability.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in South Africa based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2023)
The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2023)
The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2023)
The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2023)
The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2023)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of South Africa architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 20 best architecture firms in South Africa:

24. Kritzinger Architects

Kritzinger Architects is an award-winning, Cape Town based Architecture studio, founded by Jed Kritzinger and Julia Abell in 2010. They formed the practice after a ten-year stint in London working with renowned British Architect Sir Norman Foster on a number of high profile projects.
Since inception, Kritzinger Architects has gained a reputation for design excellence, having won “Best Residence Africa” at the 2012 International Property Awards, and were shortlisted for “World’s Best” the same year. The practice has been shortlisted for Cape Institute of Architecture Awards and has featured in a number of local and international publications.

The practice has designed a number of homes for international clients in South Africa, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Belgium, Portugal and more recently in Panama. In 2016 the practice was selected by Sir Richard Branson to design and refurbish his private Manor House in the Cape Winelands, as well as his hotel and spa on the estate.

Some of Kritzinger Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Kritzinger Architects achieve 24th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

23. Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD

Established in 1988, Ruben Reddy Architects is a balance of seasoned professionals and up and coming young talent, diverse architectural experience, skills and cultural backgrounds, which all merge to create innovative and inspirational design. With a staff of 59, based at six offices around South Africa, Ruben Reddy Architects has an established reputation in sport architecture, healthcare and public sector buildings, as well as extensive experience in large-scale transportation hubs, spatial planning and urban design.

We provide a full range of architectural services for projects at both a local and international level. In addition, we have the professional expertise, in-depth knowledge and proven experience to provide the specialist services in sports consulting, sport bid development, and sport event planning, as well as education, healthcare, hospitality and institutional facilities. Service delivery is key to our success. With a team that is solution-driven, we work closely with our Clients and the relevant stakeholders, to produce projects and outcomes, that meet the needs of both the Client and the end-user.

Some of Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD achieve 23rd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

22. Thomas Gouws Architects

Thomas Gouws Architects design exclusive contemporary residences, holiday houses, lodges, and selective commercial projects.

Some of Thomas Gouws Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Thomas Gouws Architects achieve 22nd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

21. Activate Architects

Architecture has a significant if not massive impact on our physical environment, and a less obvious but equally significant impact on our psyche. Activate is focused on architecture and interiors that require high levels of innovation, detail, and quality, and we aim to activate our clients’ lives through attention to imaginative and intelligent solutions geared at their specific requirements from the inception of ideas to made realities.The firm has grown steadily since its inception in 1997 with a focus on building a team of home grown talent. We are an open plan business operating in an open plan office.

Some of Activate Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Activate Architects achieve 21st place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	2

20. MMA Design Studio

MMA Design Studio is a Johannesburg-based award-winning Architecture studio founded by owner and architect Mphethi Morojele as MMA Architects CC in 1995. The studio provides professional services in architecture, urban regeneration, design, research and strategic thinking. Our focus is on the ability of design to respond to and enhance the historical and emerging African condition at all levels of human social, cultural, artistic and economic endeavors.

Through combining practice with teaching and research we aspire to exceed our client’s expectations by providing solutions that not only conform to the brief but can also be measured against the triple bottom line of social, economic and ecological sustainability. Each project goes through a process of cultural, economic and locational diagnostics in order to provide a narrative framework for the organization of the client’s aspirations and programmatic requirements. We believe that through a transparent design process the constraints of time and cost are challenges that can positively influence the design process and design outcomes.

Some of MMA Design Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped MMA Design Studio achieve 20th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	4

19. BasaboseStudio

BasaboseStudio is a creative, cross-disciplinary design firm with global reach offering services in different fields of design. Our studio has offices in Johannesburg and Kinshasa, DR Congo. We create solutions that help each of our clients achieve the materialization of their initial thoughts in a unique collaborative manner. Even though focused on the built environment and livable spaces, each of our projects is executed by pooling any expertise needed from competent sources.

Our holistic and collaborative approach encompasses the disciplines of architecture, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, photography, urbanism and associated fields by collaboration. We engage a diverse range of industry market sectors and project types including residential, corporate, cultural, civic, retail, exhibition, entertainment, healthcare and transportation. We are passionate about creating unique, immersive “solutions” that add value and help our clients achieve their envisioned dreams.

Some of BasaboseStudio’s most prominent projects include:

Chapelle de la Grâce dans la Clairière, Kasangulu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Villa Rugari, Port-Gentil, Gabon
Libenge Library & Community Center, Libenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Place Du 30 Juin, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Villa Banalia, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The following statistics helped BasaboseStudio achieve 19th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	10

18. Jenny Mills Architects

Jenny Mills says: “Love for form and composition lies at the very heart of our work. We are artists on a quest to sculpt existing spaces in co-operation with nature. Our buildings are exciting and beautiful. They bring something both of ourselves and our clients into the world. We work in close partnership with our clients, focusing on their needs and stylistic preferences.” Jenny’s work has a strong contemporary signature which is not only evident in her work in this genre but is skillfully integrated into both classic and leisure designs to match her client’s tastes.

Some of Jenny Mills Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Jenny Mills Architects achieve 18th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	3

17. C76 Architecture and Design

Established in 2014 by Principal Architect Carl Jacobsz, the Johannesburg and Cape Town -based C76 Architecture is inspired by expressing sophisticated simplicity, a disciplined yet exciting approach to architecture, which searches creatively for elegance and excellence proven over time –promoting quality and timelessness over trend. We look to explore characteristics such as client lifestyle, context, culture and existing environmental conditions for inspiration, with the aim of producing quality South African architecture.

Having grown up in rural Eastern Free State and graduated from the University of the Free State, Carl Jacobsz was influenced by a grounded; rural architecture of simple design strategies that has shaped his professional practice and production of affordable, sensitive, forward-thinking architecture. These core values are explored through tectonic architecture of humble materials and the exploration of beauty through expressing materiality simply.

C76 is passionate about exploring architectural solutions across all project scales, budgets, typologies and clients. Equally confident in taking on urban, commercial, and residential projects, C76 approaches each design without any preconceptions; utilizing a pragmatic and conscious design methodology of minimalist design and sustainable detailing. C76 believes architecture should be formed specifically for its climatic and cultural context in order to respond astutely to the unique requirements of our client’s brief.

Some of C76 Architecture and Design’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped C76 Architecture and Design achieve 17th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	1

16. FrankiePappas

Imagine we could create a fictional persona – a collective pseudonym – that allowed us to put aside our egotisms, our blusters, our vanities, and find a group of people whose similar ideals and different talents create beautiful solutions for a remarkable new world. That is frankie: wonderfully similar. beautifully different. Making great public buildings that contribute to a great future. We get together the entire professional team required to find beautiful solutions for a remarkable new world.

Some of FrankiePappas’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped FrankiePappas achieve 16th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	2

15. Greg Wright Architects

Our studio is made up of a group of dedicated and passionate individuals working towards the guiding principle of the practice which strives towards the pursuit of excellence both in thought and execution.

Some of Greg Wright Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Greg Wright Architects achieve 15th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	3

14. Metropole Architects

As a practice, we are inspired by the energy of the city, as it unceasingly moves, radiates and evolves like a vast living organism.we aim to generate design that stakes out new territory, and explore ideas that are intuitive, inventive, exuberant and daring. enthused by visionary architects like john lautner and santiago calatrava, we aspire to create iconic and progressive architectural wonders that capture our collective imagination.

Some of Metropole Architects’s most prominent projects include:

House Brook, Nkwazi, South Africa
ALBIZIA HOUSE, Durban, South Africa
Aloe Ridge House, Pennington, South Africa
The Reserve House, Dolphin Coast, South Africa
Salt Rock House, Dolphin Coast, South Africa

The following statistics helped Metropole Architects achieve 14th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	5

13. Vivid Architects

Vivid Architects was founded in 1998 by Paolo Viotti and Trevor Versfeld. Imraan Ho-Yee joined the practice as a partner in 2000. Vivid Architects is an established award-winning medium sized design practice that concentrates predominately on medium to large scale commercial developments both locally and internationally. The practice enjoys a good reputation in designing selected upmarket private residential homes.

Vivid Architects takes great pride in providing an holistic and comprehensive professional service delivering appropriate and cost effective architectural solutions within the strict parameters of client brief, economic realities, programme and budget. Vivid Architects believes firmly in the ethics and importance of a team-based philosophy throughout the design and implementation process and encourages close collaboration of all the disciplines involved.

Some of Vivid Architects’s most prominent projects include:

Bridgewater, Cape Town, South Africa
No.3 Bridgeways, Cape Town, South Africa
Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa
Newcastle Mall, Newcastle, South Africa
Citadel Apartments, Cape Town, South Africa

The following statistics helped Vivid Architects achieve 13th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	33

12. Earthworld Architects and Interiors

In the making of meaningful things… with our world becoming more and more global — virtual and less defined, the need for defining the “Heimat” has become greater than ever. Meaning has become more important than ever. Falling Waters by Frank Lloyd Wright, built for the Kauffmann Family in the 20’s of the twentieth century, transcends the physical to become Icons; to become “meaningful things”. It epitomized progress without being Industrial…A symbol of innovation whilst acknowledging the context without trying to imitate or assimilate.

Some of Earthworld Architects and Interiors’s most prominent projects include:

House Mouton, Mamelodi, Pretoria, South Africa
Foghound Interactive Coffee & Showroom, Johannesburg, South Africa
House Izeboud, Pretoria, South Africa
TriBeCa Original Restaurant, Brooklyn, Pretoria, South Africa
House Alto, Tulbagh, South Africa

The following statistics helped Earthworld Architects and Interiors achieve 12th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	8

11. Nicholas Plewman Architects

Nicholas Plewman Architects was founded and is directed by Nick Plewman. He has welded a life time passion for the wilderness to two decades of design and project management experience in remote and sensitive environments. To this have been banded the skills of qualified architects, project and cost managers and technologists.

The practice has completed over 35 projects across Southern and East Africa for both public and private clients and has been published in several books* and magazines such as Architectural Digest and Conde Nast Traveller.

Some of Nicholas Plewman Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Nicholas Plewman Architects achieve 11th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	4

10. Architecture for a Change

We are young designers working with well known architect, Les du Toit. Our passion for architecture and the profession grew from experimental projects we did as students, getting our hands dirty and learning from experience. Our team consists of Anton Bouwer, Dirk Coetser and John Saaiman. Our individual skills and experience creates a formidable team, Dirk’s & Anton’s strengths lie in conceptual phase, design and presentation of projects, whilst John manages the construction and detailing of buildings.

From our lived experiences in the city of Johannesburg — a challenging environment presenting numerous opportunities — we have developed a desire to create change in the built environment.

Some of Architecture for a Change’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Architecture for a Change achieve 10th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	3
Total Projects	3

9. Elphick Proome Architecture

Elphick Proome Architecture was established in 1989 and has grown to become a leading architectural firm in South Africa. Committed to architectural excellence, we strive to create exciting buildings, environments and spaces that respond to the unique nature of each project with integrity and purpose. Our philosophy emphasizes an architecture that responds to context, region and climate and is enduring, innovative and functional. We endeavor to design intelligent solutions which rise to the diverse challenges of our social and economic context and make a significant contribution to the African reality.

Some of Elphick Proome Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

House Mansfield, Westville, South Africa
House F, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Durban Christian Centre, Durban, South Africa
Rooiels House, Rooi-Els, Rooi-Els, South Africa
RCL Foods, Westville, South Africa

Top image: Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, Durban, South Africa

The following statistics helped Elphick Proome Architecture achieve 9th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	3
Total Projects	13

8. Daffonchio & Associates Architects

Daffonchio and Associates Architects was established in 1996 by Enrico Daffonchio, who has qualified in Italy and registered with the Italian and South African Councils for the architectural profession. The firm has been active in private, commercial and public projects. The design work focuses on energy efficiency and the awareness of the broader effects that building has on the environment: as well as the way in which proportion, light and color affect peoples’ mood. Building materials and structural elements are meant to be shown with integrity as graphic and sculptural patterns.Collaborations and joint ventures with other firms, artists and specialists from various disciplines are built specially around the requirements of each project.

Some of Daffonchio & Associates Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Daffonchio & Associates Architects achieve 8th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	2

7. Three14 Architects

Three14 Architects, founded in January 2008, is an award winning studio of creative architects based in Cape Town. The focus on designing exclusive luxury homes for discerning clients — bringing fresh ideas, rigorous detailing and creativity to the residential arena — results in elegant and sophisticated homes that are easy to live in. The office consists of a small, hands-on team taking on a limited number of projects per year. This enables both principal architects to be involved in each project from inception through to completion ensuring an efficient and thorough level of service and a highly considered and always unique end product.

Some of Three14 Architects’s most prominent projects include:

OVD525, Cape Town, South Africa
Glen 2961, Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Firth 114802, Firth Road, Southern Suburbs, Cape Town, South Africa

The following statistics helped Three14 Architects achieve 7th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	3
Total Projects	3

6. Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers

Meyer & Associates is an integrated, multi-disciplinary practice that incorporates architecture, interior design and urban design competencies into one bespoke spatial design service. The original firm, known as MEYER+VORSTER Architects, Urban Designers and Interior Designers, was founded in 2002. In 2013, the firm was restructured and became known as Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers. It is owned and managed by the founding principal of the practice, Tiaan Meyer. He has over twenty years’ experience in the architectural and urban design industry and is complemented by a staff of twelve, which include several professionally registered architects, technologists and interior designers. Team members have been hand-picked for their specialist skill-sets and design capabilities.

Some of Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers’s most prominent projects include:

Spens Garden Café & Winkel Gift Shop, South Africa
Botha’s Halte Primary School, Cape Winelands, WC, South Africa
Dunoon Primary School, Dunoon, Cape Town, South Africa
Heideveld Primary School, Heideveld, Cape Town, South Africa
Kuyasa Public Transport Interchange, Cape Town, South Africa

The following statistics helped Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers achieve 6th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	2
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	5

5. Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)

VAN DER MERWE MISZEWSKI ARCHITECTS was founded in 1991 by Anya van der Merwe and Macio Miszewski and is located at 161 Longmarket Street, Cape Town in a Grade 1 listed building. VDMMA has completed a wide range of building types, including educational, cultural, commercial, retail, restoration and residential projects (including group housing, apartment buildings and individual residences).

The company has received numerous awards, including SAIA Awards, (South African Institute for Architecture, regional and national), SAPOA Awards (South African Property Owners Association), SAISC Awards (South African Institute of Steel Construction), The Fulton Award, as well as various media awards.

Some of Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)’s most prominent projects include:

Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town, South Africa
Tree House, Cape Town, South Africa
University of Cape Town: Middle Campus, Cape Town, South Africa
Mountain House, Cape Town, South Africa
De Beers Headquarters, Ormonde, Johannesburg South, South Africa

The following statistics helped Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA) achieve 5th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	4
Total Projects	11

4. CS Studio

© Design.Develop.Build - GA Tech | PBSA | RWTH

CS Studio Architects has developed a way in which they work which is focused on listening to the clients or end users. This is an interactive and participative process. Each project demands its own activities. Interactive processes are a powerful tool in any design phase as it allows everyone to have a say and often leads to much better spatial solutions. By listening to people, the architect is provided with a wealth of information to feed into the design process. role players are empowered and they take ownership of their design decisions.

However, participation is generally seen only as a social process. This is when it fails. It needs to be underscored by making. We also believe that during the participation process technology can be a valuable tool. It is important to understand what kind of resources are available both material and human. A good understanding of assembly and the active transfer of skills through making therefore becomes an important component of the process. Through research and experience it has proved to lead to more sustainable environments. It allows one to unleash the energy inside people. Spatial planning needs to be done in a way which allows the inhabitants occupying the space to enjoy it and to enhance the quality of life.

Some of CS Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped CS Studio achieve 4th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	2
A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

3. dhk

dhk has established a leading reputation as a design led multi-disciplinary company which incorporates architecture, urban design and interior design. More than 100 people contribute to the success of the company across these three disciplines making dhk one of the largest architectural practices in South Africa. dhk’s integrated approach to design in the built environment, coupled with innovative and cost effective design solutions, has garnered international recognition with projects spanning across four continents.

Some of dhk’s most prominent projects include:

Battery Park, Cape Town, South Africa
32 on Kloof, Cape Town, South Africa
Move Hotel, Mogliano, Italy
Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet, South Africa
Ellipse Waterfall, GP, South Africa

The following statistics helped dhk achieve 3rd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist	2
Featured Projects	5
Total Projects	25

2. Nico van der Meulen Architects

Nico van der Meulen Architects, headquartered in Johannesburg, focuses on designing innovative, functional luxurious homes, both contemporary and traditional, tailored to enrich their client’s quality of life. The company remains at the forefront of design by exploring new forms, pushing the boundaries and evolving with technology, without compromising on the authenticity of the design, aesthetics, materials and originality.

While creating unique homes for unique tastes, the firm strives to capture every client’s vision and express it through breath-taking bespoke designs. They have designed more than 4000 buildings during the past forty years, many of which received international acclaim, some as far afield as USA, London, Cypress, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada, USA, Germany, Gulf of Portugal and many African countries and currently completing a new residence in Australia.

More than 230 buildings designed by Nico van der Meulen and his team of architects have featured in magazines, hardcover books and have also been used on the front cover image for many magazines.

Some of Nico van der Meulen Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Nico van der Meulen Architects achieve 2nd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	8
Total Projects	31

1. SAOTA

SAOTA is a firm of architectural designers and technologists including in-house CGI and marketing teams, as well as a strong support staff. It is driven by the dynamic combination of Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché and Mark Bullivant who share a potent vision easily distinguished in their design.

This, paired with both an innovative and dedicated approach to the execution of projects, has seen SAOTA become internationally sought-after, receiving numerous awards and commendations from some of the most respected institutions worldwide. Capitalizing on a unique understanding of an ever-evolving industry, SAOTA continues to build on past experiences and is well positioned to offer expert services to the corporate, institutional, commercial and residential marketplace.

Some of SAOTA’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped SAOTA achieve 1st place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	22
Total Projects	26

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “+” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

Project completed within the last 3 years
A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
High quality, in focus photographs
At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.

Reference

Lounge windows in St John Street warehouse apartment by Emil Eve Architects

Interior Design

Eight living rooms featuring low-slung furniture and seating

By Zarkon Group,07/10/2023

Low-back sofas and armchairs play a key role in our latest lookbook, which explores how low-slung furniture can make living rooms feel more relaxed and less formal.

When lounge furniture sits low to the ground, it can make a big difference to the mood of the room.

Low-back seats are typically more generous in width, so the sitting position doesn’t have to be as upright. This means sofas can sometimes feel more like beds.

This type of furniture works well in open-plan interiors, as it can divide up the space without making different areas feel too separate. But it can also be used to soften rooms that are heavily decorative.

Read on for eight examples, including a London loft renovation and a California home.

This is the latest in our lookbook series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, other recent lookbooks feature colourful bedrooms and kitchens with tiled worktops.

St John Street, UK, by Emil Eve Architects

The aim behind this renovation of a former warehouse space in London’s Clerkenwell neighbourhood was to make it feel more comfortable without losing its industrial character.

A low-slung, L-shaped sofa helps to create that mood in the living space. Other furniture elements are also set low, allowing the exposed brickwork walls to be the key focal point.

Find out more about St John Street ›

Vasto gallery by Mesura apartment interior — Photo is by Salva López

Casa Vasto, Spain, by Mesura

This converted factory apartment in Barcelona’s El Poblenou neighbourhood doubles as a gallery, so it plays host to an ever-changing roster of collectable art and design pieces.

Low-lying furnishings help to enhance the apartment’s high, vaulted ceilings, creating an optimal setting for display.

They include a modular sofa system that can be arranged in different ways and an equally low coffee table made out of construction waste.

Find out more about Casa Vasto ›

Minimalist living room inside House by the Sea by Of Architecture — Photo is by Lorenzo Zandri

House by the Sea, UK, by Of Architecture

The open-plan ground floor of this seaside house in Cornwall includes two lounge spaces. One is designed as a snug, with a high-back sofa and a hearth, while the other has a more casual feel.

The sofa in this second space is a modular L-shaped piece, upholstered in beige marl fabric.

Its low back helps the space feel connected with the adjacent kitchen and allows views across to the expansive sliding windows, which offer a view of Newquay’s picturesque Pentire Steps beach.

Find out more about House by the Sea ›

Sausalito Outlook by Feldman Architecture — Photo is by Joe Fletcher

Sausalito Outlook, USA, by Feldman Architecture

The living room of this renovated 1970s house on San Francisco Bay features an iconic low-slung seating design that was launched around the same time.

Designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 and produced by Ligne Roset, the Togo chairs and sofas look like slouchy, oversized cushions, but their foam filling is surprisingly supportive.

Here, they create two seating areas that can be used for reading, watching television or looking out at the sea view.

Find out more about Sausalito Outlook ›

Family lounge in Twentieth house by Woods and Dangaran — Photo is by Joe Fletcher

Twentieth, USA, by Woods + Dangaran

Generous, low furniture pieces are a recurring theme in this three-storey house in Santa Monica, which was designed to be practical for day-to-day life and able to host parties and gatherings.

The most striking example is a set of four club chairs with swivel bases, organised around a polished stone coffee table in one of two ground-floor living rooms.

Find out more about Twentieth ›

Exterior of NZ10 Apartment in Spain by Auba Studio — Photo is by José Hevia

NZ10 Apartment, Spain, by Auba Studio

Low-back furniture can work well in rooms that connect indoors with outdoors, where the atmosphere is typically less formal. This apartment in Palma de Mallorca is a prime example.

Located in a converted bakery, the home features full-height sliding doors that connect a rear lounge space with patio terrace. The room is furnished with a casual, low sofa that extends all the way along one side.

Find out more about NZ10 Apartment ›

Apartment Canal Saint-Martin, France, by Rodolphe Parente

The living room of this renovated Haussmann-era apartment in Paris centres around a sculptural vintage sofa, upholstered in mustard-yellow velvet.

The piece has a formal, geometric shape that complements the building’s period details, while its low shape offers a contemporary feel that is echoed by other playful artworks and furnishings in the room.

Find out more about Apartment Canal Saint-Martin ›

Low-slung sofa in Sag Harbor 2 — Photo is by Read McKendree

Sag Harbor 2, USA, by KOS+A

Sunset views were a priority for the owners of this waterfront house in the Hamptons, the popular retreat destination for New Yorkers.

The waterfront facade is largely glazed to maximise views, so it made sense to choose unobtrusive furniture. For the family lounge, this meant a low-slung L-shaped sofa and a curved club chair.

Find out more about Sag Harbor 2 ›

Reference

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Cleantech and proptech converge

USGBC-LA Net Zero Accelerator

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The ‘Inhabited Wall’ facade

moreau kusunoki emphasizes verticality

How are these architecture firms ranked?

24. Kritzinger Architects

23. Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD

22. Thomas Gouws Architects

21. Activate Architects

20. MMA Design Studio

19. BasaboseStudio

18. Jenny Mills Architects

17. C76 Architecture and Design

16. FrankiePappas

15. Greg Wright Architects

14. Metropole Architects

13. Vivid Architects

12. Earthworld Architects and Interiors

11. Nicholas Plewman Architects

10. Architecture for a Change

9. Elphick Proome Architecture

8. Daffonchio & Associates Architects

7. Three14 Architects

6. Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers

5. Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)

4. CS Studio

3. dhk

2. Nico van der Meulen Architects

1. SAOTA

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

A Guide to Project Awards

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