Core Spaces’ Post

This year, we were honoured to collaborate with New Hall School on a truly inspiring project that exemplifies both our design capabilities and our dedication to delivering excellence. The school presented us with a distinctive challenge: to transform their Politics and Business Centre into an environment that would ignite ambition and inspire future leaders, with a nod to one of the most iconic political addresses in the world—Downing Street. Our design team embraced the ambitious brief, working meticulously to bring this vision to life. With only weeks before the summer holidays, we accelerated the design and planning process, ensuring we could deliver this high-profile project within a six-week timeframe. The centrepiece of the project was the creation of a stunning replica of Downing Street, complete with an alleyway through the building that mirrors the famous London street. The result is a truly remarkable space that captures every detail of the original, down to the exact design of the famous doors of numbers 9, 10, and 11. We left no stone unturned in ensuring authenticity, even going so far as to engage the very decorators responsible for painting the actual doors of Downing Street. This attention to detail extended to the letter plates, door furniture, and overall finish, all of which have been crafted to replicate the original as closely as possible. Ian Houghton, Managing Director, proudly remarked: “The quality of our work here speaks for itself. From the carefully selected materials to the precision in execution, this project has been delivered to the highest standards. Our longstanding relationship with New Hall School, spanning over 20 years, is built on trust and collaboration. This project is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional results on time and within budget, while consistently exceeding our client’s expectations.” The completion of this project not only demonstrates our technical and creative capabilities but also highlights our ability to manage complex projects under tight time constraints. We are incredibly proud of the outcome and the opportunity to contribute to the educational environment at New Hall School, inspiring the next generation of leaders. This case study exemplifies the core values of Houghton & Son Ltd: attention to detail, a commitment to quality, and a passion for bringing our clients’ visions to life. #HoughtonBuilding #HoughtonElectrical #HoughtonRenewables #BespokeDesign #EssexBuilders #HighEndConstruction #NewHallSchool #Renovation #FamilyBusiness #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign #Business #CaseStudy

This video gets at the heart of the “Building Small Movement.” This traditional single family urban infill lot can accommodate 3 units with a detached garage (and bonus studio) offering elevated urban design instead of a one single-family residence. This is an Interstruct Design exercise in missing middle housing, trying to push our city’s zoning and our local municipal code to bridge the gap.    What does Building Small mean in terms of the classic real estate questions: How big is it? How many dollars is it?    During a recent conversation with the Urban Land Institute, Jim Heid, FASLA – the champion of small scale development – explained:    “It’s a qualitative discussion, not a quantitative discussion. So, Small is a way to build more humane places .... And it’s about a more evolutionary approach to development, a reaction to the bigger institutional approaches that are fairly formulaic ... they don’t really respond to the soul and fabric and character of communities.”   This is exactly what drives our vision and decisions as we continue our exploration of residential design in the Hourglass District and beyond. Thanks to our Design Lead Nathan Wallace for this cool digital vignette.

Design Show & Tell ✏️ We’re excited to share a landscape-led approach to the master planning of a rural higher education facility. Here, Stuart Postlethwaite, one of our talented landscape architects, explores removing cars and establishing parking infrastructure to promote a green, walkable campus. By looking holistically at the wider land holding and understanding the inherent opportunities, replacement parking and expanded education facilities are introduced, and a long-term vision for potential growth is understood. We’re looking forward to following Stuart’s progress as the project evolves. #WeAreRural #LandscapeDesign #LandscapePlanning

Big changes are afoot near Victory Park, a key architectural hub around the American Airlines Center. Discovered amongst recent city filings, plans for a new 23-story residential tower have begun to take shape, thereby phasing out another major project originally envisioned for this location. - Projecit Progress: Unlike its predecessor, which remained paper-bound, this residential tower is fast-becoming a tangible reality. With a rich blend of meticulous design elements and a forward-thinking development plan, it appears that Victory Park will be graced with a skyline-defining spectacle in the near future. - Team Composition: Noteworthy in this evolving saga is the formidable team behind the task. City filings reveal an assemblage of skilled professionals, unveiling a vibrant blend of architectural brilliance and project management prowess. This suggests we're likely to witness an expedition well-calibrated and executed at each step. Diving further into these discoveries, it becomes evident that there's a lot more to anticipate beyond the residential infrastructure. This tower is more than just a collection of living units — it's poised to serve as a testament to the evacuation of architectural stagnation and ushers in an era of innovative design and efficient space utilization. - Mark of Innovation: Just like the infamous knight's gambit exhibited in chess, the emergence of new ideas invariably involves trading certainty for the extraordinary. Grasping this concept at its core, this 23-story endeavor could potentially reset prejudiced perceptions about residential architecture and create new benchmarks against traditional methodologies. What echoes in these piles of public record papers and intricate design blueprints amounts to 'change'., both tangible and radical. In the coming years, Victory Park is likely to break free from its past and redraw its skyline with infrastructural projects that debunk conventions. - Predictions: Ideally, a dynamically changing landscape doesn't just alter physical space; it reshapes the minds of its inhabitants, too. Hence, we might see this developmental wave inspiring aesthetic appreciation and transforming individual and collective experiences for residents in and around Victory Park. In short, while residential architectures are often absorbed into a city's 'background scenery', this tower is poised to shatter this mundane plateau, offering ever-changing narratives that stroke the skyline and inspire novelty among urban dwellers, both at aesthetic and functional fronts. #UrbanDesign #FutureResidences #ArchitecturalInnovation #VictoryParkTransformation

Croí na Carraige (The Heart of the Rock) Architecture is never just about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating spaces that go beyond their physical form. With the extension of this community hub, we’re focused on realising more than a building. The building will bring people together, fosters connections, and supports growth for years to come. This project isn’t just about adding classrooms, common areas, or a heritage café. It’s about creating a place where people feel they belong—a space that adapts to the needs of the community and evolves alongside it. The heritage café will be more than a spot for tea; it will be a hub of stories and culture, a place where past and present meet to inspire the future.  The flexible common rooms and multipurpose spaces will be designed not just to serve activities but to nurture collaboration, learning, and creativity. Tús maith, leath na hoibre (A good start is half the work)

This year, we were honoured to collaborate with New Hall School on a truly inspiring project that exemplifies both our design capabilities and our dedication to delivering excellence. The school presented us with a distinctive challenge: to transform their Politics and Business Centre into an environment that would ignite ambition and inspire future leaders, with a nod to one of the most iconic political addresses in the world—Downing Street. Our design team embraced the ambitious brief, working meticulously to bring this vision to life. With only weeks before the summer holidays, we accelerated the design and planning process, ensuring we could deliver this high-profile project within a six-week timeframe. The centrepiece of the project was the creation of a stunning replica of Downing Street, complete with an alleyway through the building that mirrors the famous London street. The result is a truly remarkable space that captures every detail of the original, down to the exact design of the famous doors of numbers 9, 10, and 11. We left no stone unturned in ensuring authenticity, even going so far as to engage the very decorators responsible for painting the actual doors of Downing Street. This attention to detail extended to the letter plates, door furniture, and overall finish, all of which have been crafted to replicate the original as closely as possible. Ian Houghton, Managing Director, proudly remarked: “The quality of our work here speaks for itself. From the carefully selected materials to the precision in execution, this project has been delivered to the highest standards. Our longstanding relationship with New Hall School, spanning over 20 years, is built on trust and collaboration. This project is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional results on time and within budget, while consistently exceeding our client’s expectations.” The completion of this project not only demonstrates our technical and creative capabilities but also highlights our ability to manage complex projects under tight time constraints. We are incredibly proud of the outcome and the opportunity to contribute to the educational environment at New Hall School, inspiring the next generation of leaders. This case study exemplifies the core values of Houghton & Son Ltd: attention to detail, a commitment to quality, and a passion for bringing our clients’ visions to life. #HoughtonBuilding #HoughtonElectrical #HoughtonRenewables #BespokeDesign #EssexBuilders #HighEndConstruction #NewHallSchool #Renovation #FamilyBusiness #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign #Business #CaseStudy

The Politics and Architecture of Amsterdam: A Story of Connection Amsterdam’s architecture isn’t just about pretty photographies, it’s a reflection of the city’s political history and values. From the iconic canals to modern sustainable projects, every brick has a story tied to the city’s past and its evolving identity. In the 17th century, the famous canal ring wasn’t just built for beauty; it was a political move to showcase Amsterdam’s wealth and manage its rapid growth. Fast forward to the 20th century, and you see the influence of politics in the Amsterdam School architecture, which emerged from efforts to provide better housing for everyone, reflecting the city’s commitment to social equality. Today, Amsterdam’s focus on sustainability is shaping its skyline. The city’s leaders are pushing for green buildings and eco-friendly development, making sure that the city grows in a way that’s good for both people and the planet. In Amsterdam, architecture and politics are always in conversation, shaping a city that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful. References: https://lnkd.in/eJR95dsJ https://lnkd.in/e6hs8KDf https://lnkd.in/ecARZfru

Rethinking School Spaces: Retrofits that Inspire Connection and Community. Inspired by Useful Studio - Architecture's recent school retrofit, we see the power of adding a 'heart' to a school building. By redesigning a central space for assemblies, meals and events, this design goes beyond functionality to create a vibrant community hub, enhancing the well-being of students and staff. This project isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about prioritising adaptable, social spaces that foster connection. This retrofit doesn’t just build walls; it builds a stronger community. Purpose-driven design like this fuels our work at SCENE to create environments that nurture connections and drive positive social change. #purposedrivendesign #community #educationdesign #interiordesign

Touching the sky has never been just about height. The Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles stands as a testament to this, not merely scraping the sky, but weaving into the fabric of urban development and technological innovation. Beyond its impressive stature as one of the tallest buildings in the U.S., it's the story of ambition, resilience, and pioneering spirit. This architectural marvel showcases cutting-edge construction techniques, with a top that defies the traditional spire, marking a new era of skyscraper design. But it’s not just what meets the eye. Its foundation, deeply anchored into the earth, represents the unseen strength and foresight that goes into such grand creations. The Wilshire Grand is more than a building; it's a beacon of sustainability, boasting energy-efficient systems that challenge the norms of high-rise constructions. It’s a hub of commerce, hospitality, and leisure, all while being an integral part of Los Angeles' skyline and identity. As professionals, we can draw inspiration from the Wilshire Grand Center. It reminds us that reaching new heights in our careers isn't just about the accolades or titles. It's about the foundation we build, the innovations we bring to our fields, and the legacy we leave behind. What architectural feat inspires you in your professional journey? Share your thoughts below.

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