Archinect - News

New study finds that modular construction produces 45% less carbon than traditional methods

2022-06-15T15:03:00-04:00

Factory-produced homes can produce up to 45% less carbon than traditional methods of residential construction, according to new research by academics from the University of Cambridge and Edinburgh Napier University. A study found that two modular housing schemes designed by HTA Design, consisting of a total of nearly 900 homes, saved a combined 28,000 tonnes of carbon.

The two schemes studied were the 44 and 38-story Ten Degrees towers in London’s Croydon borough, the world’s tallest completed modular building, and The Valentine, a 10-story student housing project in London’s Redbridge. Both were completed in 2020. The report found that these developments achieved embodied carbon savings of 41% and 45%, respectively, compared to traditional construction methods.

This difference comes down to modular buildings requiring less carbon-intensive products, such as concrete and steel, and less transport for on-site workers and materials. According to University of Cambridge senior research associate Tim Forman, the study highlights the importance of quantifying carbon in construction and across a building’s life cycle. The results make a strong case for the broader adoption of modular construction, especially as it has the potential to address the challenges of the climate crisis and the shortage of housing.

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Reiulf Ramstad's proposal for a multivalent, inspirational Ross Pavilion in Edinburgh

2017-06-29T14:55:00-04:00

While no one can claim that they understand where inspiration comes from, most would agree that it doesn't hurt to have an unfettered view of nature in an architecturally inventive setting. Norwegian architects Reiulf Ramstad are among the seven finalists in the Ross Pavilion International Design Competition to design a new cultural pavilion for Edinburgh's West Princes Street Gardens, and their plans reveal a glass-walled, timber-framed structure that attempts to harmoniously look toward the future while not alienating the centuries-old architecture surrounding it.

Image: Forbes Massie Studio

The result is a surprisingly timeless pavilion that encourages contemplation, relaxation, and an appreciation of the Gardens.

Image: Forbes Massie Studio

As the architects explain, "The Ross Pavilion will be the focal point of the city of Edinburgh and its many visitors, but it can also be a symbolic place for all of Scotland as well. The intervention into the Gardens ...

Seven big-name architecture teams to compete for Ross Pavilion in Edinburgh

2017-03-28T13:58:00-04:00

Over 125 competitive teams — made up of some 400 individual firms — representing 22 countries vied for a chance to design the £25 million Ross Pavilion, in the latest initiative to rejuvenate the culturally significant Ross Bandstand and West Princes Street Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. Today, the Ross Development Trust in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council and Malcolm Reading Consultants jointly announced the seven finalist teams who will submit design concepts for the site.

Following “an intense and demanding process” according to Jury Chair Norman Springford, here are the big-name architects who will lead their teams in phase two:

The Ross Bandstand (south). Photo © Malcolm Reading Consultants / David Springford.

Adjaye Associates (UK) with Morgan McDonnell, BuroHappold, Turley, JLL, Arup, Plan A Consultants, Charcoalblue and Sandy Brown Associates
BIG Bjarke Ingels Group (Denmark) with jmarchitects, GROSS. MAX., WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, Alan Baxter As...

The Murphy House wins 2016 RIBA House of the Year

2016-12-15T17:39:00-05:00

The wait is over! Today, RIBA revealed Richard Murphy Architects' Murphy House in historic New Town, Edinburgh as the 2016 RIBA House of the Year. Henning Stummel Architects' Tin House in west London was also announced as the seventh shortlisted house.

Architect Richard Murphy designed the house as his personal residence. The house, which sits on an awkward plot at the end of a terrace, only has an 11 m. x 6 m. footprint and a floor area of 165 m2. Despite its modest size, the Murphy House comprises of five levels, with hidden spaces and a quirky jigsaw element of moving pieces and disappearing walls that charmed the jury.

The house includes three bedrooms, a living/dining/kitchen area at varying levels, a study, basement storage, garage, utility room, and a roof terrace. In creating the scheme, Murphy drew inspiration from his own design heroes like architect Carlo Scarpa.

Jury member Philip Thorn of Hiscox Home Insurance praised the Murphy House as a delightful “box of tricks” and...

Collective Architecture opening new Edinburgh office

2016-06-09T07:55:00-04:00

Collective Architecture is branching out east with the official opening of a new Edinburgh office, necessitated by a growing portfolio of work across the UK stretching from the east coast to the north of England and London. Director Jude Barber said ‘We are delighted that Collective Architecture continues to evolve and grow with our new studio in Edinburgh.”

Archinect's correspondent Robert Urquhart met with Collective Architecture earlier this year in Glasgow. Uniquly run as an employee-owned trust which so far no one has ever left; the firm already has an impressive body of work and has now been selected as one of three architects for the City of Edinburgh Council Framework. Read Robert's full interview here

Edinburgh’s controversial £1b “Garden District” will move forward

2016-06-07T05:14:00-04:00

The scheme was designed by EMA Architecture + Design, a local practice specialising in commercial mixed-use masterplans and residential development. The first phase will be followed by subsequent ones over 20 years, resulting in a £1bn ($1.4bn) “Garden District”. As well as the homes, there will be a school, shopping centre, sports facilities and parks. A quarter of all the homes will be affordable housing, with the remainder split between private homes and apartments.

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Shortlist announced for UK's top museum prize

2016-05-09T10:27:00-04:00

The Art Fund’s Museum of the Year shortlist was announced...with Bristol’s Arnolfini; the Bethlem Museum of the Mind in south London; Jupiter Artland near Edinburgh; London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the York Art Gallery in the north of England being nominated for the £100,000 prize.

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Edinburgh's own officials are mucking up the city's historic architecture, says former Daily Mail editor

2015-11-13T04:02:00-05:00

The effect is a curious one, as if a voluptuous society beauty has opened her mouth to smile at you, only to reveal a thin row of rotting teeth. [...] Depressingly, the numpties and panjandrums who sit on Edinburgh city council have squandered the opportunity to heal the wounds of the past. [...] What is it with this city, whose custodians, over centuries, seem to be ashamed of having so much natural beauty bestowed upon it and constantly seek ways to diminish it?