Here at Hartley and Hartley we love great examples of developments that combine new techniques with old structures. We’ve collated a few great examples that we’ve seen from around the world to inspire you
The Royal Ontario Design Museum
“The Royal Ontario Design Museum, now known as the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, derives its name from the building’s five intersecting volumes, which are reminiscent of crystals. The intersection of two of the crystals, both dedicated to new galleries, creates a void, known as the Spirit House. A large atrium rising from below ground level to the fourth floor and criss-crossed by bridges at various levels, the Spirit House is intended to be a place of reflections for visitors. A fourth crystal, known as the Stair of Wonders, is dedicated to vertical circulation but also features exhibition vitrines at the landings. A fifth crystal houses a restaurant.” Source, Daniel Libeskind.
The Convent de Sant Francesc
“The intervention in the church of the convent of Sant Francesc, located in the Catalan town of Santpedor, was meant to convert the building into a cultural facility. The two phases implemented have allowed the building to be put to use as an auditorium and multipurpose cultural space. It is expected that in the future, a third stage will allow the upper floors of the chapels (on the south side of the church) to be used as a historical archive.” Source, ArchDaily.
“The new programmatic volumes inserted (as vertical accesses or technical equipment) have been located partially outside of the church with the aim of preserving the inner space unity of the nave. In addition, the new stairs and ramps provide an unwonted circular route across the building with amazing and diverse views.” Source, David Closes.
Astonomy Centre Rijeka
“The building hosting the contemporary Astronomical Centre Rijeka on the ridge of the Sveti Križ hill was constructed in 1941 as a military fortress for the Italian army in WWII. No longer serving its military purpose, the fortress has been adapted to modern conditions of the astronomy centre and today it is an attractive edifice surrounded by forest and lush landscape that create a peaceful setting.” Source, Rijeka Sport Ltd.
St. Martin’s in the Field Church
“The window is held within a shot peened stainless steel framework comprising of handmade glass panels etched on both sides with a subtle feathery pattern based on fragments of Houshiary paintings. The warp and weft design of the structure and the twist at its centre creates a vertical energy echoing the agony of the cross. The central ellipse is an icon of contemplation and echoes the original architecture and decorative elements within the church.” Source, Shirazeh Houshiary.
The Round Tower
“The Round Tower is a Grade II Listed folly, which had been reduced to ruin by years of neglect and fire.
Located on the crest of a hill overlooking Siddington Village, the exposed site is visually integral to the setting of this listed structure. As such the design approach maintains the open relationship with the surrounding agricultural landscape by developing a discreet and substantial underground extension to the tower. This underground extension provides the main open plan living spaces and is lit by both a central open sunken courtyard and a lateral ‘landscape scoop’ concealing the new swimming pool and associated sun terraces from public view.
The listed tower remains clearly the dominant structure, providing the front door to the 4 bedroom family house and the means of vertical circulation. It is also the visual focus of the main sunken courtyard garden. The restored tower provides additional accommodation and a roof terrace for the enjoyment of the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
A new detached building adjacent to the entrance to the site, provides garaging and an additional guest studio.” Source. De Matos Architects
Credits:
ROM
Architect: Daniel Libeskind
Photography: Elliot Lewis
Astronomy Centre, Rijeka.
Photography: Rijeka Sport Ltd.
Convent de Sant Francesc
Architect: David Closes
Photography: Jordi Surroca
St. Martin’s in the Field
Artist: Shirazeh Houshiary
Photography: David Fisher
The Round Tower
Architect: De Matos Architects,
Photography: Edmund Sumner
