Friday Link Pack - 8 links to read over the weekend

• The DSD in Northern Ireland has released its Urban Development Grant Scheme. This grant  is usually attributed to inner city housing, retail, commercial and light industrial schemes. Have a read of the guidelines to see if you qualify and give us a call to discuss any potential projects you think might benefit from this scheme! (Deadline for applications to the grant is the 13th May 2016)
• Some pretty special photos of BIG's new alternative skyscraper in New York.
• This project of the month on Archdaily is worth a read!
• Developing empty lots and converting them into public space.  - An interesting article that could quite easily spark conversation about the empty plots of land seen across Belfast.
• After our entry into the Alvar Aalto competition a few months ago, take a look at some of the masters greatest works here.
• Really nice student led project for temporary classrooms across the water. 
• We relish an opportunity to convert an older building into creative office space (like this one) and this article outlines this currently dominant trend.
• Lastly, this holiday house in Japan uses white brick to add a subtle texture to the overall scheme. 

Have a great weekend!

Site Visit - Coláiste Feirste

A few photos from our latest site visit showing our temporary classrooms nearing completion and our large foundations getting their reinforcement bars installed. 

Friday Link Pack - 8 Examples of Excellent Residential Architecture

As two of the guys within the office are renovating their houses at the moment we thought it would be nice to illustrate some examples of inspiring residential architecture.

• Homes can function as more than just a dwelling as seen in this excellent example.
• Holiday homes don't come much more beautiful than this.
• Existing structures can make for exciting homes as seen here.
• Simple extensions and better space planning can make all the difference!
• Another example of a nice simple extension.
• The picture above is one of our own works done a few years ago. Click here for more info.
• This prefabricated module could sit nicely in a piece of land somewhere!
• A simple palette of materials makes for a stunning series of spaces as seen in this example.
• Finally, we would like to mention the great loss to architecture with the sudden death of Dame Zaha Hadid, click here to view a collection of her greatest works.

Friday Link Pack - Have a great Easter!

It's been a shorter but busy week at Doherty Architects... but at least we have the long Easter weekend to relax. Here's some interesting links to flick through while doing so.

The good weather last weekend meant we were able to enjoy the great outdoors. Here's a great example of how architecture can sit within the landscape and visually connect between the outside and inside.

The good weather was also a benefit when it came to site visits. The render above is one of our larger schemes in the office which has just started construction. See some of the recent site visit images here.

For those that use Archicad as their drawing package; here are some clever 'Hidden Easter Eggs' to explore over the weekend.

At Doherty Architects we believe that the best architecture can be created using simple forms and a simple material palette. Have a look at this great example from Canada.

When it comes to Design... get your facts right!

In the office we are always keen to seen how materials can be used in new ways. This Art Museum cleverly blends fritted glass and corrugated metal sheets to great effect.

Which came first the Chicken or the Egg? Happy Easter!

Site Visit - Coláiste Feirste

Some images from our first site visit to one of our largest projects; a large school extension and associated site works. We think this might be a record for the office in terms of the 'biggest foundation'. This foundation forms part of our proposed spectator area adjacent to a new 3G and training pitch.

Friday Link Pack

It's been a busy few days at Doherty Architects, here is our round up of interesting finds this week!

It's always interesting to look at other ways to manage your time in the office, check out this article on fast company.

Really nice towel rack / room partition one of the guys in the office found on the net.

The picture above is from our entry to the recently closed Alvar Aalto competition, click here for more information.

As more industrial buildings are becoming redundant, we are always keen to see how these structures can be retained and utilised for modern functions. An excellent example can be seen here on dezeen. 

No space is too small to design something special, an architect can help unlock the potential of any existing building as seen here.

The devil is truly in the details in this townhouse in London.

We are undecided in the office on the restoration of this castle ruin, let us know your thoughts!

Really nice Aesop Store! . This skincare brand is a great advocate for exceptional design with each of their stores being designed by a different architect, check out some of their other stores around the world.

Have a great weekend!

Site Update - Antrim

Great day yesterday for a site visit!

Our site works are motoring on; as you can see the pitch spectator fencing is now in around our pitches. The building itself is up to roof level, with all of our roof members in place. The bricklayers have also done a nice job on our simple recess which will house our buildings signage once completed.

Friday Link Pack - 8 Links for weekend reading.

Friday Link Pack

Dezeen has an excellent article on the increase in interest for house extensions in London. This article illustrates the notion that improving your home using an architect not only benefit your lifestyle but add significant value to your home.

5 Personal Projects - interesting read over on 99U.

The photo above is of one of our recently completed housing extension and complete house renovation click through to see more images.

With the new BIM legislature coming into force next month Arch daily has a nice article on the benefits within a small architectural practice ... something we have been doing for the last 7 years!

Following the bankruptcy and collapse last year of Architecture for Humanity, a number of local chapters have banded together and re launched as Open Architecture Collaborative, Great news!

As a fan of Nendos infinite collection of works, their new modern architectural inspired dog accessories are definitely eye catching.

Two of the employees of the practice have recently bought 1970s properties and intend on unlocking their potential. For ideas and how an architect can help you achieve this we recommend watching the latest show hosted by George Clarke, Ugly House to Lovely House.

Anyone for Sushi?

Have a great weekend everyone!