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Circular construction is an alternative approach to traditional building practices that aims to reduce waste and address the climate crisis. It involves reusing and recycling building materials, as well as implementing design strategies for longevity and ease of disassembly. Arup, a global engineering firm, has developed a Circular Building Toolkit to guide designers in reducing the use of virgin and nonrenewable products. London has implemented mandatory circular-construction guidelines, and projects like the retrofit of One Triton Square have successfully demonstrated the benefits of circular construction. Other organizations, such as GXN and ETH Zurich's Circular for Architecture lab, are also exploring circular construction and developing innovative solutions. Legislation and policy decisions may be necessary to further develop the marketplace for circular construction. Ultimately, circular construction has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable built environment. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the transformation of a former industrial site at the Port of Montreal into a tourist destination. The site, known as the Grand Quai du Port de Montreal, was renovated and redesigned by the firm Provencher_Roy, in collaboration with landscape architect NIPPaysage. The project involved the rehabilitation of existing terminals, the creation of a public park, and the construction of the Port of Montreal Tower. The renovation aimed to open the site to the public and provide access to views of the St. Lawrence River and Mount Royal. The terminals were reoriented and reclad, while the tower paid homage to the port's commercial past. Visitors can access the tower through a ground-floor lobby and enjoy unobstructed views from the observatory at the top. The project was completed in May 2023 and cost $29.5 million. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the renovation of the lobby and retail spaces of the commercial skyscraper at 712 Fifth Avenue in New York City. The renovation aimed to update the Postmodern aesthetic of the building and incorporate elements of the historic glazing from the adjacent rowhouses. The lobby now features curved glass panels inspired by the Art Nouveau glazing of the Coty Building, designed by René Lalique. The glass panels create a welcoming and luminous entrance, while also paying homage to the building's history. [Extracted from the article]

Mork-Ulnes Architects has designed an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Marin County, California, that serves as a temporary home for a family of three while their main house undergoes renovation. The ADU is located on a hillside and has a limited footprint of just over 300 square feet. To maximize space, the architects used a "Swiss Army knife" approach, incorporating a movable kitchen island, a Murphy bed, and a flexible living space. The interior is clad in unvarnished ply boards, and the shower room utilizes its surroundings to visually elongate the limited volume. The design of the ADU is a response to the increasing demand for ADUs in California as a solution to the housing shortage. [Extracted from the article]

BAAB Architecture and Buildings has completed the Inside-Out Bath in Kerhonkson, New York, which aims to provide a seamless and accessible space for aging residents. The bathroom features a central "totem" that consolidates the sink, medicine cabinet, shower, and toilet, freeing up space and creating a barrier-free environment. The design also incorporates lifestyle details from the old bathroom, such as a magazine rack and night-light, while iridescent tile and a clerestory window bring natural light into the previously dark space. The project was completed in December 2023 by BAAB Architecture and Buildings, with Feinberg Construction as the general contractor. [Extracted from the article]

"Reclaimed: New Homes from Old Materials" by Penny Craswell is a book that explores the concept of reusing materials for contemporary residential design as an alternative to the traditional construction methods that contribute to global carbon emissions. The book is divided into four material categories - brick, timber, metal, and postconsumer waste - and showcases 24 houses and apartments from around the world that have been built using reclaimed materials. With a focus on sustainability and reducing environmental impact, this book offers a thoughtful guide for those interested in incorporating reclaimed materials into their own home designs. [Extracted from the article]