Introduction to Palmanova Center

Jasper Architects unveils plans for the Palmanova Center in Asunción, Paraguay, a 200,000 square-meter mixed-use development set to begin construction this October. Rising along Avenida Primer Presidente, the project integrates residential, commercial, and office spaces into a dense vertical composition rising from a public, landscaped valley.

Planned as a prototype for high-density living in the Paraguayan capital, the Palmanova Center organizes four towers above a five-story base. The plinth is intersected by a sequence of terraces, shaded walkways, and gardens inspired by the region’s cañadas — natural ravines that shape local ecosystems.

images © Nils Koenning

Integration of Community and Landscape

The scheme of Jasper Architects’ Palmanova Center emphasizes connections between people, their neighbors, and Asunción’s natural setting. The design team plans a pedestrian route to thread through the center of the site, linking retail, cafés, a supermarket, and wellness facilities. Bridges will span across planted areas, creating elevated crossings between buildings while maintaining open ground-level sightlines.

Two of the towers will house offices, standing at 36 and 33 floors, with adaptable floor plates suited to different tenant needs. The other two, at 40 and 37 floors, will contain more than two hundred residential units ranging from compact one-bedrooms to expansive penthouses. Rooftops are designed as shared leisure spaces, with botanical gardens, infinity pools, and panoramic viewing platforms.

Palmanova Center is designed by Jasper Architects in Asunción, Paraguay

Orientation and Environmental Performance

The Palmanova towers’ offset forms by Jasper Architects are oriented to capture daylight and prevailing breezes, while preserving unobstructed views of Asunción across the site. This positioning also allows natural light to penetrate into the lower levels of the complex, including the pedestrian valley. At 180 meters (590 feet) tall, Palmanova Center will be among the city’s highest structures

Building envelopes combine high-performance double glazing with aluminum composite panels capable of reflecting 40% of solar radiation. Shaded balconies and green terraces form part of a broader passive design strategy, enhancing thermal comfort and biodiversity.

The development is targeting LEED certification, incorporating water recycling systems, stormwater management, and renewable energy generation. Landscaped areas will extend from the street level to the uppermost terraces, contributing to Asunción’s urban greenery.

four sculptural towers rise above a five story public plinth

a landscaped pedestrian valley connects retail, cafés and wellness areas

residential towers offer more than 200 units, including penthouses

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Palmanova Center is a groundbreaking mixed-use development that sets a new standard for urban living in Asunción, Paraguay. By integrating residential, commercial, and office spaces with a strong focus on community and landscape, Jasper Architects has created a unique and sustainable project that will contribute to the city’s urban greenery and provide a high-quality living and working environment for its inhabitants. With its innovative design and commitment to environmental performance, the Palmanova Center is poised to become a landmark in the city and a model for future urban developments in the region.

Introduction to Balay Wine Bar

Earthy-toned curtains drape over the storefront of Balay, a wine bar on lively Via Maiocchi in Milan, designed by architectural practice Studiomille. This bar, whose name means ‘home’ in several Filipino languages, acts as a cozy spot for the neighborhood, offering natural wines and small plates influenced by Mediterranean and Filipino cuisine that come together under owner Ray Ibarra’s vision.

The designers preserve many of the original elements of the space, including patterned tiled floors and distressed plaster walls that provide a textured base for their additions. Dark woods and warm textiles alongside raw metals and rough finishes reflect the richness of traditional Filipino interiors, evoking the heterogeneous urban environment of Manila.

all images by Delfino Sisto Legnani / DLS Studio

Design and Layout

Led by Daniele Demattè and Luca Cozzani, the team at Studiomille organizes the interior around a conceptual horizontal split that divides the height into two distinct visual zones, guiding movement and sight lines throughout Balay.

A shelving system that displays Ray’s personal collection of objects lines one of the walls, while at the center, a large multifunctional counter serves as a communal table, bar surface, and platform for events such as DJ sets. The curtain next to the bar’s entrance filters the city noise, inviting passersby to feel welcome as if stepping into a neighbor’s home. The pendant light hanging above the bar references the geometric patterns found in traditional capiz shell windows, using reclaimed lighting optics salvaged from old office fixtures framed in dark wood. Opposite the bar, slender walnut shelves are mounted on a metal track system, so they can be moved and adjusted, while the street-facing shelves expose their plasterboard structure, lit to show off the raw material that is usually hidden.

Balay means ‘home’ in several Filipino languages

Preserving the Original Elements

Outside, the long curtains appear as sculptural forms during the day, and at night they glow from the light inside. Preserved surfaces, varied materials, and flexible furnishings make Balay feel personal and shared, like a welcoming home that brings memories of the Philippines.

a cozy spot for the neighborhood, offering natural wines and small plates

a shelving system displays the owner’s personal collection of objects

evoking the heterogeneous urban environment of Manila

Conclusion

Overall, Balay wine bar is a unique and welcoming space that blends Filipino heritage with a lived-in ambiance, making it a cozy spot for the neighborhood to gather and enjoy natural wines and small plates. The design and layout of the bar, led by Studiomille, have successfully created a sense of home and community, making it a must-visit destination in Milan.

Introduction to Red Rock Residence

Red Rock is a newly built residence by Faulkner Architects, located in Summerlin, Nevada, on the edge of the Mojave Desert. Set between the Las Vegas city skyline and the sandstone formations of Red Rock Canyon, the house is shaped by the region’s demanding climate — dry winters, intense summer heat, high winds, and seasonal monsoons. The architecture is informed by these conditions, along with the client’s need for privacy and durability.

images © Joe Fletcher

Passive Design by Faulkner Architects

Located on a three-quarter-acre site, Faulkner Architects’ Red Rock residence contends with the Mojave Desert’s extreme climate, which sees high summer temperatures, monsoon rains, and constant winds. The design team shows a deliberate and controlled response to this context. The structure is oriented to minimize solar exposure and create privacy while maintaining visual access to the city and canyon beyond. A subtractive process in the plan carves out a sheltered courtyard to the east and introduces a raised reflecting basin that mirrors the living space in scale.

Leading toward interiors designed by Concept Lighting Lab, the entry is calibrated and sequential. Visitors pass through a tight vertical opening in the board-formed concrete perimeter wall, arriving at a shaded ramp that leads to a private court. At eye level with the basin’s surface, this moment compresses and frames the transition from the desert exterior to the interior architecture.

the entry to the home is a narrow passage leading to a shaded ramp and private courtyard

Context-Driven Materials

The Red Rock structure is composed of locally-sourced sand, gravel, and fly ash concrete, which is mixed on-site and cast in place by the team led by Faulkner Architects. The result is a pale buff surface that visually connects to the surrounding geology. Exposed in both floor and wall surfaces, the concrete absorbs and modulates the desert’s thermal fluctuations. Over half of the 8,500-square-foot residence is built into the earth, where passive cooling and daylighting strategies allow the home to remain breezy and energy efficient.

Above ground, living areas and bedrooms occupy structures articulated in weathering steel. A perforated screen system shields the interiors from direct sun and wind while allowing filtered light and airflow. This layered strategy is expressed as a heavy mass below, and a lightweight envelope above.

The house maintains a low profile across the landscape. Its elongated geometry aligns with the east-west axis, situating the pool and shaded deck to receive directional breezes and controlling solar gain. The cantilevered steel framework shelters the upper level and cars beneath, extending outward to echo the silhouette of Red Rock Canyon.

weathering steel screens shield the upper level bedrooms from wind and sun

a raised reflecting basin mirrors the proportions of the living space and captures city views

locally-sourced sand, gravel, and fly ash concrete forms the structure

Conclusion

The Red Rock residence, designed by Faulkner Architects, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture that seamlessly integrates into the Mojave Desert landscape. The use of context-driven materials, passive design strategies, and careful consideration of the site’s unique conditions have resulted in a home that is not only visually stunning but also highly functional and sustainable. As a testament to the power of thoughtful design, the Red Rock residence sets a new standard for desert architecture, showcasing the possibilities of building in harmony with the natural environment.

Hotel Nobis Palma Revives a Centuries-Old Structure

Hotel Nobis Palma occupies a centuries-old building in the heart of Mallorca’s capital. Known historically as Can Oliver, the property’s transformation into a 5-star boutique hotel was led by Jordi Herrero Arquitectos and Eduardo García Acuña, with interiors by Swedish design studio Wingårdhs.

Located on Calle Caputxines, the 2,253-square-meter stone building includes a 12th-century Arabic coffered ceiling, Gothic paintings, and a grand Majorcan staircase. Previous attempts to convert the structure into a hotel had failed to gain approval from Palma’s city council. This iteration, however, reversed the typical approach. Rather than inserting a hotel into an historic shell, the architects aim to let the identity of Can Oliver shape the design of Hotel Nobis Palma.

images © José Hevia

Uncovering the Building’s Layered Heritage

The Hotel Nobis Palma renovation began with a detailed architectural survey, cataloging traces of the Mallorca building’s long evolution — arched doorways, bricked-in windows, and layered facades. Instead of covering these findings, the design teams at Jordi Herrero Arquitectos and Eduardo García Acuña made them visible. In the restaurant area, both a 1950s intervention and the original wall behind it were preserved, allowing the two to coexist.

Guest rooms retain their spatial integrity. Protected volumes were left untouched by partition walls. Bathrooms, where necessary, are inserted as freestanding steel and glass enclosures. These minimal volumes appear detached from the historic envelope and also integrate ventilation systems. Where circulation required modification, such as when a corridor intersected an original chamber, the architects tunnel through the space, maintaining the perception of the room as a whole.

Hotel Nobis Palma occupies the historic Can Oliver in Mallorca

A Sensitive, Reversible Intervention in Mallorca

The Hotel Nobis Palma’s unique attic spaces, which typically rely on skylights, are re-lit using open courtyards carved into the roofline. These garden voids allow for natural light and vegetation while avoiding Mallorca’s excessive solar heat. Throughout the building, any new interventions are built to be reversible and distinguishable from the original fabric.

New architectural elements introduced in the renovation — including interior partitions and stairs — are constructed from blackened steel, offering a clear visual contrast to the recovered stone and plaster surfaces. These new elements further exaggerate the weight of the stone structure and, with their flexibility, allow for future adaptations without compromising historical integrity.

the renovation preserves traces of Gothic and Arabic architectural heritage

Interior Design and Preservation of Original Textures

The interior design by Wingårdhs softens the heavy atmosphere of the surrounding stone building. Custom wood furniture, generous textiles, and tailored lighting schemes bring warmth to the hotel’s austere shell. Subtle luxuries, such as flowing curtains and slender-legged chairs, are chosen to complement the architecture.

Lush plantings appear throughout the lofty rooms, courtyards, and garden niches, infusing the material palette with a natural rhythm. The lighting program is designed to accentuate surface textures, which allows the space to gradually shift with ever-changing shadows throughout the day.

The structure’s imperfections are left raw where possible, and modern interventions are legible and precise. This way, the hotel is expressed as an occupiable archive of layered history.

the architects prioritize revealing original textures over applying new finishes

August 8, 2025

Introduction to the H-House

The H-House by Studio Nirbaadh is a 2,850-square-foot residence located in Koregaon, a narrow urban pocket in Satara, India. Designed in response to the site’s elongated proportions, the brick and lime plaster home is organized along three parallel axes that structure the spatial layout and give the project its name.

This linear planning approach supports an intuitive and climate-conscious arrangement. The central axis anchors circulation, while the adjacent lines shape the structural and programmatic zones. The plan emphasizes flow — of people, light, and air — throughout the narrow plot.

images © Pranit Bora

Central Courtyard Design

One of the H-House’s defining spatial elements is a slender, semi-open courtyard that Studio Nirbaadh designs to run along the northern edge. This linear void operates as a transitional spine, at once encouraging cross ventilation, drawing daylight deep into the interior, and creating a tactile connection to the outdoors.

By aligning living spaces around this planted court, the architects create a continuous visual and environmental exchange. The courtyard serves daily functions as a space for informal gatherings and passive cooling, centering the house around a living landscape.

the H-House is located on a narrow site in Koregaon, Satara

Facade and Elevation

The west-facing facade directly addresses the challenges of heat and glare through a double-layered brick screen. Custom-designed for the project, the screen filters sunlight while maintaining privacy and reducing thermal load. It also casts changing patterns across the interiors, reinforcing the dialogue between structure and environment.

Additional facade elements, such as deep-set windows, blank masonry surfaces, and projecting planters, are employed to fine-tune the building’s thermal and visual performance. These architectural devices support a balance between openness and insulation, resulting in a structure that responds to its climate with deliberate restraint.

Studio Nirbaadh organizes the home around three parallel longitudinal axes

Interior Design and Spatial Experience

The house’s elevation reflects the tripartite planning strategy. Three dominant vertical walls rise in parallel, articulated with rhythmic windows, projecting planters, and brick detailing. These features reference the H-form in silhouette, giving the house a distinctive identity within its urban context. The form negotiates with its surroundings through materiality and proportion. The architecture relies on elemental expressions like brick, wood, and shaded voids to ground the building in its climate and community.

Inside, the H-House continues its minimal and tactile approach. A palette of exposed brick and wood joinery defines the interiors, where natural light is filtered and reflected to generate a soft, shifting ambiance. Furniture and built-in elements are pared back to reinforce a sense of visual clarity and openness.

a narrow courtyard along the northern edge brings light and ventilation into the interiors

the courtyard also functions as a social space and cooling spine within the linear plan

Conclusion

The H-House by Studio Nirbaadh is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating a harmonious relationship between a building and its environment. By incorporating elements such as the central courtyard, double-layered brick screen, and minimal interior design, the architects have successfully addressed the challenges of the narrow urban site while creating a unique and functional living space. The H-House serves as a model for climate-conscious and spatially aware design, demonstrating that even in the most constrained conditions, it is possible to create a home that is both beautiful and functional.

Introduction to Wikicampers’ New Headquarters

The new headquarters for Wikicampers, located in Bidart, France, is a workplace designed by French architecture firm Collectif Encore with future change in mind. The building was commissioned to accommodate the projected expansion of the camper van rental platform, which has grown steadily since its founding in 2012.

Rather than following a fixed plan, the project is conceived as a framework for ongoing evolution. Wikicampers envisions a structure capable of adapting to the shifting contours of its team, operations, and culture. The architecture reflects this mindset, supporting a collaborative and responsive organizational model and balancing ecological constraints on a challenging site.

images © Michel Bonvin

Anticipating Growth and Flexibility

Working with the team at Wikicampers, Collectif Encore created an efficient and transformable building — one that could accommodate up to one hundred employees in the future without compromising operational flexibility in the present. To achieve this, the architects employed a post-and-beam structural system that minimizes internal partitions and maximizes spatial versatility. The long-span design makes it possible to reconfigure floor plates, lease unused space, or stage temporary events.

This approach is at once cost-effective and pragmatic. Minimizing foundations reduces material consumption during construction, while the open-plan layout allows departments to expand or contract over time. The building serves Wikicampers now, while also creating room for it to grow and host others within the region’s active startup ecosystem.

the new Wikicampers headquarters is located on a sloping, forested site in Bidart, France

Engaging a Complex Site

Collectif Encore’s Wikicampers workspace is located on a challenging site which is steeply sloped and marked by three protected trees. Found along the edge of a zoning boundary, the parcel also came with a high parking quota that had deterred previous buyers. Collectif Encore responded by preserving the wooded perimeter and placing the parking beneath the building, reducing its footprint while enhancing ground-level access to green space.

Positioned among the trees, the building’s lower levels feel grounded and immersed in vegetation, while upper floors gain open views of the landscape. Each level steps back slightly from the one below, creating shaded terraces that act as both climate moderators and informal meeting zones.

The building’s environmental strategy is subtly integrated. Glazing is concentrated on the east, south, and west facades to capture winter sunlight, while deep balconies protect against summer glare. Natural ventilation flows through operable openings, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The concrete slab delivers thermal mass, keeping interior temperatures stable without air conditioning.

Collectif Encore designs the building to continually adapt to the growing company

a post and beam system allows for long spans and flexible interior layouts

each floor includes a deep wraparound balcony that offers outdoor access

Conclusion

In conclusion, the new Wikicampers headquarters by Collectif Encore stands as a testament to adaptive and sustainable design. By prioritizing flexibility, ecological sensitivity, and collaborative workspaces, the building not only serves the current needs of Wikicampers but also positions the company for future growth and evolution. The integration of natural elements, efficient systems, and adaptable structures ensures that this workspace remains vibrant and functional, embodying the principles of a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious organization.

Introduction to Casa de Barro

Casa de Barro by GOMA Taller de Arquitectura is an almost invisible rest cabin buried in the ochre-toned terrain of El Ameyal ranch in Querétaro, Mexico. Conceived as a minimal lodging space, the 90-square-meter, cave-like retreat uses mass and earth to fade into its surroundings. The project takes cues from the textures and colors of the site’s endemic vegetation and seasonal stream.

Location and Approach

Located at the lower edge of the agroecological ranch, the red brick cabin is approached through a staircase incision between two solid walls. From a distance, only a few elements hint at its existence, including a pair of domes rising above the vegetation like ancient chimneys that seem to belong to the landscape. For the architects, the goal was to build within the land, preserving the surrounding hills, grasses, cacti, and trees.

all images by César Bejar, unless stated otherwise

Design and Materials

The Querétaro-based team at GOMA composes the main volume as a single barrel vault, supported by wide, low walls, defining the experience and the logic of the construction. Traditionally sourced red fired-clay bricks, that Casa de Barro (House of Clay) takes its name from, shape the floors, walls, and ceilings, creating a warm interior, complete with handcrafted wood, wrought iron details, and artisan ceramic tiles.

Casa de Barro is shaped to frame views of the terrain and keep the focus on the environment, respecting the Mexican landscape and making room for people to live, feeling honest and rooted.

Casa de Barro by GOMA Taller de Arquitectura is an almost invisible rest cabin in Mexico

Additional Views and Details

conceived as a minimal lodging space

the 90-square-meter, cave-like retreat uses mass and earth to fade into its surroundings

Conclusion

Casa de Barro, designed by GOMA Taller de Arquitectura, represents a harmonious blend of natural surroundings and architectural design. By using locally sourced materials and integrating the structure into the landscape, the architects have created a unique and almost invisible rest cabin that not only minimizes its impact on the environment but also provides a serene and immersive experience for its inhabitants. The project stands as a testament to the potential of thoughtful and sustainable design in creating buildings that coexist peacefully with their natural contexts.

Introduction to Vela be Siam Hotel

In Bangkok’s Siam Square, ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) inserts the Vela be Siam hotel that reflects and refracts the layered character of the neighborhood. The structure takes cues from traditional Thai domestic architecture and reinvents them through a vibrant material and vocabulary. On its stainless steel facade, shimmering chain links reinterpret the Pun-Lom, a carved wooden gable board found on Thai homes, and nod to mosquito netting once common over beds.

all images by Soopakorn Srisakul

Exterior Design

The hotel’s exterior is characterized by a stainless steel facade with shimmering chain links, reinterpreting traditional Thai architectural elements. This unique design element not only adds to the hotel’s aesthetic appeal but also pays homage to the local culture.

Interior Design

Bold Colors and Vibrant Spaces

The double-height lobby of Vela be Siam is anchored by an orange, pebble-like reception desk set against a vivid green backdrop, setting an animated tone from the outset. Here, the Bangkok-based team of ASWA constructs not a stage for social interaction. The chromatic intensity continues throughout the communal zones, most notably in the yellow-and-black second-floor common area, visible from the lobby above, a flexible space intended for working, dining, or lounging.

a facade that reinterprets traditional Thai architectural elements

Color Coding and Navigation

Each lift hall adopts a different bold color, helping guests navigate the vertical stack of floors while enhancing the playful experience of moving through the building. This vibrant approach is echoed on the railings that line the circulation spaces, extending the color coding across levels. As guests move toward their rooms, however, the tones begin to soften, with muted palettes promoting a sense of calm without entirely shedding their lighthearted character — colorful bathroom tiles, for example, maintain a touch of surprise.

stainless steel chain links cover the exterior of the hotel

Retreat and Relaxation

A pool bar at the rear of the building, nestled in lush greenery and soft water features, offers a rare moment of retreat within the city. Guests are welcomed by a vibrant interior lobby, setting the tone for a unique and memorable stay.

guests are welcomed by a vibrant interior lobby

Conclusion

The Vela be Siam hotel is a unique and vibrant addition to Bangkok’s Siam Square, reflecting and refracting the layered character of the neighborhood. With its stainless steel facade, bold colors, and playful design elements, the hotel offers a memorable and immersive experience for its guests. By reinterpreting traditional Thai architectural elements and incorporating local culture, ASWA has created a truly one-of-a-kind hotel that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Unopiù’s First US Showroom in Miami

Unopiù, the renowned Italian outdoor furniture brand, marks a significant milestone in its international expansion with the debut of its first U.S. showroom inside CLIMA Home, located in the heart of the Miami Design District. Spanning 150 square meters, the space offers a curated showcase of Unopiù’s most iconic and contemporary collections, overlaying Mediterranean elegance with Miami’s vibrant lifestyle. From products by Matteo Thun and Benedetto Fasciana to Matteo Nunziati, this immersive installation highlights the brand’s dedication to Made-in-Italy craftsmanship and affirms the strategic importance of the North American market for the Italian company’s future growth.

Unopiù announces the opening of its first showroom in the United States | all images courtesy of Unopiù

CLIMA Home: A Hub for Made-in-Italy Craftsmanship

The Unopiù space finds its home within CLIMA Home’s prestigious showroom at 285 NW 36th Street, anchoring it within one of Miami’s most design-forward neighborhoods. Surrounded by global design houses and architectural innovation, the shop-in-shop blends naturally into the context of the district while standing out through its distinctive Italian soul. With sunlight pouring through the space and natural materials accenting the displays, the space captures both the spirit of outdoor living and the sophistication of European design heritage.

The 150-square-meter showroom recreates refined outdoor settings that invite visitors to experience the brand’s vision of alfresco living. Central to the display is the Salò collection, designed by Matteo Thun and Benedetto Fasciana and first unveiled at the 2025 Salone del Mobile. Complementing it are other key offerings such as Davos by Matteo Nunziati (2024), alongside Unopiù’s signature collections Synthesis, Swing, and Treble. Each piece is carefully selected to resonate with American tastes while remaining true to the brand’s DNA—timeless design, sustainable materials, and Italian elegance.

the Italian company brings its distinctive Italian touch to Miami, a city where sunshine meets design and outdoor living is part of the everyday lifestyle

A Tactile Exploration of Finishes and Textiles

Beyond showcasing products, Unopiù’s showroom features a dedicated materials library, offering a tactile exploration of the brand’s finishes and textiles. Visitors can engage directly with natural fibres, expertly woven ropes, and luxurious outdoor fabrics—an experience designed to inspire architects, designers, and homeowners alike. The space serves not only as a showroom but also as a resource for those seeking long-lasting outdoor design.

the 150-square-meter shop-in-shop offers an immersive experience that celebrates the essence of Italian outdoor living

the showroom features a wide selection of Unopiù collections, from its most iconic pieces to its latest innovations

the products displayed carefully chosen to reflect the tastes and needs of the U.S. market without compromising on style or quality

adding to the experience is a beautifully designed materials library

Conclusion

As a city synonymous with year-round outdoor living and a growing appreciation for high-end design, Miami offers the perfect environment for Unopiù’s values to thrive. With this debut, Unopiù underscores its commitment to international growth while remaining rooted in the artisanal excellence and innovative spirit that define Italian design. The new showroom is a testament to the brand’s dedication to providing exceptional outdoor living experiences, and its presence in the Miami Design District is set to make a lasting impact on the city’s design scene.

Introduction to Nothing Design Co. (NDC) Headquarters

The new headquarters for furniture brand Nothing Design Co. (NDC), realized by Range Design & Architecture, is located on a narrow lot in Chicago. The renovation project brings together studio, showroom, and event space within a 3,500-square-foot brick structure. The project, with its porous facade, is a considered expansion of an existing building, designed to accommodate furniture production while referencing the city’s historic masonry traditions.

images © James John Jetel

Designing a Contextual Brick Facade

Faced with constraints on openings due to the proximity of neighboring properties, the team at Range Design & Architecture turned to a brick screen to manage daylight and define the NDC HQ’s street presence. Terra-cotta colored paver bricks span the southern facade, referencing Chicago’s historic use of face brick and allowing filtered light into the interior. The screen reduces solar heat gain while shaping a distinctive identity for the design studio, both as a public-facing space and as a working studio.

This use of brick continues along the north-facing rear of the building, where a similar screen in common brick partially encloses a second-floor patio. A glazed, bi-folding door connects the upper interior to the terrace, allowing the workspace to expand outward. From within, the brick assembly modulates views and shadows across surfaces throughout the day, balancing material solidity with visual porosity.

the headquarters for NDC occupies a narrow infill lot in Chicago

Expanding an Existing Structure Vertically

To increase the volume of the new NDC Chicago headquarters, Range Design & Architecture extends the original load-bearing brick walls vertically. With this strategy, the architects preserve the foundational footprint and carry the building’s existing logic upward. Without side windows, the design relies on openings at the north and south ends to draw in daylight. A new mezzanine floats above the main gathering space, and skylights above vent passively with solar-powered mechanisms.

Inside, the palette is restrained and deliberate. White oak millwork and weathering steel accents support the building’s functional requirements while enhancing the tactile atmosphere. Brick is left exposed where possible, grounding the interiors in continuity with the exterior language.

Range Design expands the existing structure using new and reclaimed brick

Materiality and Sustainability

Range Design worked with both new and salvaged bricks to emphasize the project’s relationship to the surrounding streetscape. Common brick wraps the east and west walls, while the more refined paver bricks define the public face. The architects describe the approach as a dialogue with Chicago’s ‘tapestried’ masonry history, using the module of the brick to signal scale and material depth.

Throughout, the project reflects a balance between economy and intention. Initially imagined with heavy timber roof framing, the structure ultimately incorporates parallel chord trusses to meet budget requirements. Rather than mimic an older model, the team emphasized the volume and rhythm of each architectural element.

the southern facade features a terra-cotta paver brick screen for solar shading

Performance-Driven Strategies

The new Nothing Design Co. headquarters incorporates a range of performance-driven strategies without compromising its material clarity. Highly insulated walls and roof assemblies support efficient mechanical systems. Ventilated skylights, natural daylighting, and strategic solar shading reduce reliance on artificial lighting and cooling. Outside, xeriscape gardens soften the urban edge and contribute to biodiversity.

a second brick screen defines a terrace at the back of the upper floor

Conclusion

The Nothing Design Co. headquarters in Chicago stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and renovation. By expanding an existing structure vertically and incorporating a contextual brick facade, Range Design & Architecture has created a space that not only meets the needs of its occupants but also engages with the surrounding streetscape. The project’s emphasis on materiality, sustainability, and performance-driven strategies makes it a model for future developments in the city.