Author: AU News Bureau

Plus Architecture, in collaboration with BEKL, Mitchell & Eades, and Chroma Group, has breathed new life into the former Eden Oak conference facility, transforming it into an elegant hotel and dining destination. Originally designed by McGlashan Everist in the 1980s, this exemplary adaptive reuse project showcases the potential for sustainable renewal. Located on a 16,000-square-meter site overlooking Corio Bay, the two-story development seamlessly integrates public and guest areas, totaling nearly 7,000 square meters. Plus Architecture’s strategic adaptation has enhanced the building’s inherent qualities, unlocking commercial value while preserving its mid-century charm. By engaging interior designers Mitchell & Eades early on,…

The 22nd edition of Asia’s largest green building expo, Green Building Congress 2024, kicked off on November 14 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre and will run until November 16. Karnataka Minister for Forest and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, emphasized the state’s sustainability commitment, highlighting that Karnataka is leading in environmentally responsible urban development with over 1,100 building projects adopting green practices. This event brings together policymakers, architects, industry experts, and sustainability advocates to discuss innovations and policies shaping India’s greener future. The event focuses on net-zero emissions and features a 3-day international conference and parallel green expo, showcasing cutting-edge low-carbon…

Oakio, a global leader in wood-plastic composite (WPC) products is set to  participate in BAU 2025, the premier trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems. The exhibition takes place from January 13 to 17, 2025, at Messe München Exhibition Center. “We’re excited to showcase our innovative WPC products at BAU 2025,” said Juno Zhong, Oakio’s Marketing Director. “Our WPC solutions offer the perfect balance of eco-friendliness and performance, meeting the growing demand for sustainable materials in construction.” Oakio will present its extensive WPC product range, including: 1. WPC Decking: Long-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor solutions blending wood’s natural beauty with composite durability.…

Egis, a global leader in engineering, architecture, consulting, maintenance, and operation, has acquired Madrid-based design practice FIA, founded by architects Mark Fenwick and Javier Iribarren. This strategic move enhances Egis’ position in the sports and entertainment sector, expanding its consulting and design capabilities for major global sporting events. FIA boasts an impressive track record in low-carbon design and fabrication of iconic stadiums, making it a reference designer for UEFA. Egis brings extensive experience in sports infrastructure and event management, having supported the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and provided over 1,000,000 seats in sports facilities worldwide. This acquisition enables Egis…

The Mukaab project, a monumental cube-shaped structure, has begun construction, poised to revolutionize urban architecture. This self-contained ecosystem combines tradition with cutting-edge technology, offering a new model of living, commerce, and entertainment. The Mukaab project features a 400-meter-high cube-shaped structure with intricate triangular facets inspired by Islamic design. Its key features include a self-contained ecosystem with residences, offices, retail, and entertainment, cutting-edge digital and environmental technologies, and AI-enabled climate control and sustainability systems powered by renewable sources. The Mukaab, part of the New Murabba scheme, reconciles traditional Arabian geometry with futuristic design, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Its interior boasts…

The 17th World Architecture Festival (WAF) took place at Marina Bay Sands from November 6-8. Benoy’s Qin Pang and Terence Seah represented the firm, presenting the Lingang Open Zone Station TOD project. Qin Pang stated during the WAFX Smart City Category panel discussion: “As architects, we must respect each project’s unique background and address specific pain points. We should provide direction and trust the city’s self-evolution ability.” The Lingang Open Zone Station TOD, a finalist in the Future Projects category and WAFX Award winner in Smart Cities, exemplifies Benoy’s commitment to innovative urban development. This mixed-use hub integrates transportation, commerce,…

Portuguese architecture firm OODA recently revealed its design for Ndarja, a groundbreaking high-rise comprising two fragmented volumes in the heart of Tirana. Spanning 41,000 square meters, the project combines commercial, residential, hotel, and office spaces. Located on Myslym Street, Ndarja’s unique design features two similar volumes aligned at their narrowest points, creating a void that welcomes visitors into a vibrant public square. This “break” in the structure encourages a fluid connection between the building and the street, while a rotating design and transparent water mirror facilitate natural light and visibility. “The fragmentation opens up a void, creating a sanctuary for…

Global surface solutions company Greenlam Industries recently launched the Decowood Madera Hub, a 5,000 sq. ft. display and stocking center showcasing its flagship brands. Located in Mumbai, the Decowood Madera Hub offers an extensive collection of luxurious decorative wood veneers, wood floors, doors, and plywood from Greenlam’s premier brands, including Decowood Veneers, Mikasa Floors, Mikasa Doors & Frames, and Mikasa Plywood. The facility boasts an impressive range of over 200 textures of natural, engineered, and specialty veneers, leveraging TD technology to enhance wood grain detail. Additionally, customers can explore ply backing, veneered MDF, laminates, flexible veneers, and particle boards, along…