Breaking Ground: The Architectural Projects Beginning Construction

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on construction, but work is beginning to re-start. We look at some of the projects to begin construction in the last few months

Glass House Project

Virginia, USA

Architects and designers: Machado Silvetti, Eckersley O’Callaghan and Reed Hilderbrand

Providing a bold alternative to traditional approaches to historic landmark preservation, the Glass House Project has begun construction to replace the missing parts of a historic 1769 house with glass. Intended to better preserve the original fabric of the building, the project will see Menokin House – considered a national landmark and rare example of original colonial architecture – saved from further damage due to over-exposure to the elements. It has been made possible because the original architectural drawings have been retained. Set to be completed in phases, it will be finished in 2023.


Image courtesy of Machado Silvetti

Arkansas Arts Center

Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Architects: Studio Gang, SCAPE and Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects

Construction has begun on Arkansas Arts Centre in Little Rock’s McArthur Park, which when completed will house the 14,000 works-strong Arkansas Arts Center Foundation Collection. Built on the site of the former Museum of Fine Arts, the project will preserve and restore parts of the original 1937 building, including the limestone façade, while extending it to create new gallery spaces and entrances that make considerable use of natural light. Central to the project is the concrete blossom roofline, which provides a connective axis through the structure. It is set to be completed in 2020.


Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE

1 Square Phillips

Montreal, Canada

Architects: Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architects and Claude Cormier Associés

Construction has begun on what will be the tallest residential tower in Montreal, reaching a height of 232.5m, across 61 floors. Consisting of 498 condominium units and 298 rental units, the tower will include a 5,700 sq ft Sky Lounge, from which residents and guests will be able to enjoy views of the surrounding city, and a 4,100 sq ft outdoor garden, both located on the 50th floor. Additional amenities include an exclusive dog park, a 12,000 sq ft health space and a refrigerated reception area for food deliveries. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed in 2024.


Image courtesy of Brivia Group

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