Architectural Cases

Architectural studio oblq has successfully reinvented a residential property in Argostoli, Greece, converting it into a pair of distinct vacation residences. This project, known as 'Platforms & Roofs,' meticulously reconfigured the existing building's interior and exterior while preserving its foundational structure. The architects introduced new pitched roofs to harmonize previously disparate forms, creating clearly defined sections for each dwelling. Furthermore, they crafted an ingenious artificial landscape featuring elevated surfaces and stairs that seamlessly integrate with the site's natural slope, blurring the lines between the constructed and organic surroundings. This innovative design approach transforms the original property into contemporary, inviting holiday accommodations that respect their historical context while embracing modern functionality.

The core of the design revolves around a harmonious integration of new and old elements. The primary structural bar now boasts a roof system comprising timber trusses and traditional Roman clay tiles, offering comprehensive coverage, complemented by a metal canopy and fabric extensions that provide essential shade. A central void was strategically created to visually separate the two flats, ensuring their individual privacy and autonomy. The surrounding landscape, characterized by its varied surfaces and stairways, expertly navigates the terrain's natural incline. This architectural intervention defines living areas without resorting to enclosed spaces, allowing for a fluid transition between the structured interiors and the untamed natural environment, thereby enhancing the overall experience of the site.

Transforming an Existing Structure into Modern Retreats

The "Platforms & Roofs" project by oblq in Argostoli, Greece, showcases a brilliant transformation of a residential building into two separate vacation apartments. This renovation focused on adapting the original structure and its outdoor areas to form coherent, individual living units while meticulously preserving the building's initial layout and structural integrity. The architects skillfully introduced new, uniformly pitched roofs that effectively unified the previously inconsistent architectural elements, creating clear, distinct sections for each flat. This redesign not only addressed functional needs but also thoughtfully redefined the spatial experience, providing modern amenities within a respectfully repurposed shell.

The architectural strategy behind this conversion was deeply rooted in balancing existing conditions with contemporary demands. The main structural volume features a new roof system that cleverly combines classic timber trusses and Roman clay tiles with modern metal canopies and fabric awnings, providing both shelter and shade. A key design move was the creation of an interstitial space that physically and visually delineates the two independent flats, enhancing their sense of separation and privacy. The surrounding landscape was also carefully considered, with artificial platforms and steps introduced to mediate the site's natural contours. This approach fosters a smooth transition between the refined indoor spaces and the wilder, uncontrolled outdoor environment, thereby extending the living experience outwards while simultaneously maintaining a subtle boundary against nature's encroachment, all without the need for obtrusive fences or balustrades.

Integrating Landscape and Architecture for Enhanced Living

Central to oblq's design philosophy for "Platforms & Roofs" is the innovative integration of the built environment with its natural surroundings. The architects meticulously crafted an artificial landscape around the renovated building, utilizing various surfaces and steps to effortlessly manage the site's inherent slope. This deliberate design choice creates spaces that are defined yet open, facilitating a seamless dialogue between the interior realms of the vacation flats and the expansive Greek outdoors. The platform acts as a crucial intermediary, bridging the gap between the structured, clean, and dry indoor living areas and the more organic, dynamic, and unconstrained exterior, effectively extending the domestic experience into nature.

The deliberate use of platforms and terracing serves a dual purpose: it both frames and accentuates the surrounding natural beauty while also providing a subtle yet effective barrier that prevents nature from overwhelming the domesticated spaces. This architectural solution eliminates the need for conventional fences or balustrades, allowing for unobstructed views and a feeling of openness. By carefully modulating the terrain, oblq has created an environment where guests can enjoy both the comforts of modern living and the raw, unadulterated beauty of the Greek landscape. The thoughtful interplay of these elements ensures that each vacation flat offers a unique and immersive experience, where the boundaries between architecture and nature are elegantly dissolved, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functional utility of the property.

Irish architect Níall McLaughlin has been bestowed with the prestigious 2026 Royal Gold Medal for architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This esteemed accolade celebrates his three decades of dedicated contributions to architectural design, education, and critical thought. McLaughlin's extensive portfolio is distinguished by a steadfast commitment to continuity, meticulous craftsmanship, and a profound appreciation for the intrinsic connection between a building's creation, its utilization, and its enduring presence within communities.

Celebrated Architect Níall McLaughlin Honored with 2026 RIBA Royal Gold Medal

In London, United Kingdom, on January 29, 2026, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) officially announced Níall McLaughlin as the recipient of the 2026 Royal Gold Medal for architecture. The RIBA Honours Jury particularly lauded McLaughlin's transformative work on Darbishire Place for Peabody in London, completed in 2014. This project, a nominee for the 2015 Stirling Prize, stands as a testament to urban renewal, reimagining one of the city's oldest housing estates. It exemplifies how social housing can seamlessly integrate environmental responsibility with generous spatial design. Experts note that if similar care were applied to new housing developments, advancements in green housing initiatives would be far more pronounced. McLaughlin, founder of Níall McLaughlin Architects in London in 1990, expressed both honor and challenge upon receiving the award, emphasizing architecture as a collaborative, intergenerational endeavor. He articulated his philosophy: "In an era of accelerating technological shifts in design and construction, we steadfastly uphold the human rituals and material practices central to our discipline. Building is an action, not merely a static form. Architecture resides in its creation and its capacity to shape learning, culture, and communal existence." His practice, encompassing educational, cultural, residential, healthcare, and religious architecture, is unified by a deep sensitivity to location, materials, craftsmanship, illumination, and form. McLaughlin prioritizes the quality of space over overt architectural authorship. From the ethereal Bandstand at Bexhill (2001) to the serene, orthogonal structures of the Alzheimer's Respite Centre in Dublin (2011), and the intricate timber oval of the Bishop Edward King Chapel in Oxford (2013), his designs consistently favor clarity and judicious restraint. This design ethos is powerfully demonstrated in The New Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, completed in 2021 and awarded the 2022 Stirling Prize. Composed of elegant brick volumes, this project embodies McLaughlin's conviction that architecture emerges through the act of making, rather than solely through visual representation. He posits that "Architecture is not the creation of isolated objects, but a continuous evolution of development, adaptation, and reimagination through lived experience." In this perspective, building is an act deeply rooted in time, influenced by rituals, materials, and shared usage, rather than predetermined outcomes. Throughout his career, teaching has been a parallel and integral aspect of McLaughlin's work. For over 25 years at The Bartlett School of Architecture, alongside teaching engagements at Oxford Brookes, UCLA (2012–2013), and Yale, where he served as Lord Norman Foster Visiting Professor of Architecture (2014–2015), he has championed the idea of practice, study, and teaching as a cohesive continuum. His advocacy for transparency in working hours and compensation, coupled with openness regarding mental health, positions education not as a secondary pursuit but as a foundational ethical framework for the future of the architectural profession. RIBA President Chris Williamson, describing McLaughlin as a 'humble visionary,' highlighted how his work seamlessly blends care, grace, and intellectual depth without compromising its inherent modesty. A public lecture by Níall McLaughlin is scheduled for April 30, 2026, in London, to formally celebrate a career that has consistently eschewed superficial spectacle in favor of profound thought, skilled craftsmanship, and a deep sense of collective responsibility.

Níall McLaughlin's recognition with the RIBA Royal Gold Medal offers a compelling reflection on the essence of architectural practice today. It underscores the enduring value of human-centered design, where careful consideration of materials, context, and the human experience takes precedence over fleeting trends or ostentatious displays. His dedication to integrating education and practice, coupled with his advocacy for ethical standards within the profession, serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring architects and established professionals alike. In an age often dominated by rapid technological advancements, McLaughlin's work reminds us that truly impactful architecture is born from thoughtful creation and a deep understanding of its role in shaping our communal lives and cultural landscape.