As we approach the end of 2019, we’re happy to say — with deep gratitude to our incredible clients — that it has been a very busy year! From our first days in the office in January to now, our team has been consistently engaged in some really fun and challenging projects. And as someone who loves end-of-year roundups, we thought we’d reflect on the work we did this year and highlight some of our favorite collaborations.
Looking Back on a Great Year
Let’s dive in! Here are the “official” Patriquin Architects Favorite Projects of 2019:
Best Built Project
Greenwich Academy
This past spring the Greenwich Academy project was completed, bringing a new and unique building to the school. Greenwich Academy is an independent, college preparatory day school for girls located on a 39-acre campus in Greenwich, CT. The school was in need of a Pre-Connecting building that would include two new Pre-Kindergarten classrooms on the ground level with access to playgrounds, nature paths, and gardens. The building also includes a second story for a three-bedroom faculty apartment.
Best Summer Slammer
Slate School Playground, Greenhouse and Garden
Over the summer we were delighted to continue working with the Slate School by adding an interactive playscape, a greenhouse and gardens to its campus. The construction aspect of the project kicked off soon after students were dismissed for the summer, but the preparation and development of the project’s timeline began well before then. All of this was accomplished right on time for the students to return in the fall for a new school year.
Best Construction Photo
Saint Mary Place
This year the Saint Mary Place school building broke ground and is currently being transformed into affordable housing. Saint Mary Place was originally constructed in 1898 for the children of Saint Mary Star of the Sea of the Church in New London, CT. Saint Mary Place is expected to be completed in summer 2020 and it will feature twenty studio and one-bedroom apartments with historic detailing and modern amenities.
Best Project Revisit
Roia
This year we got to revisit one of our favorite projects, the Roia Restaurant. This project was completed in March of 2013 but we recently were able to go back to reshoot some of the spaces, and it is still as beautiful as when it was completed. Here is one of the new photographs taken by Ian Christmann.
Best Field Trip
Trinity Baptist Church
Under construction this year is also the Trinity Baptist Church. The new building will connect the two existing historic buildings and offer classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces. The Patriquin Architects team took a field trip to the construction site to witness the installation of the Superior Walls and learn the process in person. Click here to watch a video of the wall panels being lifted into position with a crane.
Best Design Charrette
Our Own Second Floor Renovation
After becoming owner of the “King’s Block”, our office building, our entire team got together for a design charrette that would spark some innovative ideas for the building renovation. The team gathered for a happy hour on our second floor which has been gutted down to the structure and is ready to be transformed.
Best Project Award
Atelier Ten Award of Excellence: Best in Show
The Slate School’s unique features and environmentally friendly campus contributed to the project receiving the Connecticut Green Building Council’s highest award, the 2019 Atelier Ten Award of Excellence.
Best Firm Award
2019 Chrysalis Award
We are incredibly honored and proud to have received The Chrysalis Award by the AIA Connecticut for 2019. The award is a recognition of an AIA Connecticut firm that has been in practice no less than two years and no more than fifteen years. The AIA Connecticut described us having “delivered high-quality design to a range of clients and users, spanning multiple sectors and scales. Their design strategies minimize impact on the natural environment, maximize human health and well-being, and align with the sustainability goals of their clients.”
What’s in Store for the Year Ahead?
If you have building or renovation projects in mind for the year ahead and will be looking to collaborate with an experienced architecture firm, we’re happy to tell you about our services. Please contact us at your convenience. Happy New Year!