Modular Construction Apartment Building

An interesting project currently under construction in Kimberley, BC is a new apartment building constructed using modular construction. Although we have worked with modular construction over the years, particularly in the educational sector, this is the first time we have been involved with a modular construction apartment building, or a modular building on this scale. On January 17th, Noemie, Cody, and George took the opportunity to view the installation process. The units had been delivered from the production plant and were being installed into place using a crane. These units can typically be installed in about 30 minutes per modular. The last photo shows the units in place, taken on a subsequent site visit. We have connections with several modular suppliers and builders, so if this is the construction method you are exploring, give us a call.

Visit to Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Arizona

As part of George’s dissertation research for his Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, he visited Taliesin West just north of Scottsdale, AZ. Taliesin West is one of two schools set up by Frank Lloyd Wright to train architecture students in an apprenticeship-style program. Taliesin East (Wisconsin) is now closed; but Taliesin West (established in 1937), although no longer offering an accredited program, is still open with conferences, tours, and short-term training opportunities for architects and architecture students. This beautiful facility was designed by FLW and built by hand by apprentices over several years almost entirely from local materials on the property. It is an excellent example of using what is available and working with the climate and the land itself to create structures that are in harmony with their surroundings. FLW considered it an “excavation of the land”, rather than buildings sitting on top of the land. George had visited Taliesin on several other occasions, but this time (February 12) it was to meet with Jen Gray, Vice President/Director, Taliesin Institute, and Fred Prozzillo, Vice President of Preservation and Collections, to discuss George’s topic and learn more about the buildings and their history.

Visit to Arcosanti, Mayer, Arizona

On February 10, George visited Arcosanti, located near Mayer, Arizona. Arcosanti is an urban experiment which blends architecture and ecology (arcology) designed by Italian architect, Paolo Soleri. Originally founded in 1970, it is a community designed for people rather than cars. The community was very forward-thinking for its time and many of its principles are as relevant or more relevant today. Mr. Soleri was a former pupil of Frank Lloyd Wright’s, and many of the same principles and philosophies are in place at Arcosanti. The community is still functioning and active today, with people living and working on the property. They offer four-week workshops and programs that provide educational opportunities for a diverse range of interests. George took part in a week-long course at Arcosanti in 2017 and was eager to revisit the site from the perspective of his research for his Master’s thesis.

Here are some things we've been up to:

On January 18th, Carlos and Cassia attended “Okanagan Accelerator” in Kelowna. This event is a kick-off to the year for members of the tech and business community in the Okanagan. The “game day” inspired event was a chance for us as newcomers to the community to make connections in the region and build our professional network in a fun atmosphere!

The Coldest Night of the Year fundraising event for Red Deer is coming up, and Berry Architecture will be taking part. We have a team of Ray, Adeline, Angela, John, Tracey E., George, and Laura signed up for the event which takes place on Saturday, February 24. It is a fundraiser to benefit the work of the Red Deer Food Bank and the Mustard Seed. BAA has also been a major sponsor for the Cranbrook Coldest Night of the Year Walk benefitting CMHA for the last few years.