community news
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
by Helen Andrews | 28 May 2026
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing. Van Phu Real Estate Development JSC owns the property, which is set along the Son River in the UNESCO-listed landscape of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. The site borders the world’s largest cave system by volume (38.5 million cubic metres), the Son
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
by Helen Andrews | 21 May 2026
Hotel owner-operator MCR Hotels is inviting the public to provide feedback on development plans for London’s iconic BT Tower as a luxury hotel and mixed use project. Public access to the tower – for the first time in 50 years – will also be part of the scheme. In February 2024, British telecommunications company BT Group sold the BT Tower for £275 million (US$347 million, €321.3 million) to MCR Hotels.
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
by Magali Robathan | 21 May 2026
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work). Running at London’s Cristea Roberts Gallery from 5 June to 11 July 2026, Yinka Ilori: Joy Through Resistance, He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Best, spans new
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
by Kath Hudson | 01 Jun 2026
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
by Helen Andrews | 28 May 2026
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. The site will also have 60,000sq m of surrounding external space that will be developed as community gardens. Even compared to future sites in the Therme Group pipeline all over the world, the Manchester
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
by Liz Terry | 19 May 2026
Luxury members’ club Tramp has expanded into the fitness, health and wellness sector with the launch of Tramp Health, a 16,000sq ft high-end fitness and longevity club in London’s Mayfair. The new concept was created by Luca Maggiora, the entrepreneur who bought Tramp at the end of 2023 and represents a £10m investment. The new fitness, health and wellness club is being promoted by the company as the antithesis of the
Lore Bathing Club opens in New York for neighbourhood community experiences
by Helen Andrews | 09 Jan 2026
A social third space called Lore Bathing Club has opened in New York City’s NoHo neighbourhood, offering a contrast bathing membership model. The business has been set up by two co-founders: entrepreneur James O’Reilly, who is a co-founder of the co-working membership club NeueHouse, a company that has now been bought by Convene Hospitality Group after filing for bankruptcy late last year. Lore’s second co-founder is hospitality concept creator and
Benedetto Camerana works with Go Fit to transform Turin's Mercato dei Fiori into a health and wellness club for the community
by Kath Hudson | 04 Nov 2025
Iberian health and wellness operator, Go Fit, has made its debut in Italy – at Turin’s former flower market, Mercato dei Fiori – and is now exploring further opportunities in Milan and Bologna. The 14,000sq m site, which was previously derelict has been completely regenerated, including extensive asbestos removal. Local architect Benedetto Camerana, worked on the scheme, along with engineering and project management specialists. The new club offers more than
Playfulness will inspire Serenbe’s new wellness community, Spela
by Megan Whitby | 29 Nov 2021
Georgia-based wellness community, Serenbe, is getting a new wellness community dedicated to play, co-founder Steve Nygren, has told CLAD. Named Spela – which means play in Swedish – the new community will open in 2023 and become Serenbe's fifth hamlet. With groundwork in the early stages, Nygren reveals that plans include a four-acre park designed with both kids and adults in mind. The park will sit on a steep hillside
Lemay's smart vertical community in Montreal approaches completion
by Stu Robarts | 20 Mar 2020
The Humaniti mixed-use complex in Montreal is approaching completion, designed by Lemay to achieve WELL Certification and to encourage its residents to interact with their living space. Described as a smart vertical community, the 39-floor, H-shaped complex will feature apartments, a hotel, 57,000sq ft (5,300sq m) of office space and 17,000sq ft (1,600sq m) of retail and commercial space. “The source of inspiration is really two-fold," said Andrew King, senior
OMA's social shopping centre will be a community asset
by Stu Robarts | 19 Mar 2020
OMA have unveiled plans for a new shopping centre in Australia that will integrate public spaces, community amenities and facilities for childcare and education to create a more communal experience. Commissioned for Sandhurst Retail, the Wollert Neighbourhood Centre will be located in the Wollert suburb of Whittlesea, just north of Melbourne. Due to break ground in 2023, the 9,000sq m (97,000sq ft) facility is intended to be a neighbourhood asset
LUO Studio add timber frame to abandoned foundations for new community centre
by Stu Robarts | 18 Mar 2020
LUO Studio recently completed a new community centre in Hubei province, China, by adding a timber frame to a set of existing foundations for a residential project that had been abandoned. It was necessary to find a new home for the Party and Public Service Center of Yuanheguan Village because its existing location had been earmarked to be part of a new hotel development. What's more, there were only two
Pendulum's modular stadium concept can grow with a community
by Stu Robarts | 03 Mar 2020
Pendulum have won an award for their conceptual design of a modular stadium complex that is intended to provide a platform for economic development in growing communities. The Future Stadia design won the 'Sports and Recreation Project (Concept)' category of the annual Rethinking the Future awards, which are aimed at identifying and promoting "outstanding work in the field of architecture and design across the world." Pendulum's design proposes an initial
Steven Holl Architects create "social condenser" community centre in Shanghai
by Stu Robarts | 12 Feb 2020
Steven Holl Architects have topped out the Shanghai Cofco Cultural and Health Center, which is aimed at being "a social condenser" for residents of the dense surrounding housing. Designed in 2016 and expected to be completed mid-to-late 2020, the 7,520sq m (81,000sq ft) development comprises a mix of public realm, a canalside park, space for recreational and cultural programs, amenities and health facilities. An open, spacious design contrasts that of
New Orleans' Mirabeau Water Garden will be a community amenity that manages stormwater
by Stu Robarts | 30 Jan 2020
A 25ac (10ha) site in New Orleans is to be transformed by into an environmental, recreational and educational amenity that will use natural processes to store and treat excess stormwater. Designed by Waggonner & Ball, Mirabeau Water Garden will provide a place for stormwater to drain to, be stored and be naturally filtered. In addition to reducing the impact of potential flooding on streets and homes, it will be a
Open Platform and JAJA's car-park is a transport and community hub
by Stu Robarts | 14 Jan 2020
Open Platform and JAJA Architects have won a competition to create a new multi-storey car-park and mobility hub in Aarhus, Denmark, with a wooden design that will incorporate space for activities, creativity and socialising. Working with Rama Studio and Søren Jensen Engineers, the firms sought to design a facility that would play an active role in the development of the district in the future. The car-park itself will cover 19,300sq
Dattner Architects housing complex has leisure, wellness and community at its heart
by Stu Robarts | 09 Jan 2020
Dattner Architects have been chosen to transform the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center North Campus in Brooklyn into an affordable housing complex with integrated leisure, wellness and community elements. The project, which is part of a wider initiative to create more affordable housing in Brooklyn, will see three buildings demolished on the 102,000sq ft (9,500sq m) site, as well as the redevelopment of a former hospital building. A total of 266
Partisans create vision for next-gen, sustainable and healthy community
by Stu Robarts | 17 Dec 2019
Partisans have unveiled their vision for a new community of the future where "small town and rural lifestyles are enhanced by the benefits and attributes of urban living." The concept was developed for the town of Innisfil in Ontario, Canada, which is situated about 60km (37mi) north of Toronto. A new transit hub is set to be built in the town over the next four years, which will provide access
Mixed-use, community and culture recognised at World Architecture Festival day two
by Stu Robarts | 06 Dec 2019
The second day of the World Architecture Festival Awards (WAF) 2019 saw mixed-use, cultural and community projects celebrated across a number of categories. The ‘Culture - Future Projects’ award was won by White Arkitekter for The New GoDown Arts Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, recognised for its clearly articulated "combination of social, traditional and environmental objectives" and a "good list of local materials and construction". STUDIO V Architecture won in the
Emaar unveil plan for new lifestyle and community-focussed Dubai town
by Stu Robarts | 28 Nov 2019
Emaar have unveiled the masterplan for a new self-contained town in Dubai called the Valley, focussed on providing a balanced lifestyle for residents, a strong sense of community and family-friendly living. Once complete, the AED 25 billion ($7b, €6b, £5b) project will cover 200ha (494ac) and have over 4,500 homes. Set in green landscaping, it will mix its residential offer with open spaces, as well as retail, entertainment, recreational, educational
MAD's organic bubbles provide new spaces in Beijing community
by Stu Robarts | 18 Nov 2019
MAD Architects have inserted a number of organically-shaped bubbles into the fabric of Beijing's Qianmen district to provide new space, new use cases and incentives for younger generations to return to the area. The Hutong Bubble 218 project sees organically-shaped interstitial interventions inserted into the restrictive context of a former hospital on a hutong – a narrow street or alley. The hospital had already been converted into accommodation for around
Hesselbrand's Acquarossa Spa & Hotel is carbon-conscious and community-focused
by Stu Robarts | 28 Oct 2019
Architects Hesselbrand have designed the 120-room Acquarossa Spa & Hotel in the Swiss Alps with elements for sustainability and fostering a sense of community among both guests and residents of the local area. The Acquarossa is aimed at bringing people together in a social and relaxed atmosphere based on their mutual interest in wellbeing and experience-based tourism. Located in the village of Acquarossa in Ticino, Switzerland, it provides views of
MVRDV-designed Pixel looks to introduce community-spirit concept to Abu Dhabi
by Tom Walker | 21 Aug 2019
Construction work has begun on Pixel, a new residential-led, mixed-use project in Abu Dhabi's new Maker's District. Designed by MVRDV, the development aims to provide residents with a lifestyle based around outdoor living and community spirit – an innovative approach in the Emirates, as it deviates from the prevalent typology of disconnected towers. The 85,000sq m (915,000sq ft) development features 525 apartments, shops, offices, and amenities situated around a lively
PegasusLife poised to open wellness community in the Cotswolds
by Andrew Manns | 08 Apr 2019
Retirement community developer PegasusLife is gearing up to launch a collection of 'later living' residences in Tetbury – a picturesque village in the Cotswolds, UK. Called the "Steepleton", the property, which was designed by British studio Proctor and Matthews Architects, comprises nine buildings, each housing 133 one-to three-bedroom flats. According to PegasusLife, Steepleton's "layout draws on the idea of ancient settlements, with a farmstead at the centre and a variety
Studio Gang unveil community-focused concept for Tom Lee Park
by Andrew Manns | 05 Feb 2019
American architecture firm Studio Gang have revealed the first set of renderings of their vision to regenerate the historic Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tennessee. Part of what has been described as a "holistic redevelopment" of the Memphis riverfront, the revitalised public space, which Studio Gang is redesigning in collaboration with SCAPE Landscape Architecture, will take design cues from various riverside structures, machines, and transport vessels – such as docks,
US$192m redevelopment of Atlanta Hawks arena brings 'community indoors'
by Tom Walker | 18 Dec 2018
The State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta has fully reopened, following a US$192.5m (€169m, £152m) renovation project which has transformed the 20-year-old indoor venue. Completed in phases, the redevelopment has been driven by Tony Ressler, owner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise, which is the arena's primary tenant. Ressler acquired the Hawks in 2015 and made upgrading the venue, formerly called Philips Arena, a priority focus in his plans to
Danish company to create "world’s most sustainable" community
by Andrew Manns | 13 Dec 2018
Denmark-based urban planning and architecture practice Lendager Group have won a contest to build the UN17 Village, a residential community which incorporates all "17 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals". The future 400-home complex, which is set to rise in Copenhagen – arguably the world’s most eco-friendly city – will be built with upcycled waste and nontoxic materials, such as glass, concrete, and wood. According to Aarstiderne Arkitekter, who
Mauritian architect Jean-François Adam and French artist Camille Walala create colourful property for first Salt location
by Jane Kitchen | 28 Nov 2018
The first property from new hotel brand Salt, launched by the team behind Lux Resorts, has opened in Mauritius. The 59-bedroom Salt of Palmar has been conceived to champion sustainability, connect with the local community and introduce culturally curious travellers to the “real, unvarnished Mauritius,” the company said. Its distinctive look is born out of collaboration between local Mauritian architect Jean-François Adam of JFA Architects and French artist Camille Walala,
EYRC Architects and Tom Wiscombe team up to create 'community of tomorrow' in the desert
by Andrew Manns | 13 Nov 2018
American cryptocurrency company Blockchains LLC has selected Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC) and Tom Wiscombe Architecture to design a futuristic city on the outskirts of Reno in Nevada, US. The brainchild of lawyer and Blockchains CEO Jeffrey Berns, Innovation Park – the new Fintech community – will occupy 67,000 acres of land and feature a number of residential units, offices spaces, commercial facilities, and recreational squares. According to Blockchains,
3XN release final renderings of Sydney community fish market
by Andrew Manns | 07 Nov 2018
Danish architecture firm 3XN have pulled back the curtain on their designs for the Blackwattle Bay fish market in Sydney, Australia. Described by the company’s founder, Kim Nielson, as a future "iconic destination" for the country, the 3.6-hectare waterfront emporium and public attraction will feature a number of open-air restaurants as well as customisable modular spaces for social events and performances. The estimated AU$250m (US$182.1m, €158.7m, £138.6m) complex, which was
company profile
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
cladkit product news
In the world of wellness, the age-old tradition of sauna bathing is synonymous with relaxation, detoxification and rejuvenation. But, a ...
The system uses heat-treated lime wood cladding, available in either a dark or light tone
Sauna specialist Effe (formerly Effegibi) has introduced its new sauna and hammam collection, Baluar, designed by architect and designer Patricia ...
cladkit product news
LivinGlobe can install ultra short throw projections or premium LED panels, as well as the surround sound system and video server
Founded more than 10 years ago, LivinGlobe was one of the first companies in the immersive wellness space with its ...
The Iris Pod features vibro-acoustic technology, aromatherapy, light therapy, music, guided meditations and soundscapes
OpenSeed has launched its multisensory Iris Meditation Pod, designed in collaboration with Fuseproject – a design and innovation company founded ...
cladkit product news
Porada's new Enook Brillo coffee table
Maurizio Marconato and Terry Zappa have created the Enook Brillo coffee table for Italian design studio Porada – a retro-inspired design ...
Lucas Zito’s practice specialises in the design of lights through 3D printing
A collection of lighting from Paris-based designer Lucas Zito aims to reframe the idea of 3D printed objects as cheap ...
