To keep your towels germ-free, you need to wash them often. And don't use fabric softener.

To keep your towels germ-free, you need to wash them often. And don't use fabric softener.

To keep your towels germ-free, you need to wash them often. And don't use fabric softener.

With reclaimed land previously allocated to cars, the Grijalva River boardwalk offers generous public spaces and reconnects the Mexican city of Villahermosa to its river In Villahermosa, nature reigns supreme. Surrounded by rivers, lagoons, wild vegetation and the scorching heat of a humid tropical climate, the city’s identity is shaped by intense and unpredictable natural forces. The capital of the Mexican state of Tabasco was founded in 1564 on the banks of the Grijalva River, a vital trade route that has significantly shaped the city’s development. For locals, the river has long been both blessing and threat; major floods have been recorded since the 17th century. A devastating flood in 2007 submerged what officials estimated to be 80 per cent of the city, damaging or destroying more than 120,000 homes. In the aftermath of the inundation, high concrete retaining walls were built along both banks of the Grijalva River to prevent further flooding. While this was an understandable measure at first glance, it consequently caused residents to lose both their visual and physical connection with the river. As a result, people moved, particularly from the western bank where the historical centre is located, to new areas further away from the Grijalva River. The riverfront was left to deteriorate into a troubled zone. On the eastern bank, the neighbourhood of Gaviotas was already considered unsafe before the flood, yet it maintained more of its residential character. In 2022, 15 years after the dramatic flood, then‑president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, more commonly known as AMLO, announced the construction of a new 6km‑long riverfront promenade in Villahermosa, the capital of his home state. The idea was to enable the population to once again take pride in and live with their river, looking to Paris and Rome as examples. The monumental task, with its large urban scale and the population’s psychological trauma, was entrusted to the Ministry of Agricultural, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU) as part of their Programa de Mejoramiento Urbano (Urban Improvement Programme, or PMU). This programme aimed to use architecture as an ‘instrument of social transformation’. High expectations were placed on these projects; architects were asked to create ‘places of national pride’ while improving everyday living conditions. The architectural trio of Alejandro Castro Jiménez Labora, Mauricio Rocha Iturbide, and Óscar Rodríguez Castañeda, along with their teams, were commissioned to design a linear park along both banks of the Grijalva. Each architect contributed their strength: Castro brought his expertise in poetic urban furniture; Rocha his sensitive and atmospheric architectural approach; and Rodríguez his thoughtful urban and traffic planning skills. The SEDATU team provided technical and participatory expertise, enabling contextual sensitivity by sharing essential information about the site’s topography, soil conditions and water flows. From the city’s existing observatory, the Torre del Caballero landmark, visitors enjoy an excellent view over the redesigned riverbanks. The historical centre and the Gaviotas neighbourhood now form a single ensemble, while the intervention carefully responds to the different conditions found along the length of the river. The project’s main objective is to reclaim some of the land previously allocated to cars and create a promenade for pedestrians and slower vehicles, punctuated with public spaces and facilities. On both sides of the river, cars are now limited to just one or two grey asphalt lanes. Running alongside are generous cycle paths and pedestrian walkways made of earth‑coloured concrete. Speed bumps in the same material and colour connect the pavements on either side of the road while helping to limit traffic speed to 30km/h, further enhancing pedestrian safety. Several design elements are found along almost the entire promenade. A ribbon of light‑grey benches delineates the edge of the elevated riverfront; stone walls, steps and ramps are used to negotiate the slight changes in level; planters and lush vegetation soften the transition to the walkways, creating a welcome buffer from street traffic. The most visually striking components are the tall, red‑pigmented concrete light poles on the elevated path, adorned with elegant L‑shaped steel light fixtures, which establish a strong and cohesive visual rhythm. Only upon closer inspection you notice the 2007 retaining walls peeking through the dense tropical vegetation. Removing these unattractive concrete barriers was never an option; they stand as a symbol of successful flood protection for the local population. The architectural team ingeniously built the elevated promenade atop the existing wall – an effective concealment from the street side while simultaneously inviting residents to reconnect with the Grijalva.  At the foot of the observatory, directly below the retaining wall, the earth‑toned concrete platforms of the Carlos A Madrazo Becerra Park stretch towards the river. Visitors can access the park via a ramp from the promenade on the western bank or by ferry from the opposite side. In the park, concrete furnishings invite visitors to linger among tropical vegetation set against tall natural stone walls. Importantly, it is a space that is durable and requires minimal maintenance – a survival formula for public parks in the Mexican context. Small traces on the concrete benches reveal that the park weathered its baptism of fire last year: the design accommodates the river’s natural dynamics, adapting to fluctuating water levels without compromising public safety. Beyond providing much‑needed shade, the extensive planting of native, low‑maintenance plants on both riverbanks has improved soil stability. Above the park, on a broad extension of the elevated pathway, stand three long, elegant buildings with large cantilevered roofs supported by hefty beams resting on distinctive double columns. The tall glass walls that enclose the interiors are set back, creating a visual flow between interior and exterior spaces. While the beams evoke timber construction, they – like the columns – are made of the same pigmented concrete used for the promenade paving. Despite their refined composition, these structures have remained largely unused since their completion over a year ago, neither serving their intended function as restaurants nor hosting alternative uses. Even the beautifully designed park sees only limited public engagement. The ambitious goal of SEDATU with the PMU projects to ‘counteract violence and strengthen the social fabric’ appears, for now, to have fallen short in this area. According to national statistics, Villahermosa ranks first in perceived insecurity among Mexican cities. This sense of insecurity is tangible on the promenade by the city centre, where buildings that look abandoned contribute to an atmosphere of neglect. The situation is markedly different on the opposite riverbank, in the Gaviotas neighbourhood. Construction of the 3.5km promenade on this side began in 2021 with three open pavilions housing several small kiosks, which quickly evolved into popular taco stands. The Plaza Solidaridad, revitalised by the architectural trio, draws people from the surrounding vibrant neighbourhood. Further south, the final section that was built is a large sports area and children’s playground, which were embraced by the local community even before their official inauguration in February 2024. Especially after sunset, when the air cools, the well‑lit Gaviotas riverfront comes to life. During daylight hours, however, air‑conditioned shopping centres remain the preferred gathering places for the residents of Villahermosa. Rocha describes the city’s new promenade as a ‘jazz composition’, a striking metaphor that speaks of rhythmic complexity and the freedom to improvise. With just a few designed elements and carefully selected colours, the architects have harmoniously layered the river’s urban spaces. The project is earning international recognition but, in Mexico, it faced sharp criticism and was overshadowed by accusations of nepotism. Castro is a friend of AMLO’s son, and the fact that the intervention took place in the home state of the then‑president, coupled with its substantial budget by local standards, drew considerable attention. According to residents, this undermined public acceptance. When asked about the negative press, Rocha speaks of the need to develop a ‘crisis muscle’; he says architects working on public projects in Mexico must ‘let go of perfectionism’ as much lies beyond their control.  During AMLO’s six‑year term, which ended in 2024, SEDATU implemented 1,300 PMU projects in 193 highly marginalised municipalities across the country. While many of these interventions undoubtedly improved people’s quality of life, the Villahermosa riverside project also reveals architecture’s limitations, exposing some of the programme’s weaknesses: architectural interventions often act as sticking plasters on an extensively damaged urban fabric. They are handed over from a national ministry with comprehensive expertise and funding to local governments lacking the means to sustain them. Although SEDATU conducted participatory consultations during the project’s implementation, this engagement was absent once the project was completed. Public acceptance and appropriation can take time; what this project does is send an invitation out. 2025-06-05 Reuben J Brown Share AR June 2025RoadsBuy Now

Fog and mist offer photographers an exceptional opportunity to create deeply atmospheric, moody, and mysterious imagery. By embracing these unique weather conditions, you can transform ordinary scenes into captivating visual stories filled with depth, emotion, and intrigue. Here’s how to effectively harness fog and mist to elevate your photography. Understanding the Appeal of Fog and Mist Fog and mist naturally diffuse light, softening contrasts and textures within a scene. This soft diffusion creates a dreamlike ambiance and adds emotional depth to photographs, often evoking feelings of tranquility, solitude, or mystery. By obscuring and revealing elements selectively, fog and mist invite viewers to engage deeply with the visual narrative, filling in unseen details with imagination. Ideal Conditions and Timing The most atmospheric fog and mist usually occur during early mornings or evenings, especially near bodies of water or in valleys and lowlands. Paying close attention to weather forecasts can help you predict ideal conditions. Early preparation and scouting locations ahead of time ensure you’re ready when the perfect atmospheric conditions arise. Composition Techniques for Foggy Scenes Creating impactful foggy compositions involves thoughtful techniques: Layers and Depth: Use the fog’s varying densities to emphasize depth. Layering foreground, midground, and background elements adds visual complexity and interest. Silhouettes and Shapes: Fog reduces detail, emphasizing strong shapes and silhouettes. Compose your images around distinctive shapes, trees, or structures to anchor your photograph. Simplify the Frame: Minimalism is especially effective in foggy conditions. Embrace simplicity by isolating single elements or subjects against misty backdrops for dramatic effect. Lighting and Exposure Considerations Fog significantly impacts exposure and lighting conditions: Soft Light: The diffused, gentle lighting conditions in fog and mist reduce harsh shadows, creating flattering, ethereal images. Exposure Compensation: Fog often tricks camera meters into underexposing scenes. Consider slightly increasing your exposure compensation to accurately capture the brightness and subtle details of foggy conditions. Creative Opportunities with Fog and Mist Fog and mist open diverse creative possibilities: Black-and-White Photography: Foggy conditions lend themselves exceptionally well to monochrome photography, highlighting contrasts, textures, and shapes dramatically. Color Tones and Mood: Color images in foggy conditions can carry gentle pastel tones or cool hues, enhancing the atmospheric and emotional impact of your imagery. Enhancing Foggy Images Through Post-Processing Post-processing can refine foggy scenes: Contrast and Clarity Adjustments: Fine-tune contrast and clarity subtly to maintain the softness and mood without losing important detail. Selective Sharpening: Apply selective sharpening to key elements or subjects, ensuring they stand out within the foggy environment without diminishing the atmospheric quality. Fog and mist provide photographers with unique conditions to craft images rich in mood, narrative, and visual intrigue. By thoughtfully considering composition, timing, lighting, and post-processing, you can harness the power of fog and mist to produce atmospheric photography that deeply resonates with viewers. Embrace these ethereal elements, and transform everyday scenes into extraordinary visual stories. Extended reading: Alpine views: 12 breathtaking mountainscapes to celebrate the chilly season The post Crafting Atmospheric Images with Fog and Mist appeared first on 500px.

Designing a girly bedroom is about so much more than picking a pretty color. It’s about creating a space that reflects personality, inspires creativity, and feels like a true escape, whether it’s for a little girl, a growing tween, or a style-loving teen. From playful wallpaper tricks to smart storage ideas and cozy reading nooks, the right design choices can turn a simple bedroom into something magical and meaningful. In this guide, we’re skipping over-the-top themes and diving into real, creative design tips that anyone can use. Whether you’re decorating from scratch or giving an existing space a fresh update, these 15 girly bedroom ideas will help you build a room that’s both beautiful and completely personal. Let’s get into the ideas that make a room not just look pretty,but feel like home. 1. Master the Mix-and-Match Look Image Source: House Beautiful Mixing and matching styles, textures, and prints can create a beautifully curated bedroom full of personality. Instead of sticking to one look, combine modern and vintage pieces or pair graphic prints with soft florals. You might match a velvet headboard with rattan nightstands, or polka dot bedding with a plaid throw.  The key is consistency in your color palette,stick to 2–3 dominant hues to make the mix feel intentional. Balance is essential: if you’re using a bold pattern on the bed, keep the walls subtle. This technique creates a room that feels playful, personal, and effortlessly stylish. 2. Be Creative with Wallpaper Image Source: Ghayda Nsour Wallpaper can completely transform a room,but don’t stop at the walls! Use it behind shelves, inside closets, on the ceiling, or even on drawer fronts. Choose designs that reflect your personality, like watercolor florals, animal prints, or dreamy clouds. For a modern look, try graphic shapes in soft pastels. Use peel-and-stick wallpaper if you’re renting or want a low-commitment option. Mix one bold feature wall with neutral paint elsewhere to keep the space grounded. Wallpaper isn’t just background,it’s a design statement that can define the whole vibe of the room. 3. Create a Magical Reading Nook Image Source: House Beautiful A cozy, magical reading nook makes a bedroom feel like a retreat. Pick a quiet corner by the window or even under a loft bed. Add a plush bean bag, floor cushions, or a hanging chair. Use soft lighting,think fairy lights or a mushroom-shaped lamp,and layer in blankets and pillows.  Install a small bookshelf or floating ledges for easy access to books. Add a canopy or sheer curtain for privacy and charm. This tiny space becomes a personal hideaway, perfect for getting lost in a book or daydreaming in comfort. 4. Keep Things Crisp with White and Neutrals Image Source: House Beautiful A white or neutral color scheme is timeless, clean, and chic. Use white walls as a canvas, then layer in soft greys, taupes, or blush accents for warmth. Choose bedding with subtle embroidery or ruffles, and use natural textures like linen, cotton, and jute to add depth.  Light-colored wood furniture adds to the serene vibe. This look works beautifully in both small and large spaces, as it keeps everything bright and airy. Add interest with small pops of color,like a lavender throw or gold-accented lamp,to keep it from feeling too sterile. 5. Design a Fairy Tale Hideaway Image Source: House Beautiful Bring fairy tale magic to life with soft, whimsical touches. Start with pastel or dusty-tone paint,think lilac, blush, or icy blue. Add a canopy over the bed with tulle or lace, and incorporate soft lighting like fairy lights or a tiny chandelier. Choose furniture with elegant curves, like a vintage-inspired vanity or a carved wood headboard.  Add elements like star-shaped pillows, storybook art prints, or a tiny dress-up corner. This style isn’t just for little girls,it can be adapted for any age with the right balance of enchantment and elegance. 6. Try an Unexpected Color Scheme Image Source: House Beautiful Go beyond typical “girly” colors and experiment with fresh combinations. Try pairing emerald green with blush pink, or mustard yellow with lavender. Using non-traditional combos instantly modernizes the space.  To keep it cohesive, let one color dominate while the other plays a supporting role. You can also anchor the palette with neutral base tones like white, grey, or wood textures. Use the fun color in accessories, pillows, rugs, art, and let the secondary color pop through bedding or an accent wall. This bold choice makes the room stand out and feel grown-up and creative. 7. Make a Statement with an Accent Wall Image Source: Samar Gamal A bold accent wall can completely elevate a girly bedroom without overwhelming the space. To create a showstopping backdrop, choose a rich color (like plum or mauve), velvet paneling, or wallpaper with texture or pattern. Framing the wall with architectural elements—like arches or built-in lighting, adds even more drama and depth. This technique works beautifully behind the bed, transforming it into a focal point. Keep the surrounding walls neutral so the accent shines, and tie the rest of the room’s palette into the wall’s tones through bedding, curtains, or rugs. Whether soft or striking, an accent wall sets the tone for the entire space. 8. Create a Personalized Gallery Wall Image Source: Samira Mahmudlu Turn a blank wall into a living collage of favorite things. Mix framed art prints, personal photos, inspirational quotes, and even fabric swatches or pressed flowers. Use a variety of frame shapes and sizes for an eclectic look, or keep them uniform for a cleaner style. Arrange everything on the floor first to find the perfect layout before you hang. This gallery wall becomes a rotating story of who she is,what she loves, what inspires her, and where she dreams of going. It’s an easy way to update the space regularly. 9. Add a Canopy or Curtain Accent Image Source: House Beautiful Canopies aren’t just for beds, use soft, sheer curtains to frame a reading corner, a vanity, or even an entire wall. Install ceiling hooks or curtain rods to drape the fabric, and layer with twinkle lights for added charm. Choose materials like tulle, gauze, or voile in light pastel tones to keep things dreamy. This instantly gives the room a soft, cozy vibe and creates that “fairy tale” feel without going over the top. 10. Make Storage Beautiful and Practical Image Source: House Beautiful Smart storage is essential, but it can also be part of the decor. Use decorative bins in woven, velvet, or metallic finishes. Floating wall cubes can hold books, plants, or collectibles.  Opt for under-bed storage drawers or a bed frame with built-in shelves. A cute coat rack, jewelry organizer, or peg rail keeps accessories tidy and stylish. When everything has its place, the room feels more peaceful and easier to enjoy. 11. Embrace Pink as a Primary Design Element Don’t just use pink as an accent, let it lead the entire design. Choose a range of tones like blush, rose, and dusty mauve, then layer them throughout the space: on walls, bedding, furniture, and décor. Vary the textures to prevent the room from feeling flat, think velvet upholstery, cotton bedding, matte finishes, and metallic accents.  Pair your pinks with soft neutrals like white, beige, or light wood to balance the color and keep the room light and breathable. Pink doesn’t have to be overly sweet; with the right shades and balance, it feels calm, modern, and elegant. This approach works beautifully for girls’ rooms that want to lean feminine without feeling too “theme-y.” 12. Use Architectural Curves and Built-In Shapes Image Source: Kaiwan Hamza Incorporating soft curves in your design instantly adds charm and sophistication. Instead of standard square furniture and sharp lines, opt for arched wall cutouts, rounded shelves, circular reading nooks, and oval mirrors. You can mimic architectural curves through painted arches, custom cabinetry, or even curved headboards.  These shapes soften the room’s feel and make it visually unique. For a truly cohesive look, repeat the curve motif across several areas, window treatments, lighting, or even rugs. This technique is especially powerful when paired with soft colors and layered textures, as it creates a space that feels whimsical yet mature. 13. Stick to the Classics Image Source: Sara Al Refai There’s a reason some design elements never go out of style,they work. Sticking to the classics means using timeless materials, shapes, and palettes that grow with the child. Think white furniture, soft pink or lavender walls, floral bedding, and elegant drapery.  Go for a tufted headboard, framed artwork, and crystal-inspired lighting for a touch of sophistication. These pieces can be updated with accessories as tastes change, but the core elements remain versatile and stylish. This approach also helps future-proof the room, saving time and money on constant redecoration. If you’re unsure where to start, lean into a classic French or vintage-inspired style, delicate moldings, soft patterns, and warm lighting are always a win. 14. Design with Symmetry for a Polished Look Image Source: Menna Hussien Symmetry creates balance, calm, and a naturally pleasing layout, especially in shared bedrooms. This image is a perfect example: identical beds, mirrored bedding, and a centered nightstand create harmony and order. To use this concept in a girly bedroom, start by repeating core pieces on each side, beds, lamps, pillows, or wall sconces.  Choose neutral tones like beige, blush, or ivory to maintain a serene vibe. You can also mirror wall decor or shelving to extend the symmetry across the space. It doesn’t need to be exact, balance can come from visual weight, not just identical pieces. This method works particularly well for siblings, guest rooms, or for a clean and elegant design that feels effortlessly organized. 15. Design a Minimalistic Girly Bedroom Image Source: Miral Tarek Minimal doesn’t mean boring, it means intentional. A minimal girly bedroom uses clean lines, soft pastels, and refined details to create a calm, elevated space. Stick to a restrained color palette like blush and powder blue, then let furniture and texture do the talking. Choose sleek pieces: a tufted headboard, elegant side tables, and delicate lighting. Avoid clutter by limiting accessories and keeping surfaces clean. One or two standout pieces (like a floral painting or sculpted ceiling fixture) add character without overloading the room. The result is peaceful, polished, and perfect for a girl who prefers subtle over sparkly. Finishing Notes Designing a girly bedroom isn’t about following trends or sticking to one color—it’s about creating a space that reflects personality, sparks imagination, and grows with time. Whether you’re planning a soft pastel retreat, a bold and modern haven, or something whimsical in between, the ideas shared here are meant to inspire creativity and confidence in your design choices. At Home Designing, we believe that every corner of a home, especially a child’s bedroom, should be both beautiful and functional. Our mission is to help you transform everyday spaces into something extraordinary through smart layouts, thoughtful details, and timeless inspiration.

Standard modular construction was given a softened appearance with the addition of residential wood truss roofs and the introduction of shorter modules in select locations to create courtyards. Photo by doublespace photography PROJECT Durham Modular Transitional Housing, Beaverton, Ontario ARCHITECT Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. In cities, homelessness can be painfully visible, in the form of encampments or people sleeping rough. But in rural areas, people experiencing homelessness are often hidden away. It’s this largely invisible but clearly present need that led to the construction of Beaverton Heights, a 47-unit transitional housing residence about 100 kilometres from Toronto that serves the northern part of the Regional Municipality of Durham. The region had run a pilot project for transitional housing in Durham during the Covid pandemic, out of a summer camp property—so when provincial and federal funding became available for modular, rapidly delivered transitional housing, they were quick to apply. Montgomery Sisam Architects is no stranger to modular supportive housing, or to the site, for that matter. 15 years ago, they designed Lakeview Manor, a 200-bed long-term care facility for the region, on an adjoining parcel of land. At the time that they took on Beaverton Heights, they had completed two modular supportive housing projects for the City of Toronto. (They have since completed four more.)  The initial Toronto projects were done on a massively compressed timeline—a mere eight months from design to the move-in date for the first, and nine months for the second. “So we knew that’s as tight as you can crunch it—and that’s with all the stars aligned,” says Montgomery Sisam principal Daniel Ling.  As transitional housing, the Beaverton facility is designed to help residents overcome their barriers to housing. To achieve this, the program not only includes residential units, but communal spaces, including a double-height dining room and lounge that occupy the western half of the project. This part of the complex can also be used independently, such as for community activities and health supports. To create the needed volume, Montgomery Sisam decided to prefabricate the community structure in steel: the entire west half of the project was constructed and assembled in a factory to ensure that it would fit together as intended, then disassembled and reassembled on site. The double-height community space includes a reading room, terrace, administrative areas, and communal dining room served by a full commercial kitchen. The building can also be used for community-wide functions, such as medical clinics. A cluster of columns marks the area where the dining area’s eight steel modular units join together. Photo by Tom Ridout For both the steel community structure and its wood residential counterpart, the prefabrication process was extensive, and included the in-factory installation of plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, interior and exterior finishes, and even furnishings in each module. “Basically, just remove the plastic from the mattress and take the microwave from the box that’s already in the unit,” says Jacek Sochacki, manager of facilities design, construction, and asset management at the works department of the Regional Municipality of Durham. Within the building, the most extensive on-site work was in the hallways, where the modules met: building systems needed to connect up, and flooring and finishes needed to be completed over the joints after the modules were installed. One of the most surprising aspects of the project is how un-modular it looks. Montgomery Sisam’s previous experience with modular construction allowed them to find leeway in the process—small tweaks that would change the look of the project, without affecting the construction cost. The long site allowed the architects to use a single module as a glazed hallway, connecting the two buildings, and creating generous courtyards on its two sides. In two other areas, shorter modules are specified to transform the massing of the building. The resulting cut-outs serve as an entry forecourt and as a dining terrace. Instead of flat roofs, the team used residential trusses—“the same wood trusses you would see in subdivisions,” says Ling—to create sloped roof forms. From the outside, the windows of the residential units are slightly recessed behind a frame of wood cladding, adding further dimension to the façade.  Photo by doublespace photography Since it was a design-build process, all of these decisions were vetted through the builder for their cost effectiveness. “It wasn’t hard to convince them, we’re going to use some shorter modules—you are going to build less there,” recalls Ling. “These are things that actually don’t cost a lot of money.” The resulting massing is intentionally lower towards the front of the property, where the community space faces residential neighbours, and doubles to four storeys towards the back. As you approach the project, the courtyards and cut-outs give it the appearance of smaller discrete masses, rather than a single volume. Topping the project is the region’s largest solar panel array, which provides 35 to 40 percent of the all-electric building’s energy needs. Modular construction aided in airtightness and performance—in its first months of operation, it delivered an EUI of 102 kWh/m2/year.   Balancing between independence and community was an important principle for the program, and for the design. To this end, each studio is designed to function as a self-sufficient dwelling, with its own kitchen, full washroom, and heat pump with independent temperature control. Small spatial nudges—like daylight at both ends of corridors, seating nooks with built-in benches throughout the project, and generous common rooms—aim to coax residents outside of their units. The property is bracketed by the dining area at the front, and an outdoor basketball court at the rear. A long storage shed holds some of the facility’s mechanical equipment along with bikes—an easy way to get into town for residents who may not have cars.  Located between the residences and the community building, a semi-private courtyard offers a quiet place for clients to rest or socialize with others. Photo by doublespace photography The building looks so good that, had the finishes be chosen for luxury rather than durability, it could easily pass as a family resort. But is that too nice? Often, government-funded buildings—especially for a stigmatized program such as transitional housing—come under criticism if they appear to be too fancy.  I put this to Sochacki, who replies: “There’s this misnomer that if the building looks good or unique, it costs a lot of money. I think we proved that it doesn’t.” Apart from a wood surround for the fireplace, the components of the building are utilitarian and basic, he says. “It’s just like: how do you make the most out of common materials? It costs us exactly the same, but we’re doing things that are actually nice.” Screenshot That niceness is not just a perk, but essential to the core purpose of helping people experiencing homelessness to make their way back into society. “Making it nice is important,” says Sochacki. “Nice lighting, nice windows, nice places to sit, nice spaces that people enjoy being at—because that’s what’s going to make the difference.”  “If you build a place that people just want to spend all their time in their room and they don’t come out, that’s not going to help them with transitioning back to a sustainable, permanent housing lifestyle,” he adds. “You’ve got to create a place where they feel welcome and that they want to spend time in—they want to meet other people and they want to get the support, because there’s a place and space for it, and it’s successful for them to get the support.” A terrace adjoins the reading lounge and dining area, inviting outdoor barbecues and gatherings in warm weather. The cut-out was created by using a shorter module in this section of the building, minimizing the impact to construction costs and logistics. Photo by Tom Ridout CLIENT Regional Municipality of Durham | ARCHITECT TEAM Daniel Ling (FRAIC), Enda McDonagh, Kevin Hutchinson, Sonja Storey-Fleming, Mateusz Nowacki, Zheng Li, Grace Chang, Jake Pauls Wolf, Mustafa Munawar, Paul Kurti, William Tink, Victoria Ngai, Kavitha Jayakrishnan, Max Veneracion, Megan Lowes | STRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL Design Works Engineering | LANDSCAPE Baker Turner | INTERIORS Montgomery Sisam Architects | CONTRACTOR NRB Modular Solutions | CIVIL Design Works Engineering | CODE Vortex Fire | FOOD SERVICES Kaizen Foodservice Planning & Design | ENERGY MODELlING Design Work Engineering | SPECIFICATIONS DGS Consulting Services | AREA 3,550 m2 | COMPLETION October 2024 ENERGY USE INTENSITY (operational) 101.98 kWh/m2/year   As appeared in the June 2025 issue of Canadian Architect magazine  The post Invisible Need, Visible Care: Beaverton Heights, Beaverton, Ontario appeared first on Canadian Architect.