Author Archive:

Floating Communities Was Presented at 2019 Architecture Exchange East

November 22, 2019

This year’s Architecture Exchange East, annual conference of AIA Virginia, took place in historic Richmond, VA from November 6th to the 8th. Architecture Exchange East, or ArchEx, is the mid-Atlantic region’s premier conference and expo for architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects and planners. Architecture Exchange East has more educational sessions, more vendors, and more attendees than any other architectural conference in the region. ArchEx features more than 70 educational sessions, behind-the-scenes architectural tours, engaging special events, and over 100 vendors in the ArchEx Exhibit Hall.

While ArchEx is always interesting, this year was especially interesting as both Michael Winstanley AIA AICP and Leejung Hong LEED AP were presenting. Leejung gave a wonderful presentation called Floating Communities: Cultural Shift to Living ON the Water. It discussed how floating communities are environmentally sound, socially focused, and a wellness living environment second to none.

Leejung presented the vision and plans for a series of floating communities ranging from a small community of 25 homes in an existing urban marina in downtown Washington, DC to a large 84 home new community in Woodbridge, VA. The proposed plans document a net-zero development of homes ranging from 1,500 gsf to 3,000 gsf each constructed on a concrete “float” foundation in a remote location and brought in by a barge and assembled to create a vibrant and integrated community. Power, water, and sewage are all part of the discussion a well as common facilities and shore-based support functions.

Michael Winstanley gave a very well received presentation called: Alexandria Riverfront Economic Framework Plan. The Alexandria Riverfront Economic Framework Plan is a road map to reinvigorate the waterfront into a vibrant economic engine that encourages cultural development, tourism, and urban mixed-use development. Five mixed-use commercial development zones are identified along the 4 mile waterfront and connected by both land based public transportation networks as well as (and more importantly) water based transportation networks that connect Alexandria to regional economic network emerging along the Potomac River.

Guidelines to development in the commercial zones focus on a mix of uses, bonus development for cultural and tourism uses, and water based recreation. As part of this plan the Alexandria RiverWalk emerged as an important driver to sustainable economic development.

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning, and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, DC and the Stone Ridge School Field and Entrance in Bethesda, Maryland.

The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.

Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703 519 8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

Old Dominion Boat Club receives AIA Northern Virginia Award of Merit

June 26, 2019

On Thursday, June 13, The Northern Virginia Chapter of The American Institute of Architects held its annual Design Awards Celebration at the new Marymount University Ballston Center designed by Gensler. The event was a delightful celebration of outstanding architecture, where Winstanley Architects & Planners was presented with the Award of Merit for the Old Dominion Boat Club in Alexandria, VA.

The design of the new club house is meant to reflect the narrative of the long history of this location as well as the Old Dominion Boat Club’s own history. The exterior of the structure has been designed to echo the image of boat building by using materials and detailing similar to what a boat builder would propose. The piers and decking for the front of the building illustrate the history of the waterfront dating back to the 1700’s and the retention of the Beachcombers original form will ensure its legacy.

The new clubhouse is a three-story structure, approximately 13,800 square feet, with a 45-car parking lot on the south side of the structure. On the ground level is an entry lobby with historic artifacts on display, storage, lockers and showers, and loading/service areas. The first floor features a large open hall for member meetings and banquet rentals, administrative offices, a special events kitchen, and outdoor patio. The second floor includes the main bar and dining room, members’ board room, and a full kitchen. The roof level, much like the Beachcombers, will also be utilized for entertainment purposes.

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning, and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, DC, and the Stone Ridge School Field and Entrance in Bethesda, Maryland.
The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.
Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703-519-8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

2019 Virginia by Design Award for Potomac River Water Transportation Framework Plan

May 15, 2019

We are pleased to announce that on Saturday April 27, 2019 Michael Winstanley AIA AICP accepted the Virginia by Design  2019 Prize for Public Interest Design at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design‘s Bunch at The Branch. Virginia By Design recognizes the best efforts of designers or visionaries in Virginia who, by profession or avocation, have made creating, preserving, and enhancing design in Virginia a notable endeavor, which elevates the power of design. The prize is for a creative project that has transformed its surroundings, whether a setting, neighborhood, or community. It is for an individual or entity responsible for shepherding the project within Virginia.

The Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan is a comprehensive master plan outlining a water-based transportation network on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, for commuters, tourists, and the federal government. This plan outlines an enormous opportunity to expand the regional transportation network at a fraction of the cost (both in dollars and environmental impact) of other transportation modes.

One of the most important components to a successful water-based transportation system is the integration with existing public transportation networks. The Master Plan identifies over 30 landings in the metropolitan region including a new landing at Reagan National Airport. An intermodal station prototype was also designed to transfer riders from watercraft to rubber wheeled trolleys or buses. Integral to this transfer is to provide as much cover for riders from sun and rain and to bring the ships and trolleys as close together as possible, minimizing the time and inconvenience of transfers.

This work was initiated and funded by Winstanley Architects & Planners, and its purpose was to raise awareness of the feasibility of such a plan and to stimulate public discussion about the importance of increasing public transportation alternatives. Michael Winstanley AIA AICP has lectured widely on the Master Plan including at Design DC and the Greater Washington Board of Trade 2018 Outlook Conference.

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning, and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, DC, and the Stone Ridge School Field and Entrance in Bethesda, Maryland.
The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.
Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703-519-8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

The Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation names Winstanley Architects & Planners as Executive Architect

April 4, 2019

We are pleased to announce that Winstanley Architects & Planners has been named as the Executive Architect for The Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation. Winstanley Architects & Planners will be providing guidance for the planning and development of the memorial as well as manage and oversee a 24-step process required by the National Capital Planning Commission and National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission.

“Significant commemorative work such as this memorial require a well-laid roadmap to capture the purpose and vision of the project as well as move through necessary government approval processes,” said Michael Winstanley AIA AICP. “Utilizing our multidisciplinary approach and drawing on our many years of experience working in Washington, D.C., we look forward to collaborating with the GWOT Memorial Foundation to guide the planning and development of this unique and historic memorial.”

Since choosing Winstanley Architects & Planners as the Executive Architect, the GWOT Memorial Foundation has been focused on advocating for land within the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The WA&P and the GWOT Memorial Foundation has been collaborating to gather input from the veteran community and the public to ensure the memorial pays proper tribute to GWOT veterans as well as their friends and familes – and is truly a reflection of the American people.

Once a site is selected and approved, the GWOT Memorial Foundation will host a design competition, where artists from around the country can submit designs that evoke the themes discovered, including those of endurance and sacrifice on a global and multi-cultural scale in America’s longest war.

In the Media:

Business Journal September 2018 – View PDF

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, DC and the Stone Ridge School Field and Entrance in Bethesda, Maryland.

The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.

Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703 519 8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

2019 Prize for Public Interest Design for Potomac River Water Transportation Framework Plan

April 4, 2019

We are pleased to announce that Michael Winstanley AIA AICP is has been award the 2019 Prize for Public Interest Design by The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design for the Potomac River Water Transportation Framework Plan. The prize is for a creative project that has transformed its surroundings, whether a setting, neighborhood, or community. It is for an individual or entity responsible for shepherding the project within Virginia.

The Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan is a comprehensive master plan outlining a water-based transportation network on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia, for commuters, tourists and the federal government. This plan outlines an enormous opportunity to expand the regional transportation network at a fraction of the cost (both in dollars and environmental impact) of other transportation modes.

One of the most important components to a successful water-based transportation system is the integration with existing public transportation networks. The Master Plan identifies over 30 landings in the metropolitan region including a new landing at Reagan National Airport. An intermodal station prototype was also designed to transfer riders from watercraft to rubber wheeled trolleys or buses. Integral to this transfer is to provide as much cover for riders from sun and rain and to bring the ships and trolleys as close together as possible, minimizing the time and inconvenience of transfers.

This work was initiated and funded by Winstanley Architects & Planners, and its purpose was to raise awareness of the feasibility of such a plan and to stimulate public discussion about the importance of increasing public transportation alternatives. Michael Winstanley AIA AICP has lectured widely on the Master Plan including at Design DC and the Greater Washington Board of Trade 2018 Outlook Conference.

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning, and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, DC, and the Stone Ridge School Field and Entrance in Bethesda, Maryland.
The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.
Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703-519-8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

Mary Graydon Center Dining Hall at American University selected for American School & University Magazine Architectural Portfolio

November 28, 2018

Winstanley Architects & Planners is pleased to announce that American School and University Magazine (ASU) has chosen American University’s Mary Graydon Center Dining Hall in Washington, DC as the recipient of the Outstanding Design Award in the 2018 American School & University Architectural Portfolio — the premier showcase celebrating the best in education design. This is our second time being selected for an Outstanding Design Award and our fourth award from American School and University Magazine.

The Mary Graydon Center is the main dining hall for students, faculty, and staff at American University. This 1928 building is the location of the 14,750 SF, 675 seat basement dining venue. The design team was faced with the daunting task of improving this basement space which had no windows, no daylight and a “forest” of clumsy columns scattered throughout the floor plate.

Our solution used the forest of columns to create just that: a forest. By using original photography commissioned for the project, the design team mapped non-repeating images of trees on the columns to visually dissipate the solidity of the column mass. Organized along a central spine, the serving stations satisfy the various culinary offerings by the Food Service Provider and allow the diners to meander through the space. The color palette in the spine is designed to reflect more naturalist colors of stone and sky. The balance of the space is finished in wood tones, and the serving stations have off-white counters and stainless-steel fixtures to present a bright and light environment to showcase the food.

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning, and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Residence Hall and Student Center at Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, VA, the restoration of St. Agnes School in Arlington, VA, and the Stone Ridge School Field and Entrance in Bethesda, Maryland.

 

The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.

 

Photography by Jessica Marcotte Photography.

 

Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703-519-8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

National and Regional Design Awards for The Old Dominion Boat Club

October 30, 2018

The Old Dominion Boat Club

Winstanley Architects & Planners is pleased to announce that the Old Dominion Boat Club has received the following awards.

Award of Honor – National Chapter – Society of American Registered Architects

Excellence in Architecture – Alexandria Beautification Commission

Associated General Contractor’s Award

Michael Winstanley AIA AICP received the national award for the Old Dominion Boat Club from the Society of American Registered Architects at a ceremony in Miami, Florida, on October 20, 2018.  The award was presented by SARA’s President Dennis Dong and the award’s juror David Stofcik at the Perez Art Museum in Miami.  This was the fifth national design award the office has received in the last 10 years.

The design of the new club house is meant to reflect the narrative of the long history of this location as well as the Old Dominion Boat Club’s own history. The exterior of the structure has been designed to echo the image of boat building by using materials and detailing similar to what a boat builder would propose. The piers and decking for the front of the building illustrate the history of the waterfront dating back to the 1700’s and the retention of the Beachcombers original form will ensure its legacy.

The new clubhouse is a three-story structure, approximately 13,800 square feet, with a 45-car parking lot on the south side of the structure. On the ground level is an entry lobby with historic artifacts on display, storage, lockers and showers, and loading/service areas. The first floor features a large open hall for member meetings and banquet rentals, administrative offices, a special events kitchen, and outdoor patio. The second floor includes the main bar and dining room, members’ board room, and a full kitchen. The roof level, much like the Beachcombers, will also be utilized for entertainment purposes.

 

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, DC and the Stone Ridge School Field and Entrance in Bethesda, Maryland.

The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.

Photography by Jessica Marcotte Photography.

Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703 519 8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

National and Regional Design Awards for The Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan

October 30, 2018
Winstanley Architects & Planners is pleased to announce that the Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan has received the following awards.
Award of Honor – AIA Maryland Chapter
Presidential Citation for Urban Catalyst – AIA DC Chapter
Finalist – Urban Land Institute Trends Awards
Outstanding Plan Award – GW Chapter of Lambda Alpha International

In the Media:

Urban Turf  – Dec 18, 2018 –  View  PDF
Urban Turf – April 19th, 2019  – View PDF

 

George Eisenberger AIA and Michael Winstanley AIA AICP were in attendance for the AIA Maryland’s annual awards ceremony at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, to receive an Award of Honor for the Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan. The jury stated that they “appreciated the bold vision of this project.” The regional award was presented by Laurence Frank AIA, President of the Maryland state chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan is a comprehensive master plan outlining a water-based transportation network on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, for commuters, tourists, and the federal government. This plan outlines an enormous opportunity to expand the regional transportation network at a fraction of the cost (both in dollars and environmental impact) of other transportation modes.

One of the most important components to a successful water-based transportation system is the integration with existing public transportation networks. The Master Plan identifies over 30 landings in the metropolitan region, including a new landing at Reagan National Airport. An intermodal station prototype was also designed to transfer riders from water craft to rubber wheeled trolleys or buses. Integral to this transfer is to provide as much cover for riders from sun and rain and to bring the ships and trolleys as close together as possible, minimizing the time and inconvenience to transfers.

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, DC, and the Stone Ridge School Field and Entrance in Bethesda, Maryland.
The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.
Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703-519-8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

Completion of the New Club House for the Old Dominion Boat Club in Alexandria, Virginia

March 19, 2018

The First Project of Alexandria’s New Waterfront Plan

 

Winstanley Architects & Planners is pleased to announce the completion of the new clubhouse for the Old Dominion Boat Club located on the waterfront in historic Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. The contemporary wood clad structure is the first project completed in the master plan for the Alexandria waterfront.The demolition of the old clubhouse at the base of King Street will make way for the new Waterfront Plaza.

 

In the summer of 2015 the Old Dominion Boat Club accepted the City of Alexandria’s offer to move to the city-owned Beachcombers Restaurant site at the base of Prince Street. The Beachcombers property was a culturally historic structure with a checkered past and ultimately abandoned. The City wanted to save the building because it represented the first structure built on the waterfront in 1947 that promoted tourism and recreation along the historically industrial waterfront. In fact, the original Beachcombers structure was built on piers and actually positioned over the water for dramatic setting of the new restaurant.

 

The design of the new clubhouse is meant to reflect the narrative of the long history of this location and the Old Dominion Boat Club’s own history.  The exterior of the structure has been designed to reflect the image of boat building by using materials and detailing similar to what a boat builder would propose.  The piers and decking for the front of the building illustrate the history of the waterfront dating back to the 1700s and the retention of the Beachcombers original form will assure its legacy.

 

The new clubhouse is a three-story structure, approximately 13,800 square feet, with a 45-car parking lot on the south side of the structure. On the ground level is an entry lobby with historic artifacts on display, storage, lockers and showers, and loading/service areas. The first floor features a large open hall for member meetings and banquet rentals, administrative offices, a special events kitchen and outdoor patio. The second floor includes the main bar and dining room, member’s board room, and a full kitchen. The roof level, much like the Beachcombers, will also be utilized for entertainment purposes.

 

The Old Dominion Boat Club is the longest in continuous use along the city’s waterfront; and with this move, the club will have been in three locations.  In August of 1880, thirty-six young men gathered at the Mansion House to form a club dedicated to water sports – sailing, rowing, canoeing and swimming.  They called their new association the “Old Dominion Boat Club of Alexandria.” The members built their first clubhouse on the Strand near the foot of Duke Street, and by 1891 the club had acquired two four-oared shells, two double outriggers, and a 60’ barge.  In 1923 the members built a new clubhouse at 1 King Street.  

 

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Capella Hotel (now the Rosewood Hotel) in Georgetown, the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, and the Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan for the Washington metropolitan area.

 

 

The firm is a registered small business enterprise.

 

Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703 519 8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

 

Presidential Citation for Urban Catalyst – DC Chapter

January 25, 2018

Winstanley Architects & Planners is pleased to announce that their project Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan has been awarded a Presidential Citation – Urban Catalyst from the American Institute of Architects, DC Chapter. The award was formally presented last September and is once again recognized in the Chapter’s 2017 Awards Show currently on display at the AIA/DC headquarters.

The Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan is a comprehensive master plan outlining a water based transportation network on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia, for commuters, tourists and the federal government. This plan outlines an enormous opportunity to expand the regional transportation network at a fraction of the cost (both in dollars and environmental impact) of other transportation modes.

One of the most important components to a successful water-based transportation system is the integration with existing public transportation networks. The Master Plan identifies over 30 landings in the metropolitan region including a new landing at Reagan National Airport. An intermodal station prototype was also designed to transfer riders from water craft to rubber wheeled trolleys or buses. Integral to this transfer is to provide as much cover for riders from sun and rain and to bring the ships and trolleys as close together as possible, minimizing the time and inconvenience of transfers.

This work was initiated and funded by Winstanley Architects & Planners, and its purpose was to raise awareness of the feasibility of such a plan and to stimulate public discussion about the importance of increasing public transportation alternatives. Michael Winstanley AIA AICP has lectured widely on the Master Plan including at Design DC and the Greater Washington Board of Trade 2018 Outlook Conference.

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Old Dominion Boat Club in Alexandria, VA; the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, and the Poplar Point Master Plan in Anacostia, DC.

The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.

Further information on the firm can be found at the company’s website www.winstanleyarchitects.com or by contacting Geri Houston at 703 519 8081 or gch@winstanleyarchitects.com.

National Design Award for Poplar Point Master Plan

December 29, 2017

Winstanley Architects & Planners is pleased to announce that it has won a national design award from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) for their Poplar Point Master Plan in Washington, DC. This award represents the third national award MWAP has received in the last three years. The Design Award of Honor was presented formerly at the SARA National Convention at the New Museum in New York City.

 

This master plan was prepared for Washington, DC, developer Redbrick LMD who is currently a major land owner on Poplar Point. The purpose of the plan was to illustrate the incredible potential that exists for the District after the agreement between the District of Columbia and the National Park Service, giving the District control of the redevelopment of 110 acres along the Anacostia River. The master plan proposes a livable and meaningful mixed use development in an area of Anacostia that currently has no context. The design solution focused on the creation of a new arts district anchored on the water by a private modern art museum and a public exhibition building. As per the agreement, the plan assumes development of 40 acres from the total 110 acres.

 

The core framework of the plan is established by the bookends of the Anacostia Metro station and a new modern art museum on the shore of the Anacostia River. The main street (an extension of New Jersey Avenue to establish a connection to the L’Enfant plan) runs from the intermodal water taxi station through a spine of curated retail creating “Gallery Row” leading to an open triangular space called “Gallery Square” where arts fairs and other outdoor events can occur. The open space that sits adjacent to the water would be designed to accommodate a world class sculpture park with the most prominent location reserved for a future memorial as stated in the Memorials and Museums Master Plan created by the National Capital Planning Commission.

 

The program includes predominantly office space and multifamily residential both rental and for sale. Sites are reserved for hotels as well. Additional uses include an artist work-live building and a reserve for academic institutions. The project includes additional public spaces including Metro Plaza outside the metro station. Part of the transportation network of the project includes a water taxi stop with a multimodal facility on the water.

 

The Society of American Registered Architects was formed in 1956 in Atlanta Georgia by Wilfred J. Gregson as is open to anyone who carries an architectural license. The Credo for the organization is “Architect Helping Architect”.

 

Winstanley Architects & Planners is an architecture, planning and interior design firm located in a renovated warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria. Recent assignments include the Old Dominion Boat Club in Alexandria, VA; the restoration work at Union Station in Washington, and the Potomac River Transportation Framework Plan for the Washington metropolitan area.

 

The firm is also a registered small business enterprise.