PORTFOLIO 2024
Matthew Beecroft
Hello, My name is Matthew
It’s nice to meet you, I am currently a third-year undergrad student at the University of Waterloo Architecture.
I like freehand drawing , my creative cloud subscription and long walks on the beach.
As a passionate artist and studying architect, it’s my goal to imagine the built environment in expressive and atmospheric ways that incorporate sustainability and creativity.
In my work, I use digital techniques to explore concepts such as community, unity, selfexpression and experiential design. My portfolio shows a collection of my outstanding academic works that best demonstrate my values.
I hope you enjoy!
John MacDonald Architect inc.
care construction
communication community
To Whom It May Concern June 15, 2023 Matthew Beecroft, Student Intern
re:
Sir / Madam, I am writing to recommend Matthew Beecroft as a candidate for employment. Matt recently assisted our Þrm through this past winter, as a junior architectural intern, and we are familiar with his tremendous capacity for learning, his accuracy in his work, and his positive contribution to work environments. Matthew worked as an integral part of our studio team, and assisted primarily with: • • • •
assistance with contract speciÞcations for several projects, design renderings for a streetscaping project in Southampton design renderings for a major adaptive re-use project in Waterloo, drafting and detailing in Vectorworks (CAD) for aspects of design development and construction contract drawings. These projects included preparation of existing conditions drawings, a Þre station renovation, a community health climic, and a park washroom conversion project.
Matthew was responsible for aspects of ofÞce support including a continuous stream of small tasks associated with the day-to-day operation of the Þrm. We are a small studio, and tasks for all staff are wide ranging. Matthew contributed very effectively, and with tremendous grace, and was exposed to all aspects of our practice. Matt is an excellent learner. He is organized, reliable and was unfazed by the sort of multi-tasking, on-again / off-again environment which is typical of our industry and projects. He worked ind epend ently and followed through to ensure tasks were completed. He is responsible, careful, and able to identify what he does not know and needs to consult about. This is an especially valued attribute for me, and I believe he will be of beneÞt to any work environment where attention to detail is critical. Matthew was quick to volunteer to assist in other areas of company operations as well. Ours is a lifelong journey of learning, and Matthew has the attitude, the willingness, and the capacity to achieve great things along the way. He will be an asset wherever he goes, and we hope he may consider our Þrm as a positive period in this journey. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call me. Yours sincerely,
John MacDonald
John MacDonald Architect
OAA, MRAIC inc.
Public Utilities Commission Building 195 King Street West, Suite 202 Kitchener ON N2G 1B1 JohnMacDonaldArchitect.ca 519 579 1700
URBAN ARCHITECTURE Pedro de Medinalaan 7B 1086 XK Amsterdam
T. +31 (0) 20 314 11 91
info@burtonhamfelt.nl www.burtonhamfelt.nl
KVK 70292140 Amsterdam BTW NL858240294B01
30 January, 2024
Dear Sir/Madame, Matthew Beecroft recommendation letter To whom it may concern, Matthew Beecroft worked at BurtonHamfelt urban architecture from the 19th of September 2023 up and until the 19th of December 2023. In that period Matthew developed well and accepted every challenge with dedication and commitment. Matthew was able to successfully collaborate with colleagues and showed ability to share responsibilities effectively with all parties involved in the design process. Since being at our studio Mathew has contributed to the following ongoing projects: • Urban feasibility study for approx. 28.000 m2 muti functional complex in a light indus trial area in Amsterdam NL. Responsibilities were, site analysis, 3D design exterior drawings in Rhino and 2d plans / schemes. Result was a presentation to the client. Design phase: preliminary design • 3D interactive digital model for a large scale urban design project (Sluisbuurt) in Am sterdam. Duties included translating 2D building information into 3D modeling, corres ponding with other architects and translating 3D data into manageble and exportable files for external use. Design phase: post design • Architectural facade studies and detailing of a primary school in Amsterdam (IKC Wee spertrekvaart). Duties included exploring composition, colours and material studies in 3D and 2D. Conceptualisation of the design starting points as well as comparative ana lysis of various design options. Results bundeled in a booklet for the client. Design phase: preliminary design
Matthew was a quick learner and he often surprised us with his effectiveness, software skills and design insights. For someone in just the beginning of his career it was very impressive. It’s a pity he could not stay longer in the office. My expectations are that Matthew will be able to meet the new challenges and responsibilities required of him in his next professional adventure. Sincerely,
Burton Hamfelt architect/owner
01 THE MARKET 08 - 21
02 ATKĀPE / RETREAT 22 - 29
03 IT TAKES A VILLAGE 30 - 37
04 NURTURE THROUGH NATURE 38- 49
01 THE MARKET PROJECT: PUBLIC LIBRARY DATE: APRIL 2022 SUPERVISED BY: ISABEL OCHOA FEATURED ON WATERLOO ARCHITECTURE SOCIAL MEDIA
The Market is a three-storied building broken up into an open-air market, traditional library, and hydroponic greenhouse. Sitting at the intersection of Rolling Mills Rd at Palace St in Toronto, the Library acts as a communal hub for the developing neighbourhood of West Don Lands. Embedded in an area concerned with sustainable design and practice, the Market focuses on buying local through the procuring and selling of goods grown on-site, and products produced in the heart of Toronto.
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SITE AXO
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BASEMENT
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1ST FLOOR
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7 7
3 6
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02
2ND FLOOR Program 1
first floor market
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stallholder space
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work / lounge space
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flex retail space
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storage
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staff space
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washroom
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book / media stacks
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greenhouse
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3RD FLOOR
FLOOR PLANS
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SECTION AA
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SECTION BB
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FRONTAL FRAGEMENT
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CORNER FRAGMENT
PRIVACY CUBBY FRAGMENT
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02 ATKĀPE/ RETREAT PROJECT: YOGA HOUSE IN THE BOG DATE: MAY 2023 MADE IN PARTNERSHIP: AVERY THORNE Winner of Buildner/Bee Breeders Client Favourite Award
Off the shore of the Baltic Sea, Atkāpe reflects Latvian culture, spiritualism and connection to the land. Meaning retreat, it acts as a sanctuary for users to embrace nature, peace and rest. Its form and layout are inspired by the Baltic Pagan symbol of Aka, symbolizing the Sun, Earth and protection of the home. The Atkāpe Yoga House honours the beliefs of Latvian culture using locally-sourced materials, reflecting the sustainability and environmental responsibility of the project. It respects the delicate ecosystem of the bog and acts as a testament to Latvian architecture.
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VIEW APPROACHING
SECTION AA
FLOOR PLAN
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SECTION BB
SITE PLAN
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REED Reed insulation and reed thatch roofing reflects Latvia’s commitment to preserving its traditional architecture. Reed grass grows abundantly in wetland areas including the region’s bog. The thatch is installed by layering bundles of reeds to create a watertight seal. This material has been used in the region for generations to keep Latvian homes warm in the harsh Baltic winters.
BIO-POOL Atkāpe’s bio-pool acts as two pools in one. The bio-pool is constructed by excavating a shallow depression in the bog and lining it with a layer of waterproof material. The bio-pool is then filled with water and planted with a variety of aquatic plants which serve as natural filters. The roots of the plants provide habitat for a variety of aquatic insects and other small organisms which contribute to the overall health of the bio-pool ecosystem.
HOT TUB Atkāpe’s wood burning hot tub functions by heating water through the wood-fired heater integrated into the tub itself. Compared to electric tubs, this method is more energy-efficient and offers a natural and rustic aesthetic. Soaking in Atkāpe’s tub provides a therapeutic and yearround relaxation experience for users.
CENTRAL HEARTH Atkāpe’s central hearth provides space to honour ancestors, meditate or socialize. A steel bowl for small wood or sage burning offers users the therapeutic and meditative experience of tending the hearth. It additionally provides warmth and comfort during cool, winter months.
ORNAMENTAL DOOR The main entrance to Atkāpe is a large, ornamental door. This dark oak door features deep, carved grooves and patterns inspired by traditional Latvian design that are significant to the region’s culture and history. Being the first encountered feature of the house, the door welcomes users into the home and expresses the project’s intent to honour the rich cultural heritage of Latvia.
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EXPLODED AXO 27
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03 IT TAKES A VILLAGE PROJECT: ART THERAPY LODGE DATE: AUG 2023 SUPERVISED BY: SCOTT SORLI
It Takes A Village is an art therapy retreat on the French River Ontario, Canada, designed to create a nurturing environment of healing through artistic expression and community. The retreat uses three studios based in visual arts, ceramics, and photography, to encourage interaction and shared experiences. Its series of buildings, positioned to provide breathtaking views, enhance the feeling of detachment from everyday stressors, promoting a meditative experience. Its design fosters a sense of agency, allowing participants to navigate freely and promote self-discovery. The project aims to empower individuals, and build lasting connections.
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SITE AXO
ART STUDIO
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PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
CERAMICS STUDIO
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MAIN LODGE BUILDING
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
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ART STUDIO
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01
02
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CERAMICS STUDIO
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2
UPP
ER
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BUNKY PLANS
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F
1 - LARGE 01 BUNKY Three Person Occupancy
FLO
OR 2 - MEDIUM 02 BUNKY Two Person Occupancy
3 - SMALL 03 BUNKY One Person Occupancy
BUNKY SECTIONS
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04 NURTURE THROUGH NATURE
PROJECT: COMMUNAL HOUSING DATE: DEC 2022 SUPERVISED BY: ADRIAN BLACKWELL
Nurture Through Nature is a 7-story building dedicated to providing homeless and at-risk youth of Cambridge with affordable and thoughtful transitional housing. With privacy and belonging at the top of its list, it strives to create agency over space for its users. With a strong focus on creating community in the building framework, each residential floor is built around a central lane, acting as the building’s core. The building emphasizes emotional growth through community and thus uses gardening to form relationships and support systems.
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Rising Housing Costs
Abusive / Unsafe Household
COVID - 19 Job Cr
General Form
Division of Space
Extrude and Cut
My Experience
Building a Community
Experience to Con
Youth struggle to combat inflation. Homes become unrealistic goals as rent prices follow. Approximately 30% of Ontarians rent their current home.
A mass is placed on the block framed by Main St, Wellington St, and Lutz St, Cambridge.
I’ve felt first hand how being around nature can enhance one’s health. This was seen through my time working as a grounds keeper at McMaster University.
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Unsafe living conditions can remove security. It’s estimated that queer youth make up 25% to 40% of Canada’s homeless population.
The mass is broken into 3 primary programs: Public Green-space Residential
During this time, I experienced how growing plants can grow friendships. Caring for nature can bring people together.
Despite recovery e the age of 15 to 24 to find employmen the COVID - 19 Pan
The mass is extrude Its East face is cut in stepped shape.
I used these experie my design; Making around building rel wellbeing through t
risis
efforts, those between 4 continue to struggle nt from the fallout of ndemic.
ed along its South face. n a way to mirror a
ncepts
ences as the basis of a space centered lationships and mental these acts of care.
YOUTH AT RISK - CAUSATIONS
Addiction
It’s estimated that 26% of Canadians will meet the criteria for addiction in their lifetime. Upper year Canadian students reported lifetime use of different substances. 75% alcohol, 26% cannabis, 26% nicotine.
Mental Health
39% of Ontario students report moderate to serious mental distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression). Its estimated that 7.5 million Canadians around the age of 25 struggle with mental health.
CREATING A SAFE SPACE - MORPHOLOGICAL
Punch Through
The extrusions are punched into, giving depth to the mass.
Detail
Detail is added in the forms of windows, railings and ceiling openings.
NURTURE AND NATURE - COMMUNITY THROUGH GARDENS
Inside and Out
Like my grounds job and the plants on my window sill, I wanted my building’s residents to pursue nature through any lens they choose during any time of the year.
Vertical Gardens
This led to a series of stacked gardens, both inside and out. These spaces frame social programing, while allowing residents to pursue their green thumb together.
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SITE AXO
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1ST FLOOR
02
2ND FLOOR 44
COMMUNAL LANE - CLOSED
COMMUNAL LANE - OPENED
UNIT LAYOUT 45
SECTION
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CAMBRIDGE COMMUNAL PROGRAMS
CAMBRIDGE HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS
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THANK YOU
CONTACTS Email:
beecroftmatthew@outlook.com
Phone:
(905) 719-1555