Leroy merks
As a graduate of the Eindhoven University of Technology with a master’s degree in architecture, Leroy has accumulated extensive experience across the Netherlands, Japan, China, and currently Malta. Renowned for his disciplined approach to space, light, and form, Leroy currently works as an associate architect at Chris Briffa Architects and as a part-time sole practitioner at his own studio. Throughout all stages of the design and construction process, Leroy consistently strives to deliver the beauty and clarity of an initial design concept throughout its execution on-site.
"The cultural experience gained from living and traveling around Asia and now the Mediterranean has been, and still is unique and wholly inspiring. A journey that has been an exciting learning path, allowing to explore different parts of the world through architecture and the people who interact with it. Consequently, developing a distinctive approach to architecture that combines the boldness of the Dutch, the finesse and serenity of the Japanese, and the vernacularity of the Maltese."
Process
Every project is unique and comes with its own set of constraints, contexts, budgets, and users. Throughout the design process, the client is actively involved, while abstract ideas formed during the initial analysis and concept design phase are put together and tested out in physical and/or virtual environments.
At the center of the design process lies a dialogue between the client, the architect, and any required consultants. This interaction between individuals with diverse perspectives and competencies serves as a catalyst for the creation of highly valuable yet unique and unexpected solutions to the challenges of the project at hand.
The architectural design philosophy employed throughout all projects is heavily influenced by local insights and international perspectives. Regardless of the project’s scale, whether it’s a single house or a large-scale mixed-use project, success is measured by the establishment of long-lasting relationships with clients. This success is particularly evident when there’s a shared sense of adventure and a desire to create something truly distinctive.
Projects
Below a chronological list of projects. Highlighted are the projects that were commissioned directly to Leroy, others were developed in collaboration with architectural studios/employment.
Completed
- wellness: beauty clinic within an existing concrete shell. Birkirkara, Malta.
- residential: residence combined with art gallery. Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
- public, on-site workshop and designing of a Shakespearean theatre decor. New Delhi, India.
- public: entrance lobby interior refurbishment of the district's police station. Heerlen, Netherlands.
Under Construction
- residential: renovation of a four storey high townhouse in Sliema, Malta.
- residential: free standing private residence. Siggiewi, Malta.
- hospitality: farm to fork eco hotel and restaurant. Marsaxlokk, Malta.
- residential: a townhouse with three facades facing the street in Zejtun, Malta.
- hospitality: vernacular boutique hotel. Xaghra, Gozo.
Design/competition
- residential: renovation of a three storey townhouse with a front garden. St Julian's, Malta (in progress).
- residential: private house with central courtyard. Melbourne, Australia (in progress).
- public: reimagining the Maltese Kiosk as an eco hub prototype. Various locations in Malta.
- residential: semi underground villa with within a sloped cliff. Crete, Greece.
- public: highway art installation. Saudi Arabia.
- mixed use: regeneration of Jerma Palace Hotel. Marsaskala, Malta
- residential: private residence at the edge of the desert. Bahrain.
- public: rehabilitation and landscape masterplan. Blue Lagoon, Comino.
- hospitality: restaurant integrated into a rock cliff. Xlendi, Gozo.
- public: information centre, access to natural spring, and sleeping cabin. Iceland
- public: light installation. Nouf AlMoneef Noor Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- public: ecotourism the reuse of a former pig farm. Comino.
- public: art installation for the London Design Biennale. United Kingdom.
- hospitality: rehabilitation proposal for an orphanage. Fondazzjoni Sebh. Hamrun, Malta
- hospitality: regeneration of the Evans Building into a luxury hotel. Valletta, Malta.
- residential: Icon of the city riverfront complex. Guangzhou, China.
- public: Alvar Aalto museum extension. Jyväskylä, Finland.
- hospitality: transformation of a shopping center to kindergarten. Zhangjiagang, China
- residential: twin towers including retail base. Tongzhou, China.
- residential: an eight storey residence combined with art gallery. Guangzhou, China.
- public: iconic gateway for the City of Ryde. Australia.
- office: renovation of two abandoned tower structures. Beijing, China.
- residential: residence combined with childcare, Kyoto, Japan.
- hospitality: reusing an unfinished structure to house an elderly care home. Beijing, China.
- public: facade design of a sport center. Changsha, China.
- public: concrete research and development pavilion. Shenzhen, China.
- office: office tower including retail strip. Jinan, China.
- public: University of Chicago Institute for Advanced Study. New Delhi, India.
- mixed use: commercial and residential mixed land use project. New Delhi, India.
- public: central library. Helsinki, Finland.
Publications & lectures
- detail in architectuur, paperback, isbn 9789012582490.
- inhabiting the space between necessity and burden, architecture and infrastructure intertwined.
- culture shock 'project symbioses' DAX Magazine.
- the district of tomorrow, Lessons in Sustainability, Cobouw.
- the district of tomorrow, the second building within the district, Architectuur.nl.
- wo tomaten in den kochtopf wachsen, Aachener Zeitung.
- guest speaker at PechaKucha 20 years anniversary, Casino Maltese. Valletta, Malta.
- guest speaker at the Great Rivers Congress. Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
- guest speaker at the Energize the Future Congress. Tilburg, Netherlands.