Casa ESL · B2 Upper Intermediate · Unit 6 of 20 · Step 1
Participle Clauses
Name
Date
Vocabulary
façade
nounThe front face or exterior of a building, especially an imposing one.
"The glass façade of the skyscraper reflects the surrounding cityscape."
sustainable
adjectiveDesigned to minimise environmental impact and conserve resources for the future.
"Sustainable architecture uses renewable materials and energy-efficient systems."
renovation
nounThe process of restoring a building to a good state of repair.
"The renovation of the historic theatre took three years to complete."
aesthetic
adjectiveConcerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty in design.
"The architect prioritised aesthetic appeal without sacrificing functionality."
blueprint
nounA detailed technical drawing or plan for a building or structure.
"The blueprints revealed an innovative use of interior space."
integrate
verbTo combine or incorporate elements so they work together as a unified whole.
"The design integrates green spaces into the urban landscape."
demolish
verbTo deliberately destroy a building or structure.
"The council voted to demolish the ageing warehouse and build a park."
monumental
adjectiveExtremely large, impressive, or of great importance.
"The monumental arch at the city entrance attracts thousands of visitors."
Grammar Focus
Participle clauses
Participle clauses use a participle (-ing, -ed, or having + past participle) instead of a full clause to make sentences more concise and sophisticated. Present participle (-ing): 'Overlooking the harbour, the building offers stunning views.' (= which overlooks). Past participle (-ed): 'Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower remains an icon.' (= which was built). Perfect participle (having + pp): 'Having studied the blueprints, the team identified several flaws.' (= after they had studied). Negative: 'Not knowing the deadline, she missed the submission.'
Designed by a renowned architect, the museum blends modern and classical styles.
Standing at over 800 metres, the Burj Khalifa dominates the Dubai skyline.
Having completed the renovation, the owners reopened the gallery to the public.
Not satisfied with the initial design, the client requested significant changes.
Exercises
Exercise 1
Combine the two sentences using a participle clause.
1. The cathedral was completed in 1260. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. → , the cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture.
2. The architect had reviewed the environmental report. She redesigned the ventilation system. → , the architect redesigned the ventilation system.
3. The building overlooks the river. It attracts thousands of tourists. → , the building attracts thousands of tourists.
4. He did not know the regulations. He submitted a non-compliant design. → , he submitted a non-compliant design.
5. The tower was damaged by an earthquake. It had to be demolished. → , the tower had to be demolished.
Exercise 2
Choose the correct participle clause to complete each sentence.
1. ___ from recycled materials, the pavilion won an award for sustainability.
2. ___ the structural analysis, the engineers approved the design.
3. ___ on the edge of a cliff, the house offers panoramic ocean views.
Reading
The Rise of Green Architecture
Faced with the urgent realities of climate change, architects around the world are rethinking how buildings are designed and constructed. Incorporating natural ventilation, solar panels, and green roofs, modern sustainable buildings aim to reduce their carbon footprint dramatically. One landmark example is the Bosco Verticale in Milan — a pair of residential towers covered in over 900 trees. Designed by Stefano Boeri, the buildings function as vertical forests, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Having won numerous international awards, the project has inspired similar developments in cities from Nanjing to Utrecht. Not limited to new construction, sustainable design principles are also being applied to the renovation of older buildings. Using advanced insulation techniques and energy-efficient glazing, architects are transforming century-old structures into models of environmental responsibility. The challenge, however, remains cost. Not every developer is willing to invest the additional capital required, despite the long-term savings.
1. What is the Bosco Verticale and why is it significant?
2. What challenge does the passage identify with sustainable architecture?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write 5–8 sentences describing a real or imaginary building. Use at least three different types of participle clause (present, past, and perfect).
Example: Designed by a team of young architects, the community centre opened in 2023. Built entirely from locally sourced timber, it has become a model for sustainable construction. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the main hall is flooded with natural light. Having won the national design award, the building has attracted attention from developers across the country.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. Completed in 1260 · 2. Having reviewed the environmental report · 3. Overlooking the river · 4. Not knowing the regulations · 5. Damaged by an earthquake
Exercise 2
1. Built · 2. Having completed · 3. Perched
Reading Comprehension
1. The Bosco Verticale is a pair of residential towers in Milan covered in over 900 trees. Designed by Stefano Boeri, they function as vertical forests that absorb CO2 and produce oxygen, and have inspired similar projects worldwide. · 2. The main challenge is cost — not every developer is willing to invest the additional capital required for sustainable design, despite the long-term savings.