You rcalyptus
Brownhill Creek Tree House
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PL ACE
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F RAME
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FORM
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COMMUN I T Y
Site Analysis “The name “Brownhill” describes the hills to the north of the creek. The indigenous Kaurna people called the area Wirraparinga meaning scrub or creek place.” ( M i t c h a m C o u n c i l S A )
S i t e Legend
Access from the east allows the walkers to interact and experience the tranquillity of the creek. With its crystal-clear waters and the soothing burble of the flowing water. This passage is unforgettable, and cleanly disconnects you from the civilisation. Entering through the west is a whole other experience. Lining the slope beside the path is the definition of a child’s imagination, with miniature fairy-tale castles, and fairy houses.
road, containing many trees and shrubs it absorbs most of the noise from the occasionally passing cars, allowing the site to remain serene and seemingly untouched by man.
Although the access to the site can be laborious, each path contains a rewarding adventure and views to excited the individual in anticipation for access into the site.
The eucalyptus trees found onsite are predominantly on the south side of the site, lining the bank of the creek. Slightly sparse and scattered the trees almost trickle out from the bank and into the site. The most predominant eucalyptus found on site is the South Australian Blue gum.
Contained on site are a large array of both native and introduced species of grasses, rushes, ferns. Total area of site: 5530sqm
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The creek acts as a barrier between the site and the
During summer afternoons (around 4pm) hurricane like winds pass through the valley form the northeasterly direction, while in the winter the winds come through from the South east. The speeds can reach up to 50km/hr.
S un
To po g r a p hy Creek Hill north of the site
Site
Wind
1837 & 1838
Brei f H i s to r y
o f
Brown h i l l C re e k
First survey of the area completed.
1870 Water Conservation Department set up use of creek as a water supply for Mitcham and Adelaide.
1891
1894
Manure pits built Bathing hole by Alf Terry on to formalised. stop pollution of (removed in the creek. 1902)
1954 Brownhill creek valley camping ground opened.
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Potentia l
a s
a
Tou r ist
Due to its slight distance away from the busy caravan park, this site may be used a quieter retreat for visitors. Taking advantage of its quiet nature this site is unique to the popular caravan park through its higher connection and proximity to allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature. The largest advantage of the site is the close proximity to the city, which only takes 15 minutes to reach by car. The bus stop is a 30 minute walk, and once there, the bus reaches the city centre within 20 minutes therefore, allowing the tourists have the both of best worlds, where they are able to experience the quiet naturalistic areas of Adelaide, and have quick access into the bustling city. It is also an alternative to the caravan park which is busy all year round. This area will be a more exclusive and
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De stination
serene area for those who wish to spend time with just their family away from distractions. In conclusion, the site is ideal for all kinds of patrons. The location allows access through the walking paths from the carpark, forcing individuals to experience the abundant nature surrounding the site. Natural light is recieved through the north of the site. Therefore, the treehouses built will face inwards towards the centre to accept the most sunlight into its midst, this will also remove the focus of the tenants away from the road foound south. As the walking path currently cuts through and underneath the trees found on site, the path may need to be shifted, for the comfort of both the walkers and the residents of the treehouse.
15 minute drive to the city.
B R OW N H ILL
C R E EK
M AP
Brownhill Creek Caravan Park 3 minute drive, and a 16 minute walk from the site.
Closest bus stop is a 30 minute walk from the site with the bus taking around 20 minutes to reach the city centre.
Closest carparks less than a 3 minute walk. 100m
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Chosen Trees Loc at i on The chosen trees to house the design is located on the western end of the site. These three trees triangulate the path and each As the location of the path is currently between the chosen trees, placing a tree house directly above this may be uncomfortable for both the residents and those passing by.
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North-east view of the chosen trees
I ns piration EX PERIENCE
While heading towards and enter the site, the clear and crisp chriping of brids could be heard. This clean auditory information blended with the rusling of leaves and rushing waters makes you almost envy the local wildlife in the area. Therefore, I find that birds have the most enviable location for their
In sp i ra ti o n “SACR E D
GE OM E T RY
Due to the triangulation of the trees, my mind immmediately travelled to the circle of life. Upon further research I discovered the “sacred geometry shapes”, which all contain a regular pattern,
F ROM
SHAPE S”
and symmetrical visuals. This geometric forms heavily impact my view on how simples forms when simply twisted may create forms that can hypnotise a person so thoroughly.
I d ea l
Common
BIRDS
NES TS
nests, with their high location and immersion in the tree canopies, these warm-blooded vertebrates are living the highroll life of the environment. The form of the birds nests further influences my opinion and view of the beautiful forms that simple shapes can create.
Fe ature s
Access from the south of the design, separate from the path to increase privacy. Allow residents to recieve as
much northern sunlight as possible, and create a form that can interact with the canopy as much as possible.
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Concept Design 1 Composed of two floors formed by my attempt at twisting geometric forms. This design will attempt to become one with the twisting forms of the trees while maximising its natural light intake from the north. The balcony is added as the northern tree blocks the
curved form behind from the sun. This will enable residents to enjoy the sun from both sides of the residence. Floor 1 is for living room and kitchen, and floor 2 will contain the bedrooms.
Perspective view
Top view
Pro c e ss
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Initial shape formed.
Shape twisted to form floor and ceiling.
Walls formed.
Second floor added with orientation that maximises natural light.
Balcony added to further increase access to natural light.
Concept Design 2 With a glass roof and a net (exposed) bottom, this concept was developed to allow residents to experience both the sights and sounds that birds within thier nests experience everyday. This is enhanced by the nest like forms surrounding
these areas, for both shade and privacy. This form contains three floors each with their own puropse. Floor 3 is for kitchen and living, floor 2 is for bedrooms and floor 1 is for lounging.
Perspective view
Top view
Pro c e ss
Initial birds nest form created.
Central room added (floor 2).
Top glass floor is added (floor 3).
Bottom net floor is added (floor 1), with geometrical influence.
Nest forms added in to sheild exposed floors.
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Framing System Ins p i rat i on GROUN D AND
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COV E R
ALOE
A N D
BUSH
M OON GLOW
BRAN CH E S
The framing structure is completely independent from the surrouding trees, with its bottom framing relying entirely on arches. The supports beneath the floor converge in the centre where each arc holds 2-3 supports, and distribute thier weight down their footings. The framing is also interactive for both the residents and passerbys, as the supports create an open cradle, where the residents can envelope themselves in the senses of nature, while beneath them, passerbys are able to pass through the network of footings.
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Major and Minor Elements M inor
M ajor
Ele me nts
E l em e n ts
The major elements include, the bottom framwork, the floors, the wall and glass dome framework and the staircase.
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For the minor elements, the ‘nest’ facade and stair railings are within this catergory as they are attached to gthe existing framwork, and are also not strurally essential for the treehouse.
Construction Stages
Base of framing placed.
Second floor framework placed, including dome window frame.
Support placed and attached to base.
Walls added to the framework.
First floor and balcony framework placed.
Stairs built and linked to first floor.
“Nest� facade added for increased privacy and as the balcony balustrade.
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Form
Floor A re a
for and
F lo o r A re a a n d
P lan
fo r
lvl1
t he
a cces
i m m er si o n
to
A
Bed s the
z one.
A
N 15
Sca le
1: 50
P lan the
lvl2 k itc he n
lounge
The base of the building contains overlapping arches which at its highest point reached 1.7m clearly allowing even adults to find fun beneath the tree house. While the base is for public interaction, within the support of the treehouse will be a ‘personal immersion zone’ where the residents are able to huddle within the nook and experience the sights and sounds of nature while being hidden behind the nest-like facade. Each level contains a form of interaction for visitors to fully immerse themselves into the beautiful and untouched nature of Brownhill Creek.
2nd
1s t
Floor
Floor
Pe rs onal Imme rs ion Zone
Public Inte rac tion A re a Exploded Axonometric diagram (North-West)
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Elevations and Section
S e c t i on
A
The first floor will contain the bed rooms and bathroom, and have access to the balcony located on the north-west side of the biulding. The balocny is the first point of direct sunlight that the sturcture will recieve, making it the ideal position for residents to relax in the morning. The 2nd and final floor will contain the kitchen and lounge area. it contains a large glass dome to allow residents to admore the canopy above. This glass done will not receive much direct sunlight due to the protection of the northen hill, and the canopy above. The chances of direct sunlight are reduced by the second nest like facade.
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View from the South Section Noted in Floor Plans page
N o r th
E a st
South
We st
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Community Model Variations In sp i r a ti o n T HE
DI V E RSI T Y
NAT URE
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OF
NE STS
I N
The concept for the community is to create individual treehouses, each with their own combinations of materials and sizing to accomidate for a wide range of visitors e.g. singles, couple, and families. This will enable the site to be filled with an array of natural
structures, and increase the ambience of the site. This concept is similar to the mini whimsical houses lining the entry to the site from the north west side. Adding richness to the natural area for passerbys to experience.
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Community Structure
2 1
Both the form and materiality of the structures will be similar and the same to the framing structures in the treehouse. This is due to the materials fire-resistant traits and strength, as well as a connection to the treehouses encouraging visitors to also interact with the bottom framing.
While the larger community structures are intended as both play insitigators for children, the structure also serves as a shelter in the feild. The trees do not shelter the area, causing it to become extremely hot due to direct sunlight. Therefore, this structure serves as a resting place and interactive-zone.
Grey Ironbark Red Ironbark
Blackbutt
Spotted Gum
Showing Small Seating Area (Left) and the Major Structure (Top Right) (View from South-East)
Community Map
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Retu rning
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The final mission of the treehouse is to not only mimic and draw inspiration from the form of the nest. But, also from how the birds will never directly change the scene which they rest on. Instead, they create semi-permanent sturctures which add to the trees visuals.
These treehouses aim to do the same. Its goal is to add the scenes of brownhill creek recreational park. Eliciting residents to experience the sounds and feeling of nature, and for passerbys to interact with the structures with awe. All wanting to leave a beautiful peice of brownhill creek in their memories.