THE “TREE OF LIFE” INSTITUTE

Placed in the heart of Manchester Metropolitan University Campus, The Institute becomes the central attraction for students and the neraby community. Being surrounded by vegetation, the proposal has its own green environment enhancing the biodiversity of the area. With the buildings curved façade, various parametric geometries and the low heights, the concept aims to blend with the landscape, therefore creating its unique environment and taking the users on a threalling journey of improving their general state off well-being while reconnecting with nature.

The 1:20 section presents the layers of each floor and how they are connected. The section was taken through the whole side of the building depicting structural elements and material selection.

1. SHS (200mm width) curved steel fireproof painted dark green (#004a1e)

2. SHS steel connector

3. Steel planks connecting the façade and the cladding.

4. Stainless steel C channel coated light blue.

5. Continuous aluminium gutter coated light blue.

6. Vegetation

7. Growing medium (150mm)

8. Filter Fabric (1mm)

9. Drainage board (20mm)

10. Root Barrier (1mm)

11. Waterproof membrane (0.3mm)

12. Celotex XR4000 insulation (150mm) -roof

13. PVC Roofing Membrane (1.5mm)

14. Precast concrete slab

15. Metal deck

16. Aluminium window decking coated light blue.

17. Aluminium window frame coated dark green.

18. Aluminium C channels for attaching the false ceiling.

19. Aluminium electrical rail with cables.

20. Water pipe

21. Ventilation system

22. False ceiling acoustic panels 15mm thick (1200x600)

23. T24 metal runner

Axonometric view showing the sectioned area of the building. The axonometry includes the landscape strategy found in that particular area and presents the relationship between the interior and the exterior of the building. In this view the curved character of the façade is visible, and the materials qualities are exposed. The landscape presented shows the various ways people could benefit of the space.

24. Suspension cords

25. 254x146x37 I beam stainless steel.

26. Aluminium cladding sheets coated dark green (5mm)

27. Floor finishing (50mm)

28. Stainless steel C channel coated light blue.

29. 203x203x46kg I Universal stainless-steel column (203uc)

30. Interior Plasterboard (2x10mm)

31. Vapour Control Barrier (0.3mm)

32. Celotex GA4000 insulation (200mm)

33. Breather membrane (0.3mm)

34. Sheeting Board (10mm)

35. Vertical Rail (10mm)

36. Fibre cement panels Equitone [lunara] LA60

Hessain(thickness 10mm)

37. Floor finish (20mm)

38. Screed (50mm)

39. Celotex FI5000 insulation (100mm) -floor

40. Damp Proof Membrane (2mm)

41. Precast Concrete Ground Slab (200mm)

42. Compacted Soil (150mm)

43. Ground

44. Light Fixtures

45. Double Glazing

Route To Carbon Neutrality

Sustainability is a key creative driver for my design intentions. The “Tree of Life” Institute strives to deliver an efficient building with low environmental impacts by following the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes

(1) The building has low flow water fittings with minimal water consumption

(4) Rainwater collection systems to reuse for irrigation and internal use and grey water collection filtered to be reused

(2) The envelope of the building uses materials (mineral wool insulation, precast concrete slabs, fibre cement panels) adequate for natural interior thermal comfort thus lowering the necessity of mechanical systems.

(3) The parametric façade boosts internal environmental control throughout summer and the design includes mechanical systems to further improve the thermal control

(5) Low energy appliances for artificial lightning used in certain areas where the natural lightning is minimum

(1) The design utilises materials which could be reused and recycled; having large open spaces allows the design to be retrofitted in the future

(6) The proposal uses materials prefabricated off-site

(8) The external cladding for solar control is fabricated off-site and the fibre cement panels are also produced off site and brought on site for assembling.

(9) All the materials chosen for the design have long life spans

(10) Using prefabricated steel materials for primary structure that can be recycled and further used for other purposes

(1) Glazed top floor with solar control façade that offers strong visual connection to outside

(4) Spaces offer natural ventilation boosted by mechanical ventilation systems when needed

(5) The design has large windows permitting natural lightning throughout the year

(7) The materials used have high acoustic control properties

(9) Each part of the building can be accessed through elevators/ stairs

(10) Landscape strategy focuses on planted spaces which are also included in the interior garden

(6) The design aims to be the central hub for the community’s interaction with nature and their wellbeing.

(7) The landscape strategy implements a range of green spaces surrounding the building, the proposal includes green roofing and interior garden

(8) Enhanced landscape strategy with various plants boosts biodiversity