let’s build it beth lavelle
beth.a.lavelle@gmail.com 419-771-9297 linkedin.com/in/bethlavelle
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gather. learn. build. M.Arch Thesis Project PRISM apartments The Eliot Sustainability Center DESIGN/BUILD: Balcony for Historic Residence Inuit Art Learning Center hive: center for innovation
GTF for the Building Enclosures course in the Architecture Department. the class teaches the fundamentals of building science within building enclosure assemblies and current best practices for designing these assemblies. responsible for course support for the students and the instructor. first point of contact for students with questions on course content, exams, and projects. assisted instructor with grading technical projects and exams.
to broaden my professional experience in urban development and community advancement with a focus on socially and environmentally sustainable projects.
education:
University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan Intern Architect involved in every phase of project development from pre-design through construction administration on new construction and renovations of campus structures. project types included office space, classrooms, sports venues and training facilities, and highly specialized laboratories and research spaces. reponsibilities included communication and problem solving with clients; coordination with mechanical, electrical and IT beth.a.lavelle@gmail.com | 419-771-9297 | linkedin.com/in/bethlavelle engineers; drawing production, project management, and construction administration.
2014
University of Oregon | Portland, Oregon Masters of Architecture Focus on Sustainable Technology and Urban Architecture
2009
Miami University | Oxford, Ohio Bachelors of Art in Architecture
to broaden professional experience in urban development and community advancement with 2010 CR my architecture + design/Miami University | Cincinnati, Ohio a focus Intern on socially and environmentally sustainable projects. Architect worked in conjunction with a local non-profit organization to develop a design for a historic apartment building as low-income housing. tasks included field measuring, education: production management. produced and submitted an extensive 2014 drawing University of Oregonand | project Portland, Oregon application for state and federal historic tax credits. Masters of Architecture Focus on Sustainable Technology and Urban Architecture 2008 Anderson Architects | Van Wert, Ohio Intern Architect 2009 Miami University | Oxford, Ohio developed small projects independently, prepared presentation materials, drawing Bachelors of Art in Architecture production.
2014
University of Oregon | Portland, Oregon Graduate Teaching Fellow GTF for the Building Enclosures course in the Architecture Department. the class teaches the fundamentals of building science within building enclosure assemblies and current best practices for designing these assemblies. responsible for course support for the students and the instructor. first point of contact for students with questions on course content, exams, and projects. assisted instructor with grading technical projects and exams.
2011
University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan Intern Architect involved in every phase of project development from pre-design through construction administration on new construction and renovations of campus structures. project types included office space, classrooms, sports venues and training facilities, and highly specialized laboratories and research spaces. reponsibilities included communication and problem solving with clients; coordination with mechanical, electrical and IT engineers; drawing production, project management, and construction administration.
2010
CR architecture + design/Miami University | Cincinnati, Ohio Intern Architect worked in conjunction with a local non-profit organization to develop a design for a historic apartment building as low-income housing. tasks included field measuring, drawing production and project management. produced and submitted an extensive application for state and federal historic tax credits.
2008
Anderson Architects | Van Wert, Ohio Intern Architect developed small projects independently, prepared presentation materials, drawing production.
2011
h lavelle
career objective:
career objective:
work experiences:
work experiences: skills: 2014
build it.
University of Oregon | Portland, Oregon Revit Hand Drafting and Rendering Graduate AutoCAD Teaching Fellow Model Building GTF for the Building Enclosures course in the Architecture Department. the class FormZ Design/Build teachesCreative the fundamentals of building science within building enclosure assemblies and Adobe Suite Enclosure Detailing current Modeling: best practices for designing these assemblies. course support for Energy eQuest, Vasari, Comfen Projectresponsible and Office for Management the students and the instructor. first point of contact for students with questions on course content, exams, and projects. assisted instructor with grading technical awards: projects and exams. 2014 University of Oregon | Portland, OR within the top 5 thesis projects for the REgenerative Design Studio. 2011 University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan Intern Architect 2011 Sustainable Design Competition Philadelphia, PA pre-design through construction involved in every phase of project |development from recieved Honorable Mention Award for submission Sustainable Design administration on new construction and renovationsinofthe campus structures. project types Competition held by the Delaware County Council. included office space, classrooms, sports Green venuesBuilding and training facilities, and highly specialized laboratories and research spaces. reponsibilities included communication 2009 Miami University | Oxford, Ohiocoordination with mechanical, electrical and IT and problem solving with clients; received Cum Laude and Departmental Honors upon graduation. engineers; drawing production, project management, and construction administration.
2010 CR architecture + design/Miami University Resume: Intern Architect
|
Cincinnati, Ohio
worked in conjunction with a local non-profit organization to develop a design for a historic apartment building as low-income housing. tasks included field measuring, drawing production and project management. produced and submitted an extensive application for state and federal historic tax credits.
skills:
Revit AutoCAD FormZ Adobe Creative Suite Energy Modeling: eQuest, Vasari, Comfen
awards:
Hand Drafting and Rendering Model Building Design/Build Enclosure Detailing Project and Office Management
As a means to combat the rapid gentrification of historic Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, this project uses architecture and urban design to build community capacity and empower low-income residents to take control of the development of their neighborhood. Focused in the North Rhine section of the neighborhood, the urban design establishes major gateways, nodes, and paths throughout the neighborhood to increase resident interaction and improve safety. Small pavilions called SHARE:boxes are scattered throughout the neighborhood, adding variety to the types of activities that can occur in the reclaimed landscape. The building design for the new Center for Community Development features a public terrace and community meeting room as its heart. Other program elements combine to establish the building as a “one-stop shop� for people to recognize their needs as a community, learn and access resources, and build their own solutions. A glass entry tower serves as a landmark to people passing by on Vine Street, and a lively market occupies the parking/loading zone on the weekends. The facade design takes cues in proportion and rhythm from the surrounding historic buildings without mimicking them. Through sensitive design decisions, this building gives the low-income residents of the neighborhood a public presence and a place to call their own, with the goal of catalyzing future development that is inclusive of all residents, even the urban poor.
City Center
gather. learn. build. M.Arch Thesis Project
Cincinnati, Ohio New Construction 40,000 square feet Building + Urban Design
Process:
Urban Design:
Gateways, Nodes, and Circuits for Sharing:
Step 1: Gateways and Nodes
Step 2: Pedestrian Circuit
Renovation, Green Space, and Strategic Infill:
Step 3: SHARE:box
Step 1: Renovation of Historic Fabric
Step 2: Reclaim Greenspace
Step 3: Strategic Infill
Urban Plan: Mulberry Street
5 Peete Street
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1
Vin e
n
4 5 6 7 8
New Center for Community Development Rothenberg Elementary School New Commercial Nodes: Renovate existing historic storefronts facing intersection for new local businesses New children’s play area New teen zone with basketball courts and graffiti wall New community amphitheater Existing community gardens and basketball courts Existing Rothenberg School Playground
St
Clifton Avenue
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Existing Building Proposed Infill Building Terraced Landscape Pedestrian Circuit SHARE:box
Frintz Street
1 2 3
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Hust Alley
McMicken Avenue
SHARE:box: Design to catalize a culture of sharing.
Public Pavilions with Varied Uses Made by the students of the Construction Trade Job Training Program at the new Center for Community Development, these 100 sf pavilions are placed throughout the landscape along pedestrian paths. Their main purpose is to provide a variety of free, public uses to activate the pedestrian circuit with many different types of people. Each SHARE:box will have a unique identity but a common design language will link them together, allowing each box to become a wayfinding device and landmark along the pedestrian circuit.
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Community Garden Sales Stand Local Art Exhibit Room
STORAGE
Informal Library Board Game Room Graffiti Wall for Teens Lookout Tower
ECONOMIC
SOCIAL
SHARE:box Uses
Garden Equipment Play Equipment Amphitheater Equipment
Lang Street
Orientation and Connections to Context
Detail, Expression
Rhythm, Verticallity
Visual Connection to Neighborhood and Pedestrian Path
BASE
Visual Beacon to City and Vine Street
Conceptual Interpretation of Historic Guidelines TOP
Formal Inspiration: Rothenberg School
MIDDLE
Building Design:
Building Site Plan: Peete Street
Vin e
St
ree
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n Existing Building Proposed Infill Building Terraced Landscape Pedestrian Circuit SHARE:box
Clifton Avenue
Transparency, Active Uses
Topographic Urban Model:
Market and Parking/Loading Zone
West Elevation
Interior of Retail Space for Salvaged Building Materials
Building Section
Main Staircase to Public Terrace
Public Terrace
First Floor
Retail and warehouse for salvaged building materials
Vin e
St
ree
t
Clifton Avenue
View from Vine Street
Second Floor
Construction trade job training space
Third Floor
Community meeting rooms, classrooms, local shops and cafe
Fourth Floor
Co-housing units and shared amenities
Peete Street
Techtonic Model
Building Model
Pedestrian Path looking towards Public Terrace
This project was an entry for the 2013 Architecture@Zero competition in San Francisco. Along with the goal of being net-zero energy, the competition program was very prescriptive of the number and size of affordable housing units to be accommodated on a small urban site, with a grocery store to be located on the ground floor. This group entry focused on integrating social spaces for the residents into the sustainable features of the building, all while reducing the energy consumption and increasing energy production wherever possible. A covered, but unconditioned, atrium in the center of the building serves as the heart of the social spaces, encouraging resident interaction that is especially important in affordable housing projects. This atrium also facilitates natural ventilation through the deep floorplate and allows all units to have windows on at least 2 sides. Balconies, gardens, and shading devices with integrated PV are among the other building features. In addition to the design of the building, a full energy report was required as part of the competition entry. This report included sections on shading and daylighting, building envelope design, passive strategies, mechanical systems, energy production, and overall energy calculations. With the support of a few area building professionals, our student group was able to estimate that this design resulted in an approximate 71% energy reduction compared to a typical comparable building.
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PRISM Apartments - Competition Entry San Francisco, California New Construction 180,000 Square Feet
Courtyard/Central Atrium
Common Spaces
Blocks of Residential Units
Neighborhood Concept
The units are located at the periphery to allow maximum daylight and ventilation. Each unit has windows on at least 2 sides, allowing for natural ventilation to temper the spaces and eliminate the need for ait conditionoing.
Common spaces include lounges/reading spaces, urban garden, kitchen and laundry room. These spaces allow interaction and visual connection by double height spaces PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK at every neighborhood level.STUDENT PRODUCT
The residential floors of the building are divided into color-coded “neighborhoods,� which provide a sense of identity within the large apartment building. These 2-story neighborhoods allow for residents to share common amenities and create stronger social bonds. Each neighborhood also features its own Energy Dashboard, which displays energy consumption for each unit and increases accountability for the residents to take small steps to reduce their energy consumption. PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT PRODUCT
Full-height central atrium/courtyard as the heart of the building. The atrium is covered but unconditioned: operable skylights allow the stack effect to draw cool air from the lower floors of the building.
Typical Floorplan
2 BR
Typical 2 Bedroom Unit
2 BR
2 BR
2
2 BR
2 BR
4 1 3 BR
STUDIO
STUDIO 3 BR
3 BR
2 3 BR
3
1 Courtyard/Central atrium space - Children’s play area at level 2. 2 Common spaces - such as lounge, reading space and game room. 3 Urban Garden. 4 Kitchen and laundry at every alternate level.
Sample of Energy Report Calculations
Total Energy Consumption: Grocery: 12,000 sf x 7.26 EUI = 87,120kBTU/yr Residential: 169,000 sf x 6.41 EUI = 1,083,290 kBTU/yr Total Energy Consumption: 1,170,410 kBTU/yr Given the expected consumption of a typical building using feasible design strategies and technologies at 4,192,000 kBTU/yr, our analysis estimates a total 72.1% savings.
HORIZONTAL SHADES
Total Building EUI: 13.67
3.
U RBAN G AR D EN
Grocery Calculations Starting EUI 73.3 Reduced Lighting Demand -6.55 Improved Refrigeration Units -31.8 Water Cooled Condensers on Refrigeration Units -20.88 Reduced Exterior Lighting -2.94 Reduced Gas Appliances -1.48 Reduced Electric Load -2.39 Total Grocery EUI 7.26
V E RT ICA L F INS
Residential Calculations Starting EUI 19.6 Grocery Heat Recovery -2.13 Solar PV -1.29 Wind Electric -0.02 Reduced Lighting Demand -1.73 Energy Star Appliances -0.98 Internal Electric Load Reduction -1.58 Low-Flow Showers and Sinks -3.29 Glazing Improvements -0.23 PV Panel Roof Shading -0.13 Window Shading -0.23 Improved Water Heater Thermal Efficiency -0.72 Reduced Fan Pressure -0.89 Total Residential EUI 6.41
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1. Amphitheater and play area as a community gathering space.
2. Central atrium passive ventilation.
3. Horizontal and vertical shading devices. 4. Urban Garden at every neighborhood level.
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5. Radiant flooring in every residential unit. 1.
6. Cross ventilation and daylighting in every residential unit.
7. Rainwater collection.
8. Colorful “neighborhood� identity.
UNIT S Y S T E M S
6.
Facade Analysis and Design
The shading devices on the West facade feature integrated PV cylinders, which also act as screens for privacy on the balconys. While screens are desired at every level of the building, PV panels should be strategically placed where they will receive ample sunlight. Revit and Vasari were used to determine the solar access of the West facade and to inform which panels should include integrated PV and which should be simple metal screens.
Solar Access Annually 1oo%
5% 5pm
4pm
3pm
5pm
8pm
6pm
7pm
6pm
4pm
3pm
5pm
4pm
Summer Solstice
WEST ELEVATION | JUNE 21
Equinox WEST ELEVATION | MARCH/SEPTEMBER 21
WEST ELEVATION | DECEMBER 21 Winter Solstice
Annual Average WEST ELEVATION | ANNUAL
The site for this studio project is located on the western edge of downtown Portland, directly adjacent to Washington Park and the West Hills. At this location, the topography changes dramatically and an existing narrow stair is the only evidence of a main park entrance. I envisoned this site as the perfect location for a Sustainability Center that would serve as the gateway to the city, marking the transition from the natural to urban. This project consists of 2 buildings that straddle Burnside Street, which is a main thouroughfare through the city. The northern building would serve as a headquarters for sustainability research, with small startups, non-profits, and university space. The southern building would serve as a community education in sustainability center and would host lectures, demonstrations, and classes for the public focused on issues of sustainability. The form of the building nestels up against the hill, and opens up onto a plaza oriented towards downtown. The building’s spine is a large retaining wall that not only forms the structural backbone for the building, but houses all of the building services such as restrooms, circulation, mechanical and storage rooms. The interior of the community building features a large atrium that serves as an extension of the exterior plaza, and the large event room is positioned directly adjacent. Principles of holistic sustainability (environmental, cultural, social, and economic) were integrated into the project to create a building that benefits the community and becomes a landmark for the city.
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The Eliot Sustaintability Center Portland, Oregon New Construction 60,000 Square Feet
Parti Diagram:
Process:
Multiple building models were used throughout the design process to refine the form and relationship of the building to the site. These models were also critical in the design of the sun shading louvers, slope of the roof and design of the significant retaining wall.
lace 24th P
West B
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Above, the site plan shows the new combined stair and ramp that enhance the walking path to the top of Washington Park. This design gives this entrance more presence and importance as the primary pedestrian entrance into the park from downtown. As the path progresses up the hill, the tree canopy and forest floor close in on the path to transition the users from urban space to natural space.
Roof Plan
First Floor
Second Floor
Third (Fourth) Floor
Section 1
The roofplan shows the extent of sun shading louvers at the atrium and roof terrace locations. The interior of the northern building is primarily core-and-shell research space that would be customized for each tenant. The ground floor of the community building features a large event room and smaller meeting rooms. The second floor features a lively cafe, and the thrid floor is an office suite. A large interior ramp connects the floors of the building in the atrium, creating a lively, open space for the community to enjoy.
East Elevation: Plaza
Fifth Floor
Section 2
North Elevation: Street
Building elevations and sections show the overall organization of the building and feature the large atrium in the community building. Large structural members mimic the trees outside in the forest, while a vertical algae farm screens the ramp from the atrium and provides biofuel for the city to use in public transportation. An exterior rendering shows the building relationship to the exterior stair/ramp and large monumental rocks which tell the geological history of the Tualiatin Hills on which the park is located.
After an adjoining addition was demolished, the clients for this group project had a second-story door that opened to a dangerous drop to the patio below. An open-air balcony eliminates the hazardous condition and allows the door to be propped open for increased ventilation throughout the 1880’s historic building. While developing the design for this small balcony, the studio worked closely with the Historic Conservation Board, structural engineers, and steel fabricators. The original design called for the balcony to be suspended from the attic level because of unknown conditions under the concrete patio for foundations. Because of structural concerns in the attic, the design was modified to stand on 2 posts and sensitively attach to the building with a ledger angle. In addition to the design, the studio built the entire project, including pouring concrete footers, painting and erecting the steel structure, and installing the redwood decking. The redwood decking transforms into a pergola to provide shade for the kitchen window below. My specific role in the project included detailing steel connections, working with steel fabricators, and being actively involved in every step of the construction.
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DESIGN/BUILD: Balcony for Historic Residence Cincinnati, Ohio Addition; Originally Built 1880 100 square feet
Process:
a. Steel ledger assembly bolted through wall b. Column: welded 2x2� steel angles c. Primary structure: steel channels d. Railing: shop fabricated rods and plates
d.
a.
c.
b.
Right, a schematic rendering showing early design intentions of minimizing impact on the historic structure. The design was revised due to structural concerns and constructability at the attic level. A detailed building section, above, aided in the communication of the design to structural engineers and steel fabricators.
a. Beam: 8” steel channel b. Beam: 6” steel channel c. Column: welded 2x2” steel angles d. Joists: 2x2” steel angle e. Railing: shop-fabricated steel rods and plates f. Decking: 3” and1 1/2” alternating redwood planks g. Pergola: 1 1/2” redwood planks installed on end
a.
e. c.
d.
b. f.
g.
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Plan Detail Above: plan view of handrail detail. Welded steel angles form the corner of
the balcony and provide an attractive termination to the railing components on each side. Final photos of the project highlight connection details and lumber turned on end to provide shade for the southern kitchen window below.
This studio project called for a new Inuit Art Learning Center as an addition to the existing Winnipeg Art Gallery. The existing gallery was designed as an “object” building in the landscape, a landmark with a unique and complete form, which made an addition on the rear of the building challenging. The flat, monolithic planes of the existing building helped lead me to my concept for the addition: breaking sheets of melting sea ice and the significance of this seasonal change in the landscape to the Inuit people. The design for the addition relates to the existing building on the east facade, while the south facade is more expressive of the design concept. Analysis of the Winnipeg climate influenced decisions on the shape of the addition’s atrium and the functionality of the south facade, which features mass gabion walls and a vented glass skin. This approach results in a building envelope that responds to the seasons in ways that reduce the load on the buildings mechanical systems, as well as reinforce the original concept.
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Inuit Art Learning Center Winnipeg, Canada New Construction/Addition 40,000 Square Feet
Concept Image:
Process:
Solar Analysis 12:00 Noon The main challenge of this project was addressing the existing building and taking a position on how to respond to it. As a major landmark in the city, the existing “object” building was designed as a complete structure, meant to stand on its own as an angular, slick mass in the landscape of the city. As an addition on the rear of this existing building, my proposal uses the east elevation to blend with the existing building and the south elevation to be expressive of the original concept of melting sea ice and it’s significance to the Inuit people.
New Addition
Existing Building
Summer Solstice
Equinox
Winter Solstice Solar studies of physical models on the heliodon were used to inform the shape of the artium to maximize daylight and solar gain throughout the year.
Existing Art Gallery
First Floor: Youth Art Programs
Existing Art Gallery
Second Floor: Adult Art Studios
Existing Art Gallery
Third Floor: Inuit Art Gallery
Gabion Wall Weather Barrier Steel Structure
Make the Envelope do the Work:
The extreme hot and cold climate of Winnipeg requires an building envelope design that is not only beautiful and durable, but that can reduce the energy demand of the building while providing an unforgetable user experience.
1. Winter:
The gabion wall absorbs thermal radiation from the sun throughout the day, “charging” the wall with heat. The wall slowly radiates the stored heat into the space throughout the evening and nighttime hours, reducing the load on the heating system.
2. Year-round:
3.
Gaps between the rocks in the gabion wall allow for convective currents to circulate air within the space: as cooler air from the bottom of the room is heated by the mass of the rocks, the air rises and is circulated back into the room.
3. Summer:
Operable windows and vents within the curtainwall system draw cool nighttime air into the building. Convection occurs along the face of the gabion wall, which is warmer than the nighttime air. Warm air is discharged from the building through the top vent. The gabion wall absorbs the cooler nighttime temperatures, “charging” the wall to cool the space during the next day and reducing the load on the air-conditioning system.
Gabion Wall Weather Barrier
2.
Since the Third floor of the building is an art gallery, a controlled and constant interior environment is required. For this reason, the gabion wall on the 3rd floor is installed on the outside of the glass and is used to filter light and aesthetics rather than affect the interior environment as is does on the lower floors.
1.
East Elevation
Temperature Swing:
Thermal mass reduces range of temperature swings and shifts peak-demand hours. Gabion walls provide not only thermal mass to reduce the building’s HVAC load, but it also provides interesting natural daylighting.
Temperature Data: Recorded Extremes Design Temperatures Average Temperatures Mean Comfort Zone
South Elevation
The atrium is conceptually the main “ice crack� of the building and serves as a lively social space with circulation bridges on the upper floors. One wall serves as visible storage for the gallery to showcase work that is not on display.
Located in Portland’s inner-city industrial sanctuary, this building is a collection of small incubator spaces for creative start-up businesses that thrive in collaborative work environments. The “hive” workspaces are arranged around a central covered coutryard that serves as the main social space in the building. As the building goes up, the hive spaces erode away, revealing their modularity and creating smaller outdoor terraces. While the interior courtyard is highly expressive of the hive module, the exterior of the building presents a unified face to establish the street wall in this area of the city with mainly shorter warehouse buildings. A double-skin facade with integrated shading devices on the south and east elevations help to reduce the energy demand on the building and lower the noise level entering from the surrounding industrial activities. A raised roof plane supports the solar panels and allows for natural ventilation to temper the covered courtyard space. The primary industrial tenant would be a furniture manufacturer specializing in modular, adaptable furniture used by not only the hive tenants, but other makers throughout Portland.
PUBLIC ENTRY
CAFE
HIVE SUPPORT
FURNITURE MANUFACTURING
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MANUFACTURING STORAGE
HIVE
FURNITURE SHOWROOM & HIVE GALLERY
HIVE STORAGE 5,000 sf
PARKING 8,000 sf BIKES/ LOCKERS 700 sf
hive: center for innovation Portland, Oregon New Construction 70,000 Square Feet
Parti Diagram:
SPACE SIZES, ADJACENCIES, AND CONNECTIONS
Process:
2. 1.
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Sample Furniture Plan with Modular Furniture Design
First Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor
4.
1. A small cafe facing Taylor Street is the main public
space in the building. The showroom is open to the cafe, and is where the public can view the work being produced in the manufacturing space and the hive spaces. A glass wall offers views into the primary manufacturing space beyond the cafe. The walls of the 2-story cafe, showroom, and manufacturing volume are clad in reused wood and heavy timber salvaged from the demolished warehouse building on the site.
2. Shared conference rooms on the ground floor provide space for the hive tenants to meet with clients or investors to expand their businesses.
4.
3. A large roof terrace on the third floor provides a
pleasant, covered space to enjoy the outdoors and to hold special events. Additional terraces at the upper levels are smaller for more private gatherings and work space.
4. Lounges and kitchens at each floor level allow for more informal meeting and collaboration space within the hive, fostering a lively work environment.
Fourth Floor
Fifth Floor
Sixth Floor
South Elevation
East Elevation
North Elevation
Building Section
Wall Section Model
A double-skin facade with vents and angled scoops at each floor encourages natural ventialtion across the building’s envelope. The vents are operable to provide passive heating and cooling in Portland’s temperate climate to reduce the energy usage of the building. Clerestory windows into the hive workspaces provide a balance of deylight and solid wallspace for working, while adjacent walls are full glass to provide views to the outside. The double skin also reduces the noise level entering the building from the surrounding industrial district, allowing occupants to have the windows open without noise distractions. A roof canopy is elevated above the actual roof structure to allow natural ventilation to keep the roof cool. Solar panels generate electricity for the building and are translucent over the occupied roof terrace areas to provide diffuse sunlight into the area. This covering not only reduces the cabon footprint of the building, but also shelters the roof terraces from Portland rain and allows this outdoor amenity to be enjoyed year-round.
About Me:
Born and raised in rural Ohio, my childhood landscape consisted of tight-knit communities, rugged industrial machinery, expansive farm fields of towering corn or golden wheat, and the ever-present expectation of hard work. I knew from an early age that if I wanted something, I would have to work for it. I experienced my father’s construction business on a daily basis, and watched in awe as his company created buildings out of piles of lumber. It was this fascination with the act of building combined with the peace I felt when creating new art that led me to choose Architecture as a career path. During my 3rd year at Miami University, I chose to participate in an urban immersion program in a rough inner-city Cincinnati neighborhood called Over-the-Rhine. I identify this semester in Miami’s Residency Program in Over-the-Rhine to be the most lifechanging experience I’ve had -- so far. Living in an urban ghetto was completely different from anything I had ever experienced, and building relationships with my disadvantaged, African American neighbors shattered my preconceived notions about architecture. I realized that not only does everyone deserve good design, but that I wanted to commit my life to working with people who are typically not served by designers. I moved to Portland to refine my skills in sustainable design at the University of Oregon. I focused my studies on sustainable technology and explored how principles of holistic sustainability can be integrated into a design project to create not only healthy, beautiful buildings; but also healthy, beautiful communities. I am attracted to collaborative, team environments that seek a balance between creativity and practicality. I seek to form long-lasting and strong relationships with my coworkers and clients. I love learning new things about our world and am continually searching for opportunities to grow my skill set. Outside of architecture, I am a wife, a mother (to a very spoiled dog), a sister, an outdoor enthusiast, and lover of thrift stores. Biking is my favorite form of transportation, and I’d rather watch a documentary than the latest romantic comedy. My idea of vacation includes a campfire and a tent instead of a 5-star hotel.
BethLavelle University of Oregon | M. Arch Miami University | B.A.
beth.a.lavelle@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/bethlavelle 419.771.9297