Both strong and beautiful, heavy timber exudes both power and finesse. The timber’s sheer mass is contrasted with a high level of surface detail as beams and columns come to a simple connection and move across the wall system. Using three layers of the crossed timbers, a third dimension of depth is achieved. The wall becomes inhabitable itself, highlighting its varied heights and depths and encouraging contact with the wood.
The mixture of beauty and strength drew us to heavy timber. We were attracted to the simplicity of its beams and columns, and searched for a way to take a very traditional system and give it a new and interesting edge, while still respecting its heritage. We learned more about connections between timber beams and explored how these connections give character to a structure. Accentuating the properties of heavy timber could come from fasteners and mixing wood types, or creating multiple planes within a wall. Also intriguing is the fact that lightness and openness can be achieved as heavy timber is stronger and larger, therefore less members can be used. This interesting paragon made for some simple and strong outcomes.
2’x1’ Solid Pressure Treated Oak Timbers
SECTION
Avery Watterworth Paige Stathopolous Michael Smith - ARCH 2240 Project 3 Heavy Timber
PLAN
ELEVATION
Avery Watterworth Paige Stathopolous Michael Smith - ARCH 2240 Project 3 Heavy Timber
We searched for a cladding system that was dynamic and textural, while allowing for change in the faรงade. The soft, flowing curtain system is the perfect compliment to the rigid, systematic timber. Conceptually, we saw the timber columns akin to ship masts, and hanging the curtain was as natural as unfurling a sail. Juxtaposing these two elements also highlights the different openings created by the grid of columns and beams, revealing different sized openings. The depth of the structure is also enhanced by the curtains, which are placed at varied heights in order to leave the top and bottom of the structure exposed when the curtains are fully drawn. The curtain allows for different areas and openings of the wall to be opened and closed at the will of the inhabitants. In order to let in more or less light or fresh air, the users of the building can change the faรงade of the building easily and gracefully. Materially, the sailcloth will protect from rain and wind, but also serve as a soft and smooth counterpoint to the rough and rigid timber.
Avery Watterworth Paige Stathopolous Michael Smith - Arch 2240 Project 3 Part 2 Cladding Systems
A
A
PLAN B
B
Waterproof Sailcloth Curtains
2’x1’ Solid Pressure Treated Oak Timbers
SECTION A
Avery Watterworth Paige Stathopolous Michael Smith - Arch 2240 Project 3 Part 2 Cladding Systems