ES TR IA PE D
‘HIGH LINE’ SPACE
NR OU
TE
PUBLIC SPACE
PUBLIC SPACE
PE
DE
ST RIA
NR OU
TE
COMMUNAL SQUARE
C HR ISTOP HE R M Y K Portfolio of Work 2020
M .A r ch PR O J E CT S ESTCODE
ESTCODE
XSIZE YSIZE
ESTCODE
XSIZE YSIZE
ESTCODE
ESTCODE
MA S TERS - M A rch
XSIZE YSIZE
ESTCODE
XSIZE YSIZE
AG E - FRIEN D LY OLD MOAT
C O - LI VI N G
A DES IGN FOR THE ETER NAL PR ES ENT
Pr o j e ct Pr o po s al
E xt er i o r Per s p ec t i v e
A g e - Fr i e n d ly O ld M oat Professional Studies 1
Site Strategies + Adaption of Existing
There were three key challenges approaching the brief: Firstly, the scheme provided had to incorporate as much of the existing housing (minimal demolition) as possible. Secondly, our proposal had to significantly increase the occupancy levels of the area to fund the project. Thirdly a suitable strategy had to be defined to ‘decant’ residents currently living in the properties. Research on the area highlighted a large number of single occupancy residencies, with the majority of the housing stock being 2,3 or 4 bed housing. As a result, the strategic approach was to diversify the housing stock, developing a co-living scheme focussing on mainly single occupancy residents. The decanting strategy then sought to locate existing single occupancy residents who currently live in 2/3bedroom houses that would like to be a part new scheme. Group them into existing 3-bedroom houses for construction of the new development. This offers tenants a ‘trial period’ so they can experience what it is like to live with other people without engaging fully committing.
MA S TERS - M A rch
The brief required the conversion of existing houses into a co-living space. The aim of which was to create an age friendly, intergenerational community as part of the Southway Housing Trust redevelopment.
Southern Elevation - Communal Space
A g e - Fr i e n d ly O ld M oat
Accommodation + Communal Strategies
Professional Studies 1- Accommodation Strategy The majority of the existing structure was retained as requested in the brief. An additional floor was added on top to provide additional accommodation. Internal spaces were adapted from the 3 bedroom homes to become one and two bedroom, the process of which was achieved through a complete retrofitting of the existing buildings.
As an emphasis was placed on the community and an intergenerational approach the communal areas were developed between the two rows of housing, bridging the gap. These offered kitchen and dining facilities as well as living and working areas shown in previous perspectives. The facilities are offered with the intention that residents will work together in these spaces. Smaller kitchen and living facilities are included each of the residents private accommodation spaces. By diversifying the housing stock for the client, the area as a whole has almost been able to double its density through optimisation of accommodation to better suit their residents.
MA S TERS - M A rch
This shifted circulatory spaces outside, compensated by wide interconnected balconies, allowing residents to share communal spaces with each other.
S ec t i o n t h r o u g h Pr i v a t e S p a c es
A g e - Fr i e n d ly O ld M oat Professional Studies 1 - Technical Design
This frame sits around and on-top of the existing structure. Exterior detailing features douglas fir cladding boards, with the roofing tiles being reused from what is currently there. Construction of the additional space in this manner allows for the internal spaces to be free to adapt as required. The communal areas offer space for residents to work, rest, dine and play together. Located in-between the two main terraces this shared space encourages residents to interact with each other. These facilities feature stretched areas of glazing which can be opened out to external seating areas. Other facilities include a gardening area that residents can use to grow food to use in the communal kitchen. Shared balconies to catchup up with friends and neighbours. Also a living space to view films an play games with each other.
S te e l Fr am e + B u i l du p
C o mmu n a l S p a c e
MA S TERS - M A rch
Existing walls of the terrace were constructed in the 1930’s using diatomate. This materials performance under additional load is not fully known. Therefore, to eliminate the need to rely on the unknown strength of the walls. An external structural frame is proposed to support the additional floor added. This provides the additional floor needed to increase the number of accommodation spaces.
APPROACH
MANIFESTO
1_AGE IS JUST A NUMBER.
2_CENTRING ON ACTIVITIES
3_PROVIDE VARIOUS HOUSING SOLUTIONS
Age should not be a category as a basis for design, it renders people down to numbers with little consideration for who they are. Design should be focused on interests, skills and abilities of those who will occupy the space. The proposal will create age-friendly environments by thinking about enabling encounters between residents.
Designing spaces to promote social interactions, spaces will integrate different activities. These activities should be suitable for different age ranges to enable everyone to share skills, conversations, food and other day-to-day activities; creating an “active-aging” environment
People have different lifestyles and abilities. There should be a range of dwellings that reflect the varying needs of different people, or can be readily adapted for those who need to change it. This can be reflective of the different types of residents this project aims to encompass.
4_INTEGRATING DESIGN FOR INCLUSION
5_CREATING A FLEXIBLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
6_CHANGING PERCEPTIONS
Identifying strategies that offer inclusivity for everyone (both of ability and different ages) at the start of the project and carrying those themes through to final design. Reducing Social exclusion between residents is key to our strategy for developing age-friendly environments.
Promote greater integration in the habitation spaces for people of all generations, backgrounds and skills. Combining this with facilities in part managed by residents, specifically for older generations to give elder generations opportunity to remain an integral part of the community.
People view age as a limiting factor, not just a fact of life. Elder generations are pushed out of the heart of communities as they are seen to not be capable of what other people can do. We aim through the proposed scheme to change those perceptions.
PROPOSAL
CO-LIVING Professional Studies 2 The brief is to understand how the Northern Gateway can be changed to promote a more age-friendly community. This will be explored by implementing the age-friendly model as part of the Northern Gateway project. Two key documents that will be used are the Strategic Regeneration Framework and the Manchester Residential Quality Guide.
Socially Active/Passive Spaces Floor 03
Floor 03 Socially Passive Spaces Floor 03
The manifesto developed outlines a methodology that will be applied to the design as a means of investigating how an age-friendly strategy can be applied to the Northern Gateway. This aims to challenge and build upon aspects of the Strategic Regeneration Framework and is reflective of our investigations into how to approach design for inclusion within an ageing population. From the investigations factors such as age, like race, gender or creed shouldn’t the definitive factor in building an age friendly community. The aim of the project becomes a means to change the perception of how elder generations are perceived by the community. Achieved through categorisation of people into how they would engage with other cohabitants from active to passive to inactive. Design around this systems seeks to accommodate and promote activity amongst inhabitants.
Socially Active Spaces Floor 02
Floor 02
Floor 02
MA S TERS - M A rch
The proposal will establish the vision for an age-friendly community in the form of a mixed residential development in Red Bank, one of the proposed areas for the Northern Gateway.
Re d B an k Pr o p o s a l
CO-LIVING
Pr i v a t e S p a c e
C o mmu n a l A r ea
Professional Studies 2 From the conceptual response to the research question, residents are located on the scale between socially active and socially inactive. This building looks to understand how socially active residents co-habitate with socially passive residents, whilst also searching for ways to engage residents who would normally not interact with their neighbours.
Socially Active Residents will tend to have less private space and have a more significant relationship with communal areas. Bedrooms and other private spaces are located directly off of communal areas. Socially Passive Residents dwellings will feature more private areas and have variations on the typology to accommodate for 2 or 3 bedrooms, similar to that of a standard housing typology. The unifying factors between these different types of residents will be the communal spaces between. Whilst socially active residents will naturally use the communal spaces more, the location of communal spaces for
MA S TERS - M A rch
The proposal is an open plan 2 floor strategy where residents can move freely between the spaces.
S ec t i o n t h r o u g h t h e a c c o mmo d a t i o n
CO-LIVING ROOF
Professional Studies 2 - Structural Strategy The structural strategy for this proposal is a Glulam/CLT hybrid, chosen for its rapid and clean construction process. This strategy allows for the use of prefabricated cassettes to quickly envelope the building an make it watertight with little waste and time spent onsite. The phased construction process is used as the example of how the interactive document works on page 2.
ESTCODE
CLT FLOOR SLABS
ROOF The roof is a steel deck supported by the glulam columns used throughout the scheme. This was chosen as it lighter than the CLT plates used for floors. This is finished with an EDPM roofing membrane. The roof will be used primarily to house services such as ventilation and photovoltaic panels. FLOOR SLABS CLT slabs are used on each of the residential floors to span the distances between the columns. The slabs are 200mm thick, 350mm wide and have varying lengths to accommodate the requires spans. Slabs like the columns are lifted into place by crane.
GLULAM COLUMNS
XSIZE YSIZE
COLUMNS The floors and roof are supported by a collection of interlocking glulam columns. These are 265mm x 265mm on most levels, although can narrow out on the upper floors. The columns are mostly situated in between the walls of the dwellings where they are protected by layers of fireboard. Where columns are exposed they are coated with a clear intumescent paint to offer greater fire resistance.
CONCRETE CORES
CORES There are two concrete cores in the building, located to provide multiple access routes for residents. These house the stairs, lift shafts and service risers for each floor. The cores are 450mm thick as they provide lateral strength for the building. PODIUM The hybrid structure requires a podium to build from, this has a few key benefits. The first offers greater flexibility on the ground floor as the spans are much greater. Secondly the timber used in construction is raised off the ground and out of reach of flood risk zones, which avoids compromising of the structure in the event of a flood. The transfer slab is 600mm thick and has integrated fixings for the columns to fit into. FOUNDATIONS The foundations used are CFA piles drilled down to the engineers specifications. These are grouped in 3 or 4 underneath a pile cap which takes the load of the columns from the podium.
ESTCODE
FOUNDATIONS
O v e r al l S tr a te gy
MA S TERS - M A rch
CONCRETE PODIUM
Rep r es en t a t i o n o f t h e d u r a t i o n a l s p a c e
EA AR
AR EA
4
0/
06
2
01 04
09
05
03 08
02 AR EA
07 1
EA AR
3
Lay ers of a f our- d i m e nsi ona l sp a c e
D e s i g n F or th e Eternal Pr es ent Thesis
Situating time as a means of generating perspective, architecture becomes the design of systems. Emerging from initial design requirements, a repertoire of responses is developed knowing that the requirements of the space can and probably will change. Live interactions with space are layered to develop responses to correct deviations from anticipated use. Each response becomes a layer that enables the tendency toward a four-dimensional architecture. A four-dimensional architecture as a concept is built on the assumption that it can facilitate any activity that happens within a specific space. Therefore, to test the limits of this approach, the designated function of the space is stripped away leaving a space that has no purpose other than to facilitate activity. This is then populated with extracts from contrasting activities and environments, all within one durational space.
MA S TERS - M A rch
Our perspectives our limited by our perception. How can we as architects design spaces to be used by people we will never meet; in places we may never go? With this, how can one singular design be suitable for all case scenarios in the near and distant future? A four-dimensional approach to architecture is proposed to respond to these differences in perceptions and change in activity over time.
Th e l ayered du ratio n al space
D e s i g n F or th e Eternal Pr es ent Thesis
As a result, a fully four-dimensional space is highly irrational and neither possible nor practical in its entirety. Our perceptions will always be limited from the unpredictability that exponentially increases with time (at least until quantum computing arises but even that is a stretch). Yet although not successful, the process of trying to attain the four-dimensional space itself yields useful meaning to the ways we think about architecture, space and most importantly, those who use it. Firstly, thinking about duration of spaces and how the same spaces change with time. Averaging over the course of a day rather than designing to think of one optimal moment that has been designed for is a much more advantageous to those who will eventually use the spaces we create. In this respect, Architecture designed as a process can lead to designs that are better suited to transitions and adaptions over time. Secondly, the complexity involved in developing the system required an evaluation on what were essential elements of the space and how they could be shared.
MA S TERS - M A rch
The investigations into developing four-dimensional architectures, as well as the process of achieving them, highlight the complexity in developing a space that accounts for change in time. The necessary simplification and layering of the requirements of space to facilitate specific activities was challenging, even at a small scale with an single 4mx5m environment tailored to an individual person.
T h e proce ss of th e du ratio nal space
align similarities, a
representation of the four-
preliminary to compiling
dimensional architecture
material requirements
D e s i g n F or th e Eternal Pr es ent Thesis
To start, a log of daily occurring events was noted down and subsequently documented. Situated in a single location within each room, a camera was used to record what was occurring in each space, which objects were integral to facilitate activity and what elements of the space are necessary but not directly interacted with. The activities (or occupation) within the spaces are layered into a single environment. Where activities require similar functional aspects, these are assimilated into one. For example the office desk and breakfast table are integrated together. This works for the design of this space as it is focussing on the design of the space for a single person. This layering highlights essential elements of the environment and similarities between different activities. As the layers build up so does the complexity of the system, These are represented in the final drawings and video outputs of a durational space, the four- dimensional approach to architecture.
BEDROOM OFFICE
LIVING ROOM 02
The durational space is populated from all the different elements of my daily life. Originally intended to be a representation of multiple spaces, the COVID-19 lockdown restricted these locations to activities and life within my house.
MA S TERS - M A rch
durational space, a
GAMING
and materialised in the
such a manner to
SOFA
READING
are layered in
interactions and
LIVING ROOM 01
tracing movement,
COMPONENT 02
Composition Activity layers are refined
COMPONENT 03
Layering Extracted activities
RELAXING
TV
Documentation Activities are recorded,
SPATIAL COMPOSITIONS
COMPONENT 01
KEY COMPONENTS OF SPACE
T h e Bu n k h o u s e, H i l l H o l t Wo o d
PA R T I P LACE ME N T D e s i g n: H ill H o lt Wo o d A r c h i t e c tura l Ra n g er A requirement of working for Design:HHW is that you fully immerse yourself into sustainable design by living off grid in ‘The Bunkhouse’; a straw/timber building built by previous design team members. Each year the design team adds to and improves upon the Bunkhouse. Heating is provided by lighting the aga cooker, rainwater is collected and filtered for drinking and washing, and electricity is provided by a small generator. During my time at Design:HHW I had the opportunity to manage a number of my own projects at numerous stages of the RIBA Plan of Works. From initial meet with the clients, right the way through concept design, contract management and to construction of projects. This helped to significantly develop my organisational skills and understanding of Architecture in practice. As there were no Architects working at Design:HHW, each team member sources a Mentor from local Architectural firms, to present any questions or queries. Along with the Projects, we ran many workshops and experience days to students and other people interested in sustainable design. Ranging from Strawbale Construction, to Hempcrete and timber framing. We organised these workshops, linking with Universities and Schools to gain a wider audience.
DESIGNING
BUILDING
TEACHING
Working as part of the team to design a variety of small scale projects, being project lead on some of them. The project were designed with high levels of sustainability using mostly natural building materials
Working with the build team on site to oversee and get involver with the construction of projects. The process of which helping to develop both an understanding of how buildings are put together as well as project management skills
Using our skills developed to teach workshops on strawbale construction and other natural building methods such as hemp and rammed earth. These workshops were to both industry professionals and students in university and colleges.
PA RT I P L AC E ME N T
November 2016 - December 2017
PA RT I P L AC E ME N T S ENS ORY HIDE - COM PLETED APR IL 2018
Pr o po s e d B i r d h i de o n th e L a k e
Project Runtime: November 2016 – April 2018 Project role: Lead RIBA Stages Involved In: 0-5
1
2
3 Timber Construction Diagrams 1.150mm x 150mm Treated Timber Bearers laid and bound to gabion foundations.
The Sensory Hide is a Bird Hide located in Skylarks Nature Reserve in Nottingham. The nature reserve was one of the first in the UK to be fully wheelchair accessible so the design had to complement those origins. The sensory aspects were included along the length of the path leading up to the secluded hide. The design itself allows for wildlife to use the structure for shelter and nesting, with the gabion foundations offering shelter for bugs and small water birds. The eaves offer shelter for bats and larger birds. As the hide is south facing (poor for birdwatching), there are multiple viewports, giving people the opportunity to watch birds from different perspectives throughout the day, reducing the chance of glare and shadowing. The gabion foundation accounts for that seasonal change in water level. Providing shelter for wildlife and insects. The main structure is timber frame, using a Scots Pine frame and staggered Douglas fir cladding sourced from woodlands Hill Holt Wood manage. The roof is seeded with durable windflowers, which in time will offer habitats for a number of insects and wildlife.
2.Premade 150mm x 50mm Timber Base Plates brought to site and installed.
4
5
6
3.Premade 100mm x 50mm Stud Wall Plates brought to site and installed. 4.Premade 150mm x 50mm Roof Plates installed, Firrings installed on top. 5.Structure is clad with Douglas Fir Boards according to design. 6.Green roof is laid once OSB and Rubber DPM has been installed.
PA RT I P L AC E ME N T
S e ns o r y Bird H id e
I n t er n a l s p a c e
A
A
Entrance Section AA - Roof Detail 1:50
Entrance Section AA - Plan 1:100
Bird Hide Entrance Roof Detail
S e ns o r y Bird H id e Technical Design There were several key factors to consider going into the design and the execution of the project. Firstly the location of the build was directly on-top of a limestone pier which was in a fairly poor state. This had to be removed prior to construction. To do so the area had to be coffer dammed to remove the nearby water and provide a safe place to work. This stayed in place until the gabion foundation was laid. On top of the gabion foundation were treated timber bearers providing support for the timber frame to be installed. To minimise time of construction on site, the project had been designed to have a number of components to be prefabricated in the HHW workshop. These were designed to fit in the back of the tipper trucks we had ready for site. The cladding is a staggered douglas fir cladding, using timber cut and sawn from our own woodlands. The staggering of the boards provided adequate shelter from the birds and saved on how much material would be required.
1.
1
2. 3.
2 3 4 5 6
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
7 8 9
10 11 12 13
Hessian Sack Filled with 125mm Stone/Earth mixture. Planted with Wildflowers Wallbarn Protecto-drain 20P Green Roof Drainage Protect RP110 Root Protection Membrane 2 Layers 1000 Gauge DPM (Lapped over Fascia) 18mm OSB Douglas Fir Fascia Board Timber Furrings (100mm to 50mm over 3m) 100mm x 150mm Timber Beam (Max span 1910mm) Douglas Fir Soffit 50mm x 100mm Timber Ring Beam 50mm x 100mm Timber Studwork Top 50mm x 100mm Timber Studwork Column 18mm Douglas Fir Cladding Internal 18mm Douglas Fir Cladding External
CLIENT:
LAURA BAC JOB LOCATION:
SKYLARKS LANE, NOT
JOB NUMBER:
G091 PROJECT TITLE:
PA RT I P L AC E ME N T
We s t El e v ati o n
BIRD HIDE DRAWING No:
G091 - 407 Drawing Title:
Bird Hide En Drawing by:
CHRIS MYK DATE:
26/07/2017
Entrance Section AA - Floor Detail 1:10
Sketch Axo
Phase 2: Meeting Hall
R h u b a r b F a rm
Rhubarb Farm is a small Social enterprise based in Langwith on the Nottingham Border. The offer rehabilitation projects through agriculture, teaching people how to look after the land and provide for themselves. Their current office accommodation is using portacabins and shipping containers. The aim of the project is to completely revamp the area, offering new office space and an adaptable cafeteria/meeting hall.
PA RT I P L AC E ME N T
Project Runtime: December 2016 – August 2017 Project role: Lead RIBA Stages Involved In: 0-2
Site Arrangement
Due to funding not being readily available the scheme was divided into three phases. Unifying the structures is a central walkway/garden space which all phases look out upon. This design allows the Rhubarb Farm team to build all of the scheme or part of the scheme as and when they are ready. The project will be built using straw bales sourced from a local farmer, and will be built by Design:HHW in conjunction with Rhubarb Farm and their volunteers. Other materials used will be timber from locally managed woodlands and Hemp sourced from Yorkshire. The office space offers accommodation for a 12 staff once complete. The meeting hall will accommodate 24-30 people, and there is also a small store where produce that is grown on site can be sold to local visitors. Phase I: Strawbale Offices
Phase 3: Storage+Offices
PA RT I P L AC E ME N T VERN AC U LA R BUILDING - COM PLETED OCTOBER 2017
ELEVATION A
6
2085
6600
4285
7 8 2200
9 10 800
1600 6000
800
11
800 2000
8000
Oak Posts
Cedar Shingles
Traditional Oak/Douglas Fir Door
ELEVATION B
Ve r na c ula r Build in g Project Runtime: January 2017– October 2017 Project role: Lead RIBA Stages Involved In: 0-7
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS 01_Felling timber Trees are selected as part of woodland maintenance
The Vernacular building is located in New Skylarks Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire which was created after the backfilling of an open cast mine. Before the mine existed, archaeology revealed an Anglo Saxon settlement there. As a result, Skylarks Experimental Archaeology have been recreating a small settlement, reminiscent of the time period, for educational purposes.
03_Working Timber is cut green in the workshop ready for site
Extensive research was carried out to try and decipher the construction techniques used in the past, different joinery techniques and how the foundations would have been laid. The timber used in construction varies depending on its function. It is sourced where available from our managed local woodlands. The frame is Oak with Scots pine rafters and roundwood ridge beam. The shingles are Cedar, all three doors are made with a single trunk of Douglas Fir.
04_Foundations Foundations are dug, filled with 40mm limestone 05_Posts Oak Posts are placed, limestone is packed around 06_Rafters Rafters and ties are placed, ready for sub rafters
Traditional timber framing techniques are employed in the design, cut in the Hill Holt Wood workshop. Once complete they are test fit and then brought to site. With the aid of the Volunteers at Skylarks Experimental Archaeology the building is erected quickly on site.
07_Battens Sawn battens are laid on top of sub rafters
I documented the process myself and edited the timelapse video using my GoPro camera and Premiere Pro. Feel free to watch the video here.
08_Roof Red Cedar Shingles are used for roofing Click to view video on YouTube
PA RT I P L AC E ME N T
02_Sawmill Timber is cut on the Hill Holt Wood Sawmill
The Hemp House
Th e S u m merh ouse
H a nki ns H e m p H o u se
Project Runtime: November 2015– June 2017 Project role: Technical Design + Build RIBA Stages Involved In: 4 - 5
Project Runtime: July 2017 – April 2019 Project role: Build + Detail Design RIBA Stages Involved In: 4 - 5
The summerhouse is a project that is now completed in Riseholme, just outside of Lincoln. The client originally purchased a set of Dutch doors with stained glass from a scrapyard. Wanting to use them but having nowhere to do so, they sought out Design:HHW to design a small Summerhouse to write and teach music to students.
The Hemp House is a project that I came across on ‘The POOSH’ (Peoples Organisation on Sustainable Housing), a global site aimed at linking together like minded people to help start or participate in their own sustainable self build projects. A group of us volunteered to help the Hankins family build their own home. The building is timber frame with an infill for all walls of Hempcrete, this was a brilliant opportunity to work with people from UKHempcrete.
Cedar Shingles
The project is highly sustainable used car tire foundations rammed with aggregate. Structural and cladded timber were sourced from Hill Holt maintained woodlands; these were milled on-site at Hill Holt Wood. Interior floors utilise Cork tiles and the walls are lined with shiplap matchboard and rope.
Laying the Hempcrete
On site we were preparing the hempcrete mix, the shuttering to fill into and the actual laying of material. This method of construction is incredibly rapid taking only a few hours before we can remove the shuttering and place the next layer.
I worked mainly on the construction and technical design of this project as the initial stages had been completed before my start at Design:HHW. Ensuring that the dutch doors and second hand timber windows would fit into the concept proposed. I also got to work on site from foundations to completion alongside the construction team.
After a few weekends of volunteer work, we were asked by the family to design details for some of the roof junctions as the entire buildings design had not been fully completed. These were mainly small roof details. Rammed Tire Foundations
The project is now mostly complete and is due to appear on the tv show ‘Building the Dream’.
Formwork for Hempcrete
Removing the shuttering
PA RT I P L AC E ME N T
Riseholme Summerhouse