Denis Yau_Portfolio 2021 by Denis Yau

Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)

Denis Yau Portfolio

Selected works from 2017-2021 in UCA

Brick Slaves // The Context of Live-work Imbalance The Machine - Dream House Desk

01 Brick Slaves M.Arch, Fifth year, 2020-2021

The project is looking at the problem of work-life imbalance in Hong Kong. A number of surveys show that Hong Kong employees have the longest working hours in Asia. Overtime has gradually become part of Hong Kong’s work culture. At the same time, housing prices in Hong Kong are extremely high. Even if people can buy a house, they are hardly at home because they have to work overtime in the office. But now, we are noticing a trend that is taking place during the pandemic, people want to work from home. Therefore, we can predict that this mode of work will continue after the pandemic. In addition, as we all know, Hong Kong is a city with a very high population density.

Most of the buildings are tower buildings. Residential and office buildings are repeated construction, stacked one after another. Therefore, Hong Kong people live and work in such a boring and rigid space. Therefore, this project rethinks the concept of vertical living and working in Hong Kong, and pre-establish functions of a home for working and living. It allows us to be free and flexible enough to support these social changes after the pandemic. Also, translating from the individual unit typology to the building scale, and establishing a repetitive module for adaptation to various sites in Hong Kong.

Brick Slaves // Live-work Unit

The Variable Space Activities for Live-Work Unit

The Sections

The sections show the different level of spaces and the boxes create not only the interior spaces also the structure of it.

TV room

Meeting room

Office

Single bedroom

Double bedroom

Working room

Brick Slaves // Live-work Unit

The spiral stairs will be placed in the centre of house.Different level mini spaces are around it and they all are the same size. There is no definition to these spaces. They can be carried out different activities.

The detail section shows the materials of prefabricated CLT wall and the flooring constructed by boxes.

The Detailed Section of Floor

The Floor Plans

11 14

6 4

1. Entrance space 2. Meeting space 3. Working space 4. Bathroom 5. Storage 6. Stairs

7. Kitchen 8. Dining space 9. Living space 10. Void

11. Bedroom 12. Study room 13. Master bedroom 14. Void

Brick Slaves // Live-work Unit

As we know we all love open plan living for decades, where living space, dinning space, open kitchen even sleeping space all get together in a big space. But now open-plan living may be over, families now like”broken-plan” house that offer more privacy for working and living. But how to break the living spaces that is what I am looking at. So I am proposing a house that stacking the spaces vertically and split the level of floors to create mini spaces and they all are connected together.

In the house, the spiral stairs will be placed in the centre. the spaces around it will be created by the boxes. These boxes create split level floors and the walls to divide the spaces. But the boxes of walls can be moved. So it provides flexibility for the spaces. On the left The split level floors are connected together around the spiral stairs without the wall. On the right the spaces are divided by the boxes to have privacy for living and working.

The Concept of Spatial Partition for Live-work Unit

The Flexibility of Modularity for Live-work Unit

Open

Brick Slaves // Live-work Unit

Closed

Brick Slaves // Live-work Unit

The Component of Live-work Unit

The Furniture of Modularity for Live-work Unit The boxes also can become furniture as well not only for interior partition. It can become chair, table, bed, cabinet and sofa. And there is a joint design to make the furniture more stable.

1. Live-work unit

2. Spiral stairs

3. Split level floors

4. Box wall

5. Completion

6. In use

Brick Slaves // Live-work Unit

Brick Slaves // Live-work Unit The Interior View of Live-Work Unit

The Exploded Isometric Drawing

Annotation 1. Boxes - flexible interior partition 2. Boxes - fixed split level floor 3. Spiral staircase 4. Complete interior components 5. Prefabricated CLT external walls 1

Closed isometric

Brick Slaves // Live-work Community

This is a concept of modular system. The diagrams that show the idea. That green part is taken out from the pink one to create void space between the units. And green part became a platform as common space connected each unit. The common space will become an idea of the street life to increase the interaction between neighbourhood.

All these units will be prefabricated with modular system and divided into several pieces, transport to the construction site.

Brick Slaves // Live-work Community

The programme of the community is composed by different type of housing units like studio, small, medium and large live-work unit. And also living program and working program space will be included such as cafe, library, restaurant, gym, meeting room, lecture room and co-working space. So the aggregation of modules creates a village that rethinks domestic space at the scale of the community.

The void spaces between each unit allows for light into the spaces and offer an opportunity for plant to occupy these common space.

The Concept of Void and Solid in Modules

The Prefabricated Modular System

The Programme of Community

The Floor Plan

Annotation 1. Live-work unit 2. Meeting space 3. Cafe/ restaurant 4. Lecture space 5. Common space 6. Void space

6 1 1 5 6

Brick Slaves // Typologies

The Tower Type

The Long Block Type

Brick Slaves // Typologies

The Low Rise Type

The View of Low Rise Type

Brick Slaves // Typologies

The concept of this modularity allows to create three type typologies - low rise type, tower type and long block type.

The strategy of these typologies. The common space and the main circulation will be placed in the centre between the units that allows unit could have street view, good light and ventilation condition for the units.

Brick Slaves // Typologies

These diagrams show the circulation of these three type typologies. There are two way of circulation in building. One is directly using elevator. Another one is walking through the common spaces using staircase that can feel more their neighbourhood to increase more interaction.

To promote this type of living. This new type of topology has certain rules and can be replicated. So other architect can use these principles to develop their own architecture.

The Typologies of Construction

The Circulation of Typologies

The Strategy of Three Types Constructions

The Five Points of New Type Typology

1. Flexible Interior Spaces

2. Modular Construction

3. Diversified Spaces

4. Street Life

5. Void Spaces

To provide flexible space for different activities or the needs of inhabitant.

In modular system, unit construction can become different typologies of building for the sites of various scales.

The community is composed of different spaces. Different shapes and sizes of units provide community diversity.

The units are connected by the common space, which provides a living atmosphere for the community.

Building need to provide void spaces to break the traditional construction model and provide a communication space for the community.

Way We Work // Re-thinking the Workplace

Brick Slaves

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower The View on the Street Level

02 Open Vertical Living M.Arch, Fourth year, 2019-2020

The project is to revisit vertical living and identifying the situation of the housing crisis in London. Many affordable towers that were incorrectly constructed in the 1960s and 70s have been demolished or are currently facing demolition. On the other hand, by 1968, the collapse of the Ronan Point. People stopped to build tower for living. But from 2000, after a gap of around 30 years, new high-rise are once again being built, but this time they were built for the rich. Housing prices in London are becoming more and more unaffordable. In addition, in the context of the housing demand for rapid population growth in recent years.

Therefore, my strategy is maintaining these affordable tower blocks and increasing the density of their community, adding more new version towers to the site. The tower combines CLT modular design with prefabrication method to create a diverse mix of different types and flexible program. And its plinth will be communal spaces to serve and diversify the entire site. The new version tower is flexible and can be adjusted to various site requirements depending on local needs.

Open Vertical Living // The Site Strategy

The Number of New Version Tower on the Site

The Master Plan & Strategy of the Site

Available Areas

Unblocked Views

Unaffected Position

Open Vertical Living // The Site Strategy The Strategy Diagram

I look for the areas where are available to be placed towers on the site. There are many corner spaces. But if I build all of them on those areas. The towers will block the view of each other and affect the existing building. So finally there are seven tower on the site. Five are proposal tower. Two are existing tower. The structrue of those two existing tower will be strengthened and

1. Context: Possible area

2. Simple extrude

3. Program on site

4. Pushed back: Restriction

5. Vehicle access

6. Terrace

densified with the peripheral zone. CLT modular system, glulam timber structure, peripheral zone and the concrete plinth will be the main element of the tower. Adapting CLT modular system that allow the construction to be completed faster and reduce the effect of environment.

Open Vertical Living // The Context of Towers

The Analysis of Towers in London

The Current Tower Blocks are Facing Demolition

Broadwater Farm Estate

LONDON POPULATION 1801 TO 2041 ( IN MILLIONS )

Following tests conducted in the wake of the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, Haringey Council announced on 20 June 2018 the evacuation of two of the blocks. Eleven of the blocks were structurally unsafe and vulnerable to collapse if a gas pipe or gas canister were to explode or if vehicle were to strike the base of the buildings. Tangmere House, a six-storey block, and Northholt, an 18-storey block, are those worst affected, and would be demolished. The blocks were built using the same large-panel system used on Ronan Point, where a gas explosion in 1968 caused progressive collapse, killing four people.Broadwater Farm was built using the same Taylor Woodrow-Anglian system of panels as Ronan Point. The domino-like system of large structural slabs speeded the building and allowed cheaper, less expert labour to be used to assemble the prefabricated panels. Even so, construction standards were ignored; mortar joints stuffed with newspaper reduced drying time and weakened the buildings. The blocks were inspected for safety in 1985 about the same time that gas was installed. Gaps, wide enough to see the flat below, were found between the external wall panels and the edge of the floor slabs. The gaps opened and closed depending on temperature. Fire could push them out of alignment and would cause the collapse of the building.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AND HOMES IN LONDON ( 1995=100% )

THE CHANGE IN AVERAGE PRIVATE RENTS IN LONDON 2007 TO 2019 (

HOME OWNERSHIP RATE BY AGE GROUP IN LONDON 1990-2018

Open Vertical Living // The Context of Towers

Hartopp Point and Lannoy Point

Ledbury Estate

Hartopp and Lannoy Points were built in 1968-70 using a technique known as ‘Large Panel System’ (LPS), the same system used in the Ronan Point disaster in 1969 in Newham. Refurbishment of the two blocks is estimated to cost more than £16million and, with the inherent structural problems of large panel system buildings, would not provide a good value option. H&F Council consulted residents on a proposal to demolish Hartopp and Lannoy Points. Following consultation with residents, the council is now recommending demolition of both blocks.

Ledbury Estate was built in 1968-70 using the Taylor Woodrow Anglian large panel system. Southwark became aware after a post-Grenfell public meeting on fire safety in June 2017 that thermal movement of the panels had damaged fire safety compartmentation. Four London tower blocks due for refurbishment now face being demolished after engineers found worse-than-expected structural faults including a lack of resistance to “disproportionate collapse”.

Site photos

Open Vertical Living // The Context of Towers The Site: Broadwater Farm Estate

The Timeline of Affordable Tower Block

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower

The Exploded Isometric

The Isometric Sections

Closed isometric

3 3 Section A

Section B

4 2

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower The Diversity of Typologies

Communal Space Area : 25m2

Type A : Studio Area : 25m2

Type B : 1 Room Area : 50m2

E C

Type C : 2 Rooms Area : 75m2

E A

Type D : 3 Rooms Area : 100m2

F D

Type E : 4 Rooms Area : 125m2

G F

A E

Annotation 1. Glulam timber framework 2. CLT modular block 3. CLT peripheral zone 4. Concrete core 5. Prefab concrete structure plinth 6. Concrete basement

Type F : 5 Rooms Area : 150m2

Type G : 6 Rooms Area : 175m2

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower

The Structural Details

The Concept of Expansion in CLT Modular System

Flexible roof slab (CLT 120mm)

Supporting Ledger (SCL)

Glulam timber (300 mm)

Fixed furniture Non-load-bearing partition walls

Flexible wall panels (CLT 120mm)

Load-bearing wall panels (CLT 120mm)

Load-bearing wall panels (CLT 120mm) Insulation (180 mm) Facade (wood based panel)

Load-bearing partition wall • CLT (120 mm) • air gap (50 mm) • insulation (30 mm) • CLT (120 mm)

Window frame

Load-bearing external wall • façade material • ventilation (32 mm) • insulation (180 mm) • CLT (120 mm)

Double glazing

Flexible wall panels (CLT 120mm)

Supporting Ledger (SCL)

Uplift connection

Anatomy of a modular element • Prefabricated in factory conditions • Finished surfaces, pre-fitted technical installations and preinstalled fixtures and fittings • Fire safety with massive wood and fire protective surface layers • Acoustic performance with engineered structural details and acoustic layers

Completed modular element

Vertical connection shear transfer 3.5 m Flexible prefabricated units

Horizontal expansion

Vertical expansion

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower 7.5 m

Connection hardware for glulam timber

The Peripheral Zone

Horizontal connection shear transfer

CLT slab intermediate floor • surface layer • floating floor slab (40 mm) • impact sound isolation (30 mm) • CLT (140 mm) • air gap (135 mm) •insulation (50 mm) • CLT (80 mm)

Non-load-bearing partition wall • CLT (80 mm) • moisture resistant board (13 mm) • certified waterproofing system • tile adhesive • tiles

A concept will be in the CLT system. People can expend their living spaces. It is kind of like DIY concept. If your neighbor move out and you want more spaces for your children. Then, Immediately your home can be expended to your neighbor home and link to it by dismantle the CLT wall. That will be fast and easy. Don’t need to cost a lot. Also, it can become different configuration that you like. So there are different way to live.

CLT slab intermediate floor, balcony • open boarding (28 mm) • firring piece • waterproofing • CLT (100 mm) • fire retardant treatment

And The Peripheral Zone is also a personalize element in the building. You can choose different type of expended spaces for your home. They can be combine as well.

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower The Views of Communal Spaces

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower The View of Communal Terrace

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower

The Floor Plan of Isometric View

The Communal Spaces

Communal plinth

The view of cafe

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower The Communal Space of CLT Modular System

Table tennis room

Communal dining room

Deck terrace & Roof terrace The modular system also includes community programs. There will be communal space in modular block. Small space can play table tennis, slightly bigger can be communal dinning room. Also can do double hight green sitting area or small library.

Green open space

Small library

The view of roof terrace

Open Vertical Living // The New Version Tower The Prototypes

Business Incubator // Hybrid Workplace for Start-up The Exploded Axonometric

03 Business Incubator BA, Third year, 2018-2019

The project focuses on the immigration issues of young Hungarians. The brain drain is causing serious damage to the Hungarian economy. Most of the people who leave Hungary are young people with higher education. They went abroad to look for business opportunities. Therefore, the purpose of the project is looking at how to stop the brain drain in Hungary. The proposal building is as a platform for young people to start their own businesses. Through the concept of co-working space, young people do not need to rent expensive office space to conduct business. Young people can exchange and share ideas, and they can also seek investment and like-minded people in the building.

According to the site conditions, the building is attached to the party wall to provide public space for the public at the front of the building. In the building, there are two programs. One is co-working spaces, another is promotional spaces. These two spaces are connected by a continuous internal stairs to encourage informal meetings and communication. The atrium acts as a light catcher for the building and also light up the open route. The building is a modular building with repeating units. The floors are reclined and recessed in various places to reflect the urban context and create communal indoor and outdoor areas and daylight conditions.

Business Incubator // Hybrid Workplace for Start-up The View on the Street Level

Business Incubator // Hybrid Workplace for Start-up The Project Big Section

Business Incubator // Hybrid Workplace for Start-up The View on the Street Level

Business Incubator // Hybrid Workplace for Start-up The View of Atrium

Business Incubator // Hybrid Workplace for Start-up The Floor Plans

Business Incubator // Hybrid Workplace for Start-up The Physical Model

Autonomous House // Affordable DIY Housing The Physical Model

04 Autonomous House BA, Third year, 2018-2019

The purpose of this project is to provide affordable housing for people in Aylesham. Housing prices of London have been out of control. There will be more and more people who simply can not afford a house in the future. So the inexpensive house will be the focus of this project. The idea is simple, the house should be constructed on a low budget. Therefore, the concept is to build a large house with a standard home budget. The house is a two-story timber construction and simple volume on a rectangular base. The structure of the house is covered with multiple polycarbonate sheeting. The inhabitable part of the house can vary according to the needs of space.

The scalability of the house enables the house to transform from the most open state to the most enclosed state according to the needs and desires for light, transparency, privacy, protection and ventilation. Inexpensive materials such as wood and polycarbonate reduce construction costs, thereby providing people with affordable houses. On the first floor, a simple floor plan provides a basic living area and kitchen. The upper level can provide four bedrooms or terraces as needed. Homeowners can participate in consultation activities to learn how to DIY their own house.

Autonomous House // Affordable DIY Housing The Exploded Cladding

Autonomous House // Affordable DIY Housing The Interior View

Autonomous House // Affordable DIY Housing The Floor Plans

Autonomous House // Affordable DIY Housing The Master Plan

Autonomous House // Affordable DIY Housing The Exploded Axonometric

Autonomous House // Affordable DIY Housing The Aerial View

Denis Yau E-mail : lungyau8@gmail.com Phone : 07518 856027