ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

AND HANDRAIL ASHED

South Sioux City, Nebraska

Staircase and handrail project is a team work by two students. Here we explored different materials and methods of fabrication using the lamination technique to blend with the Cross Laminated Timber construction of ‘Ashed’.

My role involved addressing and solving the issues related to fabrication as we began designing and fabricating the parts in the school’s workshop. The project demanded high level of accuracy and craftsmanship, and ownership of the work produced. The process involved preparation of working drawings/ installation drawings which were provided to the contractors for reference during installation.

Handrail follows the steam bending and glue lamination technique which gave us the flexibility to achieve a sinuous form. It was fabricated as eleven pieces which were installed on site by the students.

Materials used:

Staircase- SPF 2x4 wood and birch ply

Handrail and column-Reclaimed Ash strips

Faux column - Birch ply

Level 1 -plan

Staircase plan

‘ASHED’ - an Orchard Facility

Stud wall addition for stair support

Angled dowel insertion

Lack of support

Lack of support under the first glued 2x4 leaves it vulnerable to pressure. Hence it is secured in place by drilling 3 screws through the 1st 3 pieces to keep it from falling apart. Also, the tread is reinforced by inserting glue coated dowels at different angles.

Tread reinforcement

Detailed section through stair treads

Stud

wall for supporting staircase 4” thk pipe running up to the roof

Glue and dowel laminated tread Riser side supports attached to wall

Stud wall for supporting staircase

Staircase assembly axon

2x4 pine wood glu-lam tread

Problem:

The width of the passage changes at many points due to the side walls not being perfectly parallel. This leaves the stairwell with different widths, not allowing all treads to be of same width.

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Solution:

All treads are fabricated 1.5” longer than the length of the first tread. These are later cut on site to the required dimension during installation.

Varying width of the stairwell

Problem:

Winder treads which have angled edges waste a substantial amount of wood when cut out from the huge glue and dowel laminated rectangular piece.

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Solution:

All the 2x4 wood pieces are cut to different lengths so when they are glue laminated, the staggered edge contains the angled edge within it, reducing the amount of wastage.

Winder tread- Material wastage

The circular pieces are cut from a large sheet of 3/4” plywood by using the CNC. These are then sanded and glued in sets of four. Later these are stacked on site to form a column securing the pipe inside and allowing the handrail to be fixed upon.

Plan showing handrail and faux column Faux column fabrication and installation

Detail - handrail wrapping around the column

ash panels (3 nos)

‘S’ shaped connecting pieces

CNC cut Plywood pieces stacked and nailed with 6” long screws to form a faux column around the pipe which also allows the handrail to wrap around firmly

Ash strips steam bent and glue laminated to achieve the doubly bent curve across the corner forming a continuous snaky handrail with no sharp turns.

THE HIVE

Bee Research Facility

Grand Island, Nebraska

Studio - Spring 2018

Architecture can directly have impact on the bees’ lifestyle based on the design which may either help them in performing all activities efficiently, or cause hindrance by manipulating the natural ways of performing their activities.

This project is a team work by two students with two major ideas married and blended together into the design. My design idea introduces user zone delineation while still intersecting them, providing a close peek into the hanging hives to witness a bees’ way of life and work.

The purpose of this research center is to educate the visitors about bee keeping and its benefits. The design focuses on embracing the natural lifestyle of the bees. Hence, studies on their circulation patterns and activities led to designing a habitat where bees and human interaction can be carried out at various levels of adjacency. And, the design drives the way in which people experience learning by observing the activities closely without interfering.

Crown at the peak

Staff entry

Bee yard

Massing model

Entrance

Drawn by Andrew Hicks

11. Storage + service

12. Exhibit hall

13. Learning lab

14. Hive hallway

15. Honey extraction

16. Molecular lab

17. Hot room 18. Cold room

19. Wood shop 20. TV lounge 21. Fire exit

Staff entry

1. Entrance

2. Lobby

3. Retail

4. Restrooms

5. Deck

6. Light well

7. Roof garden

8. Hive

9. Bee yard

10. Green house

sheet metal parapet cap sloped to drain roof side; shim as required

concrete masonry unit sheet metal protection

pavers with shim

loose-laid retention tee

engineered soil

filter fabric

optional reservoir layer

moisture retention layer aeration layer

thermal insulation

drainage layer

root barrier protection course thermoplastic water proofing membrane

1' thick roof slab (hollow core) sealant, if required membrane flashing seam plates and fasteners

air, vapor /moisture barrier rigid insuation

2" Air cavity

1" thick precast concrete panels

continuous cleat

Green roof detail

Wall sections showing assembly

CAMO responds to the geometric character of the neighborhood in a dominant manner with its volumetric and monumental typology. It displays stacked masses of rectangular extrusions which intersect, creating a composition that informs the exterior form.

The site is designed with superimposing shapes to form interesting patterns along different axes creating a phenomenal transparency in the layout. The design focuses on the spatial qualities such as day light, transitional connectivity to other spaces, and volume.

The promenade of the museum delights a visitor with its bright and generous transition spaces connecting them to the outdoor cityscape continuously as they progress through levels of the museum. With beautiful patterns formed by the sunlight entering in through the metal curtain wall, the vertical circulation across the huge glazing is an interesting space. A crown of glazing runs around the building forming the administration area with ample day light and generous views of the downtown.

Third floor plan

04 TRIPOD LAMINATED CHAIR

Product design

The tripod chair is designed for transition spaces especially those in a museum which connect major galleries. The purpose is to provide the visitors with a chance to take a quick break before transitioning into the next space of activity. When placed in spaces facing outdoor exhibits, gardens, fountains etc. , one can take a seat temporarily to relax and enjoy the outdoor views, before continuing their exploration of the next space.

The chair uses maple wood for its aesthetically pleasing and light weight appearance. Challenges faced in designing and making of this chair are of critical dimensions and angles, and to be able to support a human comfortably on the tripod bottom. The design incorporates techniques such as steam bending, cross lamination, and the use of dowels for reinforcement. The tripod chair is inspired from Danish and Finnish furniture design styles.

Studio - Fall 2018

The Paimio chair by Alvar Aalto

Steam bent furniture by Bar Gantz Inspiration

Mock-up

Wood steaming set up

Jig for stacking seat layers

Steamed wooden strips bent and clamped

Layer 1-transverse

Cross lamination of seat layers on the jig

Layer 2- longitudinal

Front legs

Layer 3- transverse

Center frame

Dowel reinforcement for center frame

Dowel reinforcement

Dowel reinforcement

1. Glue-laminated front leg

2. Center frame assembly

3. Glue-laminated center frame

4. Front leg and center frame attachment

5. Seat attachment to leg frame

Layer 1: transverse wooden strips

Layer 2: longitudinal wooden strips, 2” wide

Layer 3: transverse wooden strips

Cross laminated timber (CLT) seat

Material: Maple

Glue laminated front legs and center frame

Material: Maple

PROFESSIONAL/ INTERNSHIP

FORD CONSERVATION CENTER

- MASONRY REPAIR PROJECT

Omaha, Nebraska ( Existing building )

The Ford Conservation Center in Omaha, Nebraska, built in 1995 is a historic building that suffers due to structural inability to control moisture transmission through exterior walls and ceiling. Constant damp surfaces were causing damage to masonry brick veneer and mortar joints. And, Efflorescence formed ugly white patches.

In an attempt to restore the structure, a maintenance plan was proposed. This included: 1) Removal of the 3 striking age old chimneys, 2)Relocation of the entire exhaust system that is within the chimneys, into the laboratories, and 3) Re-pointing the facade. This also involved research, and design support from the mechanical engineers to relocate the exhaust system.

Tasks accomplished:

1. Coordinated with mechanical engineer.

2. Produced construction drawing set.

3. Created 3D visuals for the maintenance proposal.

4. Researched on problematic areas causing moisture intrusion.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

3) Removal of chimneys on North facade

1) Re-pointing exterior mortar joints

4) Re-location of exhaust fan

Exhaust fan

Re-locate inside labs

Chimneys to be removed

Objects lab Textile lab Paper lab

2) Replacement of damaged stone

TASK 1: 3D-VISUALS FOR RESTORATION PROPOSAL

Existing chimneys on North wall

New North wall post chimneys removal

Exhaust Fan relocation inside the laboratory

Documentation of existing interiors of the laboratories for providing base drawings to the mechanical team

Exhaust Fan within acoustic enclosure

Exterior Facade Treatment:

The exterior mortar joints on all facades, Brick Veneer Control Joints (VCJ) and Through wall Control Joints (TCJ), are required to be re-pointed in order to restore the facade.

Chimney demolition and fan relocation:

The demolition of chimneys was proposed along with relocating the fan into the labs. This will introduce a new wall with high performance moisture and vapor barrier at the North facade post demolition. Additionally an acoustic enclosure must be designed to encompass the re-located mechanical system inside the labs, which would otherwise remain exposed, creating noise pollution inside the labs.

TASK 4: CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

Downspout & Gutter Sizing Reports

Project Name: Ford Conservation Center, Omaha

Rainfall Intensity (in/hr): 7.4

Based on rainfall averages in Omaha, NEBRASKA (10 years)

Roof Rainfall Design Area (ft²): 16,286.50

* Area of Largest Roof Serving a Single Gutter System

Design Area manually entered by user

Gutter in Lineal Ft: 664

* Length at Largest Roof Serving a Single Gutter System

Gutter Length Serving Single DS (ft.): 37

*Assumption: downspouts are equally spaced

**Maximum gutter length to be served by a downspout is 50ft per SMACNA ASMM

M (depth to width ratio): 0.75

Min. Gutter Width (in.): 6 [Rectangular]

Min. Gutter Depth (in.): 4.5

# of Downspouts: 18

Additional Downspouts: 4

*to reduce size of gutter and downspouts additional downspouts can be added

Min. Area per DS (in²): 5.66

Min. DS Size (in): 3 [Plain Round]

*Per Table 1-3 on page 1.4 of SMACNA ASMM

Roof gutter inefficiency:

Research was performed to determine whether the existing roof gutter meets the size requirements as per the SMACNA gutter sizing based on the roof area and volume of the annual rainfall that Nebraska receives. This clearly showed the existing gutter was undersized, proving its inefficiency in rain water drainage, adding to the problem.

16 OZ LEAD COATED COPPER COUNTER FLASHING

16 OZ LEAD COATED COPPER CRICKET FLASHING EXISTING ROOF DECK

GENERAL NOTES

1. EXISTING DOCUMENTATION INDICATE THE STONE PANELS ARE MOUNTED ON STEEL SUPPORT FRAMES. CONTRACTOR TO CAREFULLY REMOVE STRUCTURE BELOW THE STONE PANELS WHICH ARE INDICATED AS "TO REMAIN" TO CONFIRM EXISTENCE OF SUPPORT STRUCTURE. NOTIFY ARCHITECT IF PANELS ARE UNSUPPORTED

HSS 6x3x1/4" SPANNING BTW EXISTING ROOF BEAMS (SEE HSS CONNECTION DETAIL 3 ON THIS SHEET)

DRILL TUBES FOR THREADED RODS TO PASS THROUGH; PROVIDE NUT & WASHER @ T.O. TUBE-TYP

ACOUSTIC

HSS 3x3x1/4" SPANNING BTW EXISTING ROOF BEAMS (SEE HSS CONNECTION DETAIL 3 ON THIS SHEET)

MIN 6" EMBED

WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE

- SURFACE GUTTER ADDITION Wayne, Nebraska ( Existing building )

Wayne County’s magnificent courthouse built in 1899, was facing several issues. Presented here is the resolution for one of the many concerns, the site grade. Over many years, the grade had risen around the courthouse causing the sandstone to deteriorate, presenting a desperate need for restoration.

The challenge was to work with a firm budget of $2million set by the client for complete restoration work. Hence, work was done in stages and needed to be prioritized. As second most important scope of work, a perimeter gutter system around the courthouse was added to drain water away from the building and expose the first course of the rustic sandstone base water table. This saved the huge expense of regrading the site.

Tasks accomplished:

1. Produced construction detail drawings by translating sketches from the senior technical consultant.

2. Created 3D visuals to be included in the proposal and for better communication of design.

New surface gutter at the east entrance

Plan showing perimeter gutter addition

East entrance facade East

New surface gutter

New surface gutter

Existing Courthouse

1. SECTIONAL ELEVATION OF EAST SIDE GUTTER

4.

2. PART PLAN OF

- NORTH OF

3. DEMOLITION PLAN OF THE EXISTING CONDITION

spaces, material selection, producing detailed drawings of custom window joinery and bar counter design. Additionally I was assigned the task of preparing presentation boards in Photoshop to create rendered 2d drawings for presentation of design to the client.

Bar counter design

Design and joinery details

Detail A Detail B

Detail C