2.2
FINBAR CHARLESON
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3. 1. Steel rebars
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2. Concrete beam module 3. Steel sheeting 4. Concrete vertex 5.
5. In situ concrete column
The complex ring beam system at La Cite des Etoiles is essentially a post and beam mechanism. Columns are joined to beams with the use of the flexible moulded vertices. The structure sits on a square grid and can be altered to any configuaration therein, without compromising structural integrity.
Cast in plaster at 1:2, a model represents the component required to join beam to beam and beam to column. The joint is cast in situ, with steel reinforcements and becomes crucial to the detail.
2.2.2
Sustrans are the charity responsible for the construction and maintenance of The National Cycle Network, of which the Fallowfield loop forms a major part. They are the leading commissioner fo public art, and the recipient for ÂŁ100,000000s from the national lottery and various councils. In light of rising rental costs at their current Manchester office in the central business district, and in a bid to increase community engagemant, the charity has moved to Levenshulme. An office accomodates all administrative tasks, a cafe and shop provide a respite for cyclist on the loop, whilst a skatepark offers young cyclists and skateboarders a chance to let loose off the streets.
PROGRAM
ECOLOGY The heating, ventilation and cooling strategies were determined prior to the creation of any massing. These were: 1. Heat Recovery System 2. Passive solar gains from thermal mass 3. Pellet Heating
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The Fallowfield Loop is at a major transport junction within Levenshulme, next to the the Railway Station, Stockport Road (A9) and the Sustrans cycle track. On the site of an old railway station, the land has been infilled to accomodate a sunken track. Variations in heights throughout the site necessitate close attention to topography throughout the design process.
The contouring of the site is unavoidable. Careful documentation and modelling was required to create an accurate image of the sloped landscape.
In studying the urban plan of Levenshulme, two grains emerge. A 22 degree angle divides the two terraces, with the Loop acting as a bridge. The trainstation itself follows this arragnement, in so doing, it occupies an important space in the spatical organisation of the site.
Different orientations could be viewed in ecotect. Tied in with the modelling process, this meant iterations could be compared and changes made in realtime.
Mezzenine entrance affords views into the atrium and cycle path
Strong edge condition maintained against the street.
Serrated footprint frames views
Entrance from the cycle path is kept as a break from the linear thouroughfare.
The plan soon began to utilise the flexible spatial qualities found in the precedent and a clear circulation pattern could be discerned.
Raised ceiling at the entrance allows passage of light to the rear. Solid wall continues around both North and East orientated facades.
Double height facade is stretched to improve solar gains and vistas.
Cascading wall construction offers an opportunity for top lighting or roof terraces.
Facade follows the landscape as the floorplan increases on the lower ground floor.
La Cite des Etoiles acts as a stimulus for the design of the structural frame. Interlocking edge beams are linked by an orthogonal network of concrete columns.
A structural frame emerges consisting of columns, coffered slabs and an edge beam.
1. Stockport Road
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2. Existing disused train station
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3. Sustrans office 4. Skatepark 5. Fallowfield loop lline
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1. Columns 1.
2. Triangulated floor slabs 3. Ring beam 4. Heat recovery system
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5. Roof Slabs
The staircase references such proponents of the brutalist movement as Denys Lasdun. Massive concrete pillars support the stair, which blend seamlessly into the coffered slabs.
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Ground Floor Plan 1. Entrance foyer
6. Office
2. Atrium
7. Terrace
3. Public office
8. Fire Exit
4. Meeting room
9. Services
5. WC
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Lower Ground Floor Plan 1. Bicycle repair shop 2. Atrium 3. Entrance from cycle path 4. Cafe 5. WC 6. Pellet heating
ELEVATIONS
South
Again we see the bulding is understated from the street, whilst opening out to the cycleway
East
North
West
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1. Skatepark 2. Foundations 3. Columns 4.
4. Lower ground floor 5. Ground floor
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Long Section A-A at 1:100
Short Section B-B at 1:100
Viewed a from above, a conversation emerges between the office and the skatepark over the existing trainstation. The building is nested into the slope, with almost no impact on the skyline.
06:00
10:00 14:00
Insolation patterns are central to the design principles of the project. Daylighting can be sumulated with a physical model, to get an indicative image of shading throughout the day.
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22:00
Cafe
Atrium