Design And Materials !
By Gareth Bulger
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!My proposed design has been heavily influenced by such things as natural weathering, industrial practices and also the combination of different types of outdoor materials such as wood and metal which can create organic and geometric architecture throughout natural surroundings. I have created a series of sketches and have concluded with one specific design which would potentially be very successful if it was to be created.
!Initially, my design from the start was going to incorporate an industrial feel which looked
weathered and worn out so to speak and to which had the aim to blend in within the current wildlife environment, The River Irwell. By weathering, my design would use sustainable materials such as aluminium and stainless steel sheet metals which would have thoroughly rusted out over time and would initially be bolted to a steel frame. The steal frames would be T.I.G welded and would be effectively oxidisation free.
!The steel frames (ceiling and side panels) would be T.I.G welded together and which would
include galvanised steel bolts to secure the sheet metal into place. This specific material would include a clear coat lacquer finish to prevent the metal from rusting any further. To add, This would also apply to the flooring as this would potentially be made from sustainable FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved pressured treated Pine. This hardwood would be slotted into a continuous format and bolted to the steel sub frame which is effectively holding the platforms shape underneath. This in some sense can be related to the format of which laminate flooring is applied and connected. The reason why I have chosen pine is because it is visually appealing even after it has occurred slight weathering as it doesn't warp nor create fungus once rain water comes into contact. The hardwood can also be treated with a series of wood varnishes to create different tones in the grains to make it more visually appealing and which would result in complimenting the other attributes of the piece such as the rusted metal for instance.
!This technique also applies for the 1 metre barriers which cover the perimeter of the design.
The barriers would be created from squared steel tubing and would initially be bolted by steel sheets of aluminium and welded to the sub frame. These steal panels will also cover the slightly horizontal ceiling which covers approximately 75% of the total space ensuring dry shelter in any small to extreme weather conditions.
!The roof is tilted on a 45° angle and would effectively allocate any unnecessary water away
from the platform, ensuring a dry and rot free space even though the pine has been weather treated before hand. The ceiling is suspended by large steel hoists which keep the roof tilted. Beneath my ceiling, I have some form of arcade which would be potentially made from mild square steel tubing and which would be located underneath the ceiling. This arcade contains 7 ‘rib’ like structures which are equally spaced between each other. This specific section would be arc welded to the platform frame underneath. To add, ‘ribs’ are also covered by more rusted Aluminium sheet metals and in some sense create different forms of light and shadows throughout the piece as the user whilst walking through this section would potentially feel very inclosed.
!My proposed design shows articulation as my piece contains a series of different galvanised
bolts and nuts on show and to which represents a striking and industrial feel throughout. My proposed design also contains a platform which overhangs the water (by 1 metre) and to which enables the user to have a 360° view of the piece as well as the immaculate and natural beauty of the forestry landscape which lies around it.
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Here is the entrance which is on a fixed 45째 angle and is effectively wheelchair friendly.
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Above shows fully rendered Skecth-up of the proposed design
This image above shows my model from the inside
This section would potentially overhang the canal and would deliver a 360° view and would include a series of benches.
The ceiling is on a fixed slope which effectively directs unwanted rainwater away from the main materials and which would potentially reduce the chance of rot or further rusting.
! Above shows my completed model, it contains a wide variety of different materials to create a ‘weathered’ look. I have also used a mixture of machinery to create my small and intricate pieces. For example, I have used a laser cutter to cut out my acrylic subframe and also my side panels.
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This structural hoist will effectively keep the slanted roof upright and will direct unwanted rain water away from the platform.
Steel Subframe which would effectively keep the weight distribution balanced and stable.
This strutter contains strong galvanised steel bolts and corner fixings to hold my fence panels in place.
This above is the ramps subframe which hold the wooden decking in place. this ramp is on a fixed 45째 which enables the object to be wheelchair accessible.
8 Steel frames which are arc welded together, and then hold thin 2mm thin sheets of rusted aluminium metal
Gareth Bulger-Gant Chant
ACTIVITY Read the brief and begin to research rural outdoor architectureLook at function, geometric and organic forms of tree houses for inspiration
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WEEK 1
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WEEK 2
Go to the location-take photos and notes of current conditioncollect a wide range of panoramic and 360 degree views
WEEK 5
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1/114
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WEEK 4
3 days skecthin g
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1 day break (illness) 3 days sketching
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1 Day visit-collection of images recorded 3 days skimming through the best quality photos and layering them out into photoshop 3 Days break
Updated on the 1/2/14 I then selected a specific area of the location where the design would be seen-I also took into account at wether my specific design would fit within the current environment in a visual and scale sense
Looking into different materials suited for outdoor practises-i.e. metal, wood and galvanised metal products such as bolts and fittings ect. !
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Also created small design ideas on SkecthUp! 1 week
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I then created my final design on SkecthUp, showing fully what materials I had included to how those materials would be joined together
1 Day!
I then made sure my computerised model clearly showed what materials are being used and how the materials used are connected together i.e. knock down fittings to wood joints which would be included ext.
Complete model creation time-3!
Updated on the 12/2/14
WEEK 6 SUBMISSION
Used Google search engine and looked at a wide range of images of outdoor spaces and futuristic ideas
Create at least 25 different designs-draw these on A4 paper-use also tracing paper to draw back into my designs-use pro markers to show material
WEEK 3
(slight alterations occurred)
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(More alterations of some components where made i.e. the platform was previously too small ect.)
Gareth Bulger-Gant Chant
I then transferred my components from SkecthUp to AutoCAD and began to create my pieces of my model. My autoCAD drawings would be for the laser cutter.
1 Day
Once checking over my AutoCAD drawings, I then sent my documents over to the laser cutter. My first cutting session was cutting my MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) pieces out. I then cut my Acrylic pieces out shortly after (SCALE 1:50)
1 Day
I then begin to glue my pieces together with P.V.A which takes around 24hours for the pieces to be touch dry. I then cut my metal strips out and cut them to size whilst waiting for the glue to dry.!
*Guillotine is used to cut the metal strips (30 mins)!
Once everything is constructed, I then glue my metal strips where intended (Roof and wall panels ect.) together. I then take photos of my model after everything is completely dry and then edit my model into my images which I had taken from my trip.
6 Days to complete all tasks
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1 Day-overall completion of tasks
! Updated on the 25/2/14
! *whilst week 3 was approaching, our submission date was put back a week due to the managing and timing of completing this project on time.