_DRURIDGE BAY VISITOR CENTER + MENTAL HEALTH RETREAT: THE RESTORATION OF ECOLOGY + MIND IN A SCARRED LANDSCAPE
CONTENTS_
00_
INTRODUCTION
01
02_
WHY IT NEEDS TO HELP MENTAL HEALTH
13
04_
BRIEF + INTENTION
28
06_
PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT
50
08_
DESIGN RESOLUTION
126
01_
SITE ANALYSIS
03
03_
WHY IT NEEDS TO HELP ECOLOGY
23
05_
CONCEPT DEVELOPMNET
33
07_
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
65
INTRODUCTION
00_
BRIEF ‘To design a museum or visitor centre located within the rich historic and physical context of Northumberland. The new centre will serve as a focal point and gateway for visitors to England’s most northerly county. As a contemporary educational facility it will provide flexible exhibition space (both permanent and temporary) and interactive educational facilities’. Choosing from three seprates sites of Holeystone, Walltown and Druridge bay the aim is to design a scheme which not only performs as a successful visitor center/retreat but also respod in equal measure to thr surrounding history and contextual language.
1
INTRODUCTION My chosen site of Druridge Bay county park is built on an ex opencast mine and is situated along a post industrial coastal landscape streching from blyth to ambleton. During the 19th centuary most predominately in northern towns and cities the increase in foreign exports forced UK’s Manufacturing and heavy industry into rapid decline forcing many factories, mining towns to shut down and in the case of druridge bay the coal mining and aluminium smelting which was so predominate throughout the late 18th and 19th centuary have long been closed. This has lead to both the decline of the surrounding mining and manufacturing villages due to the sudden lack of income and a loss in cultural and community identity increasing unemployment rates and subsequently depression and in some dire circumstances; suicide. Along with this the post-industry left a horrific environmental scare upon the landscape. Now a mostly protected area druridge bay is still recovering from ecologically speaking and still facing threats from a industrial presence. The Proposal seeks to help manage and rectify the two negative outcomes from the once salient manfucaturing presence; the increase in depression in surrounding towns and villages aswell as the increase and preservation of surrounding local ecology.
1
SITE ANALYSIS
0.1
SITE LOCATION Druridge bay resides alonside the coast of northumberland stretching 7miles between amble in the North and Creswell In the south . It is currently a prominent coastal route for both walking and cycling. It is Also home to several nature reserves and lakes situated behide the coastlength dunes which are revired for their diverse ecology including birds and certain plantlife.
1
2
CHOSEN SITE Out the four main lakes along the coast of Druridge bay i specifically chose the county park lake for the site for my scheme due to its central nature and current large visitor rate. Also its accessability and that fact that its not classed as a nature reserve offers larger scope for building.
3
4
SITE MAKE UP
5
01_LAKE + SEA
02_BUILINGS
6
03_WOODLAND
05_FIELDS
7
04_ROAD ACCESS
06_WIND DIRECTION + SUNAPTH
8
9
Skinny Dipping
Park Run
Bird Watching
An annual event where volunteers take part in a communal skinny dip in the north sea to raise awareness and money for the mental health charity MIND.
A weekly free 5k run around the county park lake. Offers a chance for all kinds of people to take park including locals of the surrounding village and develops a community feel and allows for the exploration and appreciation of the site.
With cresswell And hauxley nature reserves home to a viarity of different spicies, bird watching very popluar in the druridge bay area with hauxley having sitings taken once a day for five days a week to every other lake being taken once a week. It allows for the appreciation and education of the diverse ecology of druridge bay.
Sailing/Kayaking
Walking
Certain times of the year allows for the lake to be used for a variety of watersports in conjunction with coquet shorebase trust offering experienced sailers the chance to use the lakes and bay and beginners the chance to attened sessions.
Due to the landscape of druridge bay being techtonically diverse, playing host to lakes beach sea woodland and meadows; walking is a prime activity to explore the surrounding areas aswell and appreciating the personal health affects it brings.
10
ECOLOGY The different lakes host a wide diverse selection of wildlife, flora and fauna.
CRESSWELL NATURE RESERVE Cresswell lake is surrounded by reedbeds as well marshland which allow for specific species of animl to flourish in its environment specifically its invertibrate popluation. Species Of Bird include both greylag and pinkfooted goose, widgeons and swans. DRURIDGE POOLS NATURE RESERVE A wetland habitat This site is is carfeully managed for breeding of certain bird species aswell as being home to a number of different animals and pantlife including commonly wigeon, teal goldeneye, ,snype and redshank.
11
DRURIDGE BAY COUNTY PARK + EAST CHEVINGTON The two lakes play host to a number of different habitats, including reeds woodland and meadows. Notable species in this area or the Reed Warbler, swans surrounding the lake alongside the pinkfooted goose with the meadowland containg wild rabits and butterflies such as the common blue and the meadow brown. HAUXLEY MATURE RESVERVE Hauxley lake includes islands in the lake aswell as birdwatching hides. it already has a wiade varity of different species and also attracts a number of migrant species. some of these include the greylag goose, golden plover, lapwing and the reed and lake habitats alow for common frogs aswell and great crested newts.
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES AND MINES
RED ROW + HADSTON + BROOMHILL Coal ming had once dominated this area however during the decline of this industry within the UK and the north east the colleries shut down and made way to large opencast mining projects. Once having separate communitites and identities Red Row Hadston and Broomhill are now affectiviely one, whith the housing merging together. there still remains some industry such as engineering but no where near the same scale. Farming also contiunes as recovery from opencast mines allowed for new land to be utilised.
BROOMHILL COLLIERY The most prominent coal mine in the Druridge bay area at the time now no trace is left due to demolishion to make way for opencast operations. CHEVINGTON OPENCAST MINE Oringinally a drift mine from 1882 - 1962 which then became a coal mine in 1982 closing in 1994. It still remians unused and no attempt to rectify its state has been done so far LINTON COLLIERY Closed in the 60’s and is now a demolished brown field site. It also functioned as a station for the collection of coal to be transported.
12
02_
WHY IT NEEDS TO HELP MENTAL HEALTH
Suicide Rate UK
People per 100,000
England 4,722
Scotland 795
Wales 393 Northern Ireland 303
Gender Affected
Percentage Of People
Male 78% Female 22%
Suicide Rate Per Region People per 100,000
North East 13.8
North West 12.3 South East 11.4
East Midlands 10.2
East 9.4
London 7.9
West Midlands 10.4
Yorkshire and Humber 11.6
South West 12.5
70%
70% of children and adolecents have not had correct intervention while suffering depression.
6,233 In 2013 6,233 suicides were aming people aged 15 and over
15% 15% less disposable income than the UK average
North East
Depression Statistics
1 in 6.37
1 in 6.37 adults take anti depressents in the north east
17
45-59
The highest suicide rate in terms of age in the UK is between 45-59. This suggests that the highest rate comes from those who have been made redundant from the closure of factories and industries and who dont have an outlet in their middle age. This seems more relevant in the north east as the affermentioned closure of heavy manufacturing has lead to a large amount of specifically men in their middle age without jobs.
18
NORTH EAST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE The north east has a consistantly higher unemployment rate than compared to the national average. This is due to the reasons previously stated, of industrial decline and it is not i ncorrect in assumin th unemployment rate has a strong corralation with that of deprssion in the north east region aswell as country wide
MENTAL HEALTH CARE BEDS Since 2010 the amount of ‘beds’ available for specifically mental health care has reduce by a quarter by 2015. Meaning that the facilities availbale to meet the high needs in north east are unable to be met.
19
INCREASED UNEMPLOYMENT
REDUNDENT SKILLS
During the 19th centuary when the UK began to rely more on cheaper foreign in the was less demand on UK manufacturing as such collieries and factories began to close. In the 1980’s Under Margeret Thatcher The north east was hit hard by closures resulting mining strikes and thousands of lost jobs including the colleries and factory works at druridge bay. The increase in unemployemt leads to an increase in depression amongst other things as a reduction in means to live and a reduced outlet for people to create relationships and socialise means increasing solitude, less time outdoors and increase in consumption of such things like alcohol and smoking which all contribute to depression.
SHUTTIND DOWN OF FACTORIES
20
WHY IT NEEDS TO HELP ECOLOGY
03_
As well as the Closure of industry in the Druridge bay area resulting in large amounts of depression in the nearby towns and north east as a whole it has left an large negative impact upon the environment with opencast mining still present and further plans to increase them threatening the local habitats means that the local ecology has a long way to go to becoming safe. The intoduction of nature reserves along the bay and increased protected areas have helped shape the coastline as one of an area of natural beauty however for it to be sustainabley so for the forseable future more of an effort needs to be taken to incorporate the surrounding towns and villages in working towards keeping the area as one which is defined by its environment.
25
26
The diverse range ofspecies in the area can come down to smaller species such as insects and rodent life. All of these animals play a factor in the ecology and life cycle of the region, small changes in habitat can have a greater affect overall on the diverse life seen at Druridge bay.
27
BRIEF + INTENTION
04_
30
INTENTION After analysing the contectextual, historial and ecological nature of druridge bay the proposed visitor center and hostel will focus on the well being of the natural landscape and the those affected by the idustrial past of the north east in terms of depression operating as a hostel for mental health recovery utilising the beautiful landscpae and views promoting the beneficial idea of being outside and taking part in the activities of Druridge bay. This will be teamed with a visito center with educational and exhibitional spaces to promote and teach visitors about the local habitats and the importants of nature in an attempt to allow this knowledge to spread further and showcasing the activites on offer in the lake and along the bay giving the oportunity for different groups to take part subsequently bringing a communal presence back to druridge bay. - How Architecture in it’s design can help mental health and attribute to positive cognitive thinking - The Rehabilitation and maintenance of a sensitive landscape previously scarred by industry through education and activities and how the scheme can be both the catalyst and hub for such a thing - How the two can work together: How man can help nature and how nature can help man putting both on l evel, mutual terms increasing and maintaining the well being of both in the backdrop of a beautiful yet troubled landscape.
31
CENCEPT DEVELOPMNET
05_
CONCEPTS APPLIED
34
REFUGE + PROSPECT
NARRATIVE + JOURNEY
The principle of achieving through architecture the idea of having a safe place where the occupant can feel at home while offering things such as views out to give an idea what can be achieved. There is a metaphor of the occupants seeking refuge with the prospect of recovery
The Concept of making a journey both physically and mentally to achieve goals will be layed out to the occupants both in the activities they take and the journey they go through themselves for recovery
MARKS IN THE LANDSCAPE The form sits itself in the landscape becoming part of it signifying a marker for refuge and works with the metaphor of achiveing goals.
REFLECTION + CONTEMPLATION Places created for personal contemplation to practice activities to reflect on ones self to aid in mental well-being
AXIS The two axis; across the lake and down the coastal beach. one operates as a journey through the ecology of the different thresholds of the lake, the other a route to take physically through a journey
35
CONCEPT STUDIES The powerful nature of druridge bay in terms of its atmospheric qualities are the first thing that hits you when visiting. The unrelenting nature of the elements are most prominent whether its a summers day or harsh winds and rain. It is important when designing to take notice of these aspects. The collages seen below are my initial response to how i felt when visiting the site; a harsh yet beautiful landscape home to diverse ecology and activities in all weather operating on strong axis of the coastline and across the lake itself.
37
DRURIDGE BAY ATMOSPHERE CONCEPT STUDIES
PILL BOX 38
ALONG THE BEACH
MARKS IN THE LANDSCAPE 39
INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE 40
DUNES
ATMOSPHERE + A STORMY COAST
ATMOSPHERE + A STORMY COAST
ATMOSPHERE + A STORMY COAST
43
TAKING A JOURNEY The narrative of creative a route sets out a framework both physically and metaphorically for recovery; both setting and achieving goals. The axis of druridge bay; the lake and the coastline both involve crossing thresholds and markers in the landscape acting and points in the journey of mental recovery whilst exploring the natural environment witnessing both the beauty aswell as the post industrial.
44
45
MAKING MARKERS IN THE LANDSCAPE The inspirtion of the hostel’s form comes from the surrounding context of druridge bay. The history of the site and especially its WWII heritage have left deep and significant imprints in the landscape. Most notabley the anti-tank blocks and pillboxes spread down along the dunes. These have given the area a cultural impact and left an imprint in the landscape. The Hostel’s from will take inspiration from this idea imersing itself within the dunes making itself almost a monument along the coast. these markers will also signify the beginning of the journey to recovery and reflects the harder more tectonic nature of the dune’s landscape.
46
The Building will imbed itslef within the dunes creating a solid tectonic form, however it will allow for free movement within forming itself from different spatial blocks.
47
The lighter feel of the lake with its woodlands and reed beds conjure images of raised, lightweight architecture.
48
PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT
06_ 1
50
51
BUILDING NEXT TO THE LAKE -
Woodland
- Reedbeds - Fields The visitor center was chosen to be by the lake due to the diverse envionmental surroundings. Open grassland allow for activities such as jogging, walking, ball sports etc while the woodland offers quiet spaces for reflection and solitude if chosen
[
52
VISITOR CENTER SITE 01
]
BUILDING ON THE DUNES The Hostel is seperated by dense trees allowing for privacy. the dune locaion makes the most of the expensives view of the north sea while offering protection from the harsh weather.
[
HOSTEL SITE 02
]
53
PROPOSED VISITORS
MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
LOCAL COMMUNITY
SCHOOL TRIP CLASSES
Those suffeing from long term or short term mental illness of any level are welcome. They will be advised on application if the the severity of their condition requires greater tretment but the hostel is meant to cater to all
The visitor center accomodation welcomes any outdoor activity persuer and offers accomodation to suit a single night or more stayover while the visitor center offers many activities of its own that county park has to offer
The surrounding villages worst affected by the declin of the area occupants are hope to come the the scheme and feel a sense of community which they may have otherwise lost.
Whether its for the day to be educated and see the exhibition spaces or to stay over and take part in the activities available school trips from local and further afield schools is promoted.
54
BIRD WATCHING
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
SWIMMING
WALKING
KAYAKING
SAILING
CYCLING TEACHING
55
ACTIVITY CALENDER Whether its for the day to be educated and see the exhibition spaces or to stay over and take part in the activities available school trips from local and further afield schools is promoted.
56
MINFULLNESS PROCESS Alongside the benefit of being outdoors and amongst people some process of mindfullness is encouraged during sessions in the patient’s own time. This involves being aware of ones slef and all that is happening around them. It is most apt to be carried out during things such as walks, menditation or focussing on a single activity such as draeing or writing
ALERTING SUSTAINING
FOCUS
ING
SHIFT
LT
ORIEN
DEFAU
MIND WANDERS
CTION
RETURN TO OBJECT
DISTRA
TING
ALERTING
DEFAULT
SALIENCE LETTING GO
DI
EX
WANDERING
SE
EC
RECOGNIZING MIND
NG
UT
AG
IVE
IN
G
G IN R ITE CE N O IEN M L SA
EXECUTIVE
ORIENTING
57
HOW EXCERCISE + BEING OUTDOORS HELPS MENTAL HEALTH Being outside is said to greatly help with syptoms of depression and anxiety working towards aliviating the illnesses altogether. The scheme will include programming to make the most of these aspects inluding outdoor activities and the site has is located as such to have areas of private walks and seclusion outdoors
58
59
ACCESSS IN The access in from the car park cuts through the trees along a timber pathway. The constant hide and reveal is a theme throughout exploited wooded areas to hide certain aspects. related to the concpet of refuge and Prospect.
ROUTE BETWEEN THE TWO BUILDINGS The link between the two allows the constant ressurance of connectivity between solidarity of the hostel and the communal nature of the visitor center allowing occupants to move freely betweenthe two through the trees exploiting nature in the process. The Raised timber walkway also provides access to the beach from the visitor center and falls along the horizontal axis of scheme.
60
VISITOR CENTER ADJAINCENCY
61
HOSTEL ADJAINCENCY GROUND FLOR
62
HOSTEL ADJAINCENCY 1st FLOOR
63
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
07_
DESIGN PRINCIPLES APPLIED
66
COMMUNAL SPACES
AIDING THE ENVIRONMEMT
NATURAL LIGHT
Spaces where people can be together to promote the creation of relationships to aid in the mental well-being of the occupants alongside have own personal spaces
Alongside helping with mental restoration and well-being the scheme will aid in the resteration and wellbeing of the surrounding ecology both in its footprint in the landscape and how it teaches visitors
The benefits of natural light in aiding mental well being is an important aspect in the design of architecture and will aim to maximise such.
HUMAN COMFORT
THRESHOLD
SEPERATE BUILDINGS
The design both ergonomically to create wellcoming spaces alongside having appropriate thermal comfort is important in creating architecture that helps the occupants.
The boundaries between architecture and nature will be blurred as it will be designed so frequent spontaneous visits out into nature can be achieved offering physical access to nature at all times.
The visitor center and Hostel will be separate from each other yet linked by a path across the thresholds of the lake across the dunes. This allows privacy the occupants yet giving the opportunity of further social interraction.
67
[
VISITOR CENTER SITE 01 LIGHTLY CHARRED WOOD
68
]
[
HOSTEL SITE 02 CORTEN STEEL
]
[
VISITOR CENTER SITE 01
]
[
HOSTEL SITE 02
]
69
70
NATURAL LIGHT The benefits of natural light in aiding mental well being is an important aspect in the design of architecture and will aim to maximise such.
71
LAKE ‘PROBES’ Located at either end of the bay at hauxley and cresswell nature reserve the point of the huts is to take scientific reading of the lakes, and to take down information of the surrounding habitats to be reported back to the visitor center. This is to branch out further the concept of promoting the long term well being of the druridge bay ecology 72
BIRD HIDES These will be situated at each lake Of druridge bay. Their purpose is to extend further the outreach of the idea of understanding to local ecology and giving a further presence to the region. The Hides will be accessable to everyone all year round barring hibernation season as not not potentially disturb.
73
PRECIDENTS_ 75
CASA RURAL _ RCR Arquitectes ‘ A home that seeks the balance between nature and the independence or gathering of its in habitants.’ Casa rural is a home built to blur the distinction between the surrounding landscape and the architecture by exploiting views at the north and south facades. ‘two fields two views two orientations, two levels’
Concept Sketches Site Plan
76
Southern Perspective
INTERIOR The internal spaces again attempt to blur the lines between the different spatial ‘realms’ of the building. Having a constant flow through the different spaces and a lack of solid partitions in communal spaces.
PENINSULA HOUSE _Sean Godsell Taking heed of Le Corbusier’s idea that architecture is ‘a machine for living’ the peninsula or beach house designed by sean godsell is tailored to the occupants. With a corse outer shell and a protected interior the spaces are essentially devided into three sections; the living romm, the kitchen and the desktop. it is how flexible the internal space becomes that is down to the occupiers with shutter and screens to fence of privacy and communal spaces or open them up. the continuous baton external shell creates a rythmic pattern in the sand dune it is situated creating a play of light and shadow indoors while externally seems to follow the pattern of nature
78 External Facade
The outershell creates internally circulation spaces or corridors acting as the threshold difference between external and internal. these are meant to be played with as the external shuttering allows for not only environmental control (controlling solar gains internally) but also how the connextion to nature outdoors is percieved
External View
External Shutters
Between the shell and interior
Zen Garden
Opening of shutters
79
HOSTAL RITOQUE _ Alejandro Soffia + Gabriel Rudolphy Built with the aim to meet the equilibrium between cost and design, Hostal ritoque was built with ‘rational construction’ in mind. this meant that the building and tecgnology was at the forefront of the design process with local technologies and labour utilised. similary the frame was developed around the most common sized beem (2.4m).
80
The Design itself was done to maximize the views out into the city similary to meet the confides of the relitively small dificult site. Stilts were utilised to deal with the raised topography and a clustering together of the different buildings maximized space
LOBLOLLY HOUSE _ Kieran Timberlake Buillt to be ‘environmentally ethical’ Loblolly house was designed to have minimal impact on its surroundings. The house came essentially in a prefabricated ‘Kit of parts’ which allowed for easier transportation and build on site reducing the need for larger machinery which would have a greater damagin affect upon the surrounding environment. Due to this process and how the building blends in the trees, (The facade mirrors the strips of light breaking through trees) it puts the focus of the building onto the environment from conception to occupancy.
CONTRUCTION PROCESS
83
As well as being designed with the environment in mind through connstruction, the finished scheme has a number of environmental strategies to achieve a sustainable life. These include an externl flexible shuttering system designed to reduce solar glare, heat gains aleviating the need for cooling and in winter provides solar insulation.
Active Facade
Technical Section
84
KASTRUP SEA BATH _ WHITE ARKITEKER Built elevated above the sea levels the Kastrup sea baths showcases how a building can be adapted for a single purpose, that of active use. The timber used is hardwearing and the frame is designed to tolerate the elements.
Technical Section
FORM DESIGN The Dyamic form is designed to have a constantly changing sillouhette depending on the viewer’s position. The Circular form comes the need to shelter from the sea winds while concentrating sunlight
85
DEVELOPMENT_ 87
01_ SITE LOCATION AND ACCESS The site, situated beside the lake has easy access from the car south east of it through the trees
02_ PLACEMENT OF FORM The Initial form of a Elongated cube is placed adjacent to the lake
88
03_ SPLITING + KINKING OF FORM TO ACCOMMODATE CONTEXT The trees within the context mean the scheme is split and kinked to form around them
04_ PITCHING ROOF The roof pitch is done to maximise east facing sunlight and avoid solar gains during heights of summer
89
05_ ADDITION OF EXTERNAL WALKWAYS The external walkways help blend the threshold between nature and architecture allowing for visitors to walk down them and be emersed in the context while remaining sheltered
06_ MOVING OUT INTO NATURE Moving further out from the threshold into the lake. Escaping the the ‘confindes’ of architecture. allowing for access to boats and swimming ‘points’
90
07_ LINKING THE BUILDINGS The raised timber pathway cuts through the trees through the dunes to the hostel and access to the beach. This acts as a link between the two, neither are defined seperatley but work together.
08_ FINAL FORM
91
HOSTEL LIVING POD FORM
01_
92
INITIAL FORM
02_
PRIVATE + PUBLIC
03_
EXTERNAL GARDEN
04_
CIRCULATION CORE CUT THROUGH
05_
PUBLIC SPLIT INTO COMMUNAL + PERSONAL
93
BIOPHILLIA + THE IMPORTANCE OF VIEWS Doctor Roger S. Ulrich in 1984 published a paper of how he believes “through through a window may help recovery from surgery� where he found that patients who could view a tree out of their window had shorter recovery periods to those that stared at a brick wall. The link with nature even through a window helps eleviate stress, helps learning and emotional well being. The importance of linking man and nature is key in the rehabiliation and long term mental health through architectural design.
PAIMIO SANATORIUM _ Alvar Aalto Pamio Sanatorium was design as a Tuberculosis treatment center. Situated in dense woodland aalto designed the whole scheme with the patient in mind. Connstantly thinking about Letting in natural daylight, views to the outside Human comfort. Aalto also designed a special sink that reduced splashing as to not disturb the fellow patient in the room as was the extent of his rigour in believing that architecture can heal.
94
DEVELOPING VIEWS The attempt at a blurring boundaries between nature and architecture are achieved differently throuhout the scheme. For instance the visitor center adopts and threshold breaking link into the environment through the implementation of timber walkways through the trees and lake. In the Case of the Hostel This is achieved through framing and setting vista’s out into the landscape. exploited the expansive north sea view from the living quarters and offering glimpses of the woodlands and lake from the communal spaces
95
SOLID FORM_CHANGING FACADE The Monumental nature of the Hostel is achieved not through size but of how it sits in its context. The tectonic block forms remain solid and everpresent as the environment changes around it, from seasonal to physical. This idea of of the solid form allows for the sense of consistancy needed for the longterm restorsation of mind and nature. While this form stays the same the weathering steel exterior will change and rust over time due to the environment in which it sits reminded us that although it sits in the landscape and is man-made it is at the mercy of the environments and acts as a reminder that everything is fragile and can harmed but it will still remain.
96
97
HOW IT HELPS ECOLOGY_ 98
DUNE CREATION The dunes that run along the entire length of the Druridge bay coastling are at constant risk of erosion and reduction from the elements. To help cope with this the implementation of Dune fencing is used as part of the scheme’s hollistic approach to environmental design. These fences help creat dunes by using the wind to build up side behide it. Over time this allows for the wind to help create instead of destroy the dunes.
99
100
GREEN WALL
Winter
Used as both the means to increase the privacy of the Hostel residents aswell as acting as a a means to promote biodiversity in the area, offering itself home to butterflies insects and certain birds, creating its own ecological habitat. Along with this they also hellp absorb greenhouse gases and act as a barrier for summer time overheating trapping solar gains reducing the need for excessive cooling
Autumn
Living walls also help to increase well being by purifying air aswell as having a positive cognitive affect, giving the impression of being outside in woodlands or fields.
Summer
Spring
101
102
IRRIGATION SYSTEM The Hostel’s guttering system collects rainwater in shallow, wide basens alongwith the greywater run off used with the building such as showers and taps. This water is then fed through a pipe uses natural irrigation of planted flora and fauna and course objects such as sand and gravel to purify the water. this can then go on the irrigation surrounding vegitation including the wild plants growing in the dunes alongside the amopilla plants which naturaaly grow with dunes and help stop wind erosion
103
BENEFITS OF NATURAL LIGHT UPON WELL BEING There has been a number of studies on the physical and mental benefits of large amounts of netual light into buildings on their occupants. Each year VELUX host symposery in which the discussion on natural lighting and its importance in architecture is the main subject to many different disciplins. Its said that natural light itself helps release seretonin, the happy chemical aswell as increasing productivity and ensuring correct sleeping pattertns when accompanied by the correct amounts of darkness allowing for the realease of correct cortisol and melatonin levels (see graph below). This in istelf is said to reduce stress illness and the symptoms of depresion itself. As people we only spend an approximate 90% of our time indoors as such it is paramount in the design to ensure appropriate amounts of daylight is penetrating the building ( 1000 lux and over ).
Poor cognitive function Stress Depression
Circadian Rythms If interupted
Poor social interaction
More effective learning Performance Productivity General increase in productivity of 15%
Increased serotonin levels Greater positive outlook Reduced likelyhood of SAD
104
Human Benefits
DAYLIGHTING Daylighting is achived in the living pods through front east facing sea-view Full height glazing, offering suitable morning and evening light equiped will curtains to offer sufficient darkness during he night. It is also top lit through both full skylights and louvered slits Offering different lighting dynamics. alongside this rear( west facing) glazing is installed at eye level on the raised mezzanine level into the corridor which is also top lit theough louvered weathered steel slits. This means that natural light is dealt with from all available points
EASTERLY VIEW INTO MEZZANINE LEVEL
VIEW FROM DOORWAY TO FULL GLAZED WALL TO SEA VIEW
105
DINING LOUNGE GROUP DISCUSSION
PUBLIC SPACE _ OPEN PLAN
COMMUNAL SPACE
FLEXIBLE SPACES
LAYOUT FOR WELLBEING
PERSONAL SPACE
VARIETY OF SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
LIVING QUARTERS, CONTEMPLATION NODES
106
Roger S. Ulrich stated that even something as simple as moveable furniture allows patients to feel in control of their environment and improve their personal well-being. Because of this design processes were taken to make sure a varity of spatial conditions were implemented. These can be broken down into; Private and Communal initially. Further fragmenting of the spaces results in private living space, private therap/discussion space, cummunal living, private contemplemation zones and communal duscussion. This allows for a varity of differnet occupant experiences to be felt depending of the mood or objective of said occupant. the communal spaces offer large open-plan layouts evoking the idea of free movement in contrast to less dogmatic rigour. The private space however is more structed as to offer the correct amount of privacy desired
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES FOR WELLBEING Roger S. Ulrich stated that even something as simple as moveable furniture allows patients to feel in control of their environment and improve their personal well-being. Because of this design processes were taken to make sure a varity of spatial conditions were implemented. These can be broken down into; Private and Communal initially. Further fragmenting of the spaces results in private living space, private therap/discussion space, cummunal living, private contemplemation zones and communal duscussion. This allows for a varity of differnet occupant experiences to be felt depending of the mood or objective of said occupant. the communal spaces offer large open-plan layouts evoking the idea of free movement in contrast to less dogmatic rigour. The private space however is more structed as to offer the correct amount of privacy desired
GROUP THERAPY
BOAT BUILDING
107
108
PROGRAMME
109
SPATIAL VOLUMES
110
ACCOMODATION
EXHIBITION SPACE
RESTAURANT/CAFE
EDUCATION SPACES 111
9 1
5 1
6 14
13
1. CORTEN Steel ,lotus steel, 30mm 2. KINGSPan rigid insulation, 150mm 3. ICOPAL DMP 5mm 4. TATA steel column 5. TATA steel beam 6. GYPSUM plasterboard, british gypsum 15mm 7. BISON COMPOSITE CONCRETE STEEL DECKING 100mm 8. GYpsum Fireboard 15mm 9. steel plate fixing 10. metal bolt fixxing for anchor( corten panel fixing) 11. Galvanised steel studs 12 Steel baton (for connection weathered mesh screen) 13. Pilkington solar control glass glazing 14. expanding closer seal
WHY STEEL? 12
8 3 4 1 7
2
112
The context of the dunes required a more heavy duty form of construction while still remaining light enough not to cause damage to dunes themselves other than the earth which needed excavation. The ability to construct the majority prefabricated allows for bulk parts to be brought to site to be erected illiminating long term construction times aswell as heavy machinery. reducing costs aswell as the impact on the environment. The Corten panaling also aims to reflect the frequent harsh elemental nature of the dunes allowing it to weather naturally. The form too takes its inpiration from the anti tank blocks and pillboxes resulting a blocked sillouette this. allowed for a simple modular steel frame to be used that was hard wearing enough for the exposed environment
113
01_ Plan of corten facade connection to external glazing
114
02_Plan of front facade glazing and mesh screen
03_Skylight detail
04_ Front foundation
05_ Rear foundation
115
WHY TIMBER? As apposed to the hostel the visitor center is construction entirely from timber framing. This is due to both the topographical nature of the site; sloping towards the lake and large amounts of plantlife, while evoking images of traditional timber vernacular builds. The frame allows for ease of on site erection including minimal heavy machinery and construction time reducing the impact towards the site. Also local timber merchants ( JT DOVE etc) means supply of construction materials can be sourced locally and the intention is to employ as much local skills as possible to involved the community from initial conception. The nture of timber allows for stilted construction meaning the build can sit above the plant life aswell as the water while evoking the lighter thinner tectonics of the contexts (reed beads, woodland)
116
TIMBER AXONOMETRIC
117
118
01_
02_
WALKWAY BEAM JOINT
FLOOR TO STILT JOINT
03_ FLOOR TO WALL JOINT
04_ ROOF TO WALL JOINT
119
01_ SUN PATH Siuated along the axis of the lake the building’s are design to maximise eastern sunrises in the morning and early afternoon. while making most of sunrising and setting there is less need during the day time for electronic lighting and heating as most occupants specifically in the visitor center will be outdoors
02_ IRRIGATION Reusing of water collection from rain and greywater within the hostal uses natural filtration methods through plants to irrigiate the wild flora and fauna at the base of the dunes
03_ RAINWATER COLLECTION Utilised in both the hostel + visitor center through drainpipe collection into basins underneath are reused for sinks, toilets etc.
120
04_ GREEN WALL utilised on the western external wall of the hostel, the greenwall acts as a small ecosystem form certain wildlife. It also creates thermal insulation aswell as reducing extreme summer temperatures through photosythesis.
05_ COMPOST COLLECTION Situated below the timber walkways, compost is collection from the surrounding areas in winter from the dying reedbeds and other plantlife, this is then used to feed to growth of further planting in the meadow and woodland areas.
06_ NATURAL LAKE + SEA COOLING The lake naturally brings in cool air reducing the need for artificial cooling in summer time lowering the likelyhood of high temperatures within the scheme. similary the Prevailing coastal wind is almost constant which has the same affect, however does require more insualting properties during the winter 121
01_ STACK VENTILATION Natural Stack ventilation utilises the natural air flow from low to high pressure by generating clear pathways for the air to flow. In the case of the cafe and education block a mezzanine level and manual operated velux skylights allow for warm air to flow through and out of the building. The Use of a timer ‘second skin’ gives a constant verticle pathway for air to flow out the building
02_ CROSS VENTILATION Designed to allow a constant flow of air through the building. this method is utilised in both sections, most predomitenly in the exhibition accomodation block
122
OPEN
03_ SUMMER In the summer time to help cool down the building the shutters of the scond skin facade are opened along with the internal windows to allow for cool air to cross through while the second skin helps deflect some of the direct summer sun
04_ CLOSED
WINTER The external shutters are closed along with windows baring the highest to allow a degree of ventilation as the air internally is warmed.
123
PENINSULA HOUSE_ Sean Godsell
01_
02_
03_
SUMMER (HIGH TEMPERATURE) In the summer Both the external leaf shutter is opened alongside the internal leaf window to allow full flow of air for ventilation
SPRING (MID TEMPERATURE)
WINTER (COLD TEMPERATURE) In cold winter temperatures, both the external and internal openings are kept shut to maximize internal heat gains. smaller Windows are left open to allow a degree of ventilation
124
In Mid temperatures the Internal windows are left open while the external shutters are kept closed with the louvers allowing in some air to pass inside
The double ‘shell’ prniciple is applied here in Godsell’s beach house. The nature of the site; coastal Australia means that very high temperatures need constant cooling ventilation. This is achieved largely through natural means. The louvered external shutters allow for natural cross ventilation to be controlled manually to determine the degree of internal temperature.
01_ HVAC HEAT RECOVERY Installed in each living bay to maximise thermal comfort, the hvac system extracts stail air from the bathroom space and brings in fresh air externally and releases that to whichever temperature the occupant wishes
02_ NATURAL VENTILATION The glazing in the communal spaces are capable of being opened to a degree (Sliding glazing) This allows for a through draft of cross ventilation for cooling in summer months
HOSTEL SERVICES + ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES Due to the Hostel sitting along the dunes it is at full exposure to the harsher elements coming in from the sea more attention and the brief stated that human comfort is paramount extra rigour was taken in the design to ensure occupants expierienced sufficient thermal, daylight comfort internally. making the most of the prevailing wind natural ventilation is utilised in the communal areas. In each living bay Heat recovery system have been installed to recycl air and to heat and cool internal temperatures. These are at the control of the occupants. The communal areas Also use underfloor heating to ensure sufficent warmth in the winter months as the large area of glazing can cause cooling affects in winter yet also provide internal heat gains in the summer with as solar performance glass is provided
03_ UNDERFLOORD HEATING in winter months underfloor heating is provided to ensure thermal comfort. This can be coupled with the manual opening of the glazed areas to allow for natural cross ventilation while still remaining warm internally 125
08_
DESIGN RESOLUTION
127
3 2 1
8
1 5 4
4 6
3
2 7
4
13
12
10
11 4
01_ VISITOR CENTER 1. Reception 2. Plant room 3. Educational space 4. WC’s 5. Cafe/ Restaurant 6. Cooking area 7. Communal Fire pit 8. Exhibition Space 9. Store room 10. Mezzanine level (extra seating. ‘relax/vista’ space) 11. Accomodation 12. showers 13. Staff accomodation (boat house) 129
9
10 6
11
8 5
2
1
130
4
7
12
02_ HOSTEL
14
17
15 11
13
16
1. Living Pods ( bathroom containing toilet sink and shower/bath) 2. Kitchen/Dining area 3.Contemplation nodes 4. Communal living space 5.Circulation core 6.Garden 7.Occupant access 8.Raised timber walkway link 9.Reception 10. Staff offices 11. Plant + store room 12. Care taker accomodation. ( en suite toilet, sink shower/ bath) 13. living Pods Mezzanine ( Bed, Desk And Bookshelf) 14. Councelor office 15. Waiting room 16. WC’s 17. Communal therapy space (flexible seating + View outpods)
131
132
133