ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT PART 1
ISABELLE YAP ERN THUNG CONTACT
PORTFOLIO
ME
isabelleyap.arch@gmail.com
About .
Isabelle Yap Ern Thung
Architectural assistant Part 1
Personal Details
isabelleyap.arch@gmail.com
+44 7488 275 170
www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-yap
A little about me...
A sociable, hardworking individual with a passion in bioclimatic designs and sustainable building practices, emphasizing low carbon methodologies. My dissertation, titled ‘Looking Back into the Future: Bioclimatic Designs Learning from a Vernacular Approach and Can It Apply to Contemporary Design?,’ reflects my commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.
I bring an eagerness to learn and a willingness to contribute to all kinds of project types, even if it entails acquiring new software or skills. Throughout my university projects, I consistently gravitated towards cultivating and exploring human relationships, tailoring designs to the unique needs of users with meticulous attention to detail, which I believe reflected in my final year design reimagining homeless youth shelters.
In addition to my architectural pursuits, I have developed a keen interest in the intricacies of project development and management within the construction industry. Seeking a hands-on experience beyond architecture and collaborations between different disciplinaries, I believe this knowledge will be invaluable in my journey towards becoming a well-rounded architect.
CV .
Education
University of the West of England (UWE) | Bristol, U.K. BSc (Hons) Architecture
École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris La Villette | Paris, France. Study abroad programme (Erasmus) in Architecture
Past Employment
Infillworks
Architectural intern
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•
Reviewed NDSS building permit application and The London Plan to help assist in designing for housing projects.
Assisted in designning, material selection, detailing and coordination through CAD, SketchUp, Enscape and hand-sketching across 2 different projects.
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Joined the lead architect in client meetings.
Koro Youth Charity : Daughters of Africa NGO
Architectural tutor volunteer
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1 out of 10 UWE architecture students that were recruited to deliver project teaching to 60 Gambian students remotely.
Organised study plans, set objectives and prepared teaching materials for each session.
Reflected after each session to curate a more tailored teaching strategy for the upcoming sessions.
Software Experience
Autodesk AutoCAD SketchUp V-ray
Enscape Revit
Languages
English Mandarin Cantonese Malay
Qualifications & Awards
Zero Carbon Aware
A short course provided by the UWE professors, guest speakers and the Built Environment Society in UWE
• Interests
Photography Fashion
Gym Travel
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft PowerPoint Outlook OneDrive Rhino
RIBA Mentoring Scheme 22/23
Successfully completed the RIBA Future Architects Student Mentoring Programme at Marrons.
Although not a professional pursuit, photography serves as a key creative outlet for me. I take pleasure in crafting the ideal scene envisioned in my mind through the lens, seizing the beauty in often overlooked everyday moments, and evoking specific emotions through still images.
I am passionate about the art of thrifting, particularly finding joy in the hunt for unique pieces and crafting curated outfits. My interest extends to the nuanced interplay of forms and proportions within the realm of fashion.
Started weightlifting through a desire for a change in lifestyle but it has now become a safe sanctuary of mine. It has helped me foster discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting skills, which positively influences my overall productivity and mindset.
Venturing into diverse environments, other than trying new cuisines, I like to learn and draw inspiration from the fusion of cultures, new experiences and meeting new people of different backgrounds. This broadens my perspective which translates into my creative ventures. I have travelled to over 24 countries and each journey is a chapter in my ongoing pursuit of knowledge, cultural enrichment, and a well-rounded worldview. My latest travel was to Bali, Indonesia!
References
Tutor
• Tutor
Mike Devereux | mike.devereux@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor: Architecture & Urbanism
Dr Mina Tahsiri | mina.tahsiri@uwe.ac.uk | +44(0)1173287647
Senior Lecturer in Architecture, Co-Programme Leader BSc (hons) Architecture
Reimagine Homeless Youth Shelter Project O2
A reimagination of existing homeless shelters, targeting the issue and difficulties specifically faced by youth. O1.
Project Research Research and design processes undertaken for the homeless youth shelter project.
Page
Page
Contents.
1
7
Year Abroad Project
A residential high-rise project undertaken during a study year abroad in Paris, France.
Interests
A collection of drawings, renders, models, and sketches from the past few years. Page 10 Page 12
O3.
O4.
O1.
Reimagine Homeless Youth Shelter Project
Site: Paintworks, Bristol, U.K.
This project envisions a holistic approach to support homeless youth, offering accommodation, workshops, and community spaces to eliminate isolation. Emphasizing education, training, and employment, the initiative aims to guide young individuals toward independ ence. By reimagining shelters, it goes beyond basic needs, focusing on skill development and rehabilitation, creating a caring environment f or healing and learning.
The goal is to be a one-stop hub, providing comprehensive support for homeless youth as they transition towards self-sufficiency. This project encompasses an emergency night shelter, a clinic, an art gallery, offices, male and female ensuite dormitories, individual ensuite gateway rooms, and recreation spaces catering to both residents and the local community.
A 3D exterior of the project.1
A form diagram of the building.
3D model of the building on the site.
Weather skin
The timber facade features a captivating wave-like design achieved through a rhythmic repetition of 23 timber panels (panel 1 to 23). Each panels uses a mix of predetermined shapes (which can be defferentiated and matched based on the colours) to create its own unique panel (see example on panel 1 to 3). This intentional arrangement is meant to be seamlessly repeated, forming a continuous and visually striking wave facade.
Glazing system
Weather skin 10 Individually cut timber panels fixed onto cladding battens 11 Supporting batten 12 Breather membrane 13 Plywood board 100mm 14 Wood Fibre insulation 290mm 15 Vapour control layer 16 CLT 100m 17 Sound insulation 50mm 18 Fibreboard gypsum 100mm 19 Battens 20 Plywood finish 20mm
01 Stone wall fixed on CLT 02 Breather membrane 03 Plywood board 100mm 04 CLT 100mm 05 Wood Fibre insulation 80mm 06 Fibreboard gypsum 100mm 07 Vapour control layer 08 Battens 09 Plywood finish 20mm Two different wall cut sections of the project to show the weather skin buildup. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 a a1 b b1 d e f g h i j k l m n c
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
21 Triple glazed windows 22 Timber sills (exterior) 23 Timber window sills (interior) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 12 14 15 17 16 18 19 20 22 21 23
2 a c h b i
3D models of the timber panels arrangements.
Roof Build Up Axonometric
01 Zinc sheets
Zinc sheets were chosen for their weatherproof properties and resistance to wear from UV light.
02 Breather membrane
It wraps around the building envelope, underneath the battens, to resist dampness from entering.
03 Plywood board 100mm
It is engineered to be strong and stable, is less prone to sagging in the event of a leak.
04 Cladding batten 20mm
05 Supporting batten 20mm
06 Plywood board 100mm
07 I-joist beam with wood fibre insulation 230mm
I-joist beams allow for a longer span and the use of insulation in between. Wood fiber insulation is made primarily from wood shavings and dust, providing a more sustainable way of utilizing wood waste.
08 Vapour control layer
09 CLT 200mm
Prefabrication construction allows for faster construction of building.
10 Cladding batten 20mm
12
Structural Axonometric
Primary structure
Glulam beam on glulam columns above concrete slab foundation.
Secondary structure
Pre-fabricated CLT panels fixed on the glulam structure.
11 Supporting batten 20mm
Breather membrane
Plywood board 100mm
Wood fibre insulation 290mm
Vapour control layer 16 CLT 100mm
13
14
15
Roof
First
Ground
Concrete
The glulam roof structure distributes the dead load of the roof to the glulam columns
Glulam beams and columns
floor CLT floor
Glulam
beams and columns
floor CLT floor
slab foundation
The thicker glulam beams cantilever out to accomodate the upper floor.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 3
The CLT flooring rests on the glulam beams and distributes the live and dead load to the glulam columns.
The
load from the glulam columns gets distributed to the concrete slab foundation.
An interior section of the building. bolts bolts screws screws metal plate metal plate Connection between CLT walls and CLT floors A section of the concealed metal plates connection system used between the CLT walls and floors. The metal plates are screwed onto the CLT floor and bolted on from both sides to the CLT walls. Internal Floor to Wall Detail 1:10 Interior wall build up 01 Plaster board 02 Battens 03 Vapour control layer 04 Sound insulation 50mm 05 CLT 100mm 06 Sound insulation 50mm 07 Vapour control layer 08 Battens 09 Plywood board Floor build up 10 Wooden flooring 11 Screed board 20mm 12 Underfloor heating in 75mm insulation 13 Sound insulation 50mm 14 Vapour control layer 15 CLT 200mm Ceiling build up 16 Service space in suspended ceiling 170mm 17 Sound insulation 40mm 18 Suspended ceiling Cross Section of the Roof 1:20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Photovoltaic (PV) panels 0 1000 2000 3000 4000mm 0 1000 2000 3000mm 4
War 16 1 Memorial Chapel 6.1 357 to 359 West Lodge East Lodge Building 369 262 254 212 216 257 248 309 314 346 341 290 to 308 375 to 377 384 388 396 374 332 to 336 378 to 383 337 to 340 368 429 427428 435 389 to 395 366 426 394 422 315 to 331 371b 371a 371 Trees St Mary Redcliffe Cemetery CR BoroConst&WardBdy LIGHTBOX LANE 18.3m 17.7m 18.6m RiverAvon Mud War 16 Memorial Chapel 5.19 6.1 5.18 357 to 359 West Lodge East Lodge 5.15 5.14 5.12 TheDecoBuilding 7.01to7.19 369 262 216 257 248 375 to 377 384 388 332 to 336 378 to 383 337 to 340 429 435 389 to 395 315 to 331 371b 371a 371 Trees Trees St Mary Redcliffe Cemetery BoroConst&WardBdy LIGHTBOX LANE CENTRALROAD 18.3m 28.3m 17.7m 18.6m 25 Female dormitory 26 Male dormitory 27 Staff studio housing 28 Emergency night shelter 29 Staff office 30 Art gallery/art shop 31 Art shop cafe 32 Storage room 33 Workshop 34 Meeting/multipurpose room 35 Gym room 36 Independent rooms 37 Cinema 38 Lounge area 01 Reception area 02 Consultation area 03 Clinic reception area 04 Nurses’ room 05 Exam room 06 Laboratory 07 Mental health office 08 Staff office 09 Info hub 10 Study/co-working area 11 Library 12 Affordable housing assitance r office 13 Finders job office 14 Social services office 15 Counselling room 16 Plant room 17 Activity/multipurpose area 18 Dining area 19 Kitchen area 20 Kitchen storage room 21 Community cafe 22 Cafe kitchen 23 Cafe storage room 24 Bin storage area 39 Courtyard First Floor Plan Ground Floor Plan Section A-a 25 26 32 27 28 33 38 37 36 34 35 31 30 29 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 10 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 39 A a A a 0 10 20 30 40 50m 0 10 20 30 40 50m
The exterior veiw of the community cafe. The interior view of the community cafe. The co-working space.
An illustration of the ground floor plan to demonstrate a few design intentions.
A center courtyard that can be seen and accessed from every room
The south exterior view of the building and the site.
O2.
Project Research
The sketches, diagrams and models used in the designing process of the Homeless Youth Project.
+ = chairs / stools
Adding furniture around a boundary can transform a dividing element into a social space while maintaining a certain distance between both sides.
+ = tables, benches, or even a seesaw!
Adding a few furniture to the fence to enourage activities along the boundary line. A wall that is used to divide is now a place of gathering.
Aerial view
An element of continuity runs across all three spaces, connecting them while retaining respective privacy.
Human interaction and noise level
The noise level increases as you approach the main road, while human interactions are more prevalent along the quieter road where the majority of the shops are located.
Access
There are three entrance options to access the site, and the choice of access points had to be considered during the earlier design stages, given that the site is situated on a slope.
Privacy zoning
Green zone - public space
Yellow zone - semi-public space
Red zone - private space
Social areas
The two pink circles represent the main social spaces that I have incorporated into my design. The idea is to design a social area with public access and the other with residents-access only space.
Outdoor space
The red circle indicates where I will be incorporating the outdoor space. I want it to be in the center, easily accessible from any corner of the building.
Circulation
There are two bus stops on the site. The dotted line shows the possible pedestrian path, and the opaque line indicates the possible paths for vehicles.
7
Visualisation study of movement through space.
Exploring how privacy grows as you move higher and closer to the center.
Exploring privacy through different levels.
Studies of the privacy and circulation of existing homeless shelters.
Exploring the use of passive designs.
Exploring privacy and security through controlled views.
Diagrams during the planning of the emergency night shelter.
A series of models used to study the balance between privacy and immersion in a room.
8
Manifesto
At its inception, this manifesto served as a visualisation of the goals I aspire to achieve with the project. Later on, it also stood as a continual reminder, guiding me back to the project’s core purpose whenever I deviate during the design process.
Plans drafted through various design iterations during the creative process.
9
public
entrance
outdoor area main social area private area semi-public area outdoor area main social area entrance point outdoor area main social area entrance point
outdoor area
area
point
O3.
Residential High-rise
During my year abroad in Paris, I had the opportunity to work on a standout studio project. The challenge was to design a three-bedroom apartment unit within a confined space of 7500mm x 7500mm. This project spans 31 floors, with three wings oriented to the north, east, and west.
Section B-b Section C-c First Floor Plan 12th Floor Plan 21st Floor Plan An east side view of the building. b B C c 0 25000 mm 10 0 25000 mm D d D d 0 2000 4000 mm
A blow-up section D-d.
Presenting the ground floor plan of four apartment units to show the intentions for the arrangement. Positioned in opposing directions, the apartments are strategically laid out to bring external spaces side by side, fostering a sense of neighborly interaction akin to the front lawns of houses, despite the unique setting of an apartment.
Exploring different arrangements for the apartment units through modelling.
Section D-d
East Elevation
31st Floor 13th Floor 21st Floor 65.6 m 105.6 m 160.6 m 1st Floor 5.0 m 11
Hallway
O4.
Interests
A curated collection of live sketches, drawings, renders, models, and diagrams. Each creation serves as a window into my design process—a dynamic blend of problem-solving, personal enjoyment, and most importantly, the profound learning experiences that have enriched my architectural journey over the past few years.
A model of the ‘House in Greece’ by André Ravereau, located in Akritochori, Greece. I contributed to the making of the plaster buildings, taking photos of the models and the edits of the photos above.
Form models.
Form modelling done through different design processes.
Live sketches during a field trip in Greece.
A section drawing of the ‘House in Greece’.
12
GF
The site plan and the floor plans for a rewilding centre project by St Werburgh, Bristol. Roof 2F 1F
The storyboard panels above were created during the design process of the ‘Homeless Youth Shelter’ project.
13
Form diagrams of a shared house project.