James Michael Brown Year 3 - Comprehensive Design Project University of Lincoln - 2014
Observing the Fenlands Response Studio is a platform for an intellectual approach to the pursuit of architectural ideals through cultural and technological investigation and innovation. The aim of the studio is to produce design proposals that are culturally rich, aesthetically pleasing and socially equitable. The idea rests upon the understanding of a building as a system of interrelated and interacting elements within its context, performing usefully throughout its lifetime, responding and adapting to future changes. The aim of this year’s studio is to develop a study of the Lincolnshire Fens and the Wash, with the principle objective of “observing, learning, monitoring and recording.� Rural Study A study was undertaken to explore and analyse the Lincolnshire Fens and the Wash, resulting in a graphical and physical presentation where the research and findings were collated. The study documented the region, the landscape, the local vernacular, and the typology as well as the social, climatic and economic issues affecting the area. Small Project: Bird Hide + Obseravtion Points Scheme Once the rural study was established a chosen program was developed on a site of interest identified during the research and analysis period. More specific research about the chosen program and site was undertaken in order to develop a design proposal that responds to the rural context in which it sits while considering appropriate locations and strategies. Major Building: RAF Holbeach Visitor Centre With the design philosophy and understanding of the local context developed through the rural study and small project, a brief was developed which identified the most appropriate design strategies and solutions to apply all aspects of the design from inception to completion. A holistic approach to design was encouraged, by addressing rural, cultural, social, economic, environmental, contextual, spatial qualities, materials and technological issues.
Rural Study I began the rural study by looking at the Lincolnshire Fens as a whole and mapping out the area. This allowed me to look at a number of factors to help narrow down the search for the observatory site. It also helped me to identify a subject for viewing from the observatory. From the study I identified three potential locations to investigate in greater detail. The study highlighted the flat nature of the land with very few areas of higher land. There are two main towns in the area, Spalding and Boston which are linked by good roads and rail, and are located on the higher land. From The Wash a number of rivers run into the fens. The River Witham runs through Boston and provides access to Boston’s port. The River Welland runs through Spalding and the River Nene runs through the nearby Cambridgshire town or Wisbech. The study also highlighted the amount of water in the area with every field surrounded by drains due to the low lying land, the majority of which is below five metres. I also picked out points of interest such as the derelict windmills which were once used to drain the land, the nature reserves and the airfields in the area.
Boston Borough Population: 64600 Mean Age: 41.5 Country of Birth: 84.9% UK 4.6% Poland Religion: 71.1% Christian 20.3% None Unemployment: 4.2% No Qualifications: 32.7% River Witham
Freiston Shore Avocet, Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Wagtail
Beech Wood + Grange Wood
Avocet, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow
Boston Population: 18600
A1121
Dunlin, Greenshank, Knot, Oystercatcher
Freiston Shore
Brent Goose, Golden Plover, Merlin, Hen Harrier
Road
A52 Sir Joseph Banks Country Park + Wesstgate Wood
Ranyards Wood
Frampton Marsh Avocet, Redshank, Skylark, Whimbrel
Hobhole Bank
Rail
The Wash Greenshank, Lapwing, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier
Water
Brent Goose, Curlew, Golden Plover, Yelloe Wagtail
Overhead Electrical Cables Frampton Marsh
Brent Goose, Hen Harrier, Short-Eared Owl, Twite
RAF Holbeach Bombing Range
Local Authority Boundary
Harrier, Jaguar, Tornado
Wind Farm
The Thatched Cottage
Windmill Moulton Marsh
Boston Road Brick Pits
Active Airfield
RAF Holbeach Bombing Range
A16 River Welland
Disused Airfield A17
A
RAF Bombing Range
Surfleet Lows
River Glen
Site
Pinchbeck Wood
Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
A151 Holbeach
The Shrubberies
Population: 3700
Spalding
Port
River Nene
Population: 16800
RSPB Reserve Woodland Trust
B
Reserve
Arnold’s Meadow A1101
Landsccape Corridor A1175
South Holland Population: 88300 Mean Age: 43.4 Country of Birth: 90.4% UK 3.2% Poland Religion: 72.3% Christian 19.4% None Unemployment: 4.0% No Qualifications: 30.8%
Secondary Landsccape Corridor Habitat Restoration Target Areas +2m Sea Level
C Fenland Population: 96000
Pre 17thC Fields - Irregular Shape Fields Drained 17th-19thC - Rectalinear A16
5-10m
Wisbech Population: 14100
0-5m below sea level
0
1
2
3
4
5km
10km not to scale
Rural Study
p2
Bombing Range
Holbeach Marsh
Bombing Range
Gedney Marsh
H Control Tower Bombing Range
H
Bombing Range
St Mark’s Church
Helipad
Walk
Gedney Dawsmere
Church Gedney Drove End
Public House
Potential Site Ap3
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1km
2km scale 1:25000
The first area I looked at in more detail was around the village of Gedney Drove End. The area was of interest to me due to the nearby active RAF Holbeach bombing range. The marsh the bombing range is situated on is also the home to a number of birds and different wildlife. All of which provided excellent subjects for an observatory. This was eventually the area I chose for the site of the observatory.
F-15 Strike Eagle
Jaguar Peregrine
Tornado
Bombing Range Target Marsh Harrier Merlin
Barn Owl
RAF Holbeach Control Tower
St Mary Magdalene’s Church
Merlin Wheater
Sea Lavernder Samphire
Black Redstart Brent Goose Redshank
Plover Seal
Curlew
Potential Site A
p4
Holbeach Marsh
Seadike Mill Hovenden House
Fleet Marsh
St Nicholas’s Church
Gedney Dyke
Lutton Fleet Hargate Lutton Marsh
Chapelgate St Mary Magdalene’s Church Sneath’s Mill
Church Gedney
Nursery
Canebuzo
Gedney Station
Solar Park
Fleet Fen Gedney Fen
Public House
The Shrubberies
Butterfly Park and Falconry
Long Sutton
Caravan Park
Harrison’s Mill
Campsite
Unity Gardens Brunswick Mill
Gedney Water Tower
Potential Site Bp5
St Mary’s Church
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1km
2km scale 1:25000
The second area was around the town of Long Sutton. The area contained a number of derelict windmills and a Wildlife Trust nature reserve. On further inspection I also discovered a butterfly park and interesting case studies by a local architect. SEArch architects are responsible for a number of sustainble developments in the area along with a solar park which provides energy for the town.
Carbon Neutral Business Zone St Mary’s Church Solar Park
Gedney Water Tower St Mary Magdalene’s Church
Unity Gardens
St Nicholas’s Church Brunswick Mill
Gedney Station
Seadike Mill Harrison’s Mill
Sneath’s Mill
Potential Site B
p6
Church of St Mary
Fens for the Future - Habitat Restoration Target Area
Cowbit Windmill
Cowbit
Spalding South Fen
Cowbit Wash
River Welland
Deeping Fen
Peak Hill
Cowbit Fen
Church Piggery Telecommunications Mast Nursery Public House
Potential Site Cp7
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1km
2km scale 1:25000
The final area was near to the village of Cowbit. Cowbit wash and the areas along the River Welland are target areas for habitat restoration and so provided potential for a development to encourage wildlife back to the area and return some of the farmland to the fenland of the past.
Church of St Mary
Cowbit Windmill River Welland
Piggery
Telecommunications Mast
Potential Site C
p8
3 Bombing Range Targets Sites Masterplan Area Road Public Footpath Water/Drain High Tide Flight Direction
Having settled on the area for the site and the subject of the observatory I needed to chose where the observatory and small projects would go.
4
I visited the area and chose a site with good links to the main roads. The site is positioned on the marsh with views towards the bombing range and out over the marsh.
5
max ave
min ave
oct
nov
dec
aug
sep
jun
jul
apr
mar
feb
jan
may
temperature (oC)
rainfall (mm)
7
day Control Tower night wind direction
prevailing wind - SW
8
1st July 2
1
3 4 5
9
1st January 6
sun path
a
b
7
Climate Holbeach Weather Station
8
9
Proposed Observatory Site
Gedney Drove End 14
15
16
17
18
10
12 11
13
A
vehicular approach to site
19
21 20
22
B a 14
15
b
C
16
D
E
17 F
18
Site Analysisp9
Gedney Drove End 19
20
21
22 G
H
1
2
2
6
13
10
11
12
Site Photos
p10
Population
2351 1176 1175
Age Structure
425
u18
242
1165
18-29 30-64
519
65+
Nationality
2216 22
example of the local vernacular at Gedney Drove End
English
Scottish 15Welsh 7Nothern Irish 15Irish 89Other
roof - usually slate, pantile, or corrugated metal sheets
brick
28.8%
sash windows
No Passport
42.5%
No Qualifications
Religion corrugated metal
newer buildings continue to use brick and corrugated metal as the main exterior material
70. 8% 18.9%
Christian No Religion 0.6% Muslim 0.1% Hindu 0.1% Sikh Marital Status
57.1%23.6% Married
Single
71.5%
Living in a Couple Employment The Local Vernacular architecture for the area is, in general made up of brick structures. In the case of farm buildings these often have later extensions constructed from corrugated steel. The roofs are are in general slate or pantiles.
225part-time
557 223
full-time self-employed 71unemployed
374retired 66student Industry
90agriculture
147manufacturing
204
retail
Local Vernacular + Gedney Ward Statisticsp11
110 health 68education
88construction 52admin 65transport
Observatory Site
Extends out from the sea bank and points north to give views of the aeroplanes flying overhead and using the bombing range.
A
Rises above the sea bank to give extended views of the marshland and out to sea. Positioned at approach point to attract visitors.
B
main approach
m
0 30
500m
C
Postioned in the marsh to give a more intimate interaction with the wildlife.
30
0
m
D
m
0 50
Rises above the sea bank to give extended views of the marshland and out to sea. Positioned at approach point to attract visitors.
E
Gives extended 3600 views. Positioned at the mid-point between the observatory and the southern most hide.
m
0 50
Extends out from the sea bank and gives views of the sea and the marsh below. F&G
0m 60
The Observatory is positioned at the northern most point of the proposed development, and is desgined for viewing the aircraft and the bombing range. 0m 50
H
Along the sea defences are a number of proposed bird hides and observation points for looking out over the marsh and farmland at the local wildlife.
Rises above the sea bank to give extended views of the marshland and out to sea. Positioned at approach point to attract visitors.
Observatory + Brid Hide Scheme
p12
Bird Hide + Observation Point Site E Proposal Site E is one of the proposed observation points. It marks the midpoint of the proposed development, and as such is slightly larger than the others. It consists of two observation rooms looking in opposite directions, one out towards the sea and one over the farmland. The structure is off-grid with power coming from photovoltaic panels positioned on the roof. The water needed for the wc is provided PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT through rain water collection. PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
North
East
scale 1:100
scale 1:100 photovoltaic panels to provide electricity
rain water harvesting to provide water for the wc
steel frame designed to minimise interuption in the lanscape
electricity stored inside box in the steel frame
lower observation room gives views of the marshland and out to sea
brick + corrugated steel facade inkeeping with the local vernacular
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
photovoltaic panels to provide electricity
higher observation room gives views inland across farmland
lift giving disabled access to all floors
water stored behind wc within the steel frame
Elevationsp13
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
South
West
scale 1:100
scale 1:100
observation room 3000mm
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
gf - top 12800mm
2f -3f 2400mm
1f - 2f 2400mm
gf - 1f 2400mm
Elevations
p14
Ground Floor scale 1:100
2
3
4
B
A
C
1
1st Floor
scale 1:100
a
1
2
3
4
a b
b
1.
1.
2. c
d
d
e
e
f
f 3.
3. observation room 1
Plansp15
B
C
1. lift A
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
c
2. w.c.
north
north
2nd Floor
3rd Floor
scale 1:100
Site Plan
scale 1:100
1
2
3
4
scale 1:500
1
a
a
b
b 1.
2
3
4
1.
c
4. d
d
e
e
f
f
north
4. observation room 2
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
c
north
north
Plans
p16
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
A-A
Section
C-C
B-B
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Scale 1:100
Sectionp17
e
d
c
b
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
f
a
South Approach
North Approach
Second Floor
Approach from the main road
Visuals
p18
Observatory Currently there are a number of people who visit the nearby area to view the aircraft as they use the bombing range. However there is currently nowhere that offers protection from the elements and so viewers stay in their cars meaning they have restricted views of the aircraft with the range not being visible at all. The observatory consists of a museum detailing the history of the bombing range and the bombs used on it. There is a cafe catering to the buildings visitors but also anyone using the public footpath along the sea bank. It also contains a number of different viewing areas to cater for differing visitors.
• observation rooms giving views of bombing range and the plane approaches
• bomb museum
• existing situation - viewing takes place in cars or on foot leading to restricted views
• cafe with seating for 25 people
Observatory Briefp19
From the early stages of the project I wanted the observatory to be off grid. Due to there being few structures nearby attaching the building to the mains could be difficult. The site offers unobstructed lines of site to harness sunlight and with it being on the coast offers wind all year round. The sea water on the marsh also had the potential to be used for fresh water if treated.
• rainwater harvesting from rooftops and lanscaping for use as grey water
• concentrated solar still to provide fresh water
• wind turbines
• solar panels • solar shading
• heat recovery system
• photovoltaic panels
• natural ventilation • thin film photovoltaic cells
water
cooling + heating
power
Off Grid
p20
The museum is designed to be a relatively dark environment so as to not glamourise the bomb on display. Sky lights offer lighting for the displays which will hang from the ceiling. The large window at the end will provide views of the bombing range with the smaller windows offering glimpses of the aircraft as they approach.
Quality of Spacep21
2km
bombing range
1km
500m
250m
125m
site
aircraft approach Gedney Drove End
scale 1:10000
Context
p22
The design of the observatory developed from early massing studies. Below shows how development progressed with the final building to the right.
Massing Studyp23
cafe
museum
observation rooms
public space
private space
k bric
I looked at using a number of different materials for the observatory and settled on concrete because of its aesthetic feel and its durability.
r
be
im nt t bur
te e r nc
r
co
be
tim
Material Study
p24
East scale 1:200
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Elevations/Eastp25
South scale 1:200
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
South/Elevations
p26
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONA
West scale 1:200
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
scale 1:200
Elevations/Westp27
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
North scale 1:200
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
scale 1:200
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
North/Elevations
p28
vehicular access parking
public footpath
The site is positioned within the bend of the sea defences. The main entrance cuts through the sea bank offering disabled access from the car park to the building.
Plans/Sitep29
scale 1:1250
north
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
s3
s4
01
The basement of the building is designed to take on water when the building floods. This will help to protect other parts of the building from flooding whilst also providing storage for the salt water before treatment.
1
2 4
3
s1
s1
5 s2
s2
• floodable basement
6 02
7
8
03
a
b
c
d
e A
scale 1:200
north
s3
f
g B
C
D s4
Basement/Plans
p30
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
• entrance from car park
s1
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Plans/Lower Groundp31
main entrance museum wc plant room office
scale 1:200
north
s3
s4
01
1
2 4
3
s1
5.
5 s2
s2
1.
2. 6 02
7
8
3. 3.
a
b
c
d
e A
s3
03
4.
f
g B
C
D s4
The Upper Ground floor also contains the majority of the observatories services to protect them from water damage if the building floods.
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
The cafe is positioned on the south west corner of the building level with the sea wall. This is to take advantage of any walkers that are using the public footpath.
s1
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Plans/Upper Groundp33
cafe cafe seating kitchen waste storage storage cold storage plant room
scale 1:200
north
s3
s4
01
1
• entrance from sea bank
2 4
3
7. s1
4.
5.
6.
3.
5
• entrance from sea bank
s2
s2
1.
6 02
7
8
2. 03
a
b
c
d
e A
s3
f
g B
C
D s4
s3
s4
01
1
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
1.
2 4
s1
s1
5 s2
s2 6 02
7
8
03
1.
Plans/1stp35
3
musuem
scale 1:200
a
b
c
d
e A
north
s3
f
g B
C
D s4
s3
s4
01
1
2 4
3
1.
s1
s1
5 s2
s2 6 02
7
8
03
1.
roof
scale 1:200
a
b
c
d
e A
north
s3
f
g B
C
D s4
2nd/Plans
p36
s3
s4
01
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
1
2 4
s1
s1
5 s2
s2
1.
6 02
7
8
03
1.
Plans/3
rd
p37
3
a b observation room
scale 1:200
c
north
d
e A
s3
f
g B
C
D s4
section s2 original scale 1:50
s2/Perspective Section
p38
section s4 scale 1:200
Perspective Section/s4p39
section s1 scale 1:200
section s3 scale 1:200
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
s1 & s3/Sections
p40
Exterior Visualp41
North Approach
p42
South Approachp43
Museum - Lower Ground Floor
p44
Museum - 2nd Floorp45
Museum - 2nd Floor
p46
Cafep47
Observation Room
p48
natural ventilation air drawn into the staircases and released at the top
rain water harvesting rain water collected from rooftops for use as greywater
Environmental Systemsp49
power photovoltaic panels positioned on the south facing roofs
desalination salt water collected in the floodable basement, treated using reverse osmosis to provide fresh water
Environmental Systems
p50
PRODUCED BY AN AUTOD
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
black corrugated steel corten steel frame
concrete cladding
concrete slab
waterproof concrete retaining walls
waterproof concrete slab for basement to retain water for desalination
steel pile foundation
Structurep51
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
steel frame
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
structural glazing
• steel
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
scale 1:10
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
• insulation • service gap • concrete tile
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT • concrete cladding
• osb • dpm • bitumen paint • earth • waterproof concrete
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT • bitumen paint
0 le 1:1
sca
• waterproof concrete
• lean concrete • earth • concrete filled steel pile 0 le 1:1
sca
RODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Details
p52