RE-TREE-T A SANCTUARY FOR THE SENSES AT BROWNHILL CREEK
DESIGNING WITH NATURE KIARA BLACK REPRESENTATION II
CONTENTS SITE ANALYSIS CONCEPT
4-7 8-11
FRAMING AND STRUCTURE
12-15
3D, PLAN, SECTION
16-19
COMMUNITY
20-23
ANALYSIS OF SITE Topographic map of the proposed site.
WHAT’S WORKING AND HOW TO WORK WITH IT
Brownhill Creek Conservation Park is located approximately 7km SSE of the Adelaide CBD in South Australia. Weather varies throughout the year and has significant changes in rainfall- as seen in graphs alongside.
Aerial view of the proposed site.
Sun path over the proposed site in February/late summer. Aerial map of Adelaide CBD and Brownhill Creek in relation to each other, and 3D aerial shots of the site.
Sun path over the proposed site in August/late winter.
From top: Average annual temperatures, rainfall and daylight hours at Brownhill Creek Recreation Park
ANALYSIS OF SITE
Brownhill Creek Recreational Park used to be a popular destination for camping, hunting and gathering amongst local Kaurna people. In 1915 it was recognised as a site of cultural and national significance, so was declared a National Pleasure Resort and later in 1972, became Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. There is an extensive collection of native vegetation on site, including: River Red Gums, South Australian Blue Gum, Drooping Sheoaks, Swamp Wattles, Golden Wattles, Swamp Club Rush, Kangaroo Thorn, Grey box woodlands and many more ground covers, grasses and reeds. As a site for tourism and furthering the recreational aspects of the park, there is plenty of potential and opportunities to draw in more people. Immersing oneself in nature is a great boost for mental and physical health. By incorporating treehouses as a way of housing people and their families for temporary accommodation further enhances the experience of being in nature. There are walking trails, wildlife, native vegetation that changes seasonally and even interesting climate patterns that contribute to unique and personal experiences within Brownhill Creek Recreational Park. The site captures sunlight throughout the day and has clear views of the stars at night, allowing for magical scenes to be shared with others who are also staying on site.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
TREE SPECIFIC TO DESIGN
A treehouse is a fun, nostalgic, creative way to live or holiday. It reminds us of our childhoods- pirate ships, forts, fairy kingdoms- an opportunity to escape and let the imagination take over. Brownhill Creek provides an opportunity for a greater understanding of natural sites and how to enjoy them respectfully. Trees can be a symbol of family (family trees, or even how they grow together yet uniquely), they can be a symbol of new growth and learning, or even courage and bravery as they stand tall and branch out - all of these qualities which are often fostered within children. To work with this, a playful design would be needed, such as swings over the creek below, a cantilevered platform and glass roofs to view the stars at night, and glass flooring to sneak peak at passing kangaroos and birdlife as well as watching the stream flow while eating breakfast in the crisp, morning sunshine.
IDEAS, SCRIBBLES AND A REALITY Wrapping the tree house around the tree, but not attaching to it demonstrates how nature can and should be appreciated without physically needing to rely on it, or risk destroying it. The cantilevered design over the creek allows for immersive views and a feeling of floating among the tree canopies that would otherwise appear ground level. A higher level, for sleeping would let visitors experience sleeping in the treetops, with the stars twinkling above. Reinforced glass roofs and floors show a comfortable modern design while also ensuring privacy and an intimacy with the site. Combined with timber cladding, on rustic timber framed platforms and balconies allow for a stark contrast between old and new, as well as connecting with the site in a safe yet unique experience.
CONCEPTUAL SKETCHES
FRAMING AND STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Roof framing systemsinspired and alluding to a leaf structure. the battens are representative of the veins in a leaf.
The sleeping space sits 3.2m above the site, just under the canopy of the gumtree. None of the framing is supported by the tree, only the floorplan wraps around the tree and over the creek.
Platform framing
3 sided window above a sleeping space allows views of the stars, and enhances the feeling of being amongst the trees.
The living space, sits just 2m above the site, however is cantilevered over the creek on just two props.
Platform framing
a 360 degree transverse window that wraps around the living space- providing views of the creek below, the balcony on the northern side and of the tree, also above and south to the creekscape.
Wall framing- very tradtional and domestic, but larger spans between frames allowing for large window cavities and more flexibility with the materiality of the building’s �skin�
FRAMING AND MAIN STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Sleeping spaces on the northern side of the tree trunk.
Floor plan: leaf shaped roof pieces lay over the buildings, while the creek can be seen beneath the living space building
on the right. The tree is central to the buildings and exposes light and shadows throughout the different times of day.
Living spaces, kitchen and composting toilet
The 360 degree window divides the roof and framing almost completely, alluding to a separation within the leaflike roof.
PLAN, SECTION, 3D PROPOSAL
SECTION CUT
FLOOR PLAN:
FRIDGE
SECTION The sleeping pod sits 1.2m higher than the cantilevered living zone
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
5
4
COMMUNITY A PLAN TO INVOLVE AND CONNECT
SITE PLAN
5
4 3
2
1
RE-TREE-T
Community Design The community of treehouses will be a collection of elevated, cantilevered, eco-buildings that provide an opportunity for families, couples or small groups to experience “glamping” among the trees with wildlife, weather and views. The Re-Tree-T will be connected with the neighbouring Brownhill Creek Caravan Park’s eco experience.
PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND LANDSCAPING Advertising and promotional material will be added to the Brownhill Creek Caravan Park’s websites/social media pages, along with it be featured on TourismSA’s advertising campaigns. Signs will be carved into large redgum logs, and paths will be crushed, pressed gravel to ensure natural materiality is kept in the landscape. some elevated board walks will also be included, leading to communal picnic/ barbeque facilities. The current trees and shrubbery will be kept, with some smaller, straying shrubs removed from the creek to allow for the construction of the 5 buildings. As well as the expereince of staying in tree houses, there will be guided walks through the park, wildlife watching tours, bike hire and tree planting workshops. They will be run on donations and included in the package of staying here. For the first 3 months of opening, a promotional package can be used, such as Pay 2 nights, get a 3rd night free and enjoy 2 free experiences
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