Kyra Johnston Architecture Portfolio by Kyra Johnston

KYRA JOHNSTON ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

KYRA JOHNSTON

2024

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

CONTENTS

JÉRÔME SEYDOUX-PATHÉ FOUNDATION

PADEL CAFE

THE STRANGE PALACE HOTEL

THE STRAND PALACE HOTEL MENAGERIE

THE ASYLUM SEEKER SANCTUARY

LAUNDRY LOUNGE

POPLAR ROWING CLUB: ROOF EXTENSION

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ROOM OF CITIES

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ROOM OF CITIES Theme: Social Housing - Window Relationships

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PROJECT TYPE: ACADEMIC DATE: FALL 2023 LOCATION: OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

This studio focused on housing; I designed six housing blocks, totaling 60 units ranging from a one-bedroom to a three-bedroom duplex. My focus was on the concept of layering and how openings can be used to facilitate this effect to create a unique reading of a space. This highlights the idea that spaces can be read and felt very differently depending on your spatial relation to a window, and this can be read through a human scale, unit scale, and building scale. In my building, I took this idea of layering through not only facade openings but also interior partitions. So you can imagine looking at my building and catching views all the way through. Rather than calculated specific views, these are more natural views that you can stumble on depending on your location. I often designed through iterating physical chunk models, and I created a very porous group of spaces. To keep this porosity over the entire building, I created privacy in three ways: firstly, every other apartment block is elevated five feet to stagger window heights; secondly, for every pair of facing facades, the window and program placement is designed for specific privacy; lastly, every other unit is rotated to avoid parallel windows and to let in more light. These moves created a building that may read as a large block from afar, but as you come closer, there are these modulating rotating units that break down the scale.

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CHUNK MODEL: 1/4" = 1’0"

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MASSING MODEL - 1/16" = 1’0"

CHUNK SECTION

CHUNK SECT 1/8” =

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elevation oblique 1/8” = 1’0”

ELEVATION OBLIQUE

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

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BROADWAY

1F AND 3F PLAN 1/16” = 1’0”

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JÉRÔME SEYDOUX-PATHÉ FOUNDATION Theme: Constructing and Detailing

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PROJECT TYPE: ACADEMIC DATE: FALL 2023 GROUP PROJECT WITH ELIZABETH RECHIN & AMY ZHANG

We were tasked to create a 1/2"=1’0" model of an existing building of our choosing from a provided list. We picked the Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé Foundation due to its complexity in shape and material usage. The detailed physical model is intended to show our understanding of the assembly of materials, systems, and components. It’s scale was chosen to identify layers of wall, floor, and roofs assembly, specifically highlighting different materials and insulation. Whilst we all worked closely together to create this model, my key role was focused on the 3D printed curved wall, the wooden arched beams, and the glass roof system.

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PADEL CAFE: CONCEPT DESIGN Theme: Social Gathering - Sport Development

PROJECT TYPE: PERSONAL DATE: SUMMER 2023 LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA I was commissioned to create a concept design for a Matcha cafe alongside 8-10 Padel courts on a plot in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The overarching vision for this project was to infuse it with a vibrant, fun atmosphere and an undercurrent of refined luxury. To bring this vision to life, I engaged in a series of iterative design processes, involving frequent consultations with the client. These ongoing dialogues culminated in the creation of the final renders, which played a pivotal role in securing the necessary funding.

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Currently, discussions are in progress as we look ahead to the next phase of this project.

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LAYOUT AND DRAWINGS

PLAN

AERIAL VIEW

RENDERS

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INTERNAL CAFE RENDER

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EXTERNAL WALKWAY RENDER 11

STRANGE PALACE HOTEL Theme: Public Infrastructure and Nature: Reminders For the Future

PROJECT TYPE: ACADEMIC DATE: SPRING 2022 LOCATION: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM Our interactions with animals have primarily been through zoos, circuses, and domestication- contexts which emphasize a separation between humanity and the animal kingdom by placing animals on a performing pedestal for our entertainment. In reality, humans and animals have a long history of working side by side as equals. The Strange Palace Hotel is a museum exploring a journey back in time that combines the past and the present of central London’s Strand Palace Hotel. Previously situated here was The Exeter Change’ Menagerie between 1773 and 1829. My project seeks to reinterpret this history in the hotel’s central courtyard.

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My program aims to navigate human relationships with animals, through augmented reality, highlighting how it has changed over time through immersive museum exhibits. The use of augmented reality challenges the necessity for live animals, especially since abuse is often prevalent in zoos and circuses. To blur the boundaries between natural and human environments, the building’s cladding will be constructed from willow. The willow structure will be eventually engulfed by greenery. The willow will also act as nests for the local Swifts, a bird species which have been rapidly declining in population since their displacement due to modern construction methods. The courtyard space will transform into a wild garden and open the once private block into a lush public space. For guests, the hotel transforms from merely being a place to stay into an unexpected experience that explores our innate relationship with the growth of natural organisms in one of the most metropolitan regions of London. The Strange Palace Hotel can provide a solution to achieving a more empathetic consideration of animals within our urban society and, on a wider scale, questions how these two domains can coexist.

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PHYSICAL WILLOW MANIPULATION

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INITIAL EXPERIMENTS To explore willow’s materiality, I began to do physical experiments playing with the qualities. I used moulds to shape the willow into arches additionally, I began to use the natural grass rafia as a connector.

FRAMING Creating panels seemed as an efficient way of converting the natural material into a more controllable building element, however, the framework highly limits the type of geometry that can be produced. It would be difficult to create shapes that flow and weave themselves together without using an organised tiling system.

DIGITAL MATERIAL MANIPULATION DIGITAL FACTORS To create a more dynamic structure, I digitalised my experiments and began to create different chunks of willow. Manipulating the base geometry, the scatter density, and the rotation will be my three key parameters to create optimal geometry that aligns with the program and desired aesthetic output.

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PATTERN ONE Skewing

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PATTERN TWO Randing

PATTERN THREE Three rod-wale

SUNLIGHT STUDY This sunlight study shows that I can play with different weaving patterns to create different shadows. For example the most densely woven pattern: Pattern B with thickness 3 may be ideal for the Augmented Reality. Thickness 1 may be more ideal for a cafe space as privacy screens.

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LONG SECTION

7 8m

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FINAL REPRE

LEVEL ONE: MEZZANINE CAFE

LEVEL TWO: EXHIBITS

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LEVEL ONE: WELCOMING AND INFORMATION HUB

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KEY 15: Gift Shop 16: Learning Hub 17: Willow Sky Bridge 18: Restaurant 19+20: Bathrooms 21: Kitchen

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LEVEL FOUR: WELCOMING AND INFORMATION HUB

LEVEL THREE: EXHIBITS

LEVEL FIVE: OPEN CAFE AND TERRACE

LEVEL SIX: ROOF GARDENS

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ESENTATION

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INTERIOR RENDER: CIRCUS EXHIBIT This interior render displays the circus exhibition. This exhibition is meant to portray circuses in a dark setting, creating an ominous mood to allude to circuses not showing the full picture. The render shows how augmented reality can be used in place of real animals. 15

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EXTERIOR REND

The bridge is a moment leaving the museum and enterin with the willow and experience th

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DER: THE BRIDGE

ng the restaurant. Users can watch how the birds interact he mix of materials as they cross. 16

THE STRAND PALACE MENAGERIE Theme: Repurposing Infrastructure: Intervening Memories

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PROJECT TYPE: ACADEMIC DATE: FALL 2021 LOCATION: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

The Strand Palace Hotel sits on the sites of one of the most famous menageries in the world. Although now a popular hotel, The Exeter Change’ Menagerie was situated on-site between 1773 and 1829. My project aims to revive the spirit of the animals back into the site. I will be creating an architectural intervention on the entrance facade and lobby space of The Strand Palace Hotel. I will also be exploring the concept of cabinets and collectors and drawing comparisons between menageries as a mere exhibition of animals and a collection of antiquities. A menagerie is defined as a collection of animals on display, and animals were kept in cages similar to antiquities kept in cabinets. Cabinets were not specific to a cabinet we think of nowadays, but some were thought of as collection rooms. Keeping animals in a cabinet-like room exposes collectors treating animals as objects rather than living creatures. As animal rights become a more prevalent issue, the whole idea of zoos is being questioned, which brings forth an opportunity to re-imagine zoos (and menageries). I will attempt to recreate the concept of a zoo (or menagerie) by incorporating augmented reality as an alternative to live animals. The architecture will come to life through the animals and vice versa. I hope that The Strand Palace Menagerie creates a conversation that draws a bridge over the gap between the present and past purpose of the site to bring back its essential history. I also hope to redefine the necessity of live animals at a zoo through an architectural twist to my site.

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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

I used a myriad of animals and combined through the process of randomization. I liked how the symmetrical effect created resembled a butterfly and I hope to take symmetry further in my geometries.

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ITERATING DESIGN LANGUAGE

DESIGN ITERATION After visiting the space, I decided to re-design the entrance room due to its unique features. I took the detailed parts and applied the geometry processing and liked how the balustrades came out.

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INTERNAL RENDER

ASYLUM SEEKER SANCTUARY Theme: Climate and Social Justice - Natural State for All

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PROJECT TYPE: ACADEMIC DATE: SPRING 2021 LOCATION: RYE, UNITED KINGDOM

The beaches of the English south coast see many boats containing asylum seekers wash up at their shores after an arduous crossing from mainland Europe. The Asylum Seeker Sanctuary, situated around 45 minutes from the port of Dover, where most asylum seekers are received, explores how biophilic architecture can be used to accommodate these displaced people in a way that is calming, empathetic, and dignified. Between January and June 2019, an estimated 10.8 million new displacements occurred worldwide, with a record 65% of these stemming from natural disasters. This figure is over double the number of displacements due to conflict and, as the climate crisis worsens, will only increase at a higher and higher rate. Privacy was also a critical factor in many design choices; offset floors, roof lights, and double-height spaces are used throughout the building to allow for large amounts of natural lighting without exposing the asylum seekers inside to the public, promoting feelings of enclosure and safety. Biophilic principles are used within the architecture to aid the mental well-being and emotional healing of the guests. The intricately textured wall faces slow rainwater as it moves along its shallow slope, working to propagate moss as the building ages. Growth will primarily occur along the shaded north face of the building and the back courtyard wall, a calming view for some of the more stressful spaces like the interview rooms. As humans, we have an intuitive attraction to design that mimics the evolutionary growth of natural organisms. Because of this, after the grueling journey that many asylum seekers face, this organic presence will allow for some solace as they begin their long process of achieving refugee status.

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SITE AN

Although one street away from the high street, my site is nestled between three community buildings. It is currently a car park with an existing high wall that separates the street from the residential area behind. The horizontal open-nature of the site allows for a large exposed front facing retail spaces.

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SITE STUDY

SITE MODEL The site is currently used as a car park, it sits flushed against the Grade I listed Town Wall also known as the Rye Land Gate. It was built in 1340 made out of stone rubble and is still in great condition. There is also a small tower attached to the wall that will not be removed for my program.

NALYSIS

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There were an estimated 10.8 million new displacements worldwide from January to June in 2019. A record was set of 65% (7 million) were caused by natural disaster. This number is almost double the displacements caused by conflict and violence during this period.

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DISASTER-DRIVEN DISPLACEMENT MAP

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SUN SITE ANALYSIS After placing a sun analysis on my site model, I realised that my site gets very little direct sunlight all year round, I will need to innovate ways to receive sun without being blocked by the town wall. 20

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1/F PLAN

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GROUND FLOOR CIRCULATION

ENTRANCE Area to provide asylum seekers with fresh clothes, towels, and hot drinks on arrival.

VEHICLE ENTRANCE Space to allow vans to turn in and drop off the asylum seekers

WAITING AREA An indoor waiting room and an outdoor double-sided moss bench for those waiting to be interviewed. Also has a small prayer room. INTERVIEW ROOMS Interview pods for the asylum seekers with large windows to let light in and views of the moss wall.

MOSS COURTYARD Area for moss to propagate and create views out for interview rooms and first floor balconies. Also a potential escape route if necessary for postinterview. CAFETERIA Large seating area for hot meals with views to the moss courtyard.

ASYLUM SEEKER ENTRANCE Entrance into the building with space for them to line up and be given warm drinks

SHOWERS AND CHANGING ROOMS Spaces for users to take a long shower, comfortably get changed whilst looking out to private moss gardens from the shower view. Also where laundry is picked up and returned to their rooms. PRIVATE MOSS GARDENS The exterior wall will be double sided with a slight slope in either direction to have rain water trickle down the surfaces. The humidity of the shower will be an optimal area for moss to prosper.

PRAYER AREA Main prayer space for guests.

STAFF AND VISITOR ENTRANCE Entrance into the building for staff and food deliveries. Also an entrance for visitors coming to pick up family or friends.

STAFF AND VISITOR LOUNGE Staff room and visitors area to wait for friends and family.

ESENTATION 3D PRINTED MODEL

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STREET VIEW RENDER

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LAUNDRY LOUNGE Theme: Social Infrastructure - Culminating Spaces

PROJECT TYPE: ACADEMIC DATE: SPRING 2020 LOCATION: DALSTON, UNITED KINGDOM

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Dalston puts a significant amount of importance on community centers, and therefore it is vital to combine daily services with communal areas. The successful addition of a laundry and community service could help create this necessary space. This project is a laundry business where people can come and socialize, relax, and celebrate the process of laundry. To make this project successful, I added social spaces, including sofas, and complimentary coffee, tea. I hope to develop a green roof to aid with regulating the indoor temperature, creating a sound barrier externally and internally, as well as potentially drawing more biodiversity back into Dalston alongside the Eastern Curve Garden. Furthermore, I hope to develop a graywater storage space; I will have troughs to recycle rainwater as well as recycling the water from the washing machines, sinks, and showers for plumbing. This water can also water the plants at the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. I will place a few washing lines of the on the exterior upper side of the building to take advantage of the prevailing winds and strong wind channel developed by the Dalston plaza. My site will also accommodate the primary owner of the laundrette in a separate living space, consisting of a small room and kitchen as well as a dining table and bathroom embedded in the laundrette.

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SECTION

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POPLAR ROWING CLUB: ROOF EXTENSION Theme: Social Infrastructure - Training and Gathering

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PROJECT TYPE: PERSONAL DATE: SUMMER 2022 LOCATION: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

My partner in this project, Daniel Langstaff, and I were approached by a Rowing Club to design their roof extension. They were looking for a pitched roof design with renders and drawings. They are currently raising funding and we are continuing our design discussions. Daniel and I brainstormed the designs together and separated the tasks, we both designed iterations, I then focused on the hero render and drawings whilst he created the additional renders. We created a simple recurring pattern to draw inspiration from the surrounding area and create a structure that complements the skyline of the city. We have created multiple design iterations working with the client’s needs and budget.

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SITE PHOTOGRAPHS AND CONCEPT MASSING

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SITE PHOTOS

PLAN Primary space within the upper extension is a large open recreational space, which adapts to the varied use that the rowing club has for their building. There are a multitude of roof lights to illuminate the enclosed interior spaces.

CONCEPT MASSING (COLLABORATIVE EFFORT) Exploring different roof shapes to sit atop of the existing architecture primarily focusing on pitched roofing for height and client’s aesthetic.

DRAWINGS AND RENDERS

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STREET RENDER (PARTNER)

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INTERIOR RENDER (PARTNER) 24