The Chapel of the Non Believers An Arboretum for Mitford
In our increasingly secular society, detached from death, the use of the Crematoria as an efficient form of corpse reduction has resulted in a disconnection between life , death and the poignancy of passing. Crematoria belch smoke as hearses arrive and depart at regular 1 hour intervals. This is the modern system of mass destruction, efficient , cold, and final. Once fulfilled by religion and religious ceremony, Atheism has struggled to reconciliate two very different programmatic agendas: The disposal of a body, and the celebration of a life. The finality of death without Faith or the promise of Afterlife is Terminal. Twenty score years and ten for a pocket full of dust seems a disagreeable transaction.
Personal Ethos Memory
The Lamentable Loss
Twenty years ago my Grandad died, the anchor of the family and a person who I adored and respected immeasurably. A joiner, a carpenter, a mentor and a friend. I remember the Crematoria experience vividly. The Eulogy regurgitated a generic diatribe, describing the life and characteristics of someone other than the person we loved - with an additional peppering of religious sanctimony. My Grandad was an Athiest. I remember once discussing old age with him, and he declaring that ‘ In life all you are really left with are memories,’. He had, no doubt, been to countless funerals, all at the local Crematoria, and the memories of these individuals, friends, work collegues and family members had gained greater and greater significance in his old age. This, I presume was that my Grandad understood that the recollection of these events would end with his own death. I have three artifacts and a selection of old photos of my Grandad, the memories I have will be verbally passed down to my daughter as she half listens whilst playing on her mobile phone, never fully appreciating or percieving their importance. A life forgotten in a generation.
John Ruskin, Kenilworth Castle, 1847. ( Ruskin, Diaries, vol. I, plate 31 )
John Ruskin
The site condition is that of architectural decay, with the Mitford ruins eroding into the landscape. John Ruskin implied a veneration for architectural ruins analogous to that of human remains with any interference or intervention, associable to the disinterring of a consecrated grave.
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1. The Cigarette Case, 1946 19 years old, my Grandfather was posted to Palestine with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers where he bought a cigarette case from a bazaar on a trip to Egypt. His Mother died Unexpectedly and he had to return to England on compassionate grounds, the cigarette case and his Mothers death inextricably connected.
2. The wooden Chess Set, 1983
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Aged 6, I remember the afternoons sitting with my Grandad playing Chess, waiting for the opportune moment to illegally reconfigure the pieces to my advantage. The Chess board comes out now, and the surreptitious process of illegal Chess moves are repeated by my 8 year old daughter.
3. The Tenon Saw, 1976 The Old rusted Tenon saw which I would use under my Grandads guidance is the only artifact remaining from his extensive tool collection housed within the Tardus ( Shed ) at the bottom of the Garden. The rust patina and scrapes suggestive of the human endeavour, use and age. The inspiration for my career path, the Tenon saw sits comfortably at the bottom of my tool chest.
Memories - The treasured artifacts
1819 -1900 - Ruinism
“ We have no right to touch them. They are not ours. They belong partly to those who built them, and partly to the generatons of mankind who are to follow us. The dead still have their right to them. “ John ruskin, ( 8 : 245 ) Seven Lamps of Architecture My Grandad, human society and the architectural decay prevalent in the Mitford site share a universal truth. All are subject to the same physical laws of entrophy, decay and death, - but more significant and lamentable, the finality of loss. The irretrievable loss of matter and Information. The loss of memories.
Personal Ethos The Humanist Martyrs
Atheism
Cremation
In researching written works and various debates
Atheism in its broadest sense is the rejection of any belief in the existance of deities, gods, religion
by certain ambassadors for Humanist and Atheist
or afterlife. Many people believe ,wrongly, that Atheism is a modern construct, however the history
thought the theme of absolute loss without
of Atheism can be dated as far back as the early 5th Century B.C with the Greek atheist poet and
the promise of afterlife, actually presented an
sophist Diagoras.
The Cremation rate in the United Kingdom is currently at around 78% being the most popular form of Funeral Ceremony and Corpse reduction.
opportunity to deliver an immensely poignant,
Initially the Crematoria developed as a response to a Paper entitled
emotionally heightened funeral programme, which
The Treatment of the Body after Death by Sir Henry Thompson in
were openly criticising and challenging established religious theologies.
whilst bereaving the loss of a loved one also
1874. In this paper it was suggested that the use of Cremation, would
This period also observed the development of modern concepts on human rights and individual
celebrated the enormity, beauty and preciousness of
freedom.
a human life.
Modern history exposes a close correlation between the increase in Atheist thought and the 18th Century Enlightenment. By the end of the 18th Century, philosophers in France, Germany and England
19th Century Scientific endeavour culminating in the Darwinian discoveries contained within the
prevent premature burial, reduce funeral expense, and reduce the necessity for ever increasing areas of consecrated land. The Cremation process developed rapidly with most notable expansion from the 1950’s onwards with 30 Crematoria being built in the UK
Origin of Species ( 1859 ) accelerated a culture of religious scepticism. The paper also instigated a
between 1960 and 1961 alone.
scientific, critical interrogation of the natural world and our place within that natural order.
According to a recent study published in Pharos, the Cremation industry’s magazine, one Cremation emits approximately 500g of the same air polluting chemicals released by diesel vehicles, the equivalent of driving a diesel car for 2,280 miles.
Richard Dawkins
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“
“
in fact never see the light of day outnumber the sand And here is the point , about myself and my co-thinkers. Our belief is not a belief.
Humanism is an approach to life which
We do not rely solely upon science and reason,
encourages ethical and fulfilling living on
because these are necessary rather than
the basis of reason and humanity, and
sufficient factors, but we distrust anything that
rejects superstition and religion. The most
contradicts science or outrages reason.
immediate impact of living as a humanist
We may differ on many things, but what we
is that we believe this life is all there is -
respect is free inquiry, open mindedness, and the
so what we do and the choices we make
pursuit of ideas for their own sake.
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ones. Most people are never going to die because who could have been here in my place but who will
Our principles are not a faith.
really count.
We are going to die, and that makes us the lucky they are never going to be born. The potential people
Christopher Hitchens Stephen Fry
Woodland Cemetery, stockholm, Gunar Asplund
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grains of Arabia. Certainly those unborn ghosts include greater poets than Keats, scientists greater than Newton. We know this because the set of possible people allowed by our DNA so massively exceeds the set of actual people. In the teeth of these stupefying odds it is you and I, in our ordinariness, that are here. We privileged few, who won the lottery of birth against all odds, how dare we whine at our inevitable return to that prior state from which the vast majority have never stirred?
“
Richard Dawkins, Unweaving the Rainbow: Science,
What seemed perverse was the final act of a human being whose life had generally adversely affected the environment should pollute further in their reduction to ash and pulverised bone.
The Arboretum Nursery The Arboretum Nursery is constructed and positioned as an insertion within Mitford Ruins. Silver Birch Saplings are grown. Growth is accelerated and encouraged within the glasshouse environment.
Programme Ethos
The Arboretum Nursery Memorial Tree species are planted within the Arboretum Nursery. The Tree Species are selected : Native, deciduous, fast growing species which promote biodiversity and have increased carbon sequestration properties.
A New Arboretum for Mitford The Arboretum Chapel The Arboretum Chapel and associated buildings are constructed and the Arboretum is Commissioned. The Materiality is considered based on the principles of ‘design to dismantle’. The Timber Envelope and Glu-laminated columns are secured with mechanical fixings only, and designed to be deconstructed and re-erected at an future site. The Scarf bases and Portico are constructed from Rammed re-inforced Concrete, and constructed as permanent structures. The First Arboretum Tree is planted next to the Chapel Window.
The Tree Colonnades The developed Silver Birch trees are planted in alignment with the identified ‘ Lines of Enduring enquiry ‘. The Silver Birch Trees distinguish the Collonades from the Arboretum Memorial Trees. The Arboretum Memorial Trees The Arboretum Memorial trees are nurtured in the Arboretum nursery. Selected by the Bereaved Family and Planted within the areas between the ‘ Lines of Enduring enquiry ‘. A QR Scarf Tombstone is positioned under the selected tree and when scanned memories, images and information on the decessed is retrieved or deposited. The Lifespan of the building is calculated by the available burial land . Only One ceremony is conducted each Sunday. The Arboretum expands, the Silver Lonnen Colonnades grow and deliniate the Landscape. The Finite space is filled, and the Arboretum is decommissioned.
The Beautiful Ruin In Response to the Research into ruinism the Rammed Concrete Construction remains, The Portico, Memorial Scarf Tombstones and the Chapel Scarf bases present a Beautiful relic which sits in the landscape as an artifact or memory of the Arboretum. The Sculptural Relic reflects the context of the Mitford Ruins. The Tree Colonnades improve the interpretation of the Landscape leading the visitor to Scarf Bases situated at the architecturally significant elements identified in the site Taxonomy.
The Life,Death & Rebirth of the Arboretum The Architectural intent was to create a new Arboretum for Mitford providing a poignant Ceremony based on three main Principles: The Approach, The Ceremony,
The Journey.
The Approach would be used to gradually prepare the bereaved for the Ceremony whilst emphasising the Mitford Landscape and the opposing Religious theologies of the Christian St Mary Magdelenes Church and the New Secular Chapel of the Non Believers. The Ceremony was to be based on the belief systems of Athiesm and the idea that the decessed would become a tree through the process of the Carbon Cycle. The Journey was to develop a new purpose for the Mitford Landscape and in doing so establish a poignant processional Journey through the Landscape using the existing helical pathway to a Arboretum Glasshouse placed as an insertion in the Mitford Ruins. One of the fundamental issues confronting the design of the Arboretum was the limited space in which to bury the dead.
The Rebirth of the Arboretum
100 years ago the Design of the Crematoria had developed in response to an increasing lack of available consecrated burial land, and the Arboretum confronted a similar issue. Although initially considered a threat to Brief and Programme, the spatial issue was resolved by concieving the Arboretum as a temporary Architectural intervention. The idea was that the architecture would empathise and re-enact the Human condition and the notion of rebirth. The Building would live, die, and be reborn and would be subject to the same physical laws of the Humans buried in the Arboretum. The Temporary planning status would also ease planning constraints within the sensitive conservation status site. Once the available land was filled the Building would be disassembled, the Ruins would remain as a relic, reflecting the context of the Mitford ruins. The Ruin would represent a sculptural monument for the bereaved to return to when visiting the Scarf Tombstones and Memorial trees of lost relatives. The Mitford site would be left enriched, with deciduous native trees. The Lines of Enduring enquiry, accentuated by the tree colonnades would improve the landscapes legibilty and the New Memorial Forest would sequest Carbon.
The Arboretum materials and Construction methods governed by the principles of ‘ Design to Dismantle ‘ are carefully dissassembled. The Timber facade, Glulaminated sections and Polycarbonate envelope along with other materials are re-used on another Arboretum site. A New Arboretum is established as a form of Palimpsest Architecture, A new story containing the traces of an older transcript. The development of the articulated Glu-laminated connectors advocates alternative architectural arrangements. The re-use of materials reduces the carbon footprint of the New Arboretum and the sequence of events is played out expotentially at other sites.
Taxonomy of Accomodation design development
The Accomodation of the New Arboretum was Established based on the Structure being used sporadically. Taking reference from The Woodland Burial Park,
In the Original design of the arboretum a Morgue with Coolers
Emma Wood,Rainford by FeildenCleggBradley Studios the Arboretum was to be
and a mechanical catafalaque were to be incorporated into the accomodation and buried underground with a tunnel network
operational once every week for a Sunday Ceremony.
connecting to the underground directly below the main Chapel.
The reason for this was to ensure the longevity of the Arboretum as the finite
This accomodation was removed for the following:
memorial land would be filled too quickly and the lifespan of the Building would be unfeasibly short. Another reason was that constant funeral ceremonies ever day would not allow for the Public to appreciate the Mitford Ruins and surrounding landscape for recreational use without being impacted by the funeral activities. The Arboretum was also designed to cater to the Morpeth and Mitford Constituencies and with a small population of approximately 15,000 people the demographic dictated that a funeral every day was not required.
Car park - accomodating 20 car parking spaces for visitors to the funeral congregation. The Car Parking is also to be used by the Public for parking whilst visiting the Arboretum out of hours and for visting the Mitford ruins recreationally as the site suffers from having no off road Parking availability. 2 Approximate area - 350 M .
Car park & Service Road to Backend services Accomodating 3 Staff Car Parking Bays for Office workers and for Catering staff when preparing and delivering produce for the Wake Services in the Social Structure. Approximate Area 118 M 2
A. The excavation of a sensitive archeological site could prove costly and increase construction times if archeological evidence was unearthed. B. The construction process would become more complicated in terms of tanking out basement accomodation especially next to the Beck. C.The body preparation process was simplistic and could be undertaken by local funeral directors. The additional process, the covering of the body in a fungi impreganated shroud. D. Using Local funeral Directors would allow for a reduction in traffic carbon as the hearses would leave Morpeth centre and pickup the bereaved in the locality in a traditional manner. E. The permanent storage and prepartion of corpses on the site could deter recreational walking and the visiting of the Mitford ruins and may have been objectionable to local residents.
Social Structure Accomodating the main Wake ceremony, the Social Structure accepts the Congregation on there return from the Arboretum nursery and the Planting of the Memorial Sapling. The Structure Houses the following: Plant room with Combined Heat and power system using Biomass Fuel Approximate area 15 M.2 2
WC and Baby changing facilities Approximate Area 18 M.
Kitchen Facilities providing facilities for food preparation and 2 catering staff for the provision of Wake and feast 45 M . Seating and task seating to accommodate 63 people. 15 tables with functional and relaxed seating arrangements. The accomodation of large Rectangular table for Wake food and beverage spread. Approximate area 160 M.2 Arboretum Foyer for the introduction of family members wishing to organise a woodland Burial. Relaxed Seating for 6 2 people. Approximate area 28 M.
Tree Nursery Glasshouse The Tree Nursery Glasshouse is concieved as an independent structure sat as an insertion within the centre of the Mitford Ruins. It is the epicentre of the Ceremonial Journey and its function is to nuture tree saplings for the congregation to select, becoming the memorial tree for the decessed. The design is concieved as having three tiers to house different tree maturities and promote the tree silhoeutte from ground level. Below deck will house staff facilities, landscaping tools and a compostable WC. A Rainwater Harvester and Solar PV will provide irrigation and power to the Nursery. A Small filtered water fountain will provide refreshment for the congregation after the journey to the Nursery from the Chapel 2 Approximate area 150 M.
Memorial Land - The Arboretum Lifespan The Available land for the planting of the Memorial Arboretum trees and Scarf Gravestones was established by the use of a 2 m x 2m grid represnting 4 Memorial trees and 4 Memorial Scarf Gravestones inhabitating an area of 4 M.2 The People where to be buried in an embryonic position to save space and covered in a fungi impregnated Shroud to promote decomposition. The available land was established at aproximately 9402 M.2 9402 / 4 generated a total of 2350 burials which at a rate at one per week presented the lifespan of the Arboretum at 45 years before decomissioning, the reuse of the Arboretum materials would be recycled for another Arboretum site.
Arboretum Office for the formal signing of Arboretum Burial experience and the relaying to the family of the Programme 2 and process. Approximate area 17 M.
The Atheist Chapel Accomodating the main Funeral Ceremony programme the Chapel of the Non believers provides adequate seating for 63 people. In addition it will house 3 additional Eulogist chairs concealed behind an intersecting rammed earth wall.This area will also house back-end tech for microphones, speakers and lighting. The Chapel will accommodate the Rammed concrete Catafalaque for the postioning of the Coffin and the Pedestal for the Eulogist speaker/s. 2 Approximate area 300 M.
Portico and Steps down to Beck Informed by the Portico structure of the Crematoria by Gunnar Asplund the Arboretum Portico would act as an intersticial spill out area. It would function as a informal connection between the Chapel and Social structure and Office Accomodation. It would also accommodate the Congregation as they departed from the Chapel to commence the processional Journey through the landscape to the Arboretum Nursery. A series of steps would follow the valley topography with a small bridge traversing the Beck. 2 Approximate Accomodation 140 M.
Programme Serial Vision - The Approach The funeral ceremony was concieved as a processional Journey across the landscape using the existing helical pathway from the Chapel to the Arboretum Glasshouse positioned as an insertion within the Mitford Castle ruins. The New Architecture reinforced the existing indentified taxonomy of site, generating new connections with the landscape and existing architecture.
The Announcement 1 week before the ceremony. The Arboretum Glass house is illuminated internally announcing a death. The ruins are illuminated. A nocturnal spectacle of reverance and beauty. The sillouette of Saplings are evident through the polycarbonate envelope and the purpose of the Arboretum is expressed.
1. The Main approach from Morpeth is a landscape interspersed with views of the river Wansbeck and deciduous ancient forest.
4. After negotiating the hump in the bridge the Arboretum Chapel is revealed sat in the shadow of the Mitford ruins.
7. Continuing along the road the old and new Lychgates face each other in architectural discourse the Religious and Atheist theologies in equilibrium.
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A small Gamekeepers lodge indicates a junction in the road and the beginning of the decent to Arboretum.
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The White timber Porch echoes of the Lychgate typology.
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5. A Clearing in the tree lining permits a clear view of the Arboretum. The grievers prepare for the emotional event. 2. The descent down to Mitford ruins, the ruins are concealed behind the dense treescape.
3. A turn in the road reveals the sillouette of the Mitford ruins and a Sandstone bridge traversing the River Wansbeck.
6. After negotiating a meander in the road the Spire of the St Mary Magdalenes Church is revealed and there is a subliminal connection between the Arboretum and The Churchyard.
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Programme Serial Vision - The Ceremony The Approach to the Chapel draws on the significance of Lychgate as a Threshold. The Intersecting walls were developed through the Tadao Ando precedent The Church of light and are used to embrace the visitor whilst offering emotional protection and privacy. The Circulation is drawn from the Niall Mclaughlin precedent with a distinct Cloister space and Main Hall, functioning as circulation and Ceremony space respectively. 11. The Visitor negoiates the Wall which is percieved as a threshold between public observation and private seclusion. The emotions of the bereaved are protected from public scrutiny by the Wall as a defensive structure.
13. The Cloister Space is negoiated by the Vistor with the Columns creating an architectural rhythm, permitting surreptitious views into the main chapel and gradually preparing the Bereaved for the funeral event.
15. The congregation sit and await the Coffin bearers, the large double doors open and the change in light signifies the approach of the coffin. The coffin is laid on the Catafalaque and the Eulogy is read before the Congregation leaves through a smaller door into the portico and out into the Landscape.
8. After parking, the grievers walk along the road and walk through the New Lychgate, The Silver Birch colonnade, Arboretum, Chapel and Glass house are presented in relation to the Ruins. The Lychgate is percieved as a threshold between life and death 12. On Entering the Chapel the Scarf bases and columns function as another threshold, one can observe the Orator reading their notes, the Catafalaque with the shadow of the tree drapped over it, and the other visitors sitting in preparation. However the barrier offers protection from the full scrutiny of others whilst suggesting the funeral programme.
14. The Visitor enters the main chapel the Arboretum tree if framed within the large Window and the shadow of the tree drapes the floor, the Function of the Arboretum is expressed.
8 9. The Smoke from the wood Combined heat and Power CHP signifies to the locality that a Ceremony is being conducted. The Glass house sits as an insertion in the Ruins and the intersecting walls project in a gestural embrace to the Visitor.
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15 10. The Intersecting wall of the Chapel projects and directs the bereaved into the embrace of the Chapel.
Programme Serial Vision - The Journey The processional journey across the landscape from the Chapel to the Arboretum Glasshouse, and the return Journey to plant the Memorial tree use existing pathways and openings in the Ruin walls. In doing so the Journey represents a renewed appreciation of the Mitford Landscape with key architectural elements aligning with the identified lines of enduring enquiry.
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16. After The Funeral ceremony within the Chapel the congregation leave through the portico, traverse the beck over a small bridge and continue along the ancient helical pathway. The Arboretum Glasshouse is lit by the eastern light and the tree shapes are diffused through the polycarbonate envelope.
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19. A Natural clearing in the ruin wall permits entry into the ruins centre and presents the Arboretum Glasshouse.
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20. After selecting a Sapling for the Burial the grievers descend the hill top. The Church Spire and peak of Chapel are placed in relation. The previously concealed undulating grassroof is revealed reflecting the undulations in the landscape. The intensity of the river is heard again.
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17. The Grievers continue across the undulating landscape with the noise of the river Wansbeck intensifying with each step.
18. The Full intensity of the flowing river Wansbeck is percieved, the Church Spire is presented above treescape and the pathway turns west.
21. The Flow of the river diminishes to the soft trickle of the Beck. The Arboretum, Chapel, Ruins, Lychgates and Church are presented in relation to one another. The Scarf gravestone is explicit, with the body buried and hole excavated for the Sapling. A small bridge traverses the Beck and the grievers are directed to gravestone.
Programme 22. The congregation help plant, fill and compact the soil around the Sapling. Each member scans their Mobile device against the scarf gavestone. Memories, images, video’s, messages and poetry are relayed and stored to the server via the QR Code etched into Scarf gravestone. Curated by their loved ones - a Digital ghost.
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45 years Later - The Relic The Beautiful Ruin stands as a reminder of the Arboretum. A Sculptural Edifice which people can walk through and appreciate whilst returning to honour the decessed loved ones buried in the Arboretum.
23. The congregation are directed to the social structure for refreshments and to rest after the physical and emotional exertion. There is a sense of relaxation and relief. Upon leaving the Arboretum the New Lychgate and old Lychgate are framed within each other between the two large Oak trees and the Church. One passes under the Lychgate and there is a sense of Closure. The dead are behind you and in front of you but you are alive, and life and the beauty and intensity of life are amplified.
Site Analysis Opportunities and Constraints
1 Opportunities 1. The main approach to the site from Morpeth is via a small Country road which runs Parallel to the River Wansbeck and affords views of the River and Mature Deciduous Woodland. 2. There are several natural breaks in the existing treescape which could be adopted as Entry/Exit points to the site.
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3. The Presence of the St Mary Magdelene Church and Graveyard
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provide an important socio-cultural connection to the new Proposal and their relationship between death, burial, religion and ceremony.
AM
4. The Mitford Ruins provide a Panoramic view of the local vicinity. Important Desire lines toward the Church, River and Pillbox are
Eastern Sun
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achieved from this higher ground. 5. An existing Concrete ford traverses the small Beck which leads to
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the Wansbeck, and this could be utilised as pedestrian infrastructure. 6. An existing ancient walkway continues in a helical route to the Mitford Ruins interior. The route permits views of the undulating landscape and River Wansbeck. 7. There is an existing clearing in the ancient Mitford Ruin Wall which
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permits entry into the ruin Interior. 8. The Beck presents an opportunity for water based renewable energy, and the potential for water supply, potable water, and the discharge of treated grey and black water outlets. 9. The Eastern and Western sun positions could help clarify programme, The Ceremony taking place in the morning adopting the Eastern light - The Wake in the afternoon adopting the Western light. The Cultural and Religious connotations of East and West, Sunrise and sunset are also illustrative of Brief.
12 Constraints 10. A cluster of Residential properties skirt the perimeter of site and
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have visual access. This could be a potential problem due to the emotionally sensitive Programme, screening should be considered. 11. The Site is Exposed. There is an absence of protective buildings or ground cover. The Cold westerly winds will flow over site unabated, The implemation of wind breaks, structural wind posts and ties may mitigate issues.
Western Sun
12. Adjacent to the Beck the ground condition is boggy with a high
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PM
water level. The area is sat in a natural depression and floodplain.
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The locality may flood and mitigating measures may need to be
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designed.
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13. The Mitford Ruins and the WWII Pillbox share Ancient Monument Conservation status and this may hamper and prolong planning consent and design realisation. The architecture will need to respect the important taxonomy of site. 14. The Atheist Chapel will be positioned next to St Mary Madelenes Church - a religiously venerated building. This may create local and religious animosity. A respectful approach to scale and location,
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honouring the existing Church and respect existing sightlines. 15. The approach road into the Hamlet experiences infrequent traffic and is predominantly unused throughout weekdays. The new proposal will increase traffic, being the only viable means to site, this issue needs to be mitigated.
Southern Solar Gain
16. The site is used extensively by dog walkers and hikers and the funeral programme may interfere with the recreational use of the land.
Westerly Prevailing Winds
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Site Analysis Mitford - Taxonomy of Site Mitford is a Small Village in Northumberland, about 2 Miles West of
Through various site visits and desktop surveys, the constituent
Morpeth Town.
architecturally interesting elements of the site locale were identified.
Mitford developed initially as a Market place for Local people before
Refining the site down to its most basic elements, creating a taxonomy
relinquishing this function to Morpeth. The Village lies in close proximity
of the site, instigating further research and investigative rigour.
to the River Wansbeck and is situated in a natural Valley.
The Pillbox and the Lychgate where of particular interest in their
The Site can be considered a constructed landscape manipulated by
opposing architectural characteristics.
human intervention in the Building of the Norman Mitford Motte and
In their construction they represented heavy mass and lightweight
Bailey fortifications, and the affects of Agricultural activity.
construction respectively. The Lychgate was percieved as an inviting
The Site is Damp, exposed to the Westerly winds and interspersed with
open threshold, and the Pillbox a defensive fortification. The materiality
weathered Decidious trees, Lichen, Bracken and Corse grasses.
of Timber and Rammed concrete was also reflective of their polarity.
1 A
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3 4
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The St Mary Magdelene Church
1
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The Religious neighbour Site Condition - Plan Drawing
The Bridge The Beck &
The Road to nowhere 8
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The Mitford Motte and Bailey Ruins The WWII Pillbox The reclaimation of nature 2
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The existing helical pathway
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Mitford Castle - Motte and Bailey Ruins 1. Saint Mary Magdalene Church and Grounds 1135 AD 2. The LychGate - Entrance to Church The Concrete bridge
The Lychgate The Threshold - Life & Death
3. World War 2 anti-invasion Pillbox Circa 1940/41 The Undulated constructed Landscape
4. Beck feeding into Wansbeck with remnants of arched bridge and cobbled road 5. Concrete Bridge, Low lying boggy ground condition and Beck running adjacent to castle ruins 6. Mitford Ruins - 11th C - Grade 1 listed - Norman Motte and Bailey Castle 7. Distinctive undulating ground condition. 8. Helical approach to summit of Mitford castle and connection to the river Wansbeck.
Site Condition - Section AA
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Ley Lines
Site Response
Alfred Watkins - The interpretation of Landscape
Improving the Interpretation of Landscape
Alfred Watkins ( 1855 - 1935 ) originated the concept of Ley lines, Surveyed alignments in the landscape which apparently demonstrated pre-historic human interventions and interactions with the landscape. These ideas were elaborated upon in Watkin’s book The Old Straight Track ( 1925 ) with photographs taken by Watkins within his Herefordshire locality. Although one can dismiss their archeological validity, Ley Lines do represent Watkin’s attempt to interpret landscape, endeavouring to establish connections and spatial relationships between human activity , architecture and topography.
Lines of Enduring Inquiry Watkin’s observations can be considered folly, but alternatively can also be interpretated as efforts to contextualise the environment. Contextualism, whereby architecture is structured and designed in response to the existing natural and built environment shares similarities with Watkin’s Ley lines in their attempt to contextualise place. The Mitford site is a illegible landscape - a road that leads to no where, strange undulations in the ground, and ruins dissolving into the landscape. The impression is that of eroding context, of the site becoming increasingly unreadable as time passes. In response to these drivers the notion of creating new alignments which could improve the legibility of the site and reinforce contextual relationships germinated. The idea that the Arboretum and the planting of trees
ing
ur
nd fE eo
Lin
View looking South from St Mary Magdelenes Church to Mitford Ruins.
Inq
Giant’s Cave
y
uir
Ley Line
was aligned to these ‘ lines of enduring Inquiry ‘ with Stone scarf sculptures representing the location of key points of architectural significance and connection. These datums signify the location of lost architecture and share the architectural language of the Arboretum headstones. The Scarf Bases would store digital information on the datum location, be it the pillbox or ruins long after the structures dissappear continuing to re-establish the connections in the Landscape.
Pins and string were used by Watkins on Ordnance survey maps, and these were used to initiate new Ley Line investigations. These lines of inquiry instigated further site surveys and photographs, with Watkins using various criteria such as pathways, trees, landmarks and architecture to support and strengthen their alignments.
Sacrificial Stone
Alfred Watkins, Sacrificial Stone, Aligning with Giant’s Cave Above It Fig 101, The Old Straight Track, 1925
Alfred Watkins, Original Alignments, Ley Lines
View looking North to St Mary Magdelenes Church from Mitford Ruins.
Site Response
Design development
Improving the Interpretation of Landscape Lines of Enduring Inquiry In response to the studies of Alfred Watkins Ley lines and the precedent study of Tadao Ando’s architecture the idea of creating new lines across the landscape which could be emphasised through the use of walls, architecture and the position of Scarf bases developed. The Scarf bases or digital ghosts would share the same architectural language and intent of the arboretum gravestones storing digital information connected to the landscape for posterity, Long after the ruins and other key context dissappeared. The Arboretum would respect these lines and as people die and are buried the saplings would be planted along these lines, reinforcing connections in the landscape as they grew.
Lines of Enduring Inquiry A Scale 1:500 Model was used to establish the Lines of Enquiry and also used to establish the Memorial trees within the Landscape. This also helped ascertain the lifespan of the Aboretum, the Finite space, once filled, being the point at which the Arboretum was decomissioned.
Lines of Enduring inquiry - 1:500 model 1
Lines of enduring Inquiry
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1. Saint Mary Magdelene Church
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2. Key Desire line from Ruins
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3. Saint Mary Magdelene Lychgate 4. Arched opening in Ruin wall
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10. Concrete Bridge
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11. Old stone arched bridge 12. Starting point of existing helical pathway to ruin
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Sightline to
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2030 View of Ruins from WWII Pillbox - with Scarf ( digital ghost ) and viewing seat
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Arboretum
Digital Ghost
Line of Enduring Inquiry
View of WWII Pillbox from Mitford Ruins - Through Arched Fenestration
2080 Line of enduring inquiry denoted by Tree colonnade ( Arboretum )
The Lych-gate
Site Analysis
Lych Gate & Attached Churchyard Wall
1
The Lych Gate
Grade II Listed Status
Built 1889
Corpse gate ( From Middle English Lyche, “body “: yate, “ gate “ )
2
3 7 4
Scarf Joint
5 6
8
The Lych-gate which forms the entrance to St Magdelene Church is built in the neo-gothic style out of solid fumed oak and sandstone and acts as a conduit connecting the Church to the Mitford castle ruins. Lych- gates existed in England from the 7th Century, but few survive from this period because of their timber construction. They functioned as an entrance to a church or chapel, a roofed-in gateway to a churchyard in which the introductory element of the burial service would be read to a congregation of mourners. The word Lych survives from the Saxon word for corpse . The Lych way was a path along which a corpse was carried to burial. The Lych Bell was the hand bell rung before a corpse. In the middle ages when most people died at home, the dead were placed on a bier ( a movable frame on which the coffin was rested ) and taken to the Lychgate where they remained until the burial service. The coffin was attended by a lyke-wake where nightwatchers protected the coffin from bodysnatchers until the burial ceremony. The roofed-in Lych-gate offered protection from the elements to the nightwatchmen during their vigil.
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The Lychgate - Measured Study
1. Clay glazed ridge tile 2. Rosemary tiles fitted to roof laths 3. Softwood tanalised roof laths 4. Oak T&G panelling with bitumenous coating 5. Birdsmouth detail 6. Solid oak wall plate 7. solid oak truss with Brattished tie-beam
A Measured Study of the Lychgate was conducted from site sketches and measurements, and the construction and material components where investigated. The Scarf joints were of particular interest in how they permitted greater timber spans and were used in the Lychgate to obtain the rib-like Timber Roof Trusses.
8. Decorative Corbel detail 9. Ashlar Sandstone
Castle Fenestration
Apertures and dialogue
View looking south from Lychgate
The Lychgate was an important view cone. The arch of the Lychgate promoted a dialogue with the arch of the Castle ruins. The Lychgate developed a strong visual connection between the Church and Castle. Measured Study of St Magdelene Church Lychgate
Major Axis Church of the non believer
Portico - Intersticial Space
Free standing wall water
New Lych Gate Theological crossroads Lych Gate
Secular
St Mary Magdelene Church
Religous
Theological boundary
Initial Plan drawing showing Theological Axis The new Lychgate was positioned opposite the Lychgate of St Mary Magdelenes Church. The design encourages the existing dialogue between the Mitford ruins and the Church with the new Arboretum embracing this major axis.
External Render of the New Arboretum Lychgate.
This can be percieved as a theological discussion with the buildings, with no architectcture dominating the discussion between
The New Lychgate Threshold between Life and Death
Secular and Religious beliefs.
Programme Area The area of the new Church echoes that of St Mary Magdelenes in respect that both ideologies have equal merit. Belief is a personal decision and the architecture responds to this equality.
Informed by the research into Church Lychgates and their function in traditional funeral Ceremony, a New Lychgate was designed for the Mitford Arboretum. The intention of the New Lychgate was to establish a threshold, a point at which the visitors would pass under, the death of the decessed and the ensuing ceremony becoming real as one passed under the Lychgate.
Intial Lychgate Concept Sketch
Upon leaving the Arboretum the Lychgate Threshold would function as a boundary line representing Closure, Finality, and the reality of Loss. The Dimensions of the New Lychgate mirrored those of the Lychgate of St Mary Magdalenes Church exactly. The structures face one another in equal scale and
1 : 200 Exploded Axo
proportion. The architectural intent was to sit the Secular Lychgate and the
The New Lychgate was constructed echoing the architectural language of
Religious Lychgate in equalibrium, representing an unbiased dialogue between
the Arboretum. Re-inforced rammed concrete elements were designed to remain after the Arboretums decommission.
the two different theologies.
The exposed timber, Glu-laminated Columns were designed to decay and silver with age. The flitch plate connector was slotted into trenches rebated into the underside of joint to reduce water ingress. The Steel connector was designed to have a galvanised coating in response to its external condition.
Douglas Fir Glu-lam Column
Religious St Mary Magdalenes
Secular
Flitch Plate Connector
Mitford Arboretum Lychgate Rammed Concrete Base Shallow Stepped Foundation
Reinforced Concrete Seating
The Scarf Joint Clerestory Windows
The Connection The Permanent & transitory In Response to the Scarf Joint identified in the Roof Joinery of the Lychgate Study at St Mary Magadelenes Church the concept of introducing a Scarf joint in the design developed. In researching the Scarf joint and its intricate craftsmenship, particularly in Japanese architecture where two different materials interlock, the design
Glu-laminated Column
developed using a Structural Syntax between concrete and timber.
Suspended lighting Entry / Exit
Seating
Sketch showing the Rammed Concrete Scarf Bases as the Relic
The Scarf Joint Several Scarf Joint Models were created to scale to iterrogate the design of the scarf joint and its connection between
Rammed Concrete Base
timber and concrete. Design decisions were based on aethetics, strength of connection and proportion.
Circulation Cloister
The Concrete Base of the Joint also recived a Shammfered edge, as ultimately it was to become an external Relic and this was considered to promote water runoff, prevent water ingress and ensure longevity.
Initial sketch showing Church Interior with the Scarf Joint Elements
Japanese Scarf Joint displaying Structural Syntax.
Structural Syntax Because the Arboretum had a Lifespan and a design for disasssembly Programme the Scarf joint facilitated a Primary structure which relied
Transitory Recycled Element
on compression and could be deconstructed easily. The Use of Structural Syntax (the Connection of different Materials) meant that the Permanent elements, which would represent the Relic, could be designed using Rammed Concrete and the Temporary Elements which would go on to develop another Arboretum could be designed in Timber. This notion of the Permanent and Transitory also tied into the Brief,
Glu-laminated Column
the Concrete Relic representing memories and Artifacts and the Transitory elements representing Life, its preciousness and its loss.
Permanent Relic
Bevel to deflect water
Rammed Re-inforced Concrete Base
Initial Scale Drawing and Exploded Axo showing Scarf Detail Model studies of scarf joint intersection between Concrete and Glu-laminated Columns
The Tree The Gravestone The Digital Ghost In response to my personal experience with death and the conducted research into ruinism, the concept of storing and
Data transfferal by remote Server. Wifi connectivity by Arboretum.
Scarf Tombstone with etched QR Code
retriving information became an important design driver.
The Memorial Scarf Gravestone Mobile Device to scan QR Code- Data retrieval or deposit
The Scarf joint identified in the Lychgate structure was refined as a Gravestone which incorporated a digital storage device. Memories, photos, and audio were to be stored and retrieved by loved ones visiting the lost - digital ghosts alleviating the pain of bereavement. A Tree selected by the family from the nursery, grows from the
Arboretum Tree
nutrients of the corpse sequesting carbon in a process of rebirth
Scarf Tombstone
and transformation. The architectural language of the scarf joint is emulated throughout the associated buildings.
Corpse
QR Gravestones QR Code recognition Gravestones have been developed with an integrated QR code which can be scanned by a mobile device to retrive and deposit information regarding the decessed. The QR system was considered a viable alternative to a traditional inscribed headstone. There are no service requirements at source, with the information being stored on a remote Server. Adequate network coverage being the only functional requirement.
Plan View - Arboretum & Scarf Gravestone
Arboretum Tree Selected By the Bereaved. Offered Tree varities based on the following: * Native deciduous Species * Fast Growth Rate * Good Carbon sequestration * Promotion of Biodiversity
Cross Section - Arboretum & Scarf Gravestone
Gravestone with QR Epitaph - Germany
Initial Concept Sketch of Scarf Gravestone
QR Scarf Tombstone
Corpse reduction
Re-inforced rammed concrete, Scarf Tombstone, with inscribed QR code for the Deposit and retrieval of information on the decessed
The decomposition process provides nutrients to the tree fulfilling the Carbon Cycle
The Touchstone Model A Touchstone Model was made representing the Architectural Ambition of the Arboretum. The Base was formed and cast in Modelling Clay and a Scarf Joint was cut into a section of solid Oak. The Scarf base and Column were presented creating a Ripple, or Energy Wave reflecting the Undulating Topography of the Mitford Site. The Energy Wave also suggested the Brief with the notion of dissapated Energy, Life , Entropy and decay. The Wave also mirrored the Design for Disassembly Ethos with the Initial point of Energy dissipating to provide energy and Materials to subsequent Arboretums to be built from the intial Arboretum Material and Energy Resources. The Ripple is Surrounded by Egg shaped structures representing the rebirth of the decessed into the trees and the Arboretum. The Scarf Base is indicated covered in Ivy and Plant growth and this illustrates the process of Environmental Succession, a new Enriched Woodland landscape and the idea that Nature is reclaiming lost territory. The Touchstone Model also represented the Scarf Gravestones. The Scarf Joint developing as the main
Declarative Sketch
Architectural language of the build and programme ethos across all scales.
A Series of Declarative Sketches were conducted Illustrating the notion of the Building Lifecycle and the
Energy - Mitford Arboretum
Carbon and Resources used in the Arboretum construction providing resources for future Arboretum Developments. The Ripples were also a response to the Undulating site Topography of Mitford. The Ripples also portray Birth, Life and Death with The
Dissipated Energy - Future Arboretums
Energy Wave presenting its Apex and Nadir across a time.
The Scarf Joint - Materiality - rates of decay The Tombstone Reclaimation of nature, Ecological succession Arboretum - trees, regrowth, rebirth Earth undulations
Energy Waves, entrophy, Decay, Death
Touchstone Model Key
Touchstone Model in Oak and Modelling Clay
Site Analysis The WWII PillBox
Illustration presenting the Pillbox and Mitford ruins during WWII
World War 2 anti-Invasion Pillbox Circa 1940- 41 Scheduled Ancient Monument Status The WW2 Pillbox is situated near to the existing site entrance. The pillbox represents 1 of the 4 Pillboxes which together form the Northern Command River Wansbeck Stop Line, a defensive line designed to hamper an enemy German advance. The structures were built rapidly by local tradesmen using simple building methods with over 20,000 pillboxes constructed during the wartime period. The structure is built using thick reinforced concrete. Hexagonal in shape, with two longer sides, the pillbox has a single door protected by a porch and nine gun slits or Embrasures. There are many different types of Pillbox and many of the basic designs were adapted to suit local circumstances,the availability of materials and skilled labour. For this reason no two pillboxes look the same and they can be considered vernacular architecture. The proximity of the Pillbox to Mitford Castle garners a greater sense of architectural significance, illustrating the changing character of fortification and defence.
Ruinism (art) An enthusiasm for appreciating ruins or sites of destruction.
Ruinism & The Relationship to Brief The pillbox in its beautiful state of dereliction and decay and the theory of ruinism have connections to the brief of the arboretum. Deterioration, death and rebirth. The Pillbox is in a ruinous state with open fissures and cracks colonised by moss, grasses and wild plants. Trees grow from wounds in the concrete envelope. There is the impression of nature reclaiming the building. The passage of time slowly breaking down the structure. However the
Pencil Sketch Study - Mitford PillBox
process is environmentally enriching and beautiful.
A measured Study of Pillbox
Design Iteration Form and Massing & Development
Chapel
Portico
social Building
The WWII Pillbox informed the massing of the Arboretum Architecture . The Defensive Typology of the Pillbox reflecting the Defensive structure of the
1. Intersecting Walls puncturing structures Envelope
Mitford Motte and Bailey Fortification. The Building was initially concieved in three sections a Chapel for the Funeral Ceremony, a Social Structure for the Wake, Office and Back end services and the Portico. The Idea was that the Portico would help act as an intersticial structure separating the two different programmes of the funeral, and the emotional distress, and the Wake, with the emotions of relief and the celebration of a life lost and remembered. 2. Forms kinked to disriupt previous Static arrangement
Journey End Wake Building Entrance
The Intersection and Intersticial Space In studying the work of Tadao Ando, and the Church of Initial Thumbnail Sketch
light, the use of intersecting walls to generate intersticial
The initial concept for the Arboretum was a Chapel, Portico and Social building.
space developed.
Through iteration of an initial thumbnail sketch, massing studies and Models were
These areas were created through intersecting internal
produced interrogating, form, proportion and Scale.
and external walls with the architectural envelope.
Journey Start Chapel Entrance
The intention was to obtain areas for meditation, reflection, anticipation and relief - through scales of privacy.
3. Forms stepped back from one another in response to Circular Journey through the Landscape
The intersecting walls, plan and elevations were developed using 1:100 scale models to assess feasibilty. Beck
Chapel
Portico social Building Free standing wall
New Lychgate
The Arboretum and the Relic A Scale Model was also produced to Explore the permanent and temporary elements of the Architecture. It was important that the Relic received the same degree of Architectural Merit as the Arboretum structure. The Architectural intent informed by the research into the Theory of Ruinism was to create a beautiful Relic or ruin within the Landscape reflecting the ruin of The Motte and Bailey Structure within the new enriched forested Landscape.
Massing The Nursery Various Configurations of the Three Structural elements were tested on the Scale model ensuring that they did not obstruct the established lines of enquiry. In doing so important view cones and existing architectural context was preserved, and the new building could be sat within the Landscape honouring existing architectural Context and connections. The Scale of the Arboretum architecture was balanced against St Mary Magdelenes Church and the design intent was to create an equally scaled Building.
The Arboretum Nursery was introduced into the design after the established three Architectural elements. The Intention of the Nursery was two fold. The Nursery was to act as a focal point and an epicentre of the Arboretum experience promoting a Journey through the Landscape and a new awareness of the Mitford Ruins. The Nursery was also to function as a space to cultivate the tree species required for the Arboretum, protected from the harsh Northumberland weather.
Architectural Language Study Niall McLaughlin
The Bishop Edward King Chapel, Oxford Main Hall Circulation Cloister Space
The Precedent of Niall Mclaughlin’s Bishop Edward King Chapel was researched as an in depth Architectural Language study. Interrogation of all elements of the Architecture such as Form, Space, Atmosphere and Construction and Material techniques were used to inform the Arboretum
The internal Circulation is governed by the Columns which are set in from the Envelope creating an outer Cloister Space, with the centre functioning as the Inner Hall, for Seating and Ceremony.
Architecture.
A 1:50 Scale Card Model was created of the Bishop Edward King Chapel by Nial Mclaughlin to investigate form, structural strategy and Circulation.
The Primary structure is created using Glu-laminated Columns. The repeative elements generate architectural rythym and support the Roof Structure.
Columns create circulation space, Structural tie to envelope, and an anchor for clerestory windows
Structural Economy The Architecture exhibited intelligent structural economy. The vaulted, skeleton framework was constructed using only 2 individual Glu-laminated shapes. These columns join to establish a free standing load bearing Primary structure, supporting the walls and roof, and generating a structural connection to the envelope whilst acting as a supporting lintel for the
Render Showing Lighting conditions within Chapel
Clerestory Fenestration.
The Structural grid with each set of GluLaminated columns at 1200mm centres allow for a permeable circulation.
The freestanding independent primary structure creates an outer cloister circulation space free of structural obstructions
Prayer Alcove with Key picture window directed
1:50 Card Model Depicting inner Hall and outer Circulation Cloister.
West. The seating steps down
The Glu-laminated Columns create a Cathedral like scale , and an internal skeletal like structure. Looking up the intersecting Glu-lam elements present an image similar to a Cathedral Vaulted Ceiling.
creating an increased sense of spatial intensity, and mirrors the oval shape of the envelope.
Creation of roof supporting structure
Connection to Sandstone envelope
Repeated Columns create
Pencil Sketch Study Showing intersecting Glu-lams Internal Vaulted Ceiling.
Primary load bearing structure
3 Glu-laminated Columns
Section - Glu-laminated Columns
Design Development Construction -Primary and secondary structure A 1: 50 Scale model was produced as an exploratory model testing the viability of structure and envelope and assessing proportion, scale and lighting conditions. The Model structure and envelope was informed by the Nial Mclaughlin precedent with the intent on generating a free plan with a distinct central area and outer Cloister space. Structural Grid
Glu-Laminated timbers and seating are aligned to triangulation criss
9M
6M
crossing between column base centres.
Wooden Seating Concrete Seating The Design Intent was that the Glu-laminated sections and Monotruss branch detail would be freestanding, supporting the roof, and providing a
Spacial Hieracy - The Eulogy and Catafalque area is approximately 9m high with the seating area 6m high, giving the Eulogy and Ceremonial space greater significance.
structural tie to the Rammed concrete envelope. They would also suggest a tree canopy with the light filtering through the Clerestory windows and branch-like timbers.
1 2
Clerestory Windows Monotruss Detail Glu-Lam Column
3
4
1. Clerestory window ( Structural Tie )
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2. Monotruss tree branch detail
Arched Window
3. Douglas fir Glu-laminated Column 4. East facing arched window 5. Rammed Concrete Column Base 6. Douglas fir veneered Plywood ( interior lining with acoustic baffle ) 7. Cloister Circulation Space
Informed by The Church of Light Precedent. The Arched Window, facing east, recieves the morning
8. Eulogy Pedestal
sun when the funeral conregation is scheduled. The window aligns to a Line of enduring inquiry and
9. Catafalaque
the Beck axis and frames the first memorial Scarf gravestone and Tree. The Catafalaque and coffin are frammed within the Arborertum treescape. The suggestion that the
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7
8
9
body will become a tree is made explicit.
Design Development
Structural Grid
Fig 1.
Roof Construction
Structural economy
Primary Structure supporting Roof The Clear span between the Apex of the Glulaminated columns was 4520mm. This was deemed structurally unsound. 200mm x 47mm C24 tanalised softwood timber joist were designed to be secured to the top of the Glu-laminated columns at 400mm centres to provide adequate structural support for the roof decks live and dead loads.
Concrete bases, with scarf joint connection to Glu-laminated Columns
Development of the structural grid Fig 2.
Initially a Monotruss design was developed to support the roof load with the opportunity to manifest the detail internally and to develop the monotruss to resemble the branches of a tree. The detail was to reflect the Arboretum ethos and permit ambient light from clerestory windows to take on the appearance of dappled light from a tree canopy. The Monotruss detail was removed in favour of conventional joists as the design appeared convoluted.
Fig 2 Glu- laminated columns were removed for structural economy, and to allow a sloped structure, which was unattainable in Fig 1.
Fig 3.
Additional Glu-Lam
Envelope
Additional Glu-laminated Column to create structural tie and Cloister Circulation space.
Concrete seating developed between Concrete bases. Main timber seating mirroring Glu-laminated structural grid
Fig 1 The structural grid was developed with the columns repeated at 1200mm centres. The introduction of seating between column bases increased this to 1500mm centers establishing seating areas of 1100mm.
Fig 3 Additional Columns were added to create a structural tie to envelope and create a Cloister circulation space, the circulation and structure informed by the Niall Mclaughlin Precedent.
Main space
Initial monotruss development Circulation Cloister
Cathedral Like Vaulted Ceiling informed by the Niall Mclaughlin Precedent
Timber Seating angled to align to structural Grid in Plan
Design Development Elevation Development Various Sketches of the key southern Elevation were developed to establish Scale, proportion and Spacial Hierarchy.
Revision A
Church Interior
The Chapel Interior was developed in relation to the observations gleened from the Niall Mclaughlin precedent and the Large window framing the Arboretum tree informed from the Tadao Ando Church of light precedent. The Rammed Concrete Envelope was replaced with a timber inner and outer leaf with Douglas Fir Cladding Externally. The Glu-laminated Columns were also raised above the Clerestory fenestration so as to negate the necessity for Steel lintels.
Revision B The Scale of the Chapel was increased to establish dominant visual significance. The interconnecting portico was lengthened and developed as a repetitive collonade. The Portico proportions were informed by the precedent study of The Gunnar Asplund Crematoria
South Elevation
Church
Portico
Wake/Services/reception
East Elevation
Revision C
Intial Scheme Sketches refining Proportions and Spacial Relationships between the Chapel, Portico and Social Building
The Architecture was initially developed in Rammed Concrete, relating to the Context of the WWII Pillbox Materiality. However through developing the idea of a temporary structure and the design to dismantle ethos the use of Concrete seemed perverse and for this reason a timber envelope was selected for future iterations
Elevation Studies were ovelaid onto illustration of Site condition. The Buildings of the Chapel and the Social Structure designed sloping down so as not to obstruct the view of the Mitford Motte and Bailey Ruins.
Developed Sketches Exploring Fenestration and Materiality.
Initial rendered South Elevation Studies exploring Materiality, facade and envelope treatment.
Design Development Primary Structure & Roof
Design Development
Initial roof development
Ground to foundation Construction
The primary structure is informed by the load bearing glu -laminated construction researched in the Niall Mclaughlin precedent.
Sikka Extensive greenroof system
Storm Water Box Gutter
The Ground to foundation construction developed initially as a pile foundation but
Initially the desire was to use one template to create all of the steam bent glu-
150 Rigid Insulation
was changed due to the invasive depth of excavation in an archeologically sensitive
laminated columns. This would ensure optimum structural efficiency and reduce
22 Marine Plywood
area.
construction costs and manufacture timescales.
8” x 2” softwood PSE timbers C24 at 400mm centres
The initial glu-laminated shape worked well in the high vaulted ceiling within the
Revision A
chapel.
The Concrete Pile foundation was re-considered in response to
However in the social structure the shape seemed exagerrated in scale and visually
several constraints:
awkward .
Nadir of arch increased to create improved head height
The nadir of the curved column created an unfeasible head height .
A. The Pile foundation would require additional plant and civil works on sensitive archeological site.
It was felt that the proportions should be reduced to a more human scale.
B. The increased depth of foundation may result in the exhumation of corpses or archeological discoveries instigating an archeological survey - incurring additional cost and construction
Design Iteration
time.
Primary structure Social Building
C. The structure is designed to operate over a short lifecycle. Foundations only need to support structure for small timescale. In response to these factors a shallow stepped foundation was selected. Excavation depth would be less invasive and the stepped Pitch reduced so roof detail sits 400mm below concrete wall envelope
structure would distribute loads over a greater surface area.
Scarf base reduced to human scale
4. Scarf base reduced to human scale, Improved head height at the Nadir of column arch. Columns reduced, narrowed in relation to Chapel columns. Detail of column mirrored so only 1 Glu-laminated column is repeated to construct Social building structure and roof detail. 1. Intial columns replicated from chapel. Scale considered too large. Nadir of arch creates insufficient headroom detail of 2200mm. Scarf base oversized in relation to programme, accomodation and ethos.
Glu-lam Column
The Ashlar Sandstone Column base was reconsidered as a rammed concrete pier with a 16mm
Undulating Roof
Re-bar cage tied to foundation reinforcement. The design intent was to ensure that the column Rammed Concrete Column base Concrete oversite
base could resist lateral wind loads from the timber envelope and twisting forces generated by movement in the glu-laminated timber columns.
Shallow Stepped Foundation
Undulations in roof structure The Extensive Green roof replicates the Undulations in the Landscape as the Roof Structure follows the Steam Glulam primary structure
Bent Primary structure Shape.
2. Columns increased in Height at Nadir of arch to
Revision B
increase head height. Resulting in reduced pitch. Scarf base considered over scaled.
The Pile Foundation was replaced with a shallow stepped foundation resulting in a reduced depth of excavation and less geological intrusion. The Shallow stepped Excavation would assist in spreading the Compressive load over a greater surface area. Further Iteration resulted in the replacement of the Rammed Concrete envelope with a timber framework and Cladded timber skin.
3. Scarf base reduced in proportion to create a human
Undulations in Landscape & the undulating green roof
scale, pitch restored to intial concept as considered too
The roof detail was informed by the undulating Mitford landscape. The Green roof
shallow.
continues this idea of an undulating form. The forms are disguised behind Envelope at ground level and only become apparent as one ascends to the glass house as part of the funeral journey.
Architectural Language Study
Intersticial space
Tadao Ando The Church of Light
Informed by the study of Tadao Ando and the Chapel of Light, the concept of creating intersecting walls within the architecture developed.
A 1:100 Scale Model was created of The Church of Light by Tadao Ando. The precedent study was used to investigate the use of wall intersections, which are employed to govern circulation, generate intersticial space and accentuate atmospheric lighting conditions.
The resulting intersticial spaces were concieved as private zones which would provide isolated pockets
Mourners
Intersticial Space and the Intersected Wall
Wall
of space for more intimate, emotionally sensitive accomodation. The main intersecting wall which penetrates the Chapels Envelope was developed as a private area, visually off-limits to the congregation.
External Walls puncture the Concrete envelope becoming internal thresholds.
The area was secured as a space to accommodate the seats and back end technology for the Humanist
These Walls are employed to generate intersticial areas within the architecture. These areas perform the function of creating conceal and reveal events, governing circulation and
Eulogy.
establishing private and public space.
One could imagine a family member nervously reading the notes of their speech behind the wall -
Humanist Chair
defended from the gaze of the funeral congregation. The Orator would benefit from the Easterly view and the Arboretum tree. It was important that the area was calming - accepting that there was a mutual affect of social distress. The Orator could feel secure and emotionally disconnected, as they anxiously worked over their Eulogy notes.
The Humanist Chair It was important that the furniture treatment reflected the gravitas of the funeral ceremony and that it aligned with the biophilic design ethos. The precedent of The Bishops Chapel by Niall Mclaughlin informed the furniture for the Humanist Chairs. Natural Ash timber, with steam bent sections to create Lumber support reflected the steam bent Glulaminated columns. A natural visual warmth and tactile interiority. The Chair’s increased height and scale lent ceremonial importance to the furniture without religious symbolism.
Cruciform Aperture. The seating is directed toward the light , as a result the pedestal is given greater significance, iconography and symbolism of
550mm
the religious cross is elevated.
620mm
Natural Light
The Wall with the Cruciform aperture is located on the South Eastern elevation maximising daylight conditions. Integrated Task Light
2270mm
Lumber Support
Intersticial Space
Rear Entrance
The Spaces created by the Intersected Wall creates intersticial space.
The Church is entered from the back creating a Conceal and reveal event with the lit
An aperture around the wall allows light to infiltrate inside.
Cruciform not visable until the intersecting wall is negotiated.
Carmelite Prayer Room - Niall Mclaughlin
Humanist Chair
The Arboretum Nursery
Environmental Strategy
Informed by the precedent by Kengo Kuma (The College of Environmental design UC Berkley ), the Arboretum Nusery is built with a timber framework and polycarbonate skin.
1
The Arboretum Nursery
Structural Strategy The Arboretum Nursery
Akin to the Kengo Kuma precedent the timber joints and structural syntax ( The connections of different materials ) are expressed
1
explicitally and celebrated.
2
Stainless steel Tie Rods are used to resist tensile and racking forces. They also permit larger timber centres, less timber, and improvements to structural economy and interior visibility.
2
3
The Glu-laminated columns and Scarf bases replicate the architectural language of the Arboretum Chapel, and the Nursery is percieved 3
as a constituent element.
4
The Structural grid is paired back ( Fig 1. ) in response to the reduction in live and dead loads, reduced by the lightweight
4
polycarbonate skin. 5
Biophilic Interiority
5
The use of natural materials, Timber, the natural appearance of the stratified rammed concrete and the expansive ambient light filtered
Entry
Back-End
through the polycarbonate skin, promote a biophilic interiority. The connection to nature is intensified by the presence of the saplings, the scent of damp earth and foliage. The light is dappled through the leaf canopy and this mirrors the architectural intent of the Chapel’s Glu-lam columns. The Arboretum Nursery was developed to house the Tree Saplings through their early development. Deciduous trees are susceptible to
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Outdoor Seating
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frost, wind blight and grazing from livestock and wildlife for the first 3 years of growth. The Nursery was designed to provide a sanctuary for the Arboretum trees before their introduction into the Arboretum Masterplan. The Nursery was concieved as an insertion into the Mitford Ruins and designed to be constructed 3 years prior to the Arboretum
11
Architecture to ensure the trees were well established before planting.
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9
8
Construction Detail Key
In the Interim period the Nursery was to provide accomodation to the public as a refuge from the cold Northumbrian weather, a new landscape spectacle announcing the future development of the Arboretum whilst attracting people to the area. Another objective of the Nursery was to afford the local community adequate time to become accustomed to the new Arboretum development, the Nursery suggesting a precursor to the future development.
1. 120mm x 44mm PSE Douglas Fir framework.
Construction Detail Key 1. Polycarbonate sloped roof for rainwater catchment
8. Lithium Cell/Electricty Storage.
2. Thermostatically actuated Sashes enabling Cross Ventilation
9. Rainwater Harvester.
Early in the conceptual stages of the Arboretum design the Nursery was concieved as an semi opaque structure, it was considered
3. Integrated Lindab Aluminium Gutter & Downpipe
10. Plant Irrigation System
important that the tree saplings should be visible through the buildings skin and that the insertion explicitly illustrated the function of
4. Low Energy 6 W LED 100 Lux pendant lights
11. Filtered Water Fountain
the Arboretum.
5. Entrance doors deliver cross ventilation
The Nursery would also create a permeable structure contrasted against the Chapels’ Defensive imagery, which was derived from the
6. Ground Mounted PV’s, South Facing - Electricity generation.
WW2 Pillbox typology.
2. Rodeca PC 2550-10 50mm Polycarbonate Envelope. 3. Tree Sapling stepped framework with integrated trough’s. 4. Douglas Fir Glu-laminated Columns 120mm x 400mm 5. Stepped Floor framework 120mm x 44mm C16 Softwood, & 22mm x 100mm hardwood decking. 6. Re-inforced Concrete Scarf Bases 7. 400mm x 600 mm x 400mm Ashlar ground foundations
7. Electric Pump delivering water to Plant Irrigation and Water
sat on 100mm concrete and Concrete backfilled.
Fountain.
Internal Render of Arboretum Nursery Interior.
Kengo Kuma- College of Environmental design
Rodeca PC 2550-10 50 mm Polycarbonate Envelope secured to timber framework with disguised Rodeca Flat steel fasteners PC 2550-10AF 60
122mm x 44mm PSE softwood framework C16 Grade
Stainless steel restraining Tie Rods.
Sapling Containers recessed into raised timber Framework
122mm x 44mm PSE C16 Softwood framework with 200mm x 47mm PSE C16 floor Joists and 32 mm Thick softwood Stringer to Staircase.
22mm x 100mm Ash T&G sat on 18mm Plywood, sat on Slimline Bison adjustable supporting feet.
Glu-laminated steam bent columns 120mm x 400mm in Douglas Fir, finished with Natural Osmo Oil 200mm x 47mm C16 Softwood PSE Timber roof Joist secured using Galvanised Truss clips.
A
460mm x 565mm Rammed Concrete Scarf Base with M16 Re-Bar
B
Plant and Storage Room
B
300mm x 400mm Rammed Concrete Upstand to DPC. A
Fig. 1 Shallow Stepped Concrete foundation, with M16 Re-Bar
Section BB
Section AA
Primary Structure
Glu-laminated Beams and Columns
Derived from the Niall Mclaughlin precedent the Main primary structure was developed using Glu-laminated steam bent columns. Glu-Laminated Timber is a Engineered Timber product which uses dimensional timber which is stress graded and planed, squared and edged prior to the gluing process. The timber stock is milled to standard nominal sizes and is
Envelope
Material Ethos
Douglas Fir timber Cladding
Douglas Fir is a redwood species grown in the UK, it is generally sourced
Cork
from FSC Forest Stewardship Council Approved afforested areas felled on
Insulation and Interiority
environmentally managed sites. Although a softwood, Douglas Fir is renowned for is notable durability and strength. The wood has a high resin content and can
Material Selection
The Materiality of the Arboretum Architecture was derived from the Light weight Timber elements of the St Mary
be left untreated for external applications, this allows for an aesthetically striking
Magdalenes Church Lychgate and the heavy Mass elements
display of the aging process, as the fresh sawn yellow timber transforms to a
identified in the WWII concrete Pillbox. Originally the structure
silver shimmering Patina.
was concieved as a Rammed Concrete structural envelope.
generally available in standard recognised thicknesses based
However this was redesigned to reduce embodied energy and
on traditional imperial timber sizes.
Carbon footprint, and an alternative approach in line with the
The Lam timber stock is joined together end to end to
Wood Ethos of the Arboretum was developed using timber as
establish length and then glued together to establish width and depth.
Cork is an Impermeable Material. Taken from the bark tissue and harvested for commercial applications primarily from
The Glu-laminated beams were designed in Douglas Fir
the Cork Oak ( Quercus Suber ) which is native to S.W Europe and N.W Africa. As a result of its impermeable, Elastic
which provided a C24 structural strength grade and a warm softwood appearance.
the Primary and Secondary structure, with Douglas Fir Timber Cadding and Thermocork for Insulation.
and fire retardant properties it can be used for a wide range of construction applications such as insulation, facade
Rammed Reinforced Concrete was used to establish the
treatment externally and internally and as floor, wall and ceiling coverings. Thermacork is to used as an insulating layer
Foundations and features of Architecture which would function
within the timber framed structure, roof structure, and floor slab. It is also to be used as a decorative treatment, as an
as the Relic in line with the research into ruinism. The intention
internal wall lining.
was that the Concrete elements would remain representing a permanent sculptural Edifice within the enriched forested
Corten Steel
Permanent Elements
Cor-ten Steel or Weathering steel is a group of steel alloys which develop a stable rust-like Patina after exposure to the Weather, eliminating the necessitity for protective treatment, such as paint or galvanisation. Initially the steel has to receive a process of exposure to moisture under controlled conditions to prevent neighbouring staining. Corten Steel was designed to be incorporated into window reveals, window cladding and as a Watertable. The Staining effect was to be encouraged and the preliminary Patina process negated. The Architectural intent was to celebrate the aging process and appreciate its enriched Beauty.
RCR Architects - Soulages Museum Pencil Study
Secondary Structure
Softwood Timber Frammed Construction
Rammed Concrete Permanent Elements
Rammed Concrete is a traditional Material composed of 4 parts gravel, 2 part sharp shand and 1 part Cement. The layers are compacted in stages and the process creates a Timber frammed construction uses stress graded PSE regularised softwood timbers. The Softwood is generally grown from slow growing species like Norway Spruce and the structural strength tends to be improved from trees grown in colder regions, such as Scandinavia. Structural connections can be achieved easily when connecting timber to timber components such as Glulaminated beams or Columns. The Timbers are used internally and are protected from the elements by the building envelope. It is imperative that Timber framework is permitted to breathe. Moisture breathable membranes and adequate air flow are required to prevents wet and dry rot and deteoriation due to water ingress.
layered stratification similar to Sandstone. Rammed Concrete requires thick walls and was replaced by reinforced concrete in the early 20th Century. Reinforced Concrete allowed for narrower Wall thicknesses, increases tensile strength and reduced Material resource. Rammed Concrete has gained traction in architecture recently with the Secular Retreat and Bruder Klaus Field Chapel by Peter Zumthor. The use of Rammed concrete with steel reinforcement was used for the permanent elements of the Arboretum - the elements which would support the wooden primary structure and Portico which would remain as a Relic once the Arboretum had been Decomissioned. The Rammed concrete draws its context from the WWII Pillbox. Peter Zumthor - Secular Retreat Rammed Concrete Sketch Study
Rammed Concrete
Primary Structure
Construction Process
Glu-laminated Construction
Glu-laminated Beams and Columns The Primary structure of the Arboretum Architecture was designed using Glu-
The Permanent elements of the Arboretum
Carbon store
laminated beams and Columns. The structure was achieved using no steel
Architecture were built using Rammed
of hardwood can be applied for increased visual desirabilty and
The use of Timber as an structural alternative to steel also would offset Co2, due
connection to the WWII Pillbox, and the heavy
durability.
to 1 ton of timber sequesting and storing 1 ton of Co2. The Timber secondary
mass, ruinous form of the Mitford Ruins.
structure would also store Co2 and could be percieved as a Carbon offset against
Concrete accounts for around 8% of global Co2
the Construction process.
Emissions. Destruction of habitat through raw
Timber elements are materials which are disassembeled and re-erected at another
material excavation and the energy intensive
1 Tonne of timber 1 tonne of carbon
site once the lifecycle of the Arboretum has expired reducing future Arboretums’
production of cement equate to a high carbon
Carbon footprint
footprint. The material was justified based on its Longevity and measures were undertaken
1
to improve the Concretes Carbon credentials
Co2 from transportation of trees to timber mill
whilst percieving the Timber elements and
The trees used sequest carbon throughout their lifetime and this carbon is locked within the glu-laminated beams and timber framework. The trees used are generally afforested and generally create artificial habitats within the UK which appeal to a narrow percentage of the indiginous flora and fauna. They do not create biodiverse habitats and the habitats generated are destroyed around every 30 years. The glue used in the glu-laminated process is synthetic and produces VOC’s throught the drying process. These are harmful to human health and the environment. New reduced VOC Alternatives can be used which have longer drying times but offgas less harmful gases and these are to be used in the Glu-lam elements.
Arboretum Forest as a form of carbon offset and sequestration.
Carbon Utilization 1
timber sections under pressure using a synthetic wood glue which wood alone. The wood used is generally softwood but a final veneer
window lintel supports alone.
compressive strength, durability and contextual
Material Process
gives the wood a strength to weight ratio greater than that of the
framework or lintels generating a carbon reduction of 17,792 tons of Co2 in the
Concrete selected due to the materials’
Glu-laminated timber construction involves the glueing of several
Material Ethos
Carbon Utilization is a process in which the There is also the production of carbon in the transportation of the raw material to the wood mill, the processing factory, and the Site. The local provinance of timber is important. OSB boards can be selected locally from Egger in Hexham and the Glu-laminated Elements can be manufactured in Newcastle By Northern Truss Co reducing the Co2 Footprint further.
Co2, Ash and Slag Byproducts created from incineration operators and power stations can be used as a binding agent, as an alternative to Portland Cement. A modular technology such as CarbonBuilt’s Reversa can be sited at the Station converting Byproducts to sustainable cement binding agents. This could be achieved Raw materials, Sharp Sand and 10mm/20mm Gravel extracted from land
at local sites such as Lynemouth Power Station in Northumberland. Local provinance of raw
Wood is harvested from sustainable afforested forests.
Rough milled the lumber is checked for structural grading
material would also reduce Co2 transportation
2
costs.
Green Concrete
Insulation and Interiority Natural Cork
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Natural Cork was designed to be used as an insulating material within the timber framed construction, roof and floor slab. In
Cement or Binding agent added to Mixture. 4 parts Cement, 2 Parts Sharp Sand , 1 Part Cement
Termed Green Concrete this is a form of
addition the material was to be used as a decorative lining
ecologically improved concrete production
internally.
using waste or recyled aggregates from
Cork is a product which is harvested from managed forests in the
industrial or construction activity. The use
Western Mediterranean. It is 100% renewable , recyclable and
of recycled crushed concrete from previous
biodegradeable.
demolition work is also considered viable.
The product also functions as a Carbon sink capturing Co2.
Using recycled aggregates from local
The material has high insulating values, is fire retardent,
seen as a form of Urban mining and sustainable reuse. The design is to use local recycled
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impermeable and highly adaptable, being manufactured as
demolition and reclaimation activity can be The timber is kiln dried to achieve stable humity levels.
The PSE planks are glued and compressed. Clamped until the glue cures
furniture, insulation, floor tiles and ceiling and wall linings.
aggregates reducing transportation Co2 and Raw material excavation, and its associated
The Cork is deposited into a Silo and is carried in a duct channel which vibrates separating impurites. This process creates wood dust which is used to fuel production. 90-93% of the energy needed to create finished Cork is obtained from the burning of the wood dust. After vibrating the Cork pieces are ground into granules and injected into a block form where they are super heated with steam at 350 C. Natural resins and water bind the granules together and it is set to the block form shape.
Co2 production and destruction to habitat.
3
The rough milled planks are planed, squared and edged prior to gluing. Compaction of Concretel with pneumatic rams whilst in shuttering form, generally achieved in layers of approximately 400mm.
Cork Bark is carefully harvested from Cork Oak plantation by hand.
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Co2 from transportation to site
Off gasing of VOC’s occurs through the drying
4 The release of shuttering form and the repetition of process. The Weather and material properties promote a natural variable aesthetic. Cork Bark is carefully separate before being brought to the factory
Architecturally bespoke Wall Panels offering acoustic buffering, visual interest, visual warmth and insulation.
Environmental Ethos Principle Space The Chapel was used to describe the Environmental Ethos of a principle space within the Arboretum Architecture. 2
1. Thermal Mass
The Rammed Concrete material of the Scarf bases and intersecting Rammed Earth Walls contain a high level of thermal mass. In the Summer the thermal mass absorbs the heat and maintains a cool environment within the Chapel. At night the heat is released, the window trickle Ventilation and electrically operated sash actuators open to allow the stale hot air to evacuate as a form of purge ventilation. In winter the low angle of the sun penetrates the Chapel interior, the heat is absorbed and released through the night, maintaining a warm environment, reducing the demand on artificial heating.
2. Artificial Lighting
Brass anodised Pendant lighting supplying lux 400 - , 6 W warm LED lamp, 400 lumens per hour A+++, 3000k.
3. Acoustic Performance
Thermacork Insulation and Cork Internal lining acting as Acoustic baffle to dampen reverberation times. BS8233:2014 & BB93 suggest internal average noise levels ( LAeq ) for Communal areas at 40
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-45 db in an unoccupied room. Conversational speech being 60 dBA, light traffic being 50dBA
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and whispering around 30 dBA. Using these as benchmarks the addition of a cork decorative 5
lining, and thermacork insulation to walls and ceiling were designed to achieve these acoustic parameters.
3
Approved document E states that in order to demonstrate compliance new walls must have a minimum Rw of 40 dB (Rw = weighted sound reduction index) The Thermacork Insulation and Lining ; Assuming a wall thickness of 175mm the typical Rw of the wall = 53 dB. 1
4. Air Quality
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6 8
The Rammed Earth intersecting Walls have innate hydrophobic properties with relative humidity maintained at around 45-55% controlling humidity and enhancing indoor air quality.
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5. Artificial Heating
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21 C background temperature achieved by slimline Vitron trench heaters housed in the raised
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T&G wood floor deck. Heat delivered from Combined heat and power system ran off wood fuel
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salvaged from the Arboretum managed forest.
6. Ambient light Ambient light maximised through the East facing large scale window. Programme aligned
Environmental Ethos
to Solar conditions with the morning programme of the Ceremony taking advantage of the eastern light and the afternoon Wake programme taking advantage of the western afternoon
Overview
light.
7. Clerestory Fenestration Ambient light from the Clerestory windows providing Northern Diffused light and Southern solar Gain. The Glu-laminated beams diffuse the incoming light minimising solar glare.
8. Water Collection
1. East Facing Window
East Facing window - aligning Programme with Solar Conditions. Morning Sun utilised for morning programme of the Funeral Ceremony.
Water from storm rainwater runoff collected in box gutter and drainage system and delivered to Rainwater harvester.
2. Southern Facing Bi-fold Windows
South facing Bi-fold windows to the rear of Wake/Social Building, accepting Solar Gain from Southern light.
3. West Facing Window
West Facing Window - aligning programme with Solar Conditions. Afternoon Sun utilised for the afternoon programme of the Wake Ceremony.
4. Box Gutter
Box gutters deliver storm runoff to Water harvester system for use within the Social Structure. 8
5. Clerestory Windows
Clerestory windows permit ambient light into interior. Electrically powered actuators open in response to internal temperature providing purge and cross ventilation.
6. Intersecting Rammed Earth Walls
Rammed Earth Walls providing Thermal Mass to reduce demands upon artificial heating. The Hydrophobic properties of the humity content in walls improving internal air quality.
U - Value triple Glazing = 0.8 Triple glazed internal windows 0.8 W/M2K Part L recommendation min 2.0 W/M2K
7. Vitron Slimline Trench Heaters
Slimline trench heaters sat within floor void flush with finished floor level suppling ambient heating delivered from Combined heat and energy biomass heater. Services delivered in floor void of floor elevated off slab by 100mm by Bison slimline adjustable feet.
8. Combined heat and Energy system Fueled by Biomass 2 3 1
2
2 6
3
1 4
4 3
5
U - Value floor = 0.11 Celotex XR4200 R 9.05 W/M2K Part L recommendation 0.25 W/M2K
U - Value walls= 0.04 W/mk Timber frame work with 175mm Thermacork Insulation R 4.2 W/M2K Part L recommendation min 0.55 W/M2K
Woodland Burial Park, Emma Wood, Rainford FeildenCleggBradley Studios The Precedent Woodland Burial Park by FeildenCleggBradley Studios is powered and heated by a combined heat and power system with biomass salvaged from the surrounding woodland vicinity. Power and Heat are produced efficiently as and when the building is operational,and the system is Carbon Neutral.
As in the Fielden Clegg Bradley precedent of the Woodland Burial Park the Arboretum is heated and supplied with electricty via a combined heat and energy system fueled by the managed forest cuttings and surrounding woodland cuttings used as biomass. The System also works in that power and heating are only needed sporadically, the Arboretum is only operational every 2nd Sunday, to minimise disruption to the local village and facilitate people wishing to use the site for recreation.
9. Grey Water Harvester
Grey Water Harvester from the Kitchen area suppling water for the flushing of WC’s.
10. Rainwater Harvester
Rainwater Harvester supplying potable water through layered filtration system and water for kitchen and WC basins.
11. Black Water transferral to Septic Tank 12. Aerobic Septic Tank System
Air compressor blower system pumping air into effluent encouraging microorganisms to digest waste, purifed water runoff reused in greywater system.
Construction Ethos Design for Disassembly 200mm x 47mm C24 Softwood tanalised Timber
Roof Construction
Softwood Timber Joists secured to curved Glu-laminated framework with Galvanised Truss Clips. Joists Anchored to Glu-laminated framework with 1200mm x 30mm x 6mm Glavanised restraining straps. The Joists Support 22mm Marine Plywood, Single Ply- Membrane and Sikka Extensive Green Roof System.
Initially the arboretum architecture was concieved in thick walled rammed concrete construction, referencing the solid mass of the Mitford sandstone ruins and the rammed concrete construction of the WWII Pillbox. The Arboretum programme was governed by the finite available land for the planting of memorial trees. The use of carbon intensive construction and material methods seemed perverse for a building with a relatively short lifecycle. An alternative approach was researched and a Design to Dismantle Construction and
Primary Structure
Material ethos was developed.
1 2
3
1. 120mm x 400mm Glu-laminated Steam bent Douglas Fir Column with Scarf Joint. 2. 600mm x 400mm Rammed reinforced Concrete Base with Scarf Joint detail. 3. Shallow Stepped Concrete Foundation. The Glu-laminated Columns sit upon the Rammed Concrete Bases connected by a bespoke Scarf joint, referencing the Lychgate Timber Construction.The Structure sits on a Shallow Stepped Reinforced concrete foundation, distributing load and minimising the depth of excavation in the archeologically sensitive site.
The system would advocate the careful disassembly of the structure, which could then be reused and re-erected on a another site to create another Arboretum. The construction system also aligned with the ethos of the Arboretum, the life, death, and rebirth of a building, mirroring the human condition. In reference to the context of the Mitford ruins it was considered important that a Relic of the Arboretum should remain, a memory of the building, a place for the bereaved to return to whilst respecting their lost loved ones.
Secondary Structure
The Relic would be the artifact connecting there loss to Mitford, and in response to the ideas of ruinism, a Beautiful ruin sitting within a constructed, enriched, forrested Inner Leaf
Landscape.
C 16 Softwood Timber Studs at 400mm Centres, Double trimmers studs to all apertures. 300mm x 44mm Glulaminated lintel spanning Bi fold door Aperture ( 9985mm clear span).
Design for Disassembly & Recovery is one of six core principles within the built positive environment. It is a concept in which buildings are designed intentionally for material recovery, value retention and meaniful reuse. The idea is that the building functions as a material bank with the products and
Secondary Structure
materials retaining value for realistic reuse at the end of the buidings’ life cycle. The Cradle to Cradle approach requires careful consideration into material Outer Leaf C 16 Softwood Timber Studs at 400mm Centres, Double trimmers studs to all apertures. 300mm x 44mm Glulaminated lintel spanning Bi fold door Aperture ( 9985mm clear span). Outer leaf connected to inner leaf by galvanised mild steel straps 30mm x 6mm x 300mm at 1200mm centres.
selection, construction methods and structural connections. In doing so the building can substantially reduce its Carbon footprint and the footprint of subsequent developments as part of a circular economy.
Intersecting Walls
Intersecting Walls
Rammed Earth Walls constructed from earth excavated from site for the foundations, oversite and ground works. The rammed earth walls are to receive no stabilising agent. The intention is that the walls will degrade and deteriorate in the Northumberland weather once the timber structure has been dissassembled, and will be reclaimed by local flora, referencing the ruinous state of the WWII Pillbox.
Portico The Portico The Portico will be constructed from rammed concrete with reinforcement to the header beam to resist tensile load. The Portico will function as a intersticial connection between the Chapel and the Social building.
Venlo City Hall in the Netherlands, is one of the largest precedent buildings using the Design for Dissassembly concept. The project developed a green demolition audit
Slab and Stepped perimeter Concrete Wall to DPC
Construction Axo
Base
detailing a planned demolition process to ensure continuous cycles of reuse and
A 400mm high perimeter Rammed concrete wall to DPC provides a base to site Timber secondary structure. The Base is sat on a shallow stepped strip foundation and the wall is stepped to act as a Cavity tray to dispell any cavity water ingress.
development. The process neccessitates looking at the building as a series of layers and scrutinising the building process and supply chain in reverse chronological order.
Glu-laminated Column
Creation of roof supporting structure
Flitch Plate Connection at Apex
Primary Structure
Connection to Sandstone envelope
An Important Structural Connection needed to be established
Glu-laminated steam bent columns
Shape 1
at the junction where the four Glu-laminated Columns Shape 2
connected at their Apex. It was important that the connection was concealed for
Informed by the Niall Mclauglin precedent, the use of Glu-laminated columns to
aesthetics and also that the connection used a mechanical
provide Primary structural support was developed. The Glu-laminated beams at
process without adhesives to ensure disassembly, conforming
Bishops Edward King Chapel, Oxford utilised a series of Glu-laminated, CNC shaped
to the Cradle to Cradle Ethos.
columns.
A welded 8 mm Mild steel Flitch Plate connector was designed to fit within rebates trenched into the Glu-laminated
Columns create primary
column ends.
3 Columns
Structural Economy
load bearing structure
The trench rebate was stopped short to ensure concealment.
The precedent building presented a structural approach which achieved an efficient use of material, labour, and carbon reduction by its use of structural Niall Mclaughlin - Structural Axo
Niall Mclaughlin - Section - Glu-laminated Columns
economy. Two different Glu-laminated shapes were repeated to establish a freestanding primary structure. In addition, the columns’ curved detail also provided the roof support and structural tie to envelope. The Clear spans, sizes of the Columns, and depth to span ratios of the Niall Mclaughlin precedent were interrogated through scale drawings and a 1: 50 Card model of the building. These dimensions were referenced as a benchmark when considering the structural dimensions for the Arboretum alongside glulam data from TRADA.
3D Render Illustrating the Steam Bent Glu-laminated Columns. Connection achieved by scarf Joint to Rammed Concrete Bases.
Oliver Chapman Architects added a garden room in Edinburgh, using Flitch beam and Flitch plate connections to achieve complex roof intersections. The Steel is explicitally expressed and exposed honestly. By using Flitch plates the steel requirements are reduced, reducing the carbon footprint of the build whilst also using increased timber as a carbon offset.
The Scarf Joint Connection The Scarf Joint connection between the Rammed Re-inforced Concrete Base and the Scarf Joint
Glu-laminated steam bent Column
Douglas Fir Steam Bent Glu-Laminated Columns referenced the Timber framework of the St Mary Magdalenes Lychgate, with the Rammed concrete referencing the materiality of the WWII Pillbox. It also created a distinction between what was Bevel to deflect water
permanent ( Concrete ) and what elements of the architecture were transitory ( Timber ). In Alignment with the cradle to cradle approach, concieving the construction as permanent and transitory components created two layers of materiality, reducing the complexity for material recovery and reuse.
Rammed Reinforced Concrete Base
The Scarf joint also created a structural connection which depended upon
1
compressive force and required no adhesives or mechanical fixings.
Primary Structure - Initial scarf Joint connection Study
2
3
The Arboretum- Primary Structure Roof Structure
The Arboretum Chapel and associated architecture attempted to develop the idea of structural economy further - by designing the structure using only one glu-laminated
Structural Tie to Envelope
column shape to generate a primary structure similar to the Niall Mclaughlin precedent, with improved efficiency. In reference to the Lychgate Scarf joint the
Glu-lam Column
Columns sat on a scarf jointed, rammed reinforced concrete base. This allowed for a connection which would advocate disassembly, with the intention of removing the timber elements for reuse, and leaving the rammed concrete elements as a
Exploded Construction Axo
permanent feature in the Landscape. A 1:50 Scale Model was developed to establish a structural grid, structural
1. 8mm Steel Flitch Plate Connector, with Fillet welds to internal junctions, Red oxide Finish. EN 10025 S275 JR Steel - 35Kg/Ms strength grade.
Rammed re-inforced Concrete Base
2. 9.5 mm rebated trench receiving Mild Steel Flitch Connector. 3. 6 No. M10 x 152mm Bolts and nuts. 22mm Diameter x 6mm zinc plated steel washers.
connections, clear spans and aesthetics. The Columns presented an architectural rythmn whilst establishing primary support, roof support and a structural tie to envelope.
Chapel of the Non Believers - 1:50 Scale Model
Secondary Structure Timber Frame Construction The Secondary structure was originally concieved as Rammed concrete, heavy mass architecture, mirroring the context of the Mitford ruins and WWII Pillbox. The short lifecycle of the Arboretum and the environmental implications of using
Primary Structure
concrete, with an increased carbon footprint and reduced recyclability meant this approach could not be justified on environmental grounds.
Structural Tie - Primary to Secondary Structure The Niall Mclaughlin Precedent building establishes a connection between the
Structural Tie
Primary and Secondary structure through the curved detail of its Glu-laminated Columns. This precedent informed the structural response in the Arboretum. The structural connection is positioned above the Clerestory fenestration. This provides an additional function in negating the neccessity for a Lintel. The column supports the loads above the window aperture transferring the tensile
Secondary Structure
load to a compressive load, which is then distributed vertically down the column
Connection above fenestration eliminating the need for steel lintel.
Inner Leaf
to foundation. The development of the secondary structure as a conventional timber frame shell, with an inner and outer leaf and a 100mm cavity simplified a previously complex connection to envelope. Mild steel brackets were designed to accommodate the end of the curved, steam bent glu-lam columns. Trimmer joists were secured around the Glu-lam ends with the steel brackets establishing a mechanical connection to the timber inner leaf.
Long window Aperture
The structural tie was designed above the long horizontal window apertures and in doing so the requirement for large steel lintels was negated.
Glu-laminated Beam Clear Span 9985 mm
Secondary Structure
The glu-laminated ends supported the live and dead loads of the structure above.
Carbon Reduction - Steel Reduction Outer Leaf
On average, 1.8 tons of CO2 is emitted for every ton of steel produced and the making of steel is the most energy consuming and CO2 emitting industrial activity in the world. The negation of steel for window lintel based on: 2 No. 400mm x 120mm I beam, 12mm Mild Steel, 7.95g/cm3 24,000mm Long, Total weight 5311.872 KG 2 No. 400mm x 120mm I beam, 12mm Mild Steel, 7.95 g/cm3 20,584mm Long Total weight 4572.636 KG
17,792 tons of CO2 reduction through eliminating the use of steel Lintels.
400mm Centres Niall Mclaughlin - Bishops Edward King Chapel 1
The Clerestory fenestration sits at a structural junction with the Glu-laminated columns creating a structural tie to envelope.
2
Light penetrates in shafts and resembles light passing through a tree canopy.
3 4
Structural Tie
Construction Detail Key
5
6
1. M10 x 150mm Coachbolt, Nut & Washer, Zinc passivated.
Glu-lam Column
2. 2 x 44mm x 147mm Trimmer joists fixed by 80mmx5mm Spax
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3. Coach Screw Hex Head Zinc coated M10 x 75mm
Clerestory fenestration
4. 120mm x 425mm Steam Bent Glu-laminated Douglas Fir 5. Coach Screw Hex Head Zinc Plated M10 x 150mm 6. 60mm x 8mm x 425 mm Mild Steel Bracket/ Red Oxide finish
Structural Axo - Timber Inner Leaf, Structural tie to Primary structure
Structural Tie - Glu-Laminated Column connection to Inner Leaf
Envelope Douglas Fir Cladding The Envelope was developed through various iterations. Initially concieved in rammed concrete due to its connection to the WWII Pillbox it was later replaced with a Douglas Fir IWC8 Rainshield cladding for environmental reasons. The timber Cladding Silvers with age, has natural tannins which offer natural weather protection and is carbon neutral. It is also grown and milled in the UK. The Cladding was designed to be secured to secondary structure using concealed Hulk S6 Concealed Fixings. The
Winter Condition
reason for this was to ensure a seamless appearance to the Cladding and to also ensure that the envelope was not face punctured which may have compromised its potential reuse and encouraged water ingress and rot. The Concealed fixings also provided a mechanical fixing which advocated disassembly. The Cladding was designed to follow the slope of the two main structures for aesthetics and also to ensure that rain water did not dwell on the cladding top and ran off quickly.
Summer Condition
133 Remy Zaugg Studio - Herzog & De Mulhouse, France, 1995 Aging
Distress
In the building by Herzog & De Meuron recessed metal gutters in the roof were carefully perforated to allow drainage and oxidation creating a distressed Patina on the buildings concrete envelope.
A facade aging process was deliberately applied making the building change over time and harmonise with its surroundings. Effective gutter systems were utilised to ensure rainwater ran across the concrete facade, resulting in rust lines which became more prominent with age. Under controlled conditions the architects succeeded in creating natural organic staining with the patterns changing and developing in response to environmental conditions and time.
Materiality The process of aging , blemishes, sunspots, and wrinkles caused by defections or missing DNA code informed materiality. The envelope was designed to emulate the human condition, illustrating the process of aging and degradation.
Corten Steel The purposeful Corten Steel staining to envelope also reflected the verticality of the Arboretum Trees and through time the structure was designed to merge into the Arboreal constructed Landsape. The use of Corten steel lipping to the roof top edge of structure and intersecting walls, and also as a cladding to window frame and window reveals was developed and informed by the Herzog precedent. Corten Steel requires initial exposure to moisture under controlled conditions to encourage a rust Patina which once achieved minimises further oxidisation. The idea was to negate this initial process and encourage rust marks, streaks and staining to the Timber envelope and intersecting rammed earth Walls. Initial declarative drawing for distressed Envelope
Digital renders were completed exploring the possibility of emulating the facade of the Remy Zaugg Studio.
Construction Section & Part Elevation Chapel of the Non Believers Construction Detail Key Roof Structure
2180mm
4520 mm
1. 3mm Untreated Cor-ten steel Watertable capping to top of Timber Envelope. 2. Double Layer of ThermoCork 75mm x 1000mm x 500mm Shiplapped boards, Class B Fire resistance, Thermal Conductivity 0.04W/mk. Mechanically secured with Timco 180mm x 6mm yellow passivated screws with zin plated steel 30mm washers. 3. 10mm Recycled Shingle and Gravel ( By-product from construction sites ) used as granular 50mm protective screed to green roof system. 4. Sikka Root Barrier Membrane. 5. 75mm Soil matter for Flora Growth.
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6. 100/150mm Extensive Green roof planted with native meadow and Grass, drought tolerant species. 7. 22mm Marine Plywood sheeting 1220mm x 2440mm secured to Roof Joists with 60mm x 6mm yellow
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passivated screws at 300mm centres.
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8. Perforated Aluminium Upstand to retain Green roof and soil culture whilst permitting water transfer. 9. Box Gutter delivering rainwater runoff to Rainwater Harvester.
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10. Continuous Sikka Single-Ply Membrane.
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11. 200mm x 47mm C24 roof Joists at 400 mm Centres secured with Strongtie TCP47
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Zinc Plated Truss Clips.
Primary Structure 12. 460mm x 120mm Douglas Fir Steam bent Glu-laminated Column with Scarf Joint to Base, finished in Osmo Natural Oil, With Flitch connection at Apex and steel bracket connection to Inner
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Secondary Structure 13. Inner and Outer Leaf constructed using 147mm x 44mm C16 softwood Timbers at 400 mm Centres. Trimmer joists to all apertures.
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14. Thermocork insulation to Inner and Outer Leaf sat within timber 75mm x 1000mm x 500mm shiplapped
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boards. 72mm cavity airflow. 15. 6mm Galvanised Mild Steel straps tying Inner and Outer leaf with 100mm Cavity void to eliminate water Ingress.
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16. 1200 Gauge Visqueen Cavity Tray with weeps disguised behind Timber Cladding. 17 . Structural tie between Primary and Secondary Structure with Bespoke 8mm Mild Steel Bracket with red
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oxide Finish. Glulaminated Column receiving a Birdsmouth seat to Secondary structure trimmer joists.
425 mm
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Fenestration 18. Aluminium Clerestory fenestration with Integrated Trickle vent with 5000mm2 EA in compliance with approved document F Clause 7.3. 19. Aluminium clad in untreated Corten Steel, with 3mm untreated corten reveal detail and lipping over Cladding.
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20. YBS EasiClose Insulated Cavity Closure.
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Envelope 17 35
naturally silvering with age. Mechanically secured with Hulk S6 Concealed Fixings. 23. Vertical counterbatten 19mm x 38mm tanilsed roof laths fitted
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5660 mm
22. Horizontal 50mm x 25mm Tanalised Roof Laths. 24. 18mm OSB Easiboard receiving Klober Permo Breathable
Ground to Foundation
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25. Continuous 1200mm Gauge continuous membrane and DPC 26. Stepped Rammed Concrete upstand to DPC with integrated Cavity Tray and weeps disguised beneath
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Cladding. 27. Integrated surface drain channel. 28. Stepped Shallow Concrete foundation with M16 Re-Bar re-inforcement
Floor Slab to FFL 29. 22mm T&G solid Ash flooring secured to 18mm Plywood with secret screws, Finished in Osmo floor oil.
2290 mm
30. Bison slimline adjustable feet sat on 12mm OSB board. 31. 200mm Celotex XR4200 Insulation. 32. 100mm Concrete Oversite. 33. 100mm compacted 20mm to dust recycled hardcore.
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Heating 34. Vitron Slimline Trench Heater with Solid Ash flush fitted Grill Cover.
Lighting 35. 400mm x 100mm Diameter Brass Anodised Pendant light 300 LUX with 6W LED Warm White Lamp.
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Scale 1:50
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Section AA
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9360 mm
21. Douglas Fir shiplap Cladding IWC8 Rainshield Profile 142mm x 19mm fresh Sawn receiving no treatment and
Long Section
Mitford Arboretum 1. Arboretum Nursery Arboretum Nursery sitting as an insertion within the centre of the Mitford Ruins. Constructed from Glu-Laminated Timber Columns, Rammed Concrete Base and Polycarbonate Envelope with Timber framework Supported with Steel Tie Rods laterally.
16. Rammed Re-inforced Concrete Portico The Portico is designed to create an intersticial spillout area and also a threshold between the Chapel and the mourning of the decessed, and the Social Building which is involved in the Celebration of a Life, the Wake and refreshments.
2 . Mitford Ruins 11 Century, Norman Motte and Bailey Castle
17. Reception and Meeting Room Reception and Meeting room for Introduction and Guided tour of the Arboretum programme, for Family members interested in a woodland burial for a decessed family member.
3. The First Memorial tree, Scarf and corpse The first Memorial tree planted in the front of large east facing window. QR engraved memorial Scarf base with Corpse buried beneath tree.
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18. Solid Timber Floor Solid timber Floor secured to Plywood and lifted off floor Slab with Slimline Bison adjustable feet. Heating supplied from Vitron Trench heaters. Service void beneath floor void with heating and electricity supplied by Combined Heat and electricty system running off wood pellets.
4. Undulating Extensive Grass Roof The Undulating Grass roof follows the natural curves of the Steam Bent Glu-laminated Beams. The Undulations reflect Mitfords Undulating landscape.
19. Wake Area Seating, Kitchen and feast Table set out in preparation fro Wake. Receiving the Bereaved from the circular Journey to the Arboretum Nursery through the Mitford Landscape.
5. Primary Structure Steam Bent Glu-laminated Columns create primary structure providing Roof support and a structural tie to envelope. They are sat on Rammed re-inforced Concrete bases with an intersecting Scarf Joint.
20. WC Facilties, Baby Changing and Disabled 21. Western Window Aligning the Funeral Programme to the Solar conditions, the Wake and Evening programme is allocated to the the Social Building, the Western Window accepting the Western light as the Sun sets.
6. Fenestration The thin Clerestory Fenestration takes its context from the Embrassures or gun slits of the WWII Concrete Pillbox. They Provide trickle Ventilation. Electrically operated accentuators open and close window sash in response to temperature.
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7. Lighting Fluted Brass Anodised 300 LUX, 6 W Pendant Lamps Hang from Cloister Space and main Vaulted Apex to provide additional lighting. 8. Large East Facing Window The Large East Facing Window permits ambient light into Chapel. Programme is aligned with Solar Conditions. Ceremonies are conducted in the morning utilising the Eastern light. The Window also frames the first memorial tree and scarf base which explicitally present the Arboretum Function. 9. Shallow Stepped Concete Foundation A Shallow stepped Foundation was selected due to the Archeologically sensitive site. Excavation depths were reduced with less invasion to site geology and habitat. 10. Intersecting Walls Intersecting Rammed Earth Walls generating intersticial space used for more private areas and thresholds between public and private space. 11. The Orators Chairs The Orators Chairs and Backend Technology are located behind intersecting wall for increased privacy. 12. The Catafalaque and Coffin The Rammed Concrete Catafalaque and Timber Coffin are placed in front of the large window and Memorial Tree.
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13. Eulogy Pedestal 14. Funeral Congregation Seating 15. Rammed Re-inforced Concrete Scarf Base The Rammed Re-inforced Concrete Scarf bases provide the structural connection between concrete and timber. The intricate scarf joint ensure a connection through compression only, ensuring easy disassembly.
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Chapel of the Non Believers 9
Scale 1: 200
Section AA
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Portico 14
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Office reception and Social Building 17
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Cross Section
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Key Space- Chapel of the Non Believers 1. Corten Weathering Steel Lipping Corten 100mm x 3mm Weathering steel lipping to roof line. Steel untreated to promote suface staining on Douglas fir Cladding. The staining informed by the Herzog De Mueron Precedent whilst reflecting the Human aging condition.
2. Extensive Undulating Green Roof Undulating Green roof System reflecting the Undulating site Topography of Mitford Village. 3. Parapet timber Upstand The parapet timber upstand protecting the Grasses from the Westerly prevailing winds and connecting context to the Castle Typology of Mitford Ruins.
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4. Recycled stone Chippings Recycled aggregates to laid to prevent grass growth into gutter line.
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5. Box Gutters Supply Storm and excess rainwater runoff to Drain system and Water Harvester. 6. 200mm x 47mm C24 Roof Joists Roof Joists supporting roof deck live and dead loads. 7. Primary Structure Steam Bent, Douglous Fir, Glu-laminated Columns, supporting roof structure and providing a structural tie to Envelope. 8. Secondary Structure Timber framed Secondary structure with Softwood framing and Thermacork Insulation. 9. Clerestory Fenestration Informed by the Niall Mclaughlin precedent the Clerestory Fenestration permits light to penetrate through the Glulam columns at a height resembling a tree canopy. The thin windows take their context from the Embrassures of the WWII Pillbox. A Corten lipping to aluminium windows and Window reveals promote staining to timber facade.
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10. Rammed Earth Intersecting Wall The Rammed Earth Intersecting wall has no Binding agent. The Corten Lipping Protects the Wall from Rain and promotes Staining. The Intention is that this is removed after the Decomissioning of the Arboretum and allowed to decay Naturally. 11. Scarf Bases The Rammed Re-inforced Concrete Scarf Bases provide a structural connection for the Glu-laminated Columns using compression only allowing for easy disassembly.The Scarf Connection draws it context from the Lychgate Roof Joinery. 12. Large East Facing Window The Large East Facing Window receiving the Morning Eastern Light and Framing the first Memorial Tree and Scarf Gravestone. The Window draws its context from Tadao Ando’s Church of Light Using Fenestration and Light to Intensify the Symbolism of the Tree and The Arboretum Programme.
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13. Intersecting Wall Informed by the Tadao Ando Precedent the Intersecting Wall creates a private space to hide the Eulogist from the Congregation before the ceremony in conducted.
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14. Rammed Concrete Catafalaque The Catafalaque recieves the Coffin and both are presented against the Memorial Tree and Scarf Gravestone. 15. Seating Solid finely finished Douglas Fir Seating is aligned with the structural grid in Plan. 16. Pendant Lamp Brass Anodised Pendant Lights obtaining 300 LUX with 6 W Warm LED Lamp.
Cloister Circulation Space
Main Hall
Main Hall
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17. Floor 22mm Solid Ash floor, Secutred to 18mm Plywood, Sat on Bison slimline adjustable feet. 18. Heating Vitron slimline trench heater with solid ash grill, Mecanical and electrical services laid in floor void and timber cavity.
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Scale 1: 50
Section AA
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Cloister Circulation Space
Elevations
Mitford Ruins St Mary Magdelenes Church Arboretum Nursery Chapel Lychgate
East Elevation
New Lychgate
WWII Pillbox
Social Building
Scale 1:1000
East Elevation illustrating the Dialogue between the old and new Lychgates. The Scale of the New Arboretum Building mirroring that of the Church. The New arboretum building respectfully scaled to ensure the dialogue between the Church and the Mitford Motte and Bailey ruins is not compromised.
Mitford Ruins Arboretum Nursery
South Elevation
First Memorial Tree
Scarf QR Gravestone
Scale 1: 250
South Elevation
Chapel of the Non Believers
Portico
Lychgate
Office reception and Social Building
Site Plan Key 1. The River Wansbeck 2. The St Mary Magdelenes Church 3. The St Mary Magdelenes Lychgate 4. The Arboretum Lychgate 5. The Memorial Trees and QR Scarf Gravestones
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6. The First Memorial Tree and QR Scarf Gravestone 7. The Tree Colonnades and Line of enduring inquiry 8. Car Park with Tree screening 9. WWII Pillbox
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10. The Old Bridge and the road to Nowhere 11. Concrete Bridge over Beck 12. The Chapel of the Non Believers 13. The Portico 14. The Social Building and Wake Services 15. The Existing Helical pathway to Mitford Ruins.
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16. The Arboretum Nursery - An insertion in the Ruins 17. The Mitford Norman Motte and Bailey Ruins 3 4
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Scale 1:500 at A1
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Site Plan Key 1. The New Arboretum Lychgate with Seating
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2. The Gravel Road Approach to Chapel 3. The Memorial Trees and QR Scarf Gravestones 4. Line of enduring enquiry between the old Lychgate and the Ruins 5. The Intersecting rammed earth wall
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6. Car Port for Catering drop off and Office Staff 7. Refuse Bins and Log/biomass store for CHP System Fuel 8. Arboretum Foyer 9. Arboretum Office space 10. Catering and Kitchen Facilities 11. Bi- fold Doors receiving Southern light 12. Outdoor secluded Seating 13. The Feast - Large Table for the Wake Ceremony 14. The Large Western facing Window 15. The Plant room with CHP System.
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16. WC, Disabled toilet, and Baby Changing Facilities 17. Timber Bridge traversing the Beck 18. Rammed Concrete Portico with Seating. 19. Rammed Concrete Steps to Beck
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20. Storage Area, Landscaping Machinery and Plant for Burial Excavation and Arboretum Tree Surgery.
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21. First Memorial Tree and QR Scarf Gravestone 22. Large East Facing Window 23. Entrance into Chapel of the Non Believers 24. Chapel Cloister Circulation Space
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25. Chapel Timber Seating with Concrete seating between Scarf bases 26. Entrance doors for Pall bearers 27. Eulogists pedestal 28. Catafalque and Coffin
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29. Eulogist Chairs and Back-end Technology
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30. Exit doors for Congregation into Portico, and then onto Journey.
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Scale 1: 250
Appendix
A pocket full of Life Upon leaving the Wake Ceremony the Bereaved are presented with a wooden, Scarf jointed Jewellery Box made from the species selected for the Memorial Tree. Within the box is the seed of the selected species taken from the Arboretum forest, A poignant reminder of the Journey through the Mitford Landscape, The Ceremony, and the planting of the Memorial Sapling.
The Seedling is planted in the Garden, a memory of the Arboretum experience and a reminder of the loss of a loved friend.
A Pocket full of Life.
Bibliography Jonathan Hetreed, Ann Ross, Charlotte Baden-Powell, 1997, The Architects Handbook, Fifth Edition, Routledge
David Phillips, Megumi Yamashita, 2012 , Detail in Contemporary Concrete Architecture, Laurence King
Antony Ratford, Amit Srivastava, 2014, The Elements of Modern Architecture, Thames & Hudson
Andrea Deplazes, 2010, Constructing architecture: Materials, Processes, Structures, Birkenhauser
Rem Koolhaas, 2018, Elements of Architecture, Taschen
Wiley-Blackwell, 1970, Neufert Architect’s Data, Fourth Edition
Richard Dawkins, 2006, Unweaving the Rainbow: science, Delusion and the appetite for Wonder
Stephen Daniels, N.B, Tate Papers, Alfred Watkins, Photography and Topography in the early Twentieth Century Britain.
John Ruskin, 2016, The Seven Lamps of Architecture, Pantianos Classics
Author unknown, N.B, The World Counts available at : https://www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/planet-earth/mining/environmental-impact-of-steel-production/story