Live Build Events programme At the Long Isle Laboratory
By Lewis Grant
2
3
4
“Building implies and evokes optimism: we are able to build only to the
degree that we have confidence in the future� - Juhani Pallasmaa, 2008
5
This document illustrates the
construction events involved in the creation of the Long Isle Laboratory in the village of Ness, on the Isle of Lewis. These events will be held year on year in conjunction of the completion of the ongoing Materials Network project. Their aim is to deliver a practical education course for students of architecture as part of the process of creating an inspiring building for the local community and the wider context of the Outer Hebrides. The laboratory has aspirations to revolutionise the construction industry on the isles through research and experimentation of materials and structural approaches.
6
The Long Isle Laboratory is a
building that will be created through a series of Live Build events. As such, it’s design has been developed in an organic manner, contrary to the standard design process. By it’s nature this project aspires to educate and as such the construction process involves a series of educational construction events that will, year on year produce the building itself. This constraint defines the limit of what each phase can achieve, essentially establishing a module for the Laboratory to be assembled from. The result is a collection of buildings reflective of the vernacular settlements of the isles.
Taking place over a 15 week
period in the summer each of these events operates around the term times of tertiary educational systems in Scotland. This allows for (architecture) students to attend between semesters, essentially acting as a trimester.
7
g
in ist
Ex
o
on Ax
tric
n me
Academically this functions by
linking with the UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands) which has a campus in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, who have courses operating at the Laboratory during their term times. An exchange network between the UHI and the five schools of architecture in Scotland (Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow School of Art Robert Gordon and Strathclyde) has been established allowing a number of students (dependant on phase) from any course at the UHI the opportunity to study elsewhere in Scotland for a semester and students from the architecture schools the chance to take part in a summer build event.
Education will be delivered
by a collaboration of building experts (employed at the Laboratory) and local contractors to deliver a high quality learning to attendees. Along with UHI
8
student the contractors and building experts will oversee any work required out with the build events, however each of the phases aims to achieve the majority of construction works.
The summer months are particularly
precious for the construction industry, particularly in the Outer Hebrides, and as such the injection of labour will increase the level of building activity that can happen. This will have positive effects on the surrounding communities as they witness the creation of new facilities and the improvement of their built environment.
This ethos will be at the heart
of the project. It has been shown in previous examples such as Rural Studio that community interaction in these types of project often achieved through the
9
provision and improvement of community buildings. In the early phases the design makes sensitive interventions to the existing building improving its functionality, before going on to create processing and workshop facilities, a studio and various accommodation buildings. The existing functions of the Historical Society have been improved in most instances and ultimately will end up operating in harmony with all other functions of the Laboratory.
The phasing of the Laboratory
is ordered in conjunction with the establishment of the Materials Network.
10
Sequence of operations 01
Project Materials Network The Hall The Extension Material Store Workshops + Processing Temporary 01
The Brickworks 02 The Sawmill 03
Studio Temporary The Studio
Accommodation Temporary The Hostel The Cottage
Removals Initial 01
Cafe 02 Exhibition 03
02
03
11
Build Phase 04
05
06
07
08
09
10
12
e
s ha
P
01
tric
n me
o
on Ax
13
Ambition_ The inaugural build event will a much needed facility to the CEN and the communities in the north of the island- a social hub for gathering. As found in 5A this is one of the most important functions for the overall functioning of the Laboratory as it provides a platform for visitors and locals to connect, affecting how the project will be accepted by the community. This will be a functionally
Timeframe for student interaction
15 Weeks
flexible space which can host the temporary exhibitions that are regularly held at the CEN. Objectives_ Set up Camp site
_ Build The Hall.
_ Prepare for removals in Phase02
Number of Students
16
14
Design_ The form of The Hall is a take on the prevalent pitched roof of the existing buildings on the site and those found throughout the isles. This off-centre pitch adds a challenge to the construction process, (something that is important for the ethos of the overall laboratory) but also defines the internal space into seating and exhibition spaces. The larger of the two pitches opens up with roof-lights to the North-East allowing diffuse light to flood the exhibition space during the day Creating an access avenue with the existing school house the Hall sets up a natural access point for the courtyard that is formed by the following build phases.
15
Material palette_ This phase will take place under the current material availability
Timber (imported)
constraints as the Materials Network is under construction at this current moment. This means most of the materials used for this build will be imported. As this is a preliminary event simple, easy to work with materials
Concrete (imported)
such as timber will be used as much as possible. The frame, internal and external cladding will be made from timber with only the foundations being poured concrete. Learning outcomes_ This event will focus primarily on the success of creating a fit for purpose contemporary building for the community. This event will be a lesson in client interaction and as such, set out a manifesto acting as the foundation for this continuing project.
Aggregate (Local)
16
17
18
19
2
0 se
a
Ph
on Ax
ic
ntr
e om
Ambition_ The second phase build aims to improve the functions of the existing historical society building. Simplifying the arrangement of the building will breakup its disjointed composition making it a hub for it’s principle functions. These include cafe social space, office, archive of family histories
Timeframe for student interaction
15 Weeks
and exhibiting some very culturally valuable material. The importance of this phase lies in the ability for it to bolster the successful operation of the society. Ultimately the interventions made in this phase hope to strengthen a social hub, improve it’s ability to record information and stories, and allow it to display artefacts and information of great importance to the communities on the Outer Hebrides.
Number of Students
18
20
Design_ The Extension project looks to accentuate the c-shape form of the existing school and school house. Creating a timber insert between the two blocks perpendicular to the road expand the space of the exhibition to allow it to function and become visible on the main facade.
Internal alterations to the existing
fabric of the building expose the c-form to making it an open plan layout. Creating a spatially exciting quality, with hanging exhibitions expresses the mass of volume. Opening up the interior allows for greater awareness for the activities and noise happening at different parts of this volume. The archive exists in a more private are of the plan, in a double height space full of the books and records of genealogy as well as in a more public space on the mezzanine looking over the exhibition space.
Objectives _ Remove existing extensions and vacant building. _ Build extension to existing. _ Re-accomodate functions; cafe and temporary exhibition. _ Fit out derelict schoolhouse for archive and office. _ Set up workshop and studio spaces
21
Material palette_ Operating under the same restrictions as phase 01 this project looks
Timber (imported)
to make use of currently available, mostly imported materials. This project starts to push the boundaries by introducing steel columns and beams for the purpose of
Steel (imported)
opening up existing stone walls. Learning outcomes_ The Extension project looks to build on the mindset established in phase one of placing the existing users and community at the forefront of importance by considering how to improve existing spaces for the functions desired by the CEN. Intertwined in this is the opportunity in this stage to learn and record approached to working with existing constructions. Something of importance to future adaptations and self-build projects around the islands.
Concrete (imported)
22
23
24
3 e0
as
Ph
tric
n me
o
on Ax
25
Ambition_ The Material Store will be In accordance with the completion of the Northern phase of the Outer Hebridean Materials Network. This will be a prominent marker of the greater ambitions of this project - to revolutionise the construction industry of the Islands. The completion
Timeframe for student interaction
15 Weeks
of this phase will be a statement of intent with impact on an international scale. This phase essentially has the potential to grow the seeds of an entirely self-sustaining construction industry and building culture once again. Objectives _ Build material store _ Build train shed
Number of Students
18
26
Design_ The material store has been designed with an intentionally functionalist form which establishes the industrial ‘zone’ of the project. This also acts as the back bone to the site, book-ending the are that the consequent buildings of the Laboratory will occupy. It has been situated at the most logical point of the site for connecting to the incoming rail line. It’s orientation allows for an incoming train with material carriages to park below a grab system that can pick up the carriage, rotate and transfer the material perpendicularly into the appropriate bay.
27
Material palette_ The material storage bays of will be created from the reuse of
Timber (imported)
stone salvaged from the take down of existing buildings in phase 02. Above this the concrete will be used for the framing of the bays and the transfer track with a steel
Steel (imported)
beam acting at the track for the carriage to attach onto. The train store will be simply constructed timber frame and cladding. Concrete (imported)
Learning outcomes_ The aspirations of this project are to achieve a simple structure where, in parts accuracy is essential. This adds a new challenging aspect to the development of this series of build events. A valuable lesson from this phase is learning how to process re-used material. This is something likely to be relevant to self-build projects on the Islands that, the Laboratory could aid with.
Gabion (local)
28
29
30
4
0 se
a
Ph
ic
ntr
e om
on Ax
31
Ambition_ The creation of the Brickworks will bring return the process of making bricks to the Isle of Lewis for the first time since 1897. This ambition looks to bring this material source
Timeframe for student interaction
15 Weeks
back to the material palette of the Outer Hebrides once again. The brickworks will continue on from the statement laid down by the materials network and begin to process the raw materials from the Isle, making major bound towards the creation of a self-sustaining industry.
Number of Students Objectives_ Build Brickworks
24
32
Design_ Positioned with close proximity to the material store, the brickworks further established the ‘industrial zone’ of the Laboratory. Taking a vaulted from to express the potentials of brick as a material this the building offers a large space separated into process, workshop and store. The process area includes a clay collection container, a crusher and former (pug-mill), a cutting device (slug cutter) and a kiln for baking. The product is the stored in an auxiliary space which is a controlled environment for drying and access to building courtyard. Sharing the process space is an oyster shell container and crusher for the production of cement. The workshop space allows for working with brick and cements as well as ceramics. This space can become a facility for students, artists and the general community.
33
Material palette_ Brick will be used structurally for the walls and as a vault for
Brick (imported)
the roof. Concrete will be used for the foundations. A terracotta tile will be applied to the roof finish. The majority of materials at this point are still imported as this is the
Concrete (imported)
first of the processing building, required to usable material from the material network. Learning outcomes_ The Brickworks build event will challenge the brick as a structural material and allow students to consider how to create a building that is a manifesto for its material i.e.. all future projects involving brick will look to this as an example. Having a brickworks as part of this laboratory rather than at the source of the clay allows for an added layer of learning and experimentation in the process of making the bricks themselves.
Terracotta (imported)
34
35
36
5 e0
as
Ph
ic
ntr
e om
on Ax
37
Ambition_ The Sawmill will allow for the newly established tree plantations at existing forest areas as part of the material network to be used in the construction of future building at the laboratory and surrounding area. The aims for this project are to develop the use
Timeframe for student interaction
15 Weeks
of timber on the Outer Hebrides in such a way that the limited resource can be used to its maximum potential i.e. less material to achieve structural performance. Objectives _ Remove existing workshops and reaccomodate in Brickworks. _Build Sawmill.
Number of Students
24
38
Design_ Positioned parallel to the material store, the form of massing of the sawmill completes a material store-processingcourtyard ordering to the back of the site. It is situated close to the rail network for easy access and to store the logs in a dry environment rather than the material bays. The internal layout of the plan is in three zones; processing, workshops and drying space. Processing has a large, clear space for moving vehicles and machinery operations where as the workshop has a more human scale with tools, machinery and worktops arranged with a view to the courtyard and access to the material store. A separate space for drying timber and access to the courtyard is extended parallel to the main volume.
39
Material palette_ Similar to the Brickworks, the Sawmill will use timber as far as possible
Timber (imported)
to provide exemplary work for what will be produced from this facility in the future. On completion of this building, timber used in the build events will have been produced at the laboratory. Concrete will be used for the foundations and floor finish. With the set up of the Brickworks, cement from oyster shells can be tested for concrete uses. Learning outcomes_ The scale of this building gives an understanding of providing a large open plan space for industrial functions. As a result of this build event users of the sawmill will be able to learn the process of taking raw log material to finished timber, adding a level of haptic understanding of the material.
Concrete (imported)
40
41
42
e as
Ph
06
tric
n me
o
on Ax
43
Ambition_ To create an inspiring space in which local artists, attendees of the build events and artists in
Timeframe for student interaction
15 Weeks
residence can produce creative work. The idea of this building is to harness the creative scene of artists in the Outer Hebrides and provide a space for them to work, ultimately increasing and encouraging creative output from the islands. Objectives _ Build Studio.
Number of Students
22
44
Design_ The massing of the studio is such that it further defines the courtyard space at the same time as locating itself in close proximity to the workshops, exhibition space in the Hall and the artists cottages to be built in phase 08. Fitting into the overall composition with its pitched roof form, the studio externally reflects the brick produced by the Brickworks next to it and internally light, tactile timber finishings from the sawmill across the courtyard. Rooflights and large windows to the North West bring diffuse light into the studio creating ideal working conditions.
45
Material palette_ Making use of the processing capabilities of the Laboratory, this
Timber (local)
phase uses brick for the external cladding of the studio with a timber frame structure and internal timber cladding finishes. Learning outcomes_ As the materials
Brick (local)
for this build will also be processed there is an added dimension to the learning potential of this project. Seeing materials go from their raw form to the creation of a building will be not only rewarding but also insightful beyond the standard process of construction. This building typology will also be useful for students to consider in depth what is valuable for creative spaces.
Concrete (local)
46
47
48
e
s ha
P
07
tric
n me
o
on Ax
49
Ambition_ Hostel project is the first of the build events to push the boundaries in it experimental ambition. Using rammed earth construction techniques with material entirely locally sourced. The vision for the build is to create
Timeframe for student interaction
15 Weeks
a place for communal living for attendies of the Laboratory. The hostel hopes to prove that alternative local materials can be used to create exceptional contemporary architecture. Objectives _ Re-accomodate studio space in the Studio. _ Re-move existing studio wing. _ Build hostel
Number of Students
24
50
Design_ The Hostel building completes the courtyard and is positioned in closed proximity to the main CEN building for kitchen and social purposes. Keeping its profile low to the ground to avoid the prevailing wind as much as possible the building has a comparatively residential scale compared to the sawmill and CEN buildings that neighbour it. Internally a small lounge provides a social space leading into the sleeping area. Formed so that they appear as if they are part of a thicker wall the bunkbeds resemble the box-beds of the Outer Hebridean black house. Roof-lights to the east bring in morning sunlight and help with general illumination of the space.
51
Material palette_ Rammed earth walls
Concrete (local)
provide the structure to support a timber trussed roof. Concrete makes up the foundations and the floor finish at the entrance. Timber finishings cover the walls and floor throughout the remainder of the building. These materials are all locally
Timber (local)
sourced and produce, and the use of rammed earth pushes the boundaries of the Laboratory more than any previous phase. Learning outcomes_ Primarily the main learning this phase has to offer is the use and testing of rammed earth as a construction material. The process of testing this material to the completion of a functioning building will be hugely educational and influential.
Rammed earth (local)
52
53
54
8 e0
as
Ph
tric
n me
o
on Ax
55
Ambition_ The final building event will see the creation of two cottaged that will act as residence for artists at the Laboratory. They
Timeframe for student interaction
15 Weeks
aim to evoke the craft and culture of the Outer Hebrides. Building on the principles of the traditional blackhouse they pose a question to contemporary architecture on the isles and elude to future event to take place at the Laboratory involving vernacular and contemporary experiments. Objectives _ Build cottages
Number of Students
24
56
Design_ The cottages are based on the form of the traditional Hebridean blackhouse with a contemporary spatial arrangement and scale. Their positioning on the site gives them privacy but also good access to the studios, sitting slightly down hill to the rest of the Laboratory towards the stream. They are orientated with their smallest facade towards the prevailing wind (as done in traditional blackhouse villages) giving them an organic feel distinguishing them from the rest of the Laboratory which is laid out in a more rational layout.
57
Material palette_ The external walls of the cottages will use gabion baskets to form the
Gabion (local)
structure. Timber will create the structure of the roof as well as the internal wall and floor finishings. Concrete will perform the foundations and stone will be used for some detailing where gabions are not appropriate.
Timber (local)
Locally sourced marram grass will be used on the roof as a reference to the traditional typology and to bring attention to the dying trade of thatching.
Concrete (local)
Learning outcomes_ The educational value in these build events lies in the consideration of the vernacular building culture and its principles. It also poses the challenge of capturing the essence of the Outer Hebrides in building form in such a way that it might inspire the artists using these accommodations.
Stone (local)
58
59
60
ry
b
a eL
sl I g
ric
t n Lo nomen o Ax
o at r o
61
At this stage the Long Isle Laboratory will cease to expand its footprint and turn its focus to performing its function as a Laboratory. This will include in depth material and construction experimentation and research
capable of informing standard building practice on the
isles.
62
How to get to the LIL... Travelling instructions from the four Scottish cities that are home to schools of architecture
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71