Architecture Portfolio for UCL March Architecture

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

LILY KERR

Application Number : 23189246

MArch Architecture Programme

UCL, The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment

1. Why UCL? (Personal Statement)

2. NAPPER Architects (Professional Part 1 Placement)

3. Heaton Forest (Third Year Design Project and Architects for Health Design Competition Winner 2022)

4. Vertical Places and their Lack of Ecosystems (Dissertation)

5. Published Work Architecture and Urban Transformation of Historical Markets Map

This portfolio presents a sample of work that has been most beneficial to my architectural journey. Containing a mixture of professional work as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant and work from my final undergraduate year.

All work produced by Author including professional work placement section under the supervision of the project director.

WHY UCL?

Personal Statement 1

Studying ecological and bioclimatic architecture at Newcastle University, it inculcated a desire to continue my architectural endeavours to further understand the value of sustainable architecture, and how I can design to instil these concepts. My admiration for Architecture stemmed from a young age and further developed whilst studying Art A-level and Biology. Questions arose about putting design skills and user-friendly ideas into a tangible form. Gaining a grounding of architecture at Newcastle University led to my development of preferred subject areas. Building on these lessons at a higher degree at UCL would direct me focus my architectural understanding.

At this point in my educational journey, I know that I want to be pushed to expose the best of my design capabilities. Accomplishing my Part 2 at the Bartlett School of Architecture would provide me with key architectural skills to firstly challenge myself and use architecture as a tool in solving real world problems. A major factor for my desire to study at UCL comes from visiting the campus. As fifth-year students took the time to talk to me about their personal experience, I could see their sincere enthusiasm for the programme. The enjoyment they have from producing their more independently driven studies and seeing their growth is something I aspire to reiterate. I especially enjoyed talking to Dr Michael Woodrow and Dr Augustine Guibaud about the March fire focused programme, which demonstrated a more pragmatic design approach. I would hope to have the opportunity to learn from UCL tutors and their unique teaching structure that the fifth-year students regarded so highly.

In common with UCL's morals, I share a great passion to improve my knowledge about innovative methods. Scratching the surface of questions surrounding ecology such as, considering if living materials can act as a mediator of architecture? Furthermore, the generative design concepts used in bioclimatic architecture have become a large interest in my personal readings. Mirroring systems in natural organisms, and finding similar solutions to overcome problems in the context of our planetary urbanisation, may aid in improving the built and natural environment humans are exponentially populating. I would love to have the opportunity to deepen my research into these questions using the Bartlett's expertise in the hope to contribute to the exploration of this complex physical network.

Academically scrutinising the areas of these previously stated sustainable concepts was a focus point in my final design project and dissertation. Attempting to elucidate whether design methods that support natural ecosystems are amicable or a mirage. Doing my research on vegetated facades and personally debating with ecologist Ken Yeang shed light on the lack of literature in the subject area. This has driven me to continue my architectural endeavours in this field. Studying at UCL with its focus on sustainable design is why it is relevant to my aspiring career.

As shown in this sample portfolio for UCL it highlights the most valuable experience I have undertaken during my part 1 placement. Working at Napper Architects I have been able to approach projects with varying scales, complexities and detail. For example, during my first month I worked with the project director, the Department for Health and varying commercial clients to create drawings for the feasibility of three new schools in the UK. This project demanded attention orthographically to larger site constraints and responding to the comments of different consultants and the client. Contrastingly, 'Rocket house', a project that consisted of upgrading the existing building and accommodation dealt with a private client at a small scale. The detailed drawings I went on to produce looked at electrical layouts and the technical arrangement of junctions throughout the scheme. I am very humbled to be given the opportunity to work closely with extremely skilled architects that have trusted me with more responsibility than most part 1 students may have.

Continuing the dedication I had in my academic background and taking forward the lessons learnt in practice, such as time management, working as part of a complex design team, and the importance of accuracy in produced information, will all aid in meeting the demands of this exciting but challenging course.

Part 1 Work Placement

Liebherr approached Napper Architects to prepare proposals for the development of an existing mezzanine storage area, currently accessed via a steeply sloping 'ships ladder', with balcony landing onto which materials are currently craned / lifted via forklift. [Materials access directly associated with apprentice training will continue to use existing crane and landing access, with part of the landing / balcony access to remain operational.] General materials storage is to be relocated to racking at ground floor level, to create space for new teaching classroom and apprentice practical training bays, accessed via a compliant accommodation staircase.

LIEBHERR

Having mainly experienced working on renovation projects for Victorian and Georgian buildings, the tasks assigned to me on this project allowed me to experience designing with larger steel constructions.

During RIBA Stage 2, I initially converted the original handrawn existing plans into Autocad. This helped me to become more familiar with universal beams and their specification.

During the proposed work the project director and I considered details such as the wall build up and joints to efficiently include a permanent classroom for circa 10 to 15 people over by the external wall with the external fixed glazing that still adhered to fire regulations. A new stair well has been implemented. Currently accessed via a steep ships ladder to 7m above GF FFL, proposals were to include a new accommodation staircase.

From the proposed cad drawings I produced a Revit model to visually portray to the client the materiality and scale.

Proposed Section BB

Proposed Renders Using Revit and Enscape

ROCKET HOUSE

The works are the restoration of the 'Rocket House' and upgrading of the existing building accommodation. The building was a former Rocket House which was used as part of the coastal life saving facilities. Rocket Houses became a vital part of seafaring rescues. A rocket with a line attached was fired from the shore to stranded sailors. The shipwrecked mariners would then be brought safely to shore in a breeches buoy life ring.

The client wishes to return the building back to its former glory to develop the building for their own use, however they would like to retain the potential to use this as a holiday let in the future. The accommodation is to provide, entrance hall, toilet/shower room, open plan kitchen/dining/ living and an enclosed/semi enclosed mezzanine bedroom with bath en-suite.

Proposed 16 (Min tread overlap) NAPPER Napper Architects Ltd 3 Waterloo Square

Staircase Renders Using info@napperarchitects.co.uk www.napperarchitects.co.uk First Floor, 6 Bakers Yard

18mm plywood over ex 75x50mm timber frame either side screw fixed @75mm c/c from either end and @ 150mm c/c

9.5mm plasterboard

300x300x10mm offset baseplate with M10 coach screw fixings to plywood boxing

ex 75x50mm infill to underside of sring Tread notched around newel

5mm folded plate treads with 5mm end plate and 3 No bolted connections to string 4.5mm rubber 'Stairtread norament' with pre bonded nosing bonded to tread Retaining wall

25mm plywood Reclaimed terracotta with solid bed adhesive on new heated screed

Tiling stop bead Plywood top deck screwed @ 225mm c/c and @75mm from either end Noggins between studs to sole plate

Dormer in elevation

Code 5 lead roof (max overall length 2000mm and 460mm welt spacing) on building paper over 18mm WBP plywood

25mm continuous vent gap with fly mesh

Denotes lead sheet to main roof returned 150mm under dormer cheek lining

Continuous copper clip with lead dressed over

100 x 75mm x 3mm PC Aluminium hidden gutter

75x50mm treated s.w. head to support gutter

Breather membrane

Lead clad 15mm thick WBP plywood

Code 5 lead with welted seams and dressed over ply backing

75x50mm treated s.w. battens to support lead clad plywood

Ply packed to suit alignment

Continuous copper drip clip to base with lead dressed under

150 X 63mm Timber treated s.w. block to support aluminium flashing (see detail extract)

Existing stone walling made good after removal of existing roof structure

Wall Junction and Eaves / Gutter Detail

Detail 1 - Existing Wall Junction and Eaves/Gutter Detail

Breather membrane

125mm (75 + 50) full fill mineral insulation between timber rafters

50

100

60mm over rafter insulation between 50x50mm treated vertical sw battens

90

125x50mm sw rafters @ 600mm c/c (TBC by S.E.) with birds mouth over 125x50mm s.w. head and with fully nailed galv connectors

100mm timber structure

100mm full fill mineral insulation between timber structure

12mm OSB drilled @ 300mm c/c @ 300mm c/c vertically in staggered rows (10mm dia)

18mm WBP Plywood

Detail 1 - Existing Wall Junction and

Noggins to suit outer battens

VCL

100x50mm soleplate with M10 resin fix anchors @600mm c/c and @ 150mm from either end

Rockwool cavity barrier/ closer

Rough plaster removed and replaced with 12.5mm MR plasterboard lined through on dot & dabs

Internal finish to be provided to existing blockwork

0mm 50mm 150mm 250mm

Producing these technical drawings was an exciting challenge. It gave me a chance to expand my technical knowledge knowing that the final outcome would be pragmatically correct. This aids me in applying these new solutions learnt during my work on Rocket House to future projects both professionally and educationally.

BISHOP AUCKLAND RECONNAISSANCE

Bishop Auckland is an ancient and historic market town, which has been the seat for country residence of the Prince Bishops and the official home of the Bishop of Durham since the 12th century. Bishop Auckland is the largest town in the south of County Durham and is located approximately 12 miles North West of Darlington and 12 miles South West of Durham. It is currently undergoing a major Reconnaissance, in part triggered by the development of Auckland Castle, and also as a direct result of key Local Authority led intervention schemes. Currently this includes the Conservation Area Grant Scheme and also the Heritage Action Zone.

Bishop Auckland - 25 Newgate

The building owner is working in partnership with the Bishop Auckland College who are developing a catering education facility at ground floor, with a fully operational commercial restaurant and small retail space. The upper floors providing provide further training support, job creation and business start up space.

Performing the site survey with the technician provided the opportunity to accumulate dimensions and necessary pictures to produce existing and proposed layouts. The proposed plans contain demolition notes for the removal of modern partioning and lay in grid ceilings. I worked closely with the client to produce different options of spatial layouts.

Working with the project director the project was submitted for planning approval. A Listed building application was also submitted as it is a grade II listed building.

Having experienced this stage of design helped me to get to grips with the planning portal and the time schedules each project may take due to planning processes.

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCTAION - Feasibility Studies

During my first months at Napper Architects I worked with the project director as the Department for Education (DFE) design advisor for three school feasibility delivery plans. I attended multiple team meetings with the DFE consultants and the academies. Below shows the drawings produced considering the level of information needed by the DFE. Each drawing needed to indicate what is existing and proposed and to clearly indicate external space in accordance with DFE guidelines.

Each project brought its own obstacles and constraints. The challenge was to figure out the most efficient and cost effective way to position the new general DFE school footprint.

Co-op Academy Leeds TA

Benton Park School TA

St Mary’s Gomersal TA

DALTON PARK - Consultancy Feasibility

The project involves the alteration and subdivision of the existing Morrisons unit completed as part of the phase 2 delivery. This is to be delivered in a negotiated design and build contract with B&K as the main contractor. This allows them to bring their construction and site expertise gained from delivering the earlier phase 2 scheme Nappers produced.

Prior to the sale Napper Architects acted for the previous managing agents 'Realm' to provide consultancy services on a time charge framework basis. The work was called off by Realm on an ad-hoc basis with larger work packages commissioned on a target cost basis.

The task delegated to me was to produce a series of feasibility drawings to show how a new drive through restauraunt could be situated onto the existing site. Taking into consideration the wider variables such as traffic flow and road dimension standards.

Working on Dalton Park and the DFE feasibility studies I have communicated with clients and contractors gaining valuable experience of teamwork in the professional industry.

HEATON FOREST

Third Year Design Project and Architects for Health BA Winner

'Heaton Forest' is an assisted-living dementia care facility for residents with low to mid-stage dementia. The scheme houses 24 nursing staff and up to 16 residents with dementia who may experience major cognitive deficiencies that require additional assistance to complete daily activities. The studio brief required a pragmatic approach without an aura of institutionalisation.

The Site lies within Freeman's Hospital in High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. It is surrounded by healthcare facilities and a multi storey car-park to the NW, in a dense residential area. The project's concepts stem from potential solutions to create improved well being for residents in a non-pharmacological approach. The design strives to create improved environments to current issues with assisted living institutions. The most evident solution in Heaton Forest is the action to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior environments.

In the physical world, the environment is built with positive and negative restrictions. These openings and blockages such as walls, pathways and windows moderate our behaviour. Traditionally in the healthcare environment the main aim is to design for basic functionality and shelter. Exploration of how to overcome this baseline design considered the neurological scientific evidence and green space theories. These theories have been employed to provide positive openings to the natural environment by rehabilitating the surrounding landscape on and around the site.

VISITOR ZONES

PWD ZONES

ZONING

Visitor Zones

Areas open to Visitors is primarily concentrated to the inner centre of the public courtyard. This improves circulation and comprehensibility of space. Having a controlled access area before entering the dementia wards aids staff in managing the people who have access to the private spaces.

Nursing Zones

The nursing accommodation is situated to the west of the site. It is strategically placed for flexibility of dementia wards. The accommodation has been designed so that early on set dementia residents may reside in the bedrooms if extra spaces were needed.

People With Dementia (PWD) Zones

Residents have been split into a male and female ward. TO increase interaction between wards a shared sensory garden is placed in a private corner with natural vegetation and a wooden fence that acts a s a positive barrier between the garden and the public pathway. The residents may also enjoy the food markets and communal kitchen to enforce positive activities.

Staff Zones

The staff has access to the nursing stations that have been placed with visual access to the communal spaces and wandering paths. The stations are placed out of the way with hidden doors so residents don't get frustrated by the locked access.

NURSING ZONES

STAFF ZONES

GREEN APPROACH TO DEMENTIA

The intention of this design is to illustrate a sustainable building that reduces it's impact on users, the environment and climate change. Attention will be stressed on considering the small details to form thoughtful spaces to compensate for people with dementia's sensory deficits. The building will engage with the wider community.

Sustainable active methods such as vertical vegetation, solar thermal heating, sustainable urban drainage systems and natural ventilation shall be incorporated into my design. Helping reduce the amount of energy used and fossil fuels. I think it is important to form a better relationship between humans and non humans. Create a bridge between the two ecosystems so that we may still proceed to live in harmony as we once did.

An ecological agenda became the forefront of the design path. Due to the highly built site area it is important to rehabilitate the on site and surrounding biodiversity. The Newcastle upon Tyne Council planning report heavily focuses on improving biodiversity in Newcastle. A fully comprehensive living wall system will be developed and curated with the building massing so that the building sustainably integrates with surrounding ecosystems.

A concept developed from the beginning of my design process was to incorporate a vegetated facade to enhance biodiversity, rehabilitate the site and provide a tactile and shading strategy for people with dementia.

The tertiary structure is made from glulam beams and posts with growing gabion baskets along the bottom of each section. Each module is 5300mm wide and split into 5 beams. The skin acts as a sun attenuation layer and natural air filter for the users. The vegetation used will use local plants so they thrive and are more ecologically friendly.

The integration of a living wall has many ecological and mental benefits. Upcoming research suggests that access to green views could slow down the symptoms associated with the dementia disease. Additionally, the rough texture and changing seasons act as a tactile surface that is both safe and stimulating for people with dementia.

People with dementia need a steady continuous interior temperature. The living wall retains heat during the winter and acts as a cooling agent during the summer. Using local plants within the living system will introduce a higher species richness to the site and in time to the surrounding green areas.

1. Filtration Unit

2. Underground Storage Tank

3. Recirculating Filter System for irrigation

4. Permeable Surfaces

5. Photovoltaic Solar Panels

1. Filtration Unit

2. Underground Storage Tank

3. Recirculating Filter System for irrigation

4. Permeable Surfaces

5. Photovoltaic Solar Panels

still enjoy outdoor activities in the dark days of winter.

Light Uniformity Target : 0.4 - 0.8 Uniformity : 402 / 590 = 0.68 (Fit's the required target)

To the right shows IES daylight simulations to control the strength of direct sunlight that would fall on the floor foortprint. It is an important factor as it may improve the moveability of PWD.

The 1:20 section has focused on the tertiary structure, pavilion roof and CLT junctions between Walls and floors. The vegetated tertiary segment is a key concept carried throughout my design proposal. In this section it shows my experimentation with the growing medium.

The elevation shows the materiality and atmospheric qualities to the development. The vegetated facade has both vertical and horizontal louvres to shade west and south facing façades.

RESSURECTING BIODIVERSITY

This birds eye view plan shows the green spaces reformed and implemented in the design. A key concept of the scheme is to rehabilitate the biodiversity on and around the site. Placing what should be green spaces on the ground onto the roof to reduce the number of habitat and species lost. The integration of a living wall has many ecological and mental benefits. Using Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) aided in the placement of photovoltaic solar panels. The solar panels will be placed on the larger pavilion roof structure. The south face would be angled to integrate the solar panels to the design. The simulations show that the south faces have a constant high light source available throughout the year. Apart from the dementia pods made from prefabricated CLT modules the rest of the primary structure is post beam Glulam construction.

The model is an abstract representation of permeable paving, photovoltaic and a green roof along with solar shading. A hidden water pump is situated inside the box creating a closed loop system of flowing water. The three podiums are staggered to create a therapeutic acoustic effect which people with dementia find calming. The sound of water may also reduce agitation.

I thought very hard about how I can create a more sustainable model in itself as to not keep replacing the volume of water and to recycle. I am very pleased with the outcome of this model as it portrays the research done in a understandable format.

This detail section shows how the hydroponic irrigation system and its required components are placed in the healthcare for dementia scheme.

The Section also shows the primary CLT construction with an integrated green roof.

'House of Memories' is an evidence-based studio, valuing user-centric methods to design for people with Dementia (PWD). Dementia is caused by a progressive disease to the brain. The area that is affected is usually the higher cortical functions such as memory, orientation, language, judgement, and comprehension. Due to this decline of cortical functions, impairments of cognitive functions are commonly followed. These may include social behaviour, motivation and emotional control leading to higher cases of agitation (World Health Organization, 2012). Considering the syndrome and its cognitive effects, this automatically transcends one into considering the physical and psychological impacts of the user's well-being and neurological needs. No pharmacological treatments are currently available to cure the progressive course of dementia (Alzheimer's Society, 2021). Therefore, I have revised my design project to create non-pharmacological design methods to improve the sensory experiences of people with dementia, specifically through considering green spaces and light.

Before Solar Shading

With the addition of the solar shading frame, using IES LUX simulation the light uniformity in plan dramatically improves. Less light is concentrated near the window. This implies that there would be less heavy shadow contrasts which people with dementia may see as a hole in the ground. Creating difficulties in their comprehensibility that leads to increased levels of agitation.

After Solar Shading

The environment is impossible to separate from mental health. The ideas of Salutogenesis and the biophilia hypothesis are predominately explored through the wondering paths of my project. Walking in an outdoor environment, can improve cognitive deterioration. Evidence of these outcomes is stated in a research paper by Rebecca Whear and colleagues (Whear et al., 2014).

The sketches illustrate the thought process of the glulam structural frame which will act as both solar shading and a growing medium for improved visual connections to green areas.

Light Uniformity Target : 0.4 - 0.8 Uniformity : 250 / 590 = 0.43 (Fit's the required target)

Approved Document M

In compliance with Approved document M the spatial design of the pod considers wheelchair movement and better usability. The dimensions of floor and door clearings exceed the minimum amount according to approved document M.

INTERGENERATIONAL SPACEMarket of Memories

To the left is a set of illustrations to show how the space allocated to the modular pop up market may be changed or organised to create an attraction to the wider public. Made from recycled glulam frames this flexible structure provides opportunities to add or subtract modules. Staff and visitors to the Freeman hospital, Maggie centre and nursery may enjoy this space whilst waiting for family members of difficult news. Local restaurants and vendors may hire a slot in the market to advertise their company and increase the economy for the local Heaton area. The market of memories may also be rehabilitated with vegetation to create a miniature park like environment.

The permanent indoor market and venue space has been designed to the structural grid of 5300mm x 5300mm. The orthogonal structure creates opportunities for the space to be flexible. With the addition of extensions or to remove sections in later years.

REFLECTION -

I have chosen to focus this section of the sample portfolio to show carefully selected illustrations that convey my personal obligations to my future endeavours in architecture. Giving space to the project to allow the reader to understand the main drivers and its usability. This exploration of dementia care followed research into the benefits of vegetated spaces with dementia. Furthermore, an ecological approach to design to enhance biodiversity on and around the site. The response to biodiversity aimed to shadow the natural environment through both form and function. Taking research from my dissertation into vegetated façades and their ecosystems, the design project aimed to use integrated vegetation to enhance biodiversity, well-being and functionality. I had studied the lack of connection between green roofs and the ground environments. Therefore, in my personal

design it is evident that the solar shading frames and hydroponic wall systems become an assistant to connect the habitats and create a more inclusive species richness across the site. The consideration of natural ecosystems has great impact to the context in which the site sits. This is relevant to the design and AEC industry as arguably, architectural design should consider the impacts our artificial structures have on the natural world while centralising the needs of the user. Meticulously referring to Fire safety and accessibility regulations along with research I have attempted to design a non-pharmacological way to tackle dementia.

VERTICAL PLACES AND THEIR LACK OF ECOSYSTEMS Dissertation

TO VIEW FULL DOCUMENT: https://newcastle-my. sharepoint.com/:b:/g/ personal/b9030704_ newcastle_ac_uk/EV-1MBupC OxDrFGcI1oFQU0By1GlRYERBaR ahHredrssDg?e=NeQS4c

Password : Dissertation

The research and energy to produce this dissertation instigated a deep passion for sustainable architecture. Furthermore, bioclimatic architecture. Speaking with ecologist and architect Ken Yeang during the writing process of my dissertation I have implemented an inquisitive response of questioning the benefits of sustainable methods into my personal design and grown more confident in the type of architect I would hope to become.

Vegetated façades offer great potential to enhance urban biodiversity in the context of the urban environment. Walls offer an extensive area that can act as a habitat for various species and wildlife to create a ubiquitous urban ecosystem. Most investigations into wall ecology have focused on botanical surveys and the natural growth of fauna that thrive due to cracks in walls or the habitat abandonment of humans. Although the benefits of vertical greening for buildings are well-known, their benefits for biodiversity remain poorly studied. The research I propose does not intend to promote an idea of complete laissez-faire in the management of ecosystems. It tries to emulate how designers of our urban environment can adapt better methods to reduce alterations to existing ecosystems and to enhance the biodiversity from a non-human perspective so that the vegetated façades proposed in architectural projects are not of a horticultural nature. I have assessed four different buildings that assert the use of vegetated façades to enhance biodiversity in the built environment. This dissertation considers the reconciliation of ecosystems and humans using a forgotten area within the built environment, the place of façades. Furthermore, the study strives to cross disciplines to give a rounded understanding of ecosystems and the deleterious effects man has on them. Examining how humans have interacted with ecosystems in the past and postulating how humans as a society will interact with these complex natural systems in the future, I hope to shed light on how we can better create vegetated façades to form an amiable, benign environment with ecosystems.

Lily Alexandra Kerr

PUBLISHED WORK - Site Analysis Illustration

I was personally approached to develop map analysis drawings to be publicised in a book for Neveen Hamza an architect in energy & wellbeing. Although this may be seen as a menial piece of work in the context of the book, I was extremely humbled that Neveen had the trust and belief in my work to add to her professional research. Furthermore, saw the potential in my architectural capabilities.

The subject of architecture and historical markets eluded my architectural knowledge prior to this commission. I found it fascinating to read about the issues Neveen raised, practically contributing to the area I focused on - the distinctive patterns between informal, semi informal and formal markets in East and North Africa.

Challenges arose due to the black and white aesthetic of the book. Therefore, it was a satisfying task to create a map style that clearly differentiated the different areas and the travel patterns between. Organising the information in a legible way. Furthering opportunities to practice design-based skills in a professional manner.

It was a cultivating experience to be able to work with Neveen, seeing her passion and devotion to achieving a published research book - I aspire to achieve.