Architecture Portfolio

LIAMKRISTIANCOSTAIN PORTFOLIO

University Work Employment

IMPERMANENT URBANISM

FOREST

IMPERMANENT URBANISM

SIXTH YEAR THESIS

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Grade: 82

Current and past methods of construction seek a monumental physical permanence, with an expectation to remain for generations. We design for such ideals yet cannot predict future change. Society, functions and technologies continue to evolve, and so should our structures.

Mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus, can bio-remediate natural and inorganic matter and be formed into a lightweight, strong and well-insulating building material. As an organic, biodegradable substance, the short life-span of mycelium can facilitate sustainable urban development through a closed loop system of degradation and perpetual material growth.

This thesis explored the potential of temporal, biodegradable structures as a catalyst for brownfield development, with architecture seen as a gateway to a more environmentally sustainable future.

Twinmotion + SketchUp render

ANALYSING NETWORK REQUIREMENTS

The Network is a cyclical process of ephemerality Assembly, dis-assembly and land remediation requires constant assessment at the start and throughout, the process. At this transition, stages may be skipped should they not be deemed necessary by the Network Analysis.

Mycelium will be distributed from the nucleus to other construction sites. Modular mycelium facade components are fixed to a timber frame and designed for future disassembly. The mycelium can be removed for use in bio-remediation strategies.

Illustrator + Photoshop Vignettes

FARMING

A Mycelium farm ‘nucleus’, a waste management site using organic matter to grow substrate for mycelium. A perpetual process producing modularised building components for use primarily in construction, and secondarily for the remediation and urban greening of brownfield sites.

MYCELIUM CREATION BIODEGRADATION

At the end of the mycelium product’s life-span it is transported and distributed over a brownfield site to decay and break down toxic material present. Over time, the land will flourish as urban forests for the greening and de-carbonising of our cities.

MYCELIUM FARM, PREFABRICATION LABORATORY + URBAN FORESTRY + GREEN SPACE

URBAN FORESTRY + GREEN SPACE

HOUSI COMM FACILI NG + UNITY TIES

HOUSING + COM FACILIMUNITY TIES

Impermanent Urbanism

MYCELIUM FARM, PREFABRICATION

HOUSING +

Distribution of resource through network from main factory facility

The Fungal Network: resources, building types and connections within the network.

THE NETWORK NUCLEUS: MYCELIUM GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION

A conceptual, architectural output based on the theoretical principles of impermanent urbanism. Waste byproducts are delivered, sterilised and inoculated in preparation for growth. This is essentially a ‘proving’ stage similar to that of bread. The growth building element houses stacks of moulds used to pack the mycelium product into. Over a period of a month, the mycelium digests the substrate, resulting in a formed product for construction.

The site is an embodiment of ephemerality. Each building is designed flexibly with mycelium on temporary foundations to expand and contract in response to demand. The three phases (opposite page) based on a set of design principles are interchangeable.

Section through development (Phase 3) - SketchUp + Photoshop

3D printed + laser cut lattice model @ 1:20 - Received The Dean’s Award for ‘Best Thing’ (Model/Drawing etc.) at M.Arch

3D printed + laser cut lattice model @ 1:20

Early concept model - laser cut lattice model & foam board @ 1:10

MYCELIAL STRUCTURES

Pushing the boundaries of mycelium as a load-bearing structure. The biomimicked mycelium tree designed in compression utilising the innate properties of the material, spanning to a lightweight lattice canopy, provides an exaggerated sense of scale to the building whilst allowing flexibility beneath its canopy.

Interior render beneath the mycelium canopy - Twinmotion & Photoshop

Temporality render - Twinmotion & Photoshop

Portfolio Liam Costain

PERPETUAL CHANGE

The visual represents the temporality and flux of a mycelium building, the perpetual assembly and disassembly, growth and decay.

VERTICAL FOREST

FIFTH YEAR M.ARCH

PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Grade: 80

An exploration into high-rise timber structures and their applicability to the context of the UK, enabled a greater understanding of the construction methods and techniques involved in mass timber and off-site construction.

The proposal sought to provide selfsustaining vertical communities, with shared multi-floor, climatecontrolled atria for growth of vegetables and plant life. Being naturally lit from both the east and west façades and with communal balconies overlooking shared spaces promotes social interaction throughout the day.

UNITISED FAÇADES

The facade strategy played a big part in the design and ethos of the high-rise. Floor-to-ceiling windows protrude and were angled southwards to allow for direct solar gain into all residential units (see overleaf). By experimenting with repetition and randomisation of two different width units, a sense of texture and depth was added to the facade. I explored the practical application of this solution and its potential of off-site construction, as detailed opposite.

Facade strategy - Vray + Photoshop

MODULAR ELEMENT TO BE REPEATED ALONG FACADE

2x 12.5mm PLASTERBOARD

100mm STEEL CORE STRUCTURE + BATT INSULATION

200mm KINGSPAN QUADCORE INSULATION

CLASS A2 SPREAD OF FIRE

CLASS 0 RATED CERAMIC CLADDING ON BATTENS (600mm CENTRES)

317mm

SKIN TO ‘WRAP’ AROUND ANGLES

INTERNAL FINISH

STEEL STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

INNER LEAF

FULL HEIGHT WINDOW

FULL HEIGHT WINDOW

OUTER LEAF

Panellised facade - Illustrator

Solar gain strategy - Hand drawings

COMMUNITIES

The vertical communities repeated every 8 floors, with the shared atria separating them. The facade treatment is evident in the elevations opposite. A 4 floor podium of shared and public accommodation, enabling for visitors from street level.

Podium axonometric - Revit + Photoshop

APPROACH & INTERIORS

The approach to the building offers a glimpse into its interior whilst maintaining privacy for its residents. Upon entering, the space opens up, with the glulam structure visible as a connection to nature. This interaction between the building and its inhabitants continues to the vertical communities above, where the scale of the atria and the forest of mass-timber filling the void.

Into the ‘forest canopy’ - Twinmotion

Entrance Foyer - Twinmotion

Typical residential unit - Twinmotion

Facade treatment - Twinmotion

PART II ASSISTANT AINTREE HYBRID THEATRES AND AED EXPANSION

IBI GROUP, MANCHESTER

01 - Additional Entrance

The logical extension of the UCAT building on Level 00 maximises clinical space to the front of the hospital. This will accommodate additional services and entrances, helping to streamline the clinical process.

A £16m two-storey addition to the existing emergency department at Aintree University Hospital. The project is part of a wider site strategy to rationalise flow and streamline patient admissions by creating an additional entrance at ground level into a new Stroke Assessment Unit. The project is currently at RIBA Stage 4 with enabling works occurring on site.

A constrained site with level differences between the adjacent buildings, I illustrated the adjacent diagrams to supplement the planning application as I felt it was vital to explain the massing, vertical and horizontal adjacencies.

04 - Maximising Light into Maternity

In order to not have an adverse effect on the light amenity to existing patient areas, the plant on Level 02 is stepped back, enabling light to penetrate the spaces.

Extract from Design and Access Statement

electrical

clinical services existing light to

02 - Level 01 Massing

The theatre department extends over Level 00, providing 2 hybrid theatres in close proximity to the existing department.

03 - Requried Plant Space

The clinical requirements necessitate a sizeable plant space. To accommodate this, a roof level plant space is required.

05 - Maintaining Plant Space

To retain the required volume and floorspace for the mechanical and electrical equipment, the plant level massing is elongated along the central axis of the development. Additional plant accommodation is required on Level 01.

06 - Finished Mass

The overall massing sits extends the existing composition, adding balance to the front elevation and providing much needed accommodation.

Portfolio Liam Costain

Reception

Stainless steel lettering fixed to face of dropped plasterboard bulkhead to denote 'Reception' or similar descriptive signage. Lettering to be supplied by Trust preferred supplier and to match hospital-wide protocols for font style and height (trust to confirm requirements).

Forster Presto XS system glazed counter screen with slimline steel frame fixed and support to manufacturers details. Frame finish RAL TBC. Glass to be toughened laminated with custom cut outs for passing paperwork. Fixing details and glass panel sizes (and quantity of mullions) to be confirmed.

Paperwork slot. Cut-out size and shape to be confirmed with glass supplier.

DuPont Corian higher countertop parcel shelf and decorative overhang detail to front and side elevation.

Paperwork slot. Cut-out size and shape to be confirmed with glass supplier.

DuPont Corian countertop.

Formica laminate face of counter.

Illuminated Formica laminate plinth.

Reception

PLANNING SUBMISSION + DETAIL DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Forster Presto XS system glazed counter screen with slimline steel frame fixed and support to manufacturers details. Frame finish RAL TBC. Glass to be toughened laminated with custom cut outs for passing paperwork. Fixing details and glass panel sizes (and quantity of mullions) to be confirmed.

Forster Presto XS system glazed counter screen with slimline steel frame fixed and support to manufacturers details. Frame finish RAL TBC. Glass to be toughened laminated with custom cut outs for passing paperwork. Fixing details and glass panel sizes (and quantity of mullions) to be confirmed.

fixed and support to

details. Frame finish RAL TBC. Glass to be toughened laminated with custom cut outs for passing paperwork. Fixing details and glass panel sizes (and quantity of mullions) to be confirmed.

shape to be confirmed with glass supplier.

Reception desk detailing

Forster Presto XS system glazed counter screen with slimline steel frame fixed and support to manufacturers details. Frame finish RAL TBC. Glass to be toughened laminated with custom cut outs for passing paperwork. Fixing details and glass panel sizes (and quantity of mullions) to be confirmed.

DuPont Corian higher countertop parcel shelf and decorative overhang detail to front and side elevation.

Paperwork slot. Cut-out size and shape to be confirmed with glass supplier.

DuPont Corian parcel shelf.

Refer to loaded plans, c-sheets and component schedules for details of FF&E to counter.

Formica laminate finish to counter to staff side.

White powdercoated steel cantilever leg support with adjustable foot (max 1800 c/c) as required.

Formica laminate plinth to staff side of counter.

Line of partition wall in section.

Paperwork slot. Cut-out size and shape to be confirmed with glass supplier.

DuPont Corian parcel shelf.

Refer to loaded plans, c-sheets and component schedules for details of FF&E to counter.

Formica laminate finish to counter to staff side.

DuPont Corian higher countertop parcel shelf and decorative feature overhang. 100mm high illuminated Formica laminate plinth to visitor side.

White powdercoated steel cantilever leg support with adjustable foot (max 1800 c/c) as required.

PigeonholePigeonhole

PigeonholePigeonhole

PigeonholePigeonhole

PigeonholePigeonhole

DuPont Corian countertop.

Far Left: Elevations from the planning application submission. The design concept considers the proposal as an extension of the existing emergency department. Thus, it should be viewed as a homogeneous form. The front canopy connects to the existing department and also creates a human scale to the large massing.

Formica laminate face to pigeonhole unit below countertop. 100mm high Formica laminate plinth to staff side.

Above and Left: I designed and detailed the reception desk at the front of the Stroke Assessment Unit, taking into account materials and finish of the desk, and joinery of the desk structure. Access for both wheelchair and ambulant users were considered in the design, in compliance with Part M and Health Building Notes.

PART I ASSISTANT PRIVATE CANCER PATIENTS UNIT

AT ROYAL LIVERPOOL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

IBI GROUP, MANCHESTER

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Liverpool

Private Patients Unit

Visualisations - Reception and Chemotherapy Bays

An interior design proposal for private health patients. Focussing on the reception and waiting area, corridors and chemotherapy bays. The design builds upon initial conversations with the client, their company branding strategy and a site walk around with the client and contractor. I contacted suppliers, discussed fixtures, furniture and finishes with the client and specified products for procurement. The design needed to be warm and welcoming for patients undergoing treatment. As the first built project designed by myself, it was interesting to be a part of the development from design to reality.

1 Reception

LIAM KRISTIAN COSTAIN