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O selected work melanie zhuo
INFO 9 October 1999 Sydney, Australia 0413 931 939 melanie.zhuo@gmail.com
EDUCATION CURRENT 2018 - 2020
Melanie Zhuo • 卓 越 菱
2014 - 2017
i am an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual who can readily adapt to different working environemnts. In this portfolio, I wish to summarise my architecture study, and present some of my personal favourite student projects between 2019 and 2021.
Master of Architecture (Hons)
GRAPHICS
Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign
Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Hons)
3D MODELLING
Rhino SketchUp
DRAFTING
Autodesk AutoCAD
RENDERING
Twinmotion Lumion 3D
OTHERS
Microsoft Office Adobe Lightroom Procreate
The University of Sydney, Camperdown
The University of Sydney, Camperdown
High School Certificate
James Ruse Agricultural High School, Carlingford
ARCHITECTURE STUDENT
The university study has taught me to think critically and to always push designs further. I’m passionate about creating space that not only meets the primary needs, but also respond to the context in a creative and unique way.
SOFTWARE
INTERESTS Photography Drawing Volleyball
LANGUAGE Music Cooking Fashion
Chinese (Mandarin) English
CONTENTS
01
‘VERTIPARK’
[2 - 5]
02
LANEWAY TERRACE HOUSE
[6 - 9]
03
EMPOWERING DESIGN
[10 - 13]
04
URBAN OASIS
[14 - 17]
01 ‘VERTIPARK’
University of Sydney International House Student Accommodation
Group Work / Autumn, 2021
This project calls for a new gateway building as the re-development of International House, an oncampus student accommodation. The design actively exists as a unique and iconic building to the Campus. The site sits at the entrance to the Darlington Campus of the University of Sydney. The location has an open view of Victoria Park and Cadigal Green. The orientation has a great opportunity to achieve passive design principles, however, noise control is one of the most important aspects to consider in this design. Focusing on the user experience, the proposal includes various public and private spaces throughout the building. It aims to encourage interactions between occupants, between the public and the university, and between humans and nature. Green spaces are designed throughout the building, both horizontally and vertically, to act as noise buffers for the residents while responding to the context.
2
SITE ANALYSIS
BUBBLE DIAGRAM
In response to the design brief, the re-development of the International House consisting of: - 401 shared-bathroom units; - 102 ensuites; - Open green spaces; - Back of house facilities; - Specific T&L areas; - Various study areas; - Multi-purpose room; - Public and private, formal and informal gathering spaces; - Shared kitchen facilities; - Music practice and maker rooms, and; - Plant rooms and hydraulic services.
AXONOMETRIC
OPPORTUNITIES Topography
Access
Climate Response
Greenery
Height Contrast
MASS DESIGN PROCESS
Flatten: to create a unique gateway building
Extrusion: to follow the perimeter of the project site
Pathway: to improve connections with the public
Distortion: to maximise natural lighting; to create visual connections with the public
Lower ground level is open up to create a fluid
Teaching and Learning Space
circulation and connection with the public space.
Multi-purpose Space
The main lift is placed near Maze Crescent for easy accessibility throughout the building. To ensure the Extrusion: to generate an iconic student accommadation building
Setback: to introduce outdoor landscape in the urban context
Subtract: to enhance the living experience by introducing vertical gardens
Facade: to response to climate and achieve passive design
secureity of accommodation, a private staircase is implemented facing City Road, which also acts as a buffer zone to reduce noise levels.
Shared Bathroom Units (400) Ensuite (102) Public Indoor Gathering Space Private Gathering Space 3
KEY FEATURES
DETAILS Louvers are the main shading system for residential levels. The vertical operable aluminium sunshades can be controlled by the users in order to offer personalised shading and comfort. The louvre is perforated in a pattern which increases in density from top to bottom. Hence, reducing glare and harsh rays from higher sun altitude angles and enhancing the shading capabilities overall.
Vertical Gardens
Perforated Facade
Operable Louver
A horizontal shading system as a combination of sunshades and a green wall system is located along the edge of the public floor perimeter, ensures better shading and reduced glare. The dimension of structures are different based on the orientation.
Roof Terrace
Circular Ramp
Open Plaza
PLANS
Lower Ground Floor Typical Shared Level with Balcony
Ground Floor
Typical Shared Level with Terrace
Level 1
Level 12 Plan
Roof Plan 4
Level 2
Typical Ensuite Level with Garden
SECTION DETAIL
The vertical gardens on the upper floors of the residential breaks the mass of the building. These rooms created become another outdoor communal space, as well as informal study space, increasing interactions between the occupants. The half-level design also allows natural ventilation throughout these spaces.
UNIT PLANS
MATERIALITY
Ensuite unit
Rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen
5
02 LANEWAY TERRACE HOUSE
DA Drawings for Sydney’s Inner West Terrace House
Group Work / Spring, 2020
This project aims to develop a laneway terrace house in Inner West Sydney. The existing dwelling sits within a heritage conservation area, the development must recognise the historical significance of existing elements, such that the frontage of the facade is maintained. The main objective is to improve natural lighting to the interior and create interactioin with the laneway, hence improving the living qualities of the occupants. A linear circulation as a solution to this terrace house maximises the space efficiency. By introducing a series of sliding door, privacy and flexibility of all spaces are ensured. While the courtyard acts as an outdoor activity space for interactions with the public and the laneway, it also brings in natural lighting from the northern side. Hence, the proposal will improve the occupant’s living quality.
6
SITE ANALYSIS
DEMOLITION PLAN
EXISTING NORTH ELEVATION
EXISTING GROSS FLOOR PLAN
The existing dwelling only has 2 small windows for lighting, making indoor space dark. The proposal aims to improve indoor natural lighting by opening up the northern facade to allow more sunlight into The existing building is considered as a ‘contributory building’ in the Goodsell Estate Heritage Conservation Area. The frontage of the dwelling is retained and made
the space. The outdoor space also needs to be improved with more vegetations and connections
good to show heritage importance, which is compliant with local DCP. The renewed façade aesthetics and materiality are consistent with the streetscape.
with the laneway. 7
PROPOSED FLOOR PLANS
PROPOSED GROSS FLOOR PLAN
The new design of the dwelling features a central courtyard facing the North, connecting the indoor spaces with the public laneway. While it creates more opportunities for laneway connections, the courtyard also greatly increased the solar access to the interior through large glazed openings on the Northern edge, complemented with internal blind shading system. Skylights are installed at the rear roof to increase solar access to first level. The overall deisgn enhances a liner circulation to maximise the habitat areas. The use of sliding doors at both outdoor spaces allows the space to be more flexible for different purpose. The proposal is carefully considered to ensure it is practical and meets the requirements from the LEP and DCP, and the client’s needs. The functional arrangements, new additional courtyard, skylights and roof form all achieve to improve building presentation, passive performance and provide a comfortable place as home.
PROPOSED SECTION
8
PROPOSED NORTH ELEVATION
PROPOSED LANDSCAPE PLAN
Existing exterior is retained and made good due to its heritage value in the conservation area. Three strip windows are introduced on the Northern side, where the staircase is located, to bring more natural sunlight to both ground and first level. The central courtyard maximises the natural indoor lighting throughout the entire terrace house. It also acts as a connection point to the laneway so that occupants can be more engaged with the neighbourhood. A private gate is added at the rear of the house which directly connect to the studio space for client’s meetings when needed.
RENDERS
MATERIALITY
9
03 EMPOWERING DESIGN
Social Housing for Women in the Inner West Sydney
Individual Work / Spring, 2019
In recent times, the #metoo movement has increased global awareness on violence against women. A lot of external social factors are affecting women’s life day to day. Affordable housin crisis has seen homelessness at alarming rates. This project aims to design ‘new generation’ boarding house accommodation for women over 55 years old in Stanmore, Inner West Sydney. The site is currently occupied by a single storey house and a small group of three 1960s seniors bedsits, neighbouring a warehouse style commercial building and single-level houses. The design proposal provides a comfortable environment for the individuals to encourage connections, dignity and respects.
10
SITE ANALYSIS
CONCEPTUAL COLLAGE
Northeasterly Cool Wind Northwesterly Hot Wind
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Southwesterly Cold Wind
Southerly Wind
Public Parks
Public Transport
Traffic
There are a few public parks in the area, however they are fairly far from the site for the old women to go there often.
The main public transport near the site is bus and train station. There is a bus stop outside the site, make it convenient for old womens to go around.
Traffic are mainly at two main roads and some streets. This would also be the primary noise source to the site.
Birds
Freedoms of the old women who lives on the site. These individuals come together to become a small community.
Trees
A well-designed garden with vegetation is essential for the old women to relax and interact with others in the community.
Elevation
Elevated units supported by posts to allow greater circulation on the ground level, acting as a shelter for the open areas under those units.
11
CONCEPT DIAGRAMS
Building shape is designed to promote inclusion of the community
Various communal space through out the site in order to provide areas for different activities
Narrowing the pathway at the entrance to the building with walls on both sides in order to improve privacy
Integrated ramps at the courtyard in order to increase privacy and accessibilities
Changes in materials of the ground in order to indicate the publicity and accessibility of pathways
Vegetations in the courtyard in order to divide the space into public and semi-private area for different purpose
Balcony of each unit if facing away from the common courtyard in order to Increase privacy
Wall mounted folding seats at the door in order to provide convenience for old women
FLOOR PLANS
Ground Level 12
First Level
Second Level
PERSPECTIVES - INDIVIDUAL UNIT
MODEL PHOTOS
Axonometric View
Threshold Moment
STREET ELEVATION
A small front porch is provided at the entrance where they can interact and enjoy the sunlight in the morning. This also makes the entrance into the unit more private.
13
04 URBAN OASIS
Swimming Pool in a Dense Urban Area for Relaxation and Entertainment
Individual Work / Spring, 2020
This project for the Urban Oasis explores the opportunities to connect the cultural and natural values. It is a open public plaza that will invite everyone to use for everyday activities which operates from 5 am till midnight. In the day, it can be used for exercising and relaxation, whereas at night, it provides a club-like atmosphere for people to enjoy. The site is in Pyrmont, surrounded by buildings and natural environment. Pyrmont had a rich history and heritage quality, it remains as the most significant sandstone source for Sydney, but also has a lot of development under construction in the area. The project site is located under an approximately 12m cliff on its eastern site, giving an unique topography to work with. Water is the key focus for this project. The main components for this urban oasis project are swimming pools, exhibition centre, bars and restaurants, and outdoor resting areas. It aims to allow visitor to have various water experiences throughout the site at all time.
14
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SITE ANALYSIS
SITE DESCRIPTION
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opposite to the project site, providing an open the northern boundary of the site.
SITE DIMENSION
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TRANSPORTATION
Street includes a 10m reservation
Light rail is the only public transport in the area
for a laneway, 5m setback for
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landscape and a 25m wide site for
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VEGETATION
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ACTIVITY
Wentworth Park is the main activity zone in the area, including a fitness bootcamp, soccer
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Light Rail
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BUILDING
SITE ANALYSIS
No structures on the West of the site.A new mix-
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use development on its South and a five-storey
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industrial brick building across Fig Street.A eleven-storey residential building and a few townhouses on Jones Street above the cliff. 15
PRINCIPLES
Having public outdoor spaces along the northern and eastern edges of the site in order to efficiently use the natural sunshades created by the vegetations and the cliff.
PLAN
Water spaces scatter across the site in order to provides a complete water experience and fun space for everyone. Water is also used as the element to define circulation paths.
1. Main Entrance 2. Foyer / Admin 3. Changing Room 4. Main Swimming Pool 5. Bath Spa 6. First Aid & Staff Room
The edge of the roof on the eastern side is designed to be above the cliff in order to remain a visual connection between people on jones Street and those on the site as well as the the activities, hence attract them to the space.
7. Dining Area 8. Side Entrance 9. Garden & Outdoor Play Area 10. Waterfall & Fun Pool 11. Back Of House
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The shape of the staircase are taken from the contour of the surroundings in order to enlarge the magnificent features of the natural sandstone cliff. The full length staircase at the entrance invites the public to the plaza.
SCALE 0 1 2
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THERMAL COMFORT DIAGRAMS The hot air that remains indoor cools down over time and circulate to the floor again.
Part of the Sunlight on the northern side will now be blocked and reflected off the eaves. An appropriate amount of sunlight provides natural lighting to the swimming pool.
Vegetation areas on the northern side in order to blend the project into the surrounding natural environment with the existing trees on the side of the pedestrian. 16
Glazed wall as the facade in order to allow an open view to the natural surrounding (Wentworth Park) from inside the aquatic centre.
EXTENDED ROOF
Cold air near the ground level is heated up and rise higher.
Some hot air escapes the pool through the louvres.
LOADPATH DIAGRAMS
EXPLODED STRUCTURE Horizontal forces come into the surface, carrying loads to the ground through its downwards arching action.
Vertical concrete columns from ground to roof applies force to the edge beam.
Timber Cladding
GLULAM Gridshell Beams Wind force applied the glass panels.
Water Exhibition The glass panels spans horizontally to the nearest concrete columns.
Timber Floor Decking
The edge beam spans East-West, transfer loads horizontally onto the gridshell beams. This represents a diaphragm action.
Water Exhibition
Insulation
Point load appointed to roof cladding. Gridshell beams span two way throughout the structure. On the southern side, the beams carry loads directly to the ground and footing.
Timber Joists Concrete Columns
Cladding spans two ways onto the gridshell beams.
Timber Bearers Outdoor Timber Decking Timber Louvers Tree-shaped Columns Glazing Wall
The gridshell beams on the northern side distribute loads onto the edge beam.
The edge beam spans east-west, transfer loads onto the concrete columns.
Concrete columns carry loads in compression to pad footings. The ‘extended’ beams are not structural elements and do not contribute to the load distribution.
RENDERS
Point load appointed to roof cladding.
Cladding spans two ways onto the gridshell beams. The gridshell beams distribute loads onto the timber ‘branches’ of the tree-like columns..
The loads eventually passes onto the primary ‘branches’ which then transfer the loads onto the Concrete Columns
Concrete columns carry loads in compression to pad footings.
17
PORTFOLIO 2019 - 2021