ARCHITECTURE
PORTFOLIO
NATHANIEL POWELL
BA(HONS)
CONTENTS >> 01 17
YEAR 3 Watergate Park Young Lit + Phil Politics Library
>> YEAR 2 33 Cookhouse + Productive Garden 39 Theatre >> 41
YEAR 1 Invisible Cities
Year 3
The Metalworks
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The M et alworks
LEFT View of the approach to the visitors centre ABOVE Map overlay, illustrating route of the old Tanfield Waggonway
>> WATERGATE PARK Gateshead has a long history of commercial trade and activity, of which coal occupied 97% of exports in the 1700s, influencing a number of engineering innovations such as the steam locomotive. The site of the former Watergate Colliery (the last operative pit in the region), played a key role in the success of the industry, by transporting coal into the city via the Tanfield Waggonway. After the decline of the coal industry, the role of art played a significant role in the regeneration of Gateshead. The Baltic ‘Art Factory’ has brought international recognition t0 the region, while the Angel of the North sculpture stands as a symbol of the North East, and celebrates its industrial legacy. ..the Metalworks at Watergate Park will celebrate the area’s rich industrial heritage by providing a facility where the visitors may come to learn about and experience the art of metal sculpture. The centre will provide residencies for sculptors who wish to develop their ideas in a peaceful location within a unique context away from the stress of city life, as well as temporary hostel accommodation for groups wishing to learn about the use of metal.
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The Metalworks
Year 3
04 >> THRESHOLDS
LEFT View looking out of the forest towards the lake BELOW Collage map showing experiential thresholds BOTTOM RIGHT Concept images of the gateway
The site can be split into three experiential thresholds; anticipation, appreciation and exploration. As the park is approached, the lake is hidden due to a slight descent. The park around the lake is well maintained, and displays a haven for wildlife and nature. Past the lake lies Washingwell Woods, exposing an unknown environment which invites the visitor to explore its depths.
GATEWAY
indicates the start of the journey through the park, offering a sheltered meeting point and first chance to see an unobstructed view over the lake and to the park beyond.
ANTICIPATION APPRECIATION EXPLORATION
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BELOW View looking towards the visitors centre from the other side of the stream FAR RIGHT Levels concept model photos.
Year 3
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The Metalworks
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>> LEVELS The existing miners steps provided the workers with a route from their accommodation down to the mines, and act as a reminder to the visitor of the sites industrial past. The steps provide a man made way of managing the steep terrain. This concept evolved into an exploration of the steep terrain, by extruding the contours to create a series of overlapping plates.
BELOW Plan + Elevation of visitors centre BOTTOM MIDDLE Masterplan TOP MIDDLE Spatial strategy FAR RIGHT Development model
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1 market area + wildlife observation deck 2 main entrance + lobby 3 staff office 4 male WC 5 disabled WC 6 female WC 7 sheltered lounge area / lecture space 8 large lecture / demonstration space 9 exhibition space 10 outdoor auditorium 11 bin store 12 metal working + casting workshop 13 mould making workshop lower level (not shown); material store plant room unisex WC’s 14 outdoor foundry 15 outdoor workshop 16 assembly space / educational workshop 17 IT, research + drawing area
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The Metalworks
Year 3
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>> SCHEDULE
APPRECIATION
sculptures from previous residents exhibited
listen / watch / look
ENTRANCE & INFO POINT
OUTDOOR SEMINAR SPACE / LOUNGE AREA
LARGE SEMINAR SPACE
OUTDOOR AUDITORIUM
EXHIBITION
forest threshold
ANTICIPATION
EXPLORATION discover / learn / experiment
METAL WORKING + CASTING MOULD MAKING STUDIO
group accommodation OUTDOOR METAL WORKING OUTDOOR WORKSHOP
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP + ASSEMBLY SPACE
DRAWING & IT SPACE artist accommodation
The thresholds concept taken from the journey through the site directly influenced the schemes own programme, where users pass through workshops focused on learning and experiencing the process of using metal. Seminar and auditorium spaces provide opportunities to listen and watch demonstrations and talks from artists, writers, poets and other creative hosts. Each activity space branches off the circulation space at the rear of the building, which also functions as an exhibition space guiding the visitor through the spaces, while illustrating the process and history of using metal. Sheet corten steel is used both for the building and also as a wayfinder throughout the site to guide visitors towards their destination.
“...many sculptors find it particularly stimulating to have non-visual artists as well as other sculptors and visual artists at a residency” Jane Allen
Visitors Centre
Campsite + Reflection spaces
Accommodation Huts
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1 aluminium gutter 2 wall construction; 102mm brick cladding 50mm ventilation gap 60mm insulated sheathing board DPM 180mm rigid insulation in between steel columns 102mm brick interior finish 3 concrete thrust block with land drain 4 tapered castellated steel beam with steel purlins in the perpendicular direction 5 eco drain 6 retaining wall construction; 60mm porous protection board 120mm peripheral insulation with drainage grooves DPM tapered concrete retaining wall 102mm brick cladding 7 geo-textile mat, fleece 8 compacted gravel 9 perforated drainage pipe 10 floor construction; 80mm screed 240mm concrete slab DPM 120mm insulation 75mm sand blinding 75mm hardcore 11 brick wall construction; 102mm brick wall 160mm rigid insulation DPM 12 facade construction; double glazing fitted into steel frame vertical steel fins interior perforated corten sheet
Year 3
The Metalworks
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LEFT Internal perspective of metal working workshop RIGHT Technical sectional perspective of metal working workshop.
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Year 3
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The Metalworks
12 >> STRUCTURE The roof structure for the building extrudes from concrete thrust blocks situated in the hill, supported by a steel frame structure either side of the exhibition space. As a result, a lightweight cantilevered corten roof extends over each space freeing up the space at the front of the building. In the workshop spaces, perforated corten is used on the inside of the glazing for protection, while in the spaces with less hazards the corten is placed on the outside of the glazing to diffuse the sunlight entering the spaces.
LEFT View of internal seminar/ demonstration space RIGHT Concept image showing how the entrance to the outdoor auditorium reveals the boundary of the forest LEFT Final site model photos, revealing the roof structure
Year 3
LEFT View looking out of the assembly workshop into outdoor workshop space RIGHT View looking down exhibition space FAR RIGHT Final site model photos.
The Metalworks
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BELOW Section + 1st flloor hut plan TOP RIGHT Development sketches BOTTOM RIGHT Sectional Technical Perspective
>> REST Tall thin huts situated inside the forest will provide temporary accommodation for visitors to the site. Each cell houses up to 4 persons, but fold-able beds create a flexible space available for sculptors to work in private. Communal showers and toilets are provided on the sheltered bottom floor, which also houses the biomass stove and boiler necessary to heat each room. The accommodation units will sit inside a steel frame structure, making each hut independent from each other and easily assembled on-site. Full height storage cabinets house fold open bed side tables, while panels in the floor fold up to create a small table, improving the overall flexibility of the space. Manually operated perforated steel shutters allow views out to the forest and the campsite beyond. When not in use, the units are closed and stand as tall steel sculptures. envelope construction; 0mm ventilation space 4mm bitumen seal 12mm OSB rigid foam insulation between wooden uprights 12mm OSB vapour barrier 4mm plywood finish fixed aluminium window with doubled glazing : 11mm cavity between 2 x 4mm toughened glass outswinging perforated corten steel Full height storage Fold-out bedside table Fold-out floor becomes small table
Year 3
The Metalworks
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16 >> CAMPSITE The tower located in the campsite at Watergate Park will offer compartments on each floor for small groups to sit and reflect, while offering directed views out into the park, the forest and towards the visitors centre. The reflection tower also acts as a sculptural beacon, navigating visitors from their accommodation to the campsite. From across the stream, the sculpture may appear confusing, encouraging them to find a way to the other side. The tower is clad in recycled parts of steel, easily installed by the residents. Small enclosures either side of the stream provide individual reflection spaces where visitors may relax and appreciate the natural elements of the stream and the forest canopy.
“...not about production, its more about reflection� Coleen Steritt on artist residencies
ABOVE/LEFT Concept model of tower LEFT Concept sketches of reflection spaces
“The Literary & Philosophical Society (Lit & Phil) is the largest independent library outside London, housing over 150,000 current and historic books, with the collection covering every field of interest. The Society was founded early in 1793 as a ‘conversation club’, with an annual subscription of one guinea. The subjects of the conversations - and the books that supported them - were wide-ranging, but above all the society sought to share knowledge.”
Year 3
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Young Lit + Phil Politics Library
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Young Lit + Phil Library
North East
LEFT Sectional perspective through Drury Lane. ABOVE View of the site from Elvet Bridge
Durham
Drury Lane
>> DEBATE Discussions and debates about political topics weren’t permitted in the Lit + Phil until recently. The idea of debating & campaigning has become increasingly important in ensuring policy remains fair for present and future generations. This is especially important in the North East, where there isn’t a single government minister who represents the North East. The Young Lit + Phil will look to endorse this idea by providing an outlet for youth in Durham and surrounding areas to get involved in local and national political issues. The Library will be a base for the Durham YMP representative and a potential representative for the North East. The library will be the first Youth Parliament building, in a location which is recognised for one of the first Universities in the UK.
ABOVE Long section RIGHT ‘Enclosed’ concept model
Year 3
Young Lit + Phil Politics Library
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20 >> ENCLOSED The tight nature of the site limits the amount of usable area, while the surrounding buildings and trees enclose and shelter the space, creating a protective characteristic but also limiting the light available to the site. Other important aspects to consider are the beautiful views down towards the bridge and river. This is not only important for the new library but also vital to the restaurant behind the plot that views are maintained. Due to the small nature of the site however, four storeys are desirable to make the most of the space. By splitting the plot, the views from the restaurant can be maintained, by lowering the roof on one side of the building.
TOP Early development models BOTTOM Serial vision approaching the site from the riverside path
LEFT/ FAR RIGHT Development model RIGHT Massing development + sketch section
Year 3
Young Lit + Phil Politics Library
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22 >> SCHEDULE The idea of enclosing and framing spaces is explored by the incorporation of extruding ‘conversation pods’, which interact with the path below, while roof lights punch through the slanted roof in the main double height space to create opportunities for natural light. The flexible main space is adaptable to a range of uses such as debating, viewing broadcasts, hosting speakers and relaxed discussion. Views towards the river are prioritised for key public spaces, with private spaces situated at the back of the building along with the services. The cafe is situated on Level 1, disconnected from rest of the building and also accessible via a separate entrance encouraging passers by (with no intention of using the library) to use the cafe.
Year 3
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Young Lit + Phil Politics Library
24 >> MULTI USE Due to the small nature of the site, there is a requirement for an element of flexibility within the core space of the building. This is made possible by the use of a movable floor arrangement, which has the option of creating a recessed floor, or a constant flat floor. There is also the alternative to slide out certain parts for seating etc. The hollow nature of these moveable elements, also allow for storage for bags, bean bags and fold-able seating.
speaker
relaxed discussion
viewing area
debating
FAR LEFT Internal view of a ‘conversation pod’ LEFT Internal view of library on Level 3 TOP Concept image of main debating space RIGHT Model exploring the articulation of the main space
RIVERSIDE PATH
SOUTH ELEVATION
Year 3
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Young Lit + Phil Politics Library
LEVEL 3 ENTRY
WEST ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
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ABOVE Long section RIGHT Floor plans TOP RIGHT View from restaurant concept image
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Young Lit + Phil Politics Library
Year 3
1 Cafe 2 Kitchen 3 Food + cold store 4 Plant room 5 Unisex disabled WC 6 Entrance / Lobby / Reception 7 Staff room 8 Multi-use space 9 Male WC 10 Female WC
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11 Outdoor seating / Discussion space 12 Library: Political history 13 IT area 14 Entrance / Disabled access 15 Conversation pods 16 Library: Debating 17 Store 18 Library: Party politics 19 YMP Office
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LEVEL 1
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Year 3 1 Roof construction; slatted larch cladding sarnafil Membrane 18mm WBP plywood 50mm ventilation gap 125mm rigid insulation fixed between 175x50mm rafters vapour barrier stapled to joists 15mm plywood ceiling 2 Floor construction; 27mm 3-ply core plywood flooring 40mm sound insulation 250mm timber joists 15mm plywood ceiling 3 Wall construction; 40mm larch slat cladding 40mm ventilated cavity 120mm rigid insulation 240mm in-situ concrete 50mm concrete panels 4 Floor construction; 15mm magnesite flooring 60mm screed separating layer (1mm plastic sheet) 20mm sound insulation 200mm concrete slab 10mm plywood ceiling 5 Basement wall construction; 3mm mortar coat (waterproof) 80mm peripheral insulation with drainage grooves 2mm waterproofing 300mm in-situ concrete wall 50mm concrete panels 6 drainage, perforated porous pipe 7 geo-textile mat, fleece 8 Floor construction; 15mm magnesite flooring 80mm screed separating layer 1mm sheet 80mm floormate insulation200 DPM 300mm concrete ground slab 50mm lean concrete
BOTTOM/RIGHT Primary structure axonometric LEFT Short technical section
Young Lit + Phil Politics Library A Glulam column to concrete base, steel bearing plate prevents wood from decay
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B Glulam roof beam to concrete wall construction; air gap between wood and masonry surfaces, no connection at top to prevent cracking in case of wood shrinking
>> STRUCTURE Due to the topography of the site, there was a need for excavation to create usable space without building upwards and obstructing the views from buildings behind the plot. Concrete foundation walls are necessary to act against the loads exerted on the structure from the surrounding earth, and also root the superstructure against wind forces. Concrete provides a high thermal and moisture resistance, which is essential below ground level. The high thermal mass provided by concrete, mean that thermal energy is stored, which helps maintain the internal temperature of the building. The use of concrete load bearing walls is continued to the third level, where the entire floor is above ground level. At the third level, the structure is changed to a glulam frame, which allows for a quicker erection, and enables production off site. The use of a frame structure also creates opportunities for openings on the upper floors.
>> CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE 1 Existing site consideration 2 Site preparation 3 Groundworks 4 Preparing foundations 5 Foundations 6 Foundation walls 7 Lower concrete structure 8 Upper concrete structure 9 Timber frame structure 10 Timber roof structure 11 Roof installation 12 Insulation & waterproofing 13 Cladding, glazing & internal fit out 14 Landscaping 15 Completion
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BREWHOUSE COOKHOUSE GATEHOUSE
Year 2
Cookhouse + Productive Garden
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C o o kh ouse + Product ive Garden
>> VIEWS The garden is split into four sections by the axis of two view paths. The view path originating between the Cookhouse + Brewhouse looks back in the direction of Seaton Delaval Hall. The Cookhouse itself concentrates on productivity, where views into the garden are limited to outside spaces, while views from inside are internally based, apart from views away from the garden and towards the sea (North East). The material language also reflects this idea, with the glulam frame exposed internally, while externally an organic skin wraps the exterior, creating a sensitive transition from garden to building. The connection between garden and building is also enhanced by the existing garden wall, which runs through the building and out again.
BELOW North east facing elevation ABOVE Axonometric drawings of the structure TOP LEFT View of the kitchen FAR LEFT Concept map overlay
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1 Reception/Lobby area 2 Educational space/ Seminar room 3 Secure courtyard 4 Staff office 5 Managers office 6 Educational 7 Disabled WC 8 Female WC 9 Male WC 10 Changing rooms 11 Female staff changing 12 Male staff changing 13 Kitchen 14 Delivery area 15 Food store + Cold store 16 Plant room 17 Cafe/Restaurant 18 Outdoor terrace 19 Viewing platform/terrace
Year 2
Cookhouse + Productive Garden
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36 FAR LEFT Development model photos. LEFT Ground floor / Upper floor plan. BELOW Sectional elevation.
Year 2
Cookhouse + Productive Garden
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38 LEFT View of the Cookhouse from the productive garden. RIGHT Long sectional elevation.
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Theatre
Year 2
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Theat re
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1 Cloakroom 2 Ticket Booth 3 Unisex Toilet 4 Theatre
LEFT View of the circulation intervention element BOTTOM Sketch illustrating view of Mausoleum approach
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RIGHT Site map showing position in relation to Seaton Delaval Hall LEFT Ground floor plan and concept sketch of roof BOTTOM Section model
>> INTERVENTION The theatre intervention experiments with the concept of detachment and separation through subtle details. This idea runs throughout the building, with new elements respecting the old structure by making as little contact as possible with the existing walls. The roof is made from a series of underlapping steel lattice structures. The roof sits on its own structure and acts as an umbrella, wrapping the building to shield the internal spaces from water but creating a naturally ventilated outdoor environment inside the existing envelope.
Year 1
Invisible Cities
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42 Invisible C it ies Now I shall tell of the city of Zenobia, which is wonderful in this fashion: although set on dry terrain it stands on high pilings, and the houses are of bamboo and zinc, with many platforms and balconies placed on stilts at various heights, crossing one another, linked by ladders and hanging sidewalks, surmounted by cone-roofed belvederes, barrels storing water, weather vanes, jutting pulleys, and fish poles, and cranes. No one remembers what need or command or desire drove Zenobia’s founders to give their city this form, and so there is no telling whether it was satisfied by the city as we see it today, which has perhaps grown through successive superimpositions from the first, now undecipherable plan. But what is certain is that if you ask an inhabitant of Zenobia to describe his vision of a happy life, it is always a city like Zenobia that he imagines, with its pilings and its suspended stairways, a Zenobia perhaps quite different, a-flutter with banners and ribbons, but always derived by combining elements of that first model.