PORTFOLIO
JAMES YEVGENIY OSBORNE
ARCHITECTURE MASTERS DEGREE
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YEAR 5
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RIBA/ARB 2
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2020-2021
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LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
CONTENTS
Exploring ‘Self-Build’ at three different scales
PROJECT 1 :
FURNITURE
PROJECT 2 : PROJECT 3 :
HOUSE
HOUSING
PROJECT 1
SELF BUILD: FURNITURE Remaking Enzo Mari’s chair
1123xQ CHAIR BY ENZO MAIRI “Autoprogettazione”. 1974
SOURCE: Autoprogettazione | Enzo Mari
R
emaking Mari’s furniture could not have come at a better time. Having moved homes within the last nine months, we were short on furniture; hence this was an excellent opportunity to make something practical. In particular, my mother wanted a new chair for the balcony. Having looked through the ‘Autoprogettazione’, we stopped at the 1123xQ chair. It seemed pretty elegant and reasonably comfortable.
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BALCONY PLAN
BALCONY ISO
0m 0.1m
0.5m
SCALE 1:20
1123xQ-JO1 CHAIR BY JAMES OSBORNE Architecture Postgraduate degree. 2020
T
(MY VARIATION)
his model is particularly interesting since it employs just a single timber profile (50mm x 25mm) for the entire chair. There were two options: either use found timber pieces, try to adapt those dimensions to Mari’s, or buy new timber pieces and use the original dimensions. My mum made the final decisioon; she wanted a “nice-looking chair” hence we chose to buy the necessary timber from a local DIY store. The balcony is 1100mm deep, 3150mm long, and 2500 tall. This meant that the chair would get wet with the most rainfall. Mairi’s original chair had a seat made out of abutted planks which is great for comfort but bad for drying. Hence a decision was made to have one less plank and use that space for a ventilation gap so that the seat doesn’t rot. Another problem with timber is that if it is constantly exposed to moisture, one needs to protect each plank’s end-grain. This can be achieved by using either varnish, stain or paint. Mari would probably use varnish since it has the
8 |
lowest visual impact on the design. Even though I do like the ascetic functionalist look of Mari’s chair, my mum was not so keen. Hence I chose to express the ‘planked’ nature of the design by highlighting the edge surfaces of each plank. One can do this by either using a wood stain or water-resistant paint. The benefit of using a stain is that it allows the wood to breathe, and it doesn’t hide the texture. However, it’s impossible to get a clean edge since it penetrates the wood. Therefore painting was the best option. Both the seat and the back zones would see the most use; hence it made sense to protect them too. Upon further analysis, it was decided only to protect the seat and leave the back as it is because it is an almost vertical surface so any water would just run off it. When it came to the seat, instead of simply painting the entire area, I chose to further express the linear nature of the geometry by contrasting it with a circle.
Digital prototype of my design variation
ASSEMBLY Drawings
T
he original design used nails, but the brief allows for the use of screws. Mari’s drawings do NOT include nail positions, so it took plenty of time to figure it out. Having a 3d model proved to be extremely useful for this exercise. Knowing that the chair will be exposed to rain, it is best to avoid screwing downwards since this will create a breach in a waterproof layer, leading to rotting. Hence, all screws were to be put in either insideout or down-up directions, meaning screw entrance points would be protected by pieces above.
SCALE 1:1
10 |
SCALE 1:5
0m
WORKSHOP
500m
HOME
4
1 TRAVIS PERKINS
3
2 LEYLAND
1
1
2
7 min
1.4 km
2
5 min
1.7 km
3
19 min
TIMBER: £9.78 - Travis Perkins: Redwood Planed Timber. x6 Standard 25mm x 50mm x 1800mm planks @ £1.63 each
1.6 km
4
19 min
1
3.3 km
3
SCREWS: £1.93 - Wood screws 4x45mm | 36 used: £1.10 [230 box: £7.36] - Wood screws 4x60mm | 20 used: £0.83 [200 box: £8.28]
3
PAINT: £6.00 - Leyland: Dulux ‘Quick dry satinwood - Wooden walk’ 200ml used: £6 [1l can: £30]
1
SHOPPING & LOGISTICS: 1 HOUR
2
CUTTING: 2 HOURS
3
SANDING: 1 HOUR
4
PAINTING: 10 HOURS
5
ASSEMBLY: 4 HOURS
1
2
1
2 3
5
4
6 planks of 25 x 50 x 1800mm are needed to get all the required pieces. This results in 5% of waste.
PHYSICAL TESTING Scale models 1:10 & 1:5
T
he initial physical testing was performed on a 1:10 scale model. It gave a general idea of an assembly sequence. Unfortunately, the model was too small to test screw positions. A 1:5 model was built to deal with this issue. It provided an understanding of the best places for screws. It was also big enough to test painting and cleaning methods for any overpainting that might occur in the process. It was clear that all painting must be done prior to assembly.
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PHYSICAL ASSEMBLY Final prototype
A
ll required timber was purchased at the local Travis Perkins store and carried on foot to my tutor’s (D. Grandorge) place, where he helped cut the planks. The cutting process was relatively straight forward due to his expertise. The finished planks were then carried home on a bicycle. The painting process took the most time; going twice over each surface and going four times over end grain areas took about ten hours to complete (including scraping off any overpaint). The final assembly was relatively easy because the process has been tested twice on smaller scale models.
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FINAL PROTOTYPE Scale 1:1
16 |
M
aking the chair was a great introduction to the idea of self-build. Even though I have built furniture before, it was interesting to experience it as a set of someone’s instructions. Having to think about materials, finishes, costs, logistics etc. is crucial for architects. Who would’ve thought that a simple design decision to paint only the edges would constitute such a dramatic time increase. Overall this project was very refreshing, and it emphasised a crucial aspect of an architects job, planning.
PROJECT 2
SELF BUILD: HOUSE 4-Bed, Timber
UK HOUSING CRISIS Data
5000000
1 4000000
3000000
2000000
2
1000000
0 1990
1995
2000
2010
2005
2015
2020
1: The number of council homes in the UK + 2: The number of households on a social housing waiting list SOURCE: Ministry of Housing (The Guardian)
600000
1 500000 400000 300000 200000
2 100000 0 1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
1: The yearly number of new homes in the UK + 2:The yearly polutaion change in the UK SOURCE: Ministry of Housing (The Guardian)
2/3 of new houses in the UK are built by 9 developers SOURCE: UK land registry, Home Builders Federation
£200000
1
£150000 UK house price comparisson by construction type (2016)
SOURCE: UK land registry, Home Builders Federation, National Self Build Association
£100000
2 £50000 1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
£189,940
£161,823
£146,000
£84,000
Average newbuild home
Average house price England & Wales
Average selfbuilld home (employing builders)
Average selfbuilld home (doing work yourself)
1: The average house price in the UK + 2: The average salary in the UK SOURCE: Ministry of Housing (The Guardian)
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SELF-BUILD ACROSS EUROPE
Percentage of new homes which are self-built *Client is the developer/builder
55% 67% 61%
75%
81%
68% 50% 73%
58% 11%
23%
64% 62%
65%
53%
87%
71% 62%
78% 54%
65%
71%
64%
75%
89%
LOCAL CONTEXT Hackney
LONDON
HACKNEY
SITE
T
he site at 37 Balcorne Street, E9 7BD, situated just north of Victoria Park in East London, is the first to be released in Hackney Council’s recently launched Self Build Challenge. The stated objective of Hackney’s Self Build Challenge is to “support people who wish to build their own home”, but it surely goes further than that. For many who have lived in the borough and have established roots there (family, friends, work), it is their only chance to achieve genuine security of tenure. For others, it is an opportunity to adopt a mode of living that is rarely offered in developer-led housing. And for some, it is a chance to take hold of the means of production, to embrace the joys in making one’s own things, in using one’s own hands and through this becoming empowered to deal with other things – negotiating with bureaucracies, handling information and understanding material culture.
Residential buildings
(RED)
1. Schools 2. Train stops 3. Large shops
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SCALE 1:5000
0m
50m 100m
2 2 1
1
1
1
1
WELL STREET COMMON LONDON FIELDS
2
1 1
3
SITE
1
1 1
1
1
VICTORIA PARK
3
1
SITE CONTEXT Balcorne St.
A
B
alcorne street contains two types of properties, two-storey Victorian terraces (A) on the one hand and two/ three-storey pastiche ‘social’ housing (B) on the other hand. The latter was built in the early 1990s as a replacement for the 1960s Kingshold estate. The new estate is made of brickclad buildings to match the historic Georgian terraces, but it is of poor to no architectural value. The only exception to these two typologies is the ‘Gingerbread House’ (C) by L. D. Mathews. It is a one-bed made entirely out of CLT and clad in timber shingles. The ‘Gingerbread House’ would be a good reference for planning since it is also situated at the end of a terrace.
B
C
1. 33 Balcorne St. 1a. 33 Balcorne St. back garden
2. 35 Balcorne St. (Party wall property) 2a. 35 Balcorne St. back garden 2. The SITE (37 Balcorne St.) 3. Orchard primary school 4. 47 Balcorne St. 4a. 47 Balcorne St.back garden 5. 41-45 Balcorne St. 5a. 41-45 Balcorne St.back gardens 6. 15-22 Balcorne St. 7. 40 Balcorne St. 8. 38 Balcorne St. 9. 36 Balcorne St. 10. ‘Gingerbread House’ by L. D. Mathews
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SCALE 1:200
0m 1m
3m
5m
BALCORNE ST.
A 1a
1
9
2
8
2a
THE SITE
B
3
B
4a 5a
5a
5a
7
5 4
A
BALCORNE ST.
10
6
80m
SITE CONTEXT 37 Balcorne St.
T
he site is a 6m wide by 18m long (110m2) plot of land on Balcorne street. Originally it was part of a long Victorian terrace block; however, some terraces (including the site) were destroyed during WW2. The site has remained empty ever since. The remaining terrace of 35 Balcorne St forms a party wall with the site to the Noth-East. The Orchard Primary School is to the North-West. Back gardens of 41-45 Balcorne St are to the South-East. Balcorne St is to the South-West.
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Street elevation A-A SCALE 1:100
0m
1m
2m
Side elevation B-B
SITE ANALYSIS Scale model
4 1 3
2
T
he site poses many challenges. A large Sycamore at the South corner does block a substantial amount of light. 41-45 Balcorne St windows to the South-East pose overlooking issue if one were to place windows to capture the South light. The problem of privacy/ overlooking is the biggest since neighbouring properties surround the site. Windows to the 35 Balcorne St need to be kept clear due to the right-of-light, limiting the proposal’s envelope. The shape of the Victorian terrace dictated the overall shape of the proposal.
5 6 1a 3a
1
2 3a 3a 4
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7
7a
3
1. 35 Balcorne St. (Party wall property) 1a. 35 Balcorne St.back graden 2. The SITE (37 Balcorne St.) 3. 41-45 Balcorne St. 3a. 41-45 Balcorne St.back gardens 4. Front tree (Sycamore) 5. Back tree 6. Orchard primary school back playground 7. 47 Balcorne St. 7a. 47 Balcorne St.back garden
C G
A. 35 Balcorne St. East facing windows B. 90t of soil on site C. A large tree at the SW corner of the site D. A tall brick wall/fence E. Windows overlooking the site F. Sloped roof at the SW side of the site G. Party wall with 35 Balcorne St.
A
A
B
D
C F
E
A
A
D
B
EXTERNAL ENVELOPE Loosian ‘playful seriousness’
Villa Moller | Vienna | 1926 | Adolf Loos SCALE: NTS
I
t was beneficial to look at the Villa Moller by Adolf Loos, given the restricted parameters of the site and the resulted volume. Villa Moller has a formal facade that becomes more informal as one travels to the back. Windows are used conspicuously to both express the internal function and as compositional elements. The proposal is situated next to a Victorian terrace; hence, it must dialogue with it. However, the rest of the elevations have complete freedom to have windows that respond best to internal requirements. Unfortunately, the resulted informal composition was in significant conflict with the formality of the main facade. Hence, a series of continuous cladding bands of varying widths were used to tie the entire building into a single coherent entity. The resulted series of datums responded to both internal and external geometries.
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Proposal | Street elevation
SOUTH-WEST (Front)
NORTH-EAST (Back)
SOUTH-EAST
6905mm
4285mm
NORTH-WEST
6360mm
5560mm
PROPOSED ELEVATIONS Geometry
3740mm
2320mm
710mm
00mm
SCALE 1:100
0m
0.5m
1m
PLANNING 3D model
Proposal viewed from Alpine Grove
H
aving a comprehensive 3d site model has many benefits. Firstly it allows for a better understanding of the site, hence allowing for a better architectural proposal. Secondly, it is an excellent tool to use during the planning process. It is possible to get accurate views of the proposal in context since everything is modelled with high precision. It is possible to see how the building would look both from the street and neighbours’ windows.
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Proposal viewed from Balcorne St.
Proposal viewed from 47 Balcorne St.
EXTERNAL ENVELOPE Cladding
T
10
9
5
he external envelope follows the same ethos as the main structure “solid timber”, “materials rather than products”, “designed for disassembly”. The insulation layer is made up of two layers of 120mm thick wood fibre boards. Then a layer of breather membrane, followed by vertical and horizontal battens. This is then finished by a layer of cladding and charred railway-sleeper boards. Sleepers are cut and charred to create a natural, dark, fire-resistant finish. The inspiration came from the Sunken House by Adjaye Associates. The architect used timber decking, which then got covered in fire retardant stain. Everything is either screwed or nailed, so it would be possible to reuse the materials later. The initial idea was
3
6
8a 7
2
4
8b
Sunken House (2009) in Hackney by Adjaye Associates
1. Concrete raft foundation 2. Railway sleeper 100x200mm
1
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3a. Wood-fibre insulation 120mm x2 3b. Wood-fibre insulation 160mm x2 3a. Rockwool slab insulation 150mm 4. Breather membrane 5. Vertical battens 6. Horizontal battens 25x38mm 7. Back claddig board 22x75mm
8a. Charred railway sleeper board 250mm 8b. Charred railway sleeper board 122mm 9. Stained board 25x120 10. Aluminium capping 11. Timber window boxes 12. Velfac 200 Window system
10
10
9
3b
9
2 3a 5
8b
12
12
11
6
8a
8a
2
2
4
2
1
3c
0m
0.5m
SCALE 1:120
WORKING WITH MATERIALS RATHER THAN PRODUCTS Railsleeper house by Shin Takasuga | 1970
Railsleeper house interior and exterior views SOURCE: Socks-studio.com
T
he fact that it is possible to take a single timber element, cut it into several pieces and create a chair by screwing these pieces together is fascinating. It is not about working with a ready-made system or a specific kit (product); it is about working with raw material. One of my favourite examples of working with raw material is the Railway Sleeper House (1970) by Shin Takasuga. Financial constraints meant that the inhabitants had to build the house themselves. Shin Takasuga’s decision to use old wooden railway sleepers resulted in a five-year construction time. However, it was not the use of sleepers that was novel, but rather the universal utilization of one type of construction element for the whole structure – walls, floors, columns, roof structure, and built-in furniture. Unfortunately, it is illegal to re-purpose used railway sleepers due to toxic elements, but it is possible to buy new untreated sleepers at low costs (~£6.25/m). Therefore I have decided to construct my proposal out of solid timber (railway sleepers).
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Railsleeper house structure iso diagram
PROPOSAL
Structural model
‘LOG’ CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM Bilding the structure in layers
L
og construction has been around since Bronze Age. Traditional log buildings are formed by horizontally stacking logs in layers and interlocking their ends with notches. Unfortunately, this technique requires some carpentry experience, which is the opposite of a semi-skilled self-builder. It is reasonable to expect them to cut a straight line or drill a straight hole but not carve out a complex and precise interlocking system. Fortunately, it is not the Bronze Age anymore; there are rectangular logs and power tools. There are a few ways to connect perpendicular logs, ranging in different levels of complexity. Traditionally perpendicular logs would be 50% higher, making a zig-zagged interlocking system, but this adds another level of complexity. The easiest option for selfbuilders is options 6 & 10 since they require the least amount of cutting. Logs are connected with a ‘butterfly key’, and the channels are cut in using a portable router. This technique allows us to break the entire structure into comprehendible individual layers (32 of them, to be precise).
Different types of rectangular log construction systems
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
An example of a routed key system (6 & 10) | SOURCE: Alexei Vorontsov
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1
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24
25
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27
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The entire structure split into 32 layers
29
30
31
32
SCALE 1:250
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS Using a single sleeper lenght
T
he original proposal used railway sleepers of many lengths (from 1250mm all the way up to 6050mm). These lengths allow for longer spans and larger spaces. Unfortunately, one of the critics said that “pressuretreated sleepers produce off-gassing, and they cannot be used internally”. Doing more research showed that untreated sleepers come in one length, 2450mm. Hence the original structure must be redesigned using just one type of sleeper.
1
2
3
4
5
6
SLEEPER LENGTHS
1. 6050mm 2. 4850mm 3. 3650mm 4. 3050mm 5. 2450mm 6. 1250mm
GF Plan FF Plan
T
his drawing shows the original scheme (RED) and the new altered scheme (GREEN) overlaid on top of another. It is clear that the new proposal has a smaller surface area (15% smaller, to be precise). Working with 2450mm sleepers means that no span can be longer than 2250mm, because of the 100mm support section at each end of the sleeper. This limitation results in smaller spaces, hence the smaller footprint. This move’s obvious benefit is a lower overall cost—less structure, less insulation, less cladding, etc. SCALE 1:100
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SCALE 1:5
1. Universial spatial grid 102mm centres
(100mm x 100mm with 2mm gap) 2. Sleeper (100mm wide) 3. Butterfly key (40mm x 20mm) 4. Dowel (24mm)
5. 2244mm (maximum allowable span) 6. 4284mm (special composite structural solution)
1
4
2
SCALE 1:50
3
6
5
5
5 5 5
GF STRUCTURAL REFLECTIVE CEILING PLAN
FF STRUCTURAL REFLECTIVE CEILING PLAN
PRIMITIVE UNILAM CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM (DOWEL LAMINATED TIMBER / BRETTSTAPEL) Using dowels and gravity to hold everything together
U
nfortunately, log construction is not popular in the UK; hence it is difficult to find technical information. Most literature comes from Russia and Scandinavian countries. The simplest method of connecting logs (sleepers) is by hammering a kiln-dried dowel through a series of logs. Once in place, the dowel will absorb moisture, expand and lock everything together. This technique was the basis for an industrial building system called Brettstapel or Unilam or DLT (Dowel Laminated Timber). The main benefit of DLT over CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is that DLT does not use glue, thus being a more sustainable method of construction since these panels could be disassembled at the end of life. When it comes to ‘log’ construction, the system is suited well for self-builders. One must be able to drill a straight hole and be able to hammer a dowel in. The ‘dowelled’ method can be used for the entire structure, including walls, beams and floors/ceilings.
DLT/Brettstapel/Unilam system SOURCE: eurban.co.uk
ISO diagram showing connection types
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0m
1m
INTERNAL SURFACE FINISH Dealing with damage and irregularities
T
Visualisation of the interal wall finish (including geometric imperfections)
he main benefit of using an industrialgrade construction material such as a rail sleeper is that it is very cheap. However, it also has drawbacks, such as the finished size tolerances and surface quality. Some of the more established solid timber construction systems use precisely milled ‘rectangular logs’. Raw rail sleepers, on the other hand, come with a +/- 2mm variance. In addition to this, a large number of them come with some edge damage (~5mm wide zone around the edge). There are few ways to solve these issues. We could machine each sleeper by creating a tongue-and-groove system, but this will be too costly. A cheaper solution would be to lock everything together using wooden dowels (broomstick handles) and then adapt each sleeper in-situ with a portable router. A 10mm x 10mm routed groove solves both problems. Firstly, this process removes the damaged ~5mm zone, eliminating the need to fix it by sanding/ filling. Secondly, the resulting 10mm shadow gap hides any sleeper thickness variation by separating these two edges. A coat of dark stain unifies everything at the end.
1. Sleeper 2. Broomstick handle (Dowel) 3. Compression tape 4. Steel locating pin 5. Router 6. Insulation 7. Screeed 8. Concrete raft foundation
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SCALE 1:5
1
2 3
SCALE 1:1
1 2
5
4
7
8
6
SPACES OF INTIMACY, DARKNESS AND MYSTERY Villa Muller & Moller by Adolf Loos
View 1: Lobby to kitchen
Muller House by A. Loos | 1927
Moller house plan
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My proposal plan
SOURCE: Martin Gerlach Jr.
I Moller House by A. Loos | 1929
SOURCE: A. Loos Museum
have to admit that I have not been to many famous houses, but out of those I managed to visit, two stood out the most. These are the pair of houses designed by Adolf Loos, Villa Moller (Vienna, 1928) and Villa Muller (Prague, 1930). Edwin Heathcote put it best in his FT article. “While other architects including Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius were radically simplifying architecture, creating interiors of lightness, clarity and transparency, using white plaster, steel and glass, Loos was making spaces of intimacy, darkness and mystery”.
View 2: Lounge to dining (garden)
V
illas Moller and Muller are as much about the internal views as they are about the overall composition and spatial arrangements. Adolf Loos created two major types of views. The diagonal views through the entire house, often with an elevation change, would lead the visitor into the house by giving a glimpse of space beyond. He also used framed orthogonal views to emphasise particular subjects. Colin Rowe called this technique the “Phenomenal transparency”. “Spatial continuity between rooms was created not by omitting walls but by piercing them with wide openings so that views were always framed…Often the connection between rooms was only visual, as through a proscenium. At their interface, these spaces had a theatrical quality.”
GROUND FLOOR PLAN Proposal
16m²
9.8m²
4.4m²
7.4m²
Screed floor
1. Front porch / sitting zone & bin store 2. Vestibule 3. Office / Double bedroom (optional)
4. Plantroom (boiler & washing machine) 5. Storage (under the stair) 6. WC & shower 7. Lounge 8. Kitchen 9. Dining 10. Roof access zone (external) 11. Back garden 12. 35 Balcorne St. (Party wall property) 13. 41 Balcorne St. 14. 43 Balcorne St. 15. 45 Balcorne St.
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SCALE 1:50
0m
0.5m
1m
11
15
9
8
10
7 14
5 6 4
12
2
1
3
13
FIRST FLOOR PLAN Proposal
7.4m²
4.2m²
7.4m²
8.6m²
Railway sleepers floor
1. Staircase
2. Skylight shaft 3. Lightbox
4. Double bedroom / Office (optional) 5. Green roof 6. WC & bathtub 7. Double bedroom 8. Office / Double bedroom (optioonal) 9. 35 Balcorne St. (Party wall property)
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SCALE 1:50
0m
0.5m
1m
5
4
3 1 9
2
6
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7
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
LOBBY GF
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DINING & KITCHEN GF
| 63
MAIN BEDROOM FF
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MAIN BEDROOM OFFICE FF
| 65
BEDROOM / OFFICE FF
66 |
OFFICE / BEDROOM GF
| 67
BATHROOM FF
68 |
BATHROOM GF
| 69
ADAPTABILITY
Office
‘Hard’ use
Bedroom
T
he brief asked for a 3-bedroom house with an ability for further expansion in the future. The problem with log construction is that the entire structure becomes one, and it is practically impossible to modify it after construction. Hence, the architect (me), had to predict all possible scenarios and plan future ‘expansion’ into the initial structure. The Maison Loucheur (1929) by Le Corbusier is a prime expample of ‘use adaptability’ within the same spatial parameters. The ‘use’ of a given space is determined/adapted by transformative furniture. A flip-down bed
converted the office space into a bedroom during the night. The same approach had been chosen for this proposal. The design has four generic, similarly sized spaces. The recommended arrangement allows for two full bedrooms, an office and a hybrid. However, it is possible to have four bedrooms. It was crucial to be able to have a bedroom on the ground floor. The ‘Lifetime Homes’ guide requires a bedroom at the main entrance level if the resident becomes old or disabled. However, the temporary ‘spare bedroom’ is handy in case of guests or relatives staying over.
Night
Bathroom WC Kitchen / dining Lounge
Day
Maison Loucheur | 1929 | Le Corbusier SOURCE: Archweb.com
GF Office/Bedrrom transformation
Night
70 |
Day
EMPTY
RECOMMENDED
EXTREME
Bedrooms 2.5 Offices 2
Bedrooms 4 Offices 0
COSTS £
Walter Seagal methodology
A
Material schedule made by W. Seagal for the Walter’s way development SOURCE: YouTube
rchitects have a duty of care toward their clients, which includes looking after their budget. There is no point in designing something if the client cannot afford it. Just like with the first project knowing how much something will cost will dictate design decisions. This project underwent two major redesign stages to reduce the cost. These days this job would be outsourced to a quantity surveyor; however, the estimate would not be accurate when it comes to something so unique and bespoke. This entire project is about working with materials rather than products. Walter Segal understood this issue very well; he knew that he could not empower self-builders if he could not provide an accurate cost. In the end, this project turned out to be fairly cheap, with a total construction cost of £135.000 and about £1100/m² (GIA), which is well below the London average.
Total thermal envelope Total glazed area
285 m² 35 m²
GEA | Gross External Area GIA | Gross Internal Area NIA | Net Internal Area
145 m² 105 m² 101 m²
Construction & Fitout Material VAT rebate (20%)
Contingency (15%) Lant Consulatant fees NOT included*
TOTAL COST
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12.3 % 783 1081 1124
£/m² £/m² £/m²
£113 514 -£15 577
£14 757 £30 000 £29 764
£127 188
PRELIMINARIES
£63 972
Ground Excavation
£2000
Connection to Services
£7000
To remove 50m³ of soil (90t). A typical HGV take up to 16t which equates to 6 lories in total
Excavation of service trenches Water (Thames Water) Electric supply (UK Power Networks) Telecoms (Sky)
Waste Disposal
£2000 £1500 £1750 £1750
£1430
Skip Hire (5 times)
Scaffolding Consultant Fees
Council Fee (Land purchase) Structural Engineer (5.1% of total cost) Insurance Party Wall Agreement Building Control Planning Fees Architectural Fees (8.3% of total cost)
Other
Acrow props Power tools PPE Portable loo
£2750 £49897
£30000 £6170 £1000 £1000 £1400 £360 £9967
£2895 £95 £2000 £100 £700
EXTERNAL SKIN Cladding
Cut and charred rail-sleepers Treated softwood board (22X75mm) Rail-sleepers cutting and charring service
Rail sleepers
1000 Douglas Fir sleepers (2450x100x200mm)
£17 218 £15000
Connections
£680
Joint pack (jute roll)
£257
Stainless steel tension rods
£1281
Hardwood dowels Bow-tie keys
£7 477
Fire retardant coloured stain
£4719
Floor
£694
Doors
£608
Coloured screed Undefloor heating system Vapour barier
Door frames Doors Ironmongery Joint expansion tape
Other
Tiles Marine plywood Adhesive Grout Mirrors
£197 £475 £22
£110 £300 £77 £121
£1550 £688 £461 £159 £70 £172
£1002 £835 £2000
£554
Insulation
£3190
Other
£3337
Windows & Doors
£21194
Treated softwood battens
Rockwool Duo slab Wood Fibre (ECO-Friendly OPTION)
Screws and nails Aluminium flashing Breather membrane Waterproof membrane Marine plywood Green roof kit Soil Plants
Velfac 200 External timber ‘frames’ Sliding door Rooflights
£3190 £15038
£310 £912 £235 £806 £740 £396 £114 £133
£15012 £4450 £2355 £1377
£21 039
RAFT foundation
£11832
Below-slab insulation
£9207
Hardcore, DPM, concrete (with rebar), pouring & leveling, services
Rockwool
SERVICES
£27 675
M&E Contractor
£9775
Heating
£1504
Storage & Furniture
£1670
Electrical
£2618
Kitchen / WC appliances
£1629
Other
£1137
Connecting M&E services (6.4% of total cost) Circuit breaker
INTERNAL SKIN
£3837
Battens
SUB - STRUCTURE SUPER - STRUCTURE
£32 898
Electric boiler Radiators (1st floor heating) Radiator valves Pipes
Birch plywood kitchen cabinets (assembled) Birch plywood storage (cut) Birch plywood staircase (cut) Bespoke lounge sofa
Sockets & switches Lighting fixtures Trunking
Shower system Bath tub Taps Toilets Sinks Worktop
Bins External planting Timber deck
£7775 £2000
£342 £628 £242 £292
£3210 £3120 £1840 £2500
£173 £2000 £445
£364 £165 £278 £418 £269 £135
£93 £1000 £44
THE END Conclusion
I
n summary, I believe this project was a success since it has responded to all challenges set out in brief. Buildability: the log construction system has been used for millennia (Russia & Scandinavia), so the technique has proven itself. The relative simplicity of the construction process is a good choice for self-builders. Adaptability: as an architect, I have planned ‘hard use’ adaptability. Instead of having flexible/expandable rooms, I have designed universal spaces that can be used differently depending on occupation and furniture. The brief asked for a 3-bed house with an option to extend, and my proposal allows for 4 bedrooms. Cost: sure, the proposal sits towards the higher end when compared with the rest of the studio. However, at £135,000 (£1100/m²) it is still well below the London average. Architectural Quality: this is somewhat subjective, but I have borrowed from successful precedents, so I believe the overall architectural quality is good. This project has the highest architectural quality/ m² out of any work that I have ever done. Designing for the infraordinary: the entire house is designed around the internal spatial quality. A tremendous amount of time was spent on perfecting each experience. What is the experience of lying in bed, what is the lighting condition in the morning, how does it feel to take a shower or make coffee? Hence, I believe this was a success.
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Final proposal collage Base photo: David Grandorge
PROJECT 3
SELF BUILD: HOUSING 20 (47) Dwellings, Timber
WIDER CONTEXT Hackney
London
Hackney (Dalston)
T
he site is in a prominent position on the Kingsland Road. Its southernmost corner is an important public frontage along the road that is visible looking north from approximately half-kilometer away when crossing Regents Canal. Its proximity to public gardens and major transport hubs such as the Dalston and Haggerston train stations make it a highly desirable area for housing. The site is within the Kingsland conservation area and is adjacent to the De Beauvoir and Albion Square conservation areas. The latter two areas are more residential in character, with wide, treelined streets, public gardens and large, three- or four-storey nineteen-century houses in pairs or short terraces of fours. The Kingsland Road conservation area appraisal says its history of industrial development distinguishes it since the completion of Regents Canal in 1819 and the ‘spinal’ quality the of street, which follows the line of Ermine Street, a Roman road linking London with York. A proposal in such an important historic location would need to show how it enriches the local built environment to be accessible to the public while also providing private thresholds between city life and domesticity.
The site (red) aerial view SOURCE: Jim Wyatt (Unit 7)
CONSERVATION AREAS adjacent to the site
A . De Beauvoir B . Albion Square C . Kingsland
1. Primary schools 2. Green spaces 3. Trains
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SCALE 1:5000
0m
50m 100m
1
3
1
1
1
A
B
1 2
SITE C
1
1
3
2
2
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FLEXIBILITY IN HOUSING AS A METHOD OF EMPOWERMENT Maison Dom-Ino and Polykatoikia as a tectonic system
Greek POLYKATOIKIA tenament SOURCE: Domus 962
Under/Over-occupation by tenure in England SOURCE: English Housing Survey
T
he issue of inflexibility, which leads to under/over-occupation, is very prominent in the current housing market. There is plenty of academic works talking about the problems that are caused by the current housing system. What happens when family size changes? What happens when we change the way we use dwellings due to external forces (i.e. Covid-19 pandemic)? The only sustainable way forward is the ‘loose-fit architecture’ where a structure can accommodate many different uses. We can see the success of this approach when we look at Athenes, where the entire city is covered in ‘Maison Dom-Ino’ type buildings. The ‘Polykatoikia’ system consists of a minimalist structural skeleton (usually built by a contractor or the city) that can accommodate various uses ranging from residential to commercial. The structural skeleton is taken over by a community of ‘self-builders that then finish the rest of the building. The system allows for later dwelling adaptations or a complete change of use. Moving forward, this approach seems to be the most sense when it comes to social housing.
SOCIAL renters
PRIVATE renters
OWNER occupied
20%
15%
10%
5%
0% 1996
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
OVER-OCCUPATION BY TENURE
60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1996
2000
2005
2010
2015
UNDER-OCCUPATION BY TENURE
80 |
2020
HISTORICAL CONTEXT Periods of urban transformation
2. De Beauvoir Estate (1970) Semi-private external walkways
1. Kingsland road | Hanley Hale Brown buildings (2020) in the foreground. The site and the Metropolitan building (1886) in the background.
3. Kingsland crescent (1792), 312 Kingsland Rd
(1958) Ability Plaza (2006)
4. De Beauvoir Square (1823) Buildings Pre-1945
Buildings 1945-1990
Buindings Post-1990
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SCALE 1:2000
0m
20m
40m
4
St. Peter’s Way
Square
d iel
f En
SITE
ad Ro
3
Kingsland Road
De Beauvoir
Downham Road
2
Stonebridge Gardens Petite park
Kingsland Basin
1
Regent s
Canal
SITE ELEVATION Context
Kingsland Road Elevation (South-North)
Kingsland Road Elevation (North-South)
0m
SITE
10m
URBAN COMPOSITION Figure-ground
3
1
2
Initial composition
Continuously evolving context
Final composition - Compromise
1. Drew Yates 15 Dwellings
2. James Thormond 15 Dwellings
3. James Osborne 20 Dwellings
86 |
E
arly massing studies on the site looked at how an assemblage of medium-rise housing blocks could define the edges to the site and provide a publicly facing building that continues Kingsland Road’s rhythm. The final masterplan strategy positioned a public-facing residential building towards the north of the site facing Kingsland Road, with a relationship in massing to the Metropolitan House. Towards the West, a horizontal housing block with a generous shared core and external platform access would maintain the mid-rise residential street scale along Enfield Road and define the edge to an Eastfacing courtyard that harnesses morning light through the depth of the scheme. Setting the main housing provision away from Kingsland Road, and facing a planted courtyard of birch trees, provides a public threshold from the street and necessary acoustic separation from the passing vehicles and buses on Kingsland Road. It was crucial to give the ‘negative’ spaces between the buildings as much importance as the buildings themselves. The shape and position of building number 3 (me) created two similarly sized public spaces.
Geometric triangular ’ground’ spaces
GROUP PROPOSAL Scale model
CONCEPTS FOR MULTISTOREY TIMBER BUILDINGS Different structural tectonic systems and their implications
T
Stadthaus by Waugh Thistleton Architects | 2009. Hackney SOURCE: Waughthistleton.com
88 |
his was my first ever encounter with multistorey timber construction, so the initial step was to find a precedent to better understand different tectonic timber systems. The Stadhaus (2009) by Waugh Thistleton Architects in Hackney was the perfect precedent since I can see it from my window. It is a nine-storey solid CLT structure that employes a ‘honeycomb’ tectonic system where every wall is a structural element. The benefits of this system are in its efficiency; since all walls are structural, they can be thinner and lighter. The entire structure acts as an incredibly strong unified monocoque. However, this rigid configuration is also the system’s main weakness. Like with log construction (1st term project), structural walls mean no flexibility in the spatial arrangement of the apartment. What happens when a family grows or shrinks, or when they have different needs? The second tectonic system is called ‘party wall’, where only particular walls are structural, and the rest are just partitions. This system is better than the ‘honeycomb’ when it comes to flexibility/adaptability, but it still somewhat limiting. The ‘column’ (Maison Dom-Ino) system is the best option for this project because it has the smallest ratio of structural elements to floor area.
SCALE 1:100
0m
1m
STADTHAUS PLAN
COLUMN SYSTEM
PARTY-WALL SYSTEM
HONEYCOMB SYSTEM
2m
LOOSE-FIT CO-HOUSING PRECEDENT
R50 in Berlin by Heide & von Beckerath, ifau and Jesko Fezer
R50 external walkway/balcony
SOURCE: Andrew Alberts | Archdaily.com
T
Individual aprtment organisation diagrams SOURCE: Heide & von Beckenarth
90 |
he R50 by ifau und Jesko Fezer + Heide & von Beckerath in Berlin is an excellent example of contemporary (2013) ‘loose-fit’ co-housing. The minimalist ‘Maison DomIno’ column system allowed the architect to create 16 different dwelling variations. Each apartment was tailored for a specific family and responded to specific requirements (i.e. some wanted larger living rooms, some wanted larger bedrooms etc.). However, such customisation came at a cost. Individual plans meant that each apartment had a unique glazing arrangement resulting in a visual mess. This is one of the biggest problems with customisable dwellings; each adaptation detracts from a coherent external composition. In this case, the architects solved this issue by adding a regular external walkway/balcony structure that unified the entire block. The external structure serves other functions too. It acts as a semi-public place for neighbours to meet, helping social cohesion. It protects the apartments from overheating by acting as solar shades. In a self-built scheme, the structure would act as permanent scaffolding, providing a safe working environment for self-builders.
PLAN
PLANS
SCALE 1:500 0m
ELEVATION
SCALE 1:200
0m 1m
3m
5m
SECTION
5m
INITIAL PROPOSAL Neo-Greek Revival
Initial proposal | Elevation & Plan SCALE: 1:200
18m
Oak Alley Mansion (1837) by Joseph Pilie SOURCE: scienceofthesouth.com | SCALE: NTS
A
ll of this research resulted in this initial proposal. Back then, my block was square, which was good for few reasons. Firstly it has the smallest wall to floor ratio (apart from the circle), meaning it would have the smallest and cheapest thermal envelope for the given area. There are also plenty of examples, both historical and contemporary. The building is situated next to the dominant Metropolitan House (Victorian era Hospital); hence it must have equal visual weight. For this reason, I decided to look at some Classical and NeoClassical precedents like the Villa Rotonda by A. Palladio and the Neuer Pavilion by K. F. Schinkel. Surprisingly, the most relevant example came from the USA. The Oak Alley Mansion (by Joseph Pile) is a timber GreekRevival building that was built in 1837 during the times when America was trying to create its history. The structure consists of three main spans with circulation in the middle and clear spaces at the wings, following the Classical example of Villa Rotonda. My proposal consisted of a concrete core in the middle and timber columns around the perimeter. All ‘wet’ areas were situated in the middle, allowing the ‘wings’ to be completely free and flexible. A unidirectional DLT/Unilam/ Bretstappel panel acted as bracing and floor/ ceiling to maintain a continuous surface on the ceiling.
92 |
INITIAL PROPOSAL Scale model
SPATIAL & STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS Structurally defined spaces
T
Plan view showing ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ zones SCALE: 1:150
94 |
he lean structural solution was extremely easy to adapt to the new rectangular floor shape. The general principle stayed the same, with wet areas situated along the Noth-South riser ‘spine’ and clear spaces located at the edge. The timber structural engineer from Eurban helped to optimise the structure. Unfortunately, timber structures required more supports both around the perimeter and at the spine. Since the building became narrower, it was possible to span the floor with just two panels (7100mm each); however, this would require the panels to be 250mm thick instead of 150mm for a 4800mm span. This happens because of deflection loads; hence it would be MUCH cheaper to add four more columns than to have thicker slabs.
21200 0m
2m
4m
SCALE 1:200
5600
INITIAL STRUCTURAL PLAN
ALTERED STRUCTURAL PLAN (OPT A)
ALTERED STRUCTURAL PLAN (OPT B)
4800
7100
27700
4800
18100
FLEXIBILITY DURING PROCUREMENT Different dwelling combinations
Type A1 64m² 2 Bed 3 People (61m²) - Lifetime 2 Bed 3 People (61m²) - LHG
1
2 Type A
1
2 Type B
1
1 Type C
Type A2 77m² 2 Bed 4 People (70m²) - Lifetime 3 Bed 4 People (74m²) - LHG Type B1 52.5m² 1 Bed 2 People (50m²) - Lifetime 1 Bed 2 People (50m²) - LHG Type B2 88.5m² 3 Bed 4 People (74m²) - Lifetime 3 Bed 5 People (82m²) - Lifetime 4 Bed 5 People (86m²) - LHG Type C1 39.5m² 0 Bed (Studio) 1 Person (37m²) - LHG Type C2 101.5m² 3 Bed 6 People (95m²) - Lifetime 4 Bed 5 People (90m²) - LHG 4 Bed 6 People (99m²) - LHG
1 Type D
Type D1 142.5m² 4 Bed 8 People - Co-Housing Different dwelling types
T
he absence of structural walls means that apartment boundaries are flexible, allowing Hackney Council to customise flat arrangements at any point in the future. Apartments range from studios (1-2 people) to hostel/co-housing (8 people). Our group decided to work to two spatial standards, the London Housing Guide and the Lifetime Homes. Each arrangement TYPE comes with a minimum Lifetime Homes guide, which has the most extensive spatial requirements. This guide is necessary to ensure that each flat is future proof and compliant with Part M. However, it is possible to increase the number of residents/rooms and still be within the London Housing Guide. Each ‘type’ has universal outlines and service placements, meaning they are interchangeable. Hackney Council could have different dwelling type variations and combinations. Also, the flexibility of the party wall means that one ‘type’ can be easily converted into another .type’.
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Different dwelling type variations and combinations
Type A
Type B
Type C
Type D 0m
2.5m
FLEXIBILITY DURING TENURE Multiple variations of each ‘type’
1
2
3
H Creating a new room by moving one wall, adding a door and a new section of wall
98 |
ackney Council are not the only ones to benefit from the fact that there are no structural walls. Because none of the walls are load-bearing, they can all be moved. It is especially the case with internal partitions since they have to services running through them (water or electric). This means that sections of the wall can be moved, added or removed to alter the spatial arrangement of the flat. Not only are there different ‘types’ of flat arrangements, but each ‘type’ can also have different variations. Maybe they all start with the Lifetime Homes arrangement, but then a child is born, so an extra room is required. Parents can move one of the bedroom walls and add a new section of wall with a door to create a small bedroom. Maybe residents just want a smaller bedroom since they spend most of the time in the living room. Or parents decide to united two bedrooms to create an ample playing space; the possibilities are endless. As an architect, I have planned for many possible scenarios, so window placement was crucial.
Type B - Default
Type B - Variation 1
Type B - Variation 2
Type B - Variation 3 0m
2.5m
INTERNAL PARTITIONS Stud wall
12
T
600
he design for these partitions should be ‘user/self-builder friendly’. I chose to use a two-tier basic stud wall construction system. Most stud wall timber comes in either 2.4m or 3m long. The height of the space is 2.7m, so the 3m long studs would be too long to fin in the lift; hence there is a split at 2100mm. Walls have sound insulation and a layer of 12mm plywood to provide a strong base for hanging something on the wall (not limited to studs). The external layer is split between a 12mm layer of Fermacell (with skim) up to 2100mm, and a sheet of 12mm birch plywood (cover is fire retardant covering). The aesthetic purpose of this split is to have a timber datum is to express the timber nature of the ceiling. The practical reasoning is only to have a ‘treated’ surface above 2.1m, and have a natural (easily repaired) surface in the zone of most physical contact. The details are simplified for ease of construction, using architraves, skirting boards, and flashings to cover any uneven edges.
2 10
10
2100
9
8
1
SCALE 1:20
SCALE 1:5
SCALE 1:5
PARTITION BUILDUP - Skim 1mm - Fermacell board 12mm - Plywood sheet 12mm - Stud 47x100mm + Rockwool insulation 100mm - Plywood sheet 12mm - Fermacell board 12mm - Skim 1mm
SCALE 1:10
1 00 |
Internal partitions construction (Traditional stud wall system) Internal partitions construction (Final finish)
6
5
1. Skirting board 18x250mm 2. Skim 1mm 3. Fermacell board 12mm 4. Plywood sheet 12mm 5. Stud 47x100mm 6. Rockwool insulation 100mm 7. Batten 25x38mm 8. Plywood 18mm (door frame) 9. Door 10. Switch & socket 11. Aluminium channel 10x20mm 12. Birch plywood sheet 12mm Fire retardant stain
4
12
4
3
2
1
DWELING ALTERATIONS Legal aspects
D
My instagram story showing blockwork rubble. I had to get Hackney Council permission to demolish one of the inbuilt storage units in our flat
uring the lockdown, my mother asked me to take apart an inbuilt wardrobe. Even though it is not structural, we still had to get written permission from the council. This illustrates the main issue, which is that Council properties are notorious when it comes to alterations. It is one thing to have the skills to change walls/doors, but it is a whole other thing to get permission. Councils are notorious for the amount of bureaucracy they require, which is understandable, especially after the Grenfell disaster. Hence, the idea that a group of self-builders can build a mid-rise timber housing block is far fetched, to put it mildly, and it is a complete fantasy when it comes to councils property. Therefore, this project is more about providing the necessary skills and a legal framework for the ‘self-builders to make alterations during tenure rather than just building the original structure. The idea is that the main contractor would train self-builders and provide some type of paperwork to confirm that these people know what they are doing. Different people would be trained to different levels, similarly to the CSCS system; maybe they could do internal partitions and doors, but not sanitaryware, or they would get complete training to replace windows. Each resident would receive a coded plan, indicating what they could change depending on their training.
Examples of CSCS cards SOURCE: scsc.com.uk
Residents may modify these objects without permission
Residents may modify these objects with BASIC training and written permission (from Hackney council) Residents may modify these objects with ADVANCE/SPECIALIST training, a written permission and ‘end-of-works’ inspection (from Hackney council) Residents must NOT modify/alter these objects under any circumstances Any and all alterations are PROHIBITED 0m
1 02 |
2.5m
CONSTRUCTION Contractors
CONTRACTOR 1: CONCRETE Construction would begin with the concrete contractor. In some cases, an excavation contractor might need to be hired, but usually, excavation is done by the concrete people or the main works contractor. The concrete contractor would first do the in-situ structure, which includes the foundations, GF surface and the concrete core. Once this part is done, they can assemble the precast concrete elements, which include the GF structure and the staircase. Most of these elements are identical so it would be much easier and cheaper to precast them and bolt them together on site. Plus, this would allow for easy disassembly at the end of life.
CONTRACTOR 2: TIMBER The second contractor would do engineered timber elements. They would install glulam columns and beams as well as DLT flooring panels. There is a limited number of different elements for easy installation and lower costs. Once the main structure is in place, the external deck can be assembled. This includes douglas-fir columns, glulam beams and DLT deck panels. Everything is bolted together, allowing for disassembly at the end of life. All elements are less than 2.55m wide and less than 13.5m long to allow for easy transportation without special permits or escort. Everything is pressure treated at the factory, however, the external deck would require a separate coat of fire retardant coating.
CONTRACTOR 3: MAIN WORKS Once the main structure is in place, the main contractor would take over the site. They would first complete all the external finishes, including the roof, external deck, balustrade. Once a safe working environment is achieved, the main works with self-builders can begin. The main contractor would use the ground floor space as a temporary workshop to teach self-builders.
Timber construction stage visualisation
1a. In-Situ concrete Foundations, core 1b. Pre-cast concrete GF structure, staircase 2a. Main timber structure Glulam beams & columns, DLT panels 2b. External deck Douglas fir columns, DLT panels, beams
1 04 |
3a. External works Roof, ballustrade, deck finish 3b. Internal works GF and all floors with self-builders
1a
1b
2a
2b
3a
3b
FLOOR + DECK Main contractor
Internal view
A
t this stage the safe working environment is established. The external deck is finished, the balustrading is installed. The first task is to install the underfloor heating system and lay the screed. The main contractor performs this task. This is the last task before self-builders come in.
SCALE 1:100
1 06 |
0m
1m
2m
EXTERNAL/PARTY WALLS Main contractor + Self builders
Internal view
T
he next step is to establish dwelling boundaries. This means building the external walls (insulation and cladding) as well as installing windows and doors (Velfac 200), installing entrance doors in one of the openings of the concrete cor and blocking the other opening (depending on flat ‘type’), building fire-resistant party walls between different dwellings.The last task of this stage is to complete all wiring.
SCALE 1:100
1 08 |
0m
1m
2m
INTERNAL PARTITIONS, SANITARYWARE & CABINETS Main contractor + Self builders
Internal view
O
nce the external boundaries are set, all the internal partitions can be built; these include walls and internal doors. Inbuilt cabinetry is installed next, followed by sanitaryware (sinks, toilets, baths, showers, etc) and electronics. At this stage, the main works are complete, and the contractor leaves. Once the building passes inspection, residents (self-builders) can move in.
SCALE 1:100
110 |
0m
1m
2m
FURNITURE Self builders
Internal view
O
nce all works are complete, residents can move in. They will bring their furniture and add decor. And they lived happily ever after, that is until kids grew up and wanted separate bedrooms.
SCALE 1:100
112 |
0m
1m
2m
VARIABLE DWELLING EXTENTS Privacy
Public zone (accessible by everyone) Semi-Public/Private zone (accessible by residents of the same floor) Private zone (accessible by residents of one dwelling)
114 |
PROPOSED ELEVATIONS WITHOUT THE EXTERNAL DECK South and East
T
his drawing shows what the elevations might look like without the external deck. Actually, this is just one possibility; it would be up to Hackney Council to determine the typology for each floor, which would define the window layout. It might be a combination of various types giving us a more varied composition (East elevation) or combining one or two types, resulting in a much more rigid composition (South elevation). At the beginning of this project, the task was to provide a high degree window layout freedom, and the finished proposal does allow for it.
South Elevation
0m
1m
2m
SCALE 1:100
East Elevation
PROPOSED ELEVATIONS WITH THE EXTERNAL DECK South and East
T
he composition of the facade elevation is rendered somewhat irrelevant with the addition of the external deck. The expressive nature of thick round douglas fir columns and slender horizontal decks draws attention away from whatever is happening behind it. The regular rhythm external deck structure unifies everything into a single coherent entity, playing a similar role to the regular banding in the 1st term house project. In classical architecture, the facade is an interface between the building and the city. The building retains its solid architectural quality whilst providing internal flexibility, one of the main goals.
South Elevation
0m
1m
2m
SCALE 1:100
East Elevation
EXTERNAL DECK
Viewed from neighbouring building 120 |
EXTERNAL DECK Viewed from the deck
| 1 21
SECTIONS Urban rooms
1
2
Site section lines
2
3
3 Site sections
1
1
3 2
122 |
SHORT SECTION Proposal
SCALE 1:10
0m 1m 2m
EXTERNAL DECK Details
Timber to concrete column connection detail
San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (1641) by F. Borromini
SOURCE: Jonathan Glancey
External deck close-up
1 24 |
SCALE 1:50*
0m 0.5m
1m
EXTERNAL WALL DETAIL Modular system
1. Glulam beams and collumns 2. DLT floor/ceiling panels 3. DLT deck panels 4. Floor buildup - Screed/UFH 50mm - Sound insulation 40mm - Fill 60mm 5. Wall (no structure) - Skim 2mm - Fermacell board 12mm - Plywood 12mm - Rockwool insulation 150mm - Plywood 18mm - Woodfibre insulation 80mm - Breathing membrane 1mm - Ventilated sce 25mm - Plywood 24mm 6. Wall (structure) - Structure - Woodfibre insulation 120mm - Breathing membrane 1mm - Ventilated sce 25mm - Plywood 24mm 7. Velfac windows/doors
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1
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1
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External wall section detail Solid panel
5
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6
External wall section detail Window (sill at 800mm)
6
External wall section detail Door/Window (full height)
5 1
External wall detail plan
8
SCALE 1:10
0m
0.1m
0.2m
CIVIC PRESENCE Neo-Greek temple
One Pancras Sq. (2013) by David Chipperfield Architects SOURCE: David Grandorge
T 333 Kingsland Rd (2013) by Henley Hale Brown
128 |
he civic presence of the building was always going to be one of the biggest challenges for this project. How does one make sure that the new block works well with both the contemporary context (Henley Hale Brown building 2020) and the historical context (Metropolitan house 1886). One Pancras Sq (2013) by David Chipperfield does answer this dilemma rather well. The minimalist motive first it well within the immediate contemporary surrounding, whilst the classical nature of the column and composition (Greek Temple) allows for a proportionate dialogue with the St. Pancras railway station (1868). Similarly, the proposal does manage to possess just enough gravitas to compete with the Metropolitan House whilst maintaining a contemporary feel.
URBAN SQUARE A piece of nature
Natural landscape by Mars Architects. 2020 Paris SOURCE: Charly Broyez | Archdaily.com
0m 1m
3m
5m
SITE PLAN Upper Floors
View out of my proposal towards James Thormond’s proposal
SCALE 1:250
1 32 |
0m
3m
5m
SITE PLAN Ground Floor
Cleaver Square in Kennington. Hoggin surface
SOURCE: Alamy.com
Proposal. Street level entrance
SCALE 1:500
1 34 |
0m
5m
10m
GROUND FLOOR Transparency
Basilica Palladiana (1494) by Andrea Palladio SOURCE: wikipedia.com
Proposal. Comercial space
1. Commercial space lobby 2. Commercial space 3. Commercial lift 4. Commercial space internal lobby 5. Service / cleaner’s cupboard 6. Storage 7. Residential staircase 8. Residential lift 9. Residential lobby 10. Refuse store 11. Pavement 12. Asphalt (Kingsland Rd.) 13. Hoggin 14. Paved area SCALE 1:100
1 36 |
0m
1m
2m
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7 13
2
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5 9
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