Timber Structure

Model 1 - Exploring the ship making process. Ribs sit on top of the keel to form the structure for the body.

Model 1 - Flipping the model. The keel acting as a central beam with ribs holding it up. Model 2 - Ribs can be triangulated to create a stronger and more attractive structure.

The concept for the timber structures comes from the ship building process of laying the keel. This is seen as a significant moment in the shipmaking process.

The design of the structure intended to celebrate this laying of the keel. The main structure consists of 2 beams which are held up by a series of horizontal ribs. The design of the structure is intended to provide a spaces which reconnect and celebrate the art of shipmaking.

Model 3 - Two central keels, set 500mm apart to allow a strip of central light into the building, celebrating the keel. The 2 Keel’s are held up by a series of triangulated timber ribs at a span of every 6m.

Concept inspired partly by Yountville Town Center, California, USA by Siegel + Strain Architects

Timber Structure Sizing:

Glue-Laminated beams will be used for the main Keel Beams as each of these beams are 35m in length. The beams will be supported by ribs at 6m intervals, therefore, Fig.1 states that the beam requires the minimum dimensions of 310mm x 77mm. However, because of the length of the beams and for the Architectural effect of highlighting the keel, a larger dimension of 500mm x 150mm will be used.

Other beams will require a minimum dimension of 300mm x 100mm for a span of 4.25m as illustrated in Fig.2. Beams will require a minimum dimension of 500mm x 150mm for a span of 12m.

The ribs which hold up the keel beams are essentially structural arches which connect at the central keel. Therefore, Fig.3. highlights that the required dimensions for these ribs are 350mm x 70mm. However, after deliberating with the structural engineer, a figure of 400mm x 150mm is deemed to provide a much more rigid structure.

Lastly, Fig.4 provides dimensions for the timber studwork of 38mm x 89mm.

Fig.1. Architect’s Studio Companion used to derive structural thicknesses for Glue Laminated Beams

Fig.2. Architect’s Studio Companion used to derive structural thicknesses for timber beams

Fig.3. Architect’s Studio Companion used to derive structural thicknesses for Timber Arches

Fig.2. Architect’s Studio Companion used to derive structural thicknesses for timber studwork.