CANOPY HEIGHTS REON ROBERTS A1774653
CONTENTS 1........................................SITE 5................CONCEPT DESIGN 9...................................FRAME 13..................................FORM 17......................COMMUNITY
SITE ANALYSIS Located in between the steep slopes of the Adelaide foothills, the Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is an idyllic setting for having picnics, walking, and hiking, just tucked away from the bustle of the city. The treehouse will complement the natural beauty of the site, and support tourism and recreation in the park. Â The proposed site for the tree house sits on the banks of Brownhill creek, and can be accessed by a road, and the Wirraparinga walking trail.
Elevation map of Brownhill creek - Site
HISTORY
Brown Hill creek, also known as Willawilla in the Kaurna language, formed a favorite camping, hunting and gathering area for the local aboriginal people. Once Europeans arrived, the area was settled soon after the survey for the Adelaide Plains was completed. From 1837, the area was used mostly for farming. Small dams were also constructed, and mining occurred in the upper part of the creek for a short period. The Brownhill Creek valley camping ground was declared later in 1954, but it wouldn’t be until 1972 that the Brownhill creek Recreation park would be established to preserve the riparian ecosystem, and create recreation opportunities. KEY:
Site Brown Hill Creek Road Brown Hill Creek Willawilla trail
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FLORA AND FAUNA
Eucalyptus trees form the main canopy in the valley, with olive trees lining the lower slopes of the hills. Native shrubs and grass cover the ground, creating groves along the pathway. This creates important habitat for native birds and other animals such as koalas.
WEATHER
Winter in the area is cold and wet, whereas summer is normally warm and dry. Wind is often funneled through the valley and can become quite strong (up to 50km/hr) during various weather events throughout the year.
POTENTIAL FOR TOURISM
The site offers easy access to the city and the Adelaide hills, with public transport available nearby. Numerous cafes and restaurants can be found in the nearby Mitchum area. In Brownhill recreation park, various walking and cycling trails lead through the old river red gum trees where native animals, and Remanent buildings from the early 1900’s can be seen. Three scenic trails run through the park, including the Wirraparinga trail loop, Brownhill creek and Belair hike loop, and the Brownhill creek heritage trail. The tree house will complement the accommodation options available at the nearby Brownhill creek tourist park, which includes camping, caravan and cabin. A swimming pool and playground is also available.
The sun on the 21st of December at 12pm
Facilities abailable at the caravan park
The sun on the 21st of June at 12pm
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A view to a historic building on a walking trail
BROWNHILL CREEK
NEW PLANTING AT THE PARK
A NATURAL POOL ALONG THE CREEK
AN OLD GUM TREE
VIEW UP THE ADJACENT HILL FACE
OPEN SPACE AT THE PARK
THE PATH TO THE SITE
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THE CHOSEN TREE The selected tree is located near the middle of the site, located in between the creek edge and walking trail. This tree was chosen for the spacious area around it, and for its mostly straight trunk. This allows for the exploration of multiple design options.
A short walk down the dirt path leads to a large grassy area surrounded by the slopes of the hills on one side, and the creek on the other.
The view from the tree looks over the sunny grassy area to the tree covered hills face on one side, and down to the creek on the other side. Views into the tree canopy can be seen in all directions from the tree where animals such as birds and koalas can be found.
The tree has forking branches which continue up to the canopy. This shades the surrounding area, and creates a relaxing an serene place.
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CONCEPT DESIGN The first step taken in designing the concept was to analyze the site and views from the tree. As shown in the sketch to the right, the main views worth designing around are to the north over the grassy area to the tree covered hill face, to the south through a gap in the trees over the creek, and into the canopy of the adjacent trees to the west.
Next, various form sketches were made that make the most of these views. The second option is most ideal as it offers an interesting form that is also wraps around the tree. The first option would likely be obstructed by branches on the trees east side.
VIEWS FROM THE TREE
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The next step taken was to analyze the characteristics of the tree to help develop a design language. In particular, the forking of the tree, which could be recreated from timber. When viewed from the inside, the timber will mimic the form and shadows of the branches.
1. An image of the tree was used to inspire the first part of the design process.
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2. The tree was sketched, so that it could be further understood and abstracted.
3. Precedents were analyzed to help determine design possibilities.
4. Next, ideas were explored through sketches. Above shows a way in which wood could be used to imitate the forking of the tree branches.
After this stage, followed further experimentation and design iteration. First was a sketch that attempted to combine the forms generated from exploring the views around the site, and the forms of the tree. Then a model was made which looked at how the structural elements might impact the design.
This design is successful in combining the previously explored ideas, but is still too box like, and may not fit in its natural setting.
The design of the frame further resolves the design by determining how the access and circulation could work. The design is still too rigid however.
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Shown to the right is the final design for the tree house. Issues regarding its form are resolved, and it now has a much more organic aesthetic. It is carefully designed to face the most striking views up to the hills and across the creek, and holes in the cladding are designed to create dappled light that mimicks the effect created by tree branches. A final important aspect of the design is the balcony, which shares a similar form as the main structure, and provides an outdoor space raised in the canopy. This helps to provide an important connection with the surrounding nature.
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FRAME The treehouse is constructed primarily from timber. Straight columns lift the design two meters above the ground, supporting the balcony and the main treehouse. The facade is supported by a ribbed structure, which encloses the three internal levels. The structure maintains many elements with the frame for the previous design iteration. The main change being that the final design has a ribbed structure supporting the cladding as opposed to a more conventional construction. A ribbed structure is something that can be found in nature, particularly in plants such as cacti. In the example shown below, ribs form near the base, and meet in the center at the top. Spines then protrude from these to form an outer layer.
By imitating natural structure, the treehouse is better able to fit in its natural setting, as it is easier to design organic forms. This can be seen by comparing the structure of the final design with that of the earlier iteration.
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FRAME
INTERNAL LEVELS
CLADDING
The ribbed structure supports the cladding, and is raised above the ground on ten stilts.
The three internal floors are staggered at different levels to create a variety of indoor spaces and views outwards.
The cladding creates a barrier to the weather, and has an organic aesthetic.
The floor plans and sections of the tree house are shown below. The entry and bathroom will be located on the lowest level, which connects outside to the balcony. The middle level will have the kitchen, as well as one fold down bed, and one bed that doubles as sitting space. In the upper level will be sleeping room for two people.
LOWER FLOORS
NORTH SECTION
UPPER FLOOR
EAST SECTION 11
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FORM The form of the tree house plays an important part in ensuring that the design compliments its setting amongst the gum trees at Brown Hill Creek Recreation Park. It achieves this by mimicking the irregular shapes and curves of tree trunks and branches. Another important aspect of the design is the relationship between the tree house and the balcony. These two forms complement each other, and could be interpreted as two branches growing next to each other, or two leaves hanging from a gum tree.
VIEW FROM INSIDE THE TREEHOUSE
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SOUTH WEST VIEW OF THE TREE HOUSE
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SECTION AND SITE PLAN
COMMUNITY To further enhance the tourism and recreational potential of the park, the treehouse design will be incorporated as part of a treehouse community. This allows more people to stay at the site, widening the scope of activities that can be enjoyed from the site.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Nature Watching The treehouses are designed to frame views into the canopy and natural environment. Otherwise, nature can be viewed along the many trails in the park.
Walking and Cycling The tree house community provides a convenient place to enjoy the activities that are already popular at the park.
Guided Tours The community serves as a base point where tours through the park and into the city and Adelaide hills can begin.
Nature Play A nature play space is intended to be included as part of the proposal. This allows for a hands on and interactive outdoor play experience, complementing the existing open spaces and trails.
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5. Key:
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1. Nature Play Space 2. Walking Trail 3. Tree Houses 4. Brown Hill Creek 5. Brown Hill CreekRd
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South East View of Treehouses
Nature Play Space
The tree houses are arranged to face away from each other, so as to create the sense of seclusion and privacy.
The nature play will include rocks, logs, and stumps. This allows kids to use their imagination and invent their own gamed in a tactile and engaging natural environment.
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