Year 3 Studio Project, 2022 - 2023 &rchitecture Atelier - The Social Inclusivity Atelier
The Burnley Family Reconciliation Centre endeavours to restore harmony amongst families affected by divorce through a captivating blend of creativity and formality. By immersing individuals in a carefully crafted physical space, this sanctuary eliminates the necessity for conventional counselling approaches, striving instead to kindle reconciliation through interactive and introspective means. Within its walls, vibrant activity areas facilitate the rekindling of love and kinship as children engage with one another, defusing tension and granting couples the opportunity to reconnect and seek reconciliation. Simultaneously, the inclusion of tranquil reflection gardens offers serene havens for contemplation, enabling couples to introspectively evaluate their relationships whilst their children revel in the buildings nurturing atmosphere. Through the harmonious integration of these methods, the Burnley Family Reconciliation Centre holisticly provides a path to familial reconciliation, all within the confines of its architecturally inspired environment.
Burnley & Divorce: A Regional Crisis Daniel & Kelly’s Reconciliation Story
Burnley has the second highest divorce rate in the entirety of Lancashire at 10.33%, higher than the national average of 3%. For every 100 residents in Burnley, 10 are divorced.
Divorce And The Cost Of Living Crisis
Daniel and Kelly Live in Burnley, UK, where divorce rates are 10.3%, higher than the national average of 9.3% in 2021. This means for every 100 residents in Burnley, 10 are divorced.
Daniel and Kelly are divorced. Kelly resides in Stoneyholme with her two children Jack and Amelia, whilst Daniel lives alone in Burnham Gate.
The Burnley Family Reconciliation Centre allows Daniel to spend time with his children, Jack and Amelia. It serves as a safe haven for visitation and repairing his relationship with Kelly.
Daniel and Kelly initially hesitate to talk to each other, but as their children laugh and play, the tension eases, and they start interacting with each other through their children, facilitated by the buildings activity walls.
Least Deprived
More Deprived
Relative Level of Deprivation 2021
In a report conducted by the Lancashire city council in 2021 using the English indices of deprivation, Burnley is classified as the most deprived town in Lancashire. This existing deprivation, alongside the present cost of living crisis puts further strain onto families, leading to higher levels of divorce and family separation.
As Jack and Amelia join the other children in the building to play, Daniel and Kelly decide to go upstairs to the reflection garden. This peaceful space allows them to have a private conversation about their relationship.
Daniel and Kelly openly express their regret over the way their marriage ended. They both acknowledge the importance of raising their children in a nuclear family and are willing to take gradual steps towards reconciliation.
As the day winds down, Daniel lovingly embraces his children and bids them farewell. Just as he is about to leave, Kelly expresses her enjoyment of the day and suggests the possibility of arranging similar gettogethers on a weekly basis. She appreciates seeing Daniel actively engaged in playing with the children once again.
After several visits, Daniel and Kelly rekindle their relationship, breathing new life into it. Kelly agrees to let Daniel move back home and help raise their children, allowing them to live together as a nuclear family once more.
The interplay of materiality in the delicate transition between the outer and inner spaces embodies the transformative journey of family reconciliation. It captures the profound transition from the shadowy depths of solitude and isolation to the sacred embrace of sanctuary. The sombre facade tantalises, stirring an irresistible longing for the luminous interior, where tranquillity reigns in the absence of turmoil.
Through artful juxtapositions of natural and artificial light, along with generous open spaces, a profound symbiosis between humanity and nature emerges, beckoning individuals to delve into deep contemplation. Within these serene havens, couples find solace and a momentary respite to introspect, reflect, and engage in earnest dialogue to mend and enhance their relationships. The very architecture of these spaces serves as a catalyst, evoking a powerful emotional connection, and nurturing an atmosphere ripe for reconciliation.
BURNLEY FAMILY RECONCILIATION CENTRE
Adopting a circular economies perspective, a simplified and minimal palette of materials offers several benefits. This approach reduces the distance required to transport materials, which in turn leads to a decrease in embodied carbon. Furthermore, the use of mass timber construction promotes carbon negative design through carbon sequestration. By adopting this approach, the design aims to enhance the ecological state of the site and aligns with the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide. Overall, this approach supports a regenerative and locally-centric approach to construction that prioritises environmental sustainability.
Timber Cladding
Locally Sourced Sitka Spruce
Windows
Ecosense Glass Triple Glazed
Window Frame
Recyled Aluminium Frame
Black Falun Pigment
Applied Over Timber Cladding
Alternative to Charring
Sheathing
18mm OSB Panel
Ashcrete
Activity Walls
Sustainable Concrete Alternative
Primary Structure
Cross Laminated Timber Internal Wall Finish
Locally Sourced Prefabricated Panels
Knotted Cedar Locally Sourced Planter Boxes
Floor Finish
White Stained Cork
Insulation
Wood FIbre Based Insulation
Locally Sourced
A crafted sectional perspective that showcases the architectural intricacies and technical details, while a physical model of the climbing wall brings the design to life. This captivating synthesis embodies the fusion of creativity and precision, demonstrating the seamless integration of form and function in the buildings structure.
1. EPDM Roof Membrane
2. 200mm Wood Fibre Insulation
3. Timber Roof Joists
4. Insulation
Between Joists
5. 200mm CLT Structure
6. Suspended Ceiling Roof Joists
7. 25mm Stained Cork Ceiling
8. Aluminium Roof Flashing
9. Sitka Spruce Cladding
10. Horizontal
Battens
11. Vertical Counter
Battens
12. Breather Membrane
13.18mm OSB Sheathing
14. 200m Wood Fibre Insulation
15. Vapour Control
16. 200m Structural
Climbing Wall Section
1:5 Physical Tactile Model
17. 12mm Stained Cork Floor
18. 200mm Wood Fibre Insulation
19. Suspended Timber Floor
23. 25mm Stained
1:5 Physical Tactile Model
The environmental strategy is rooted in the principles espoused by the RIBA sustainable outcomes, deftly amalgamating methodologies to not only minimise embodied and operational carbon but also achieve carbon negativity and passivhaus design methodologies, thereby establishing itself as an exemplar of environmental stewardship. In addition to its commendable environmental performance, the edifice places a paramount emphasis on advancing health and well-being, fashioning a reconciliation hub that resonates at the very core of Burnley, prioritising the needs and aspirations of the community above all else.
MVHR system provides sustainable ventilation
Solar shades reduce overheating and provide user comfort
Utilising local materials to reduce carbon miles
Designing for the deconstruction of building elements
Designing for universal inclusivity and accessibility
Design spaces with good indoor daylighting
Create Places for social interaction
Create Secure places with overlooking views
Use of Solar energy to avoid fossil fuel usage
Use of energy efficient appliances to lower energy usage
Using mass timber construction to create carbon negative structures
Prioritising post life reuse of building materials
Provide Indoor and outdoor planted spaces
Design spaces with good indoor air quality
Create Secure spaces for privacy
Provide high quality links to social amenities
Year 3 Technologies Unit, 2023
Comprehensive Building Technical Study
The technologies unit at the Manchester School of Architecture synthesises knowledge about technical detailing and construction into a comprehensive building case study. Assigned separately to each atelier, the building chosen for the &rchitecture atelier is the Liverpool Everyman Theatre designed by Haworth Tompkins Architects. The building stands out as a central hub for the celebration of arts and theatre in Liverpool, and was chosen as the case study due to its exemplar environmental performance, achieving an excellent BREEAM rating. The case study involves a comprehensive study into the building, assessing and analysing its performance in terms of operational and embodied carbon, structural build-up and chosen materials.
This comprehensive technical study of the Liverpool Everyman Theatre spans three pages and provides a thorough evaluation and analysis of various aspects pertaining to the building. It encompasses an assessment of the construction and material strategy, an examination of the energy and environment strategy, as well as a detailed analysis of the envelope assembly.
1. 1. Cantilever bracket attached to steel I Beam
2. LED downlight for night-time illumination
3. Aluminium bracket connecting beam that holds the LED light fittings
4. Steel beams connecting the roof to the solar shading facade panels
5. Aluminium Roof Flashingprevents water penetration for roof junction components
6. 300mm primary structure concrete roof slab
7. DPM
8. 150mm rigid insulation
9. EPDM roof finish
10. 8mm aluminium solar shading panel at 90 deg rotation
11. Steel U beam connecting the solar shading panel to the facade
12. Pivot arm facilitating solar shading panel rotation
13. Narrow profile aluminium framed sliding doors
14. Steel U beam connecting glazed panel balcony to the concrete floor slab
15. Glazed panels - walk-able balcony flooring
16. Wire mesh upholding LED sign
17. LED Everyman sign
18. Electrical and Telecom wires running through 200mm suspended ceiling void, powering LED light fittings and smoke alarm detectors.
19. Pipes carrying water for sprinklers for fire extinguishing.
20. Steel joists connecting the ceiling to the floor slab above, small holes cut through joist to allow for wires to run through if necessary
21. 15mm gypsum panel suspended ceiling
22. LED light fittings
23. Primary loadbearing concrete column
24. Ground floor primary loadbearing floor slab300mm thickness
25. DPM to prevent water penetration
26. 150mm rigid insulation below concrete screed
27. 75mm concrete screed below floor finish
28. 12mm matte finish laminate flooring.
Three Week Design Project
The three week technologies design project contributes to the full completion of the technologies unit at the Manchester School of Architecture, and asks students to take a fragment of their building and to iteratively test it, documenting the process and drafting a technical detail assembly of the developed design. As my project heavily focuses on the use of materiality using circular economy principles, I wanted to expand on this by creating a low tech, universal cladding system. The proposed suspended mesh system facilitates the effortless attachment of everyday household items, such as containers, as a means of cladding, thus rejuvenating these materials and averting their disposal in landfills. By adhering to circular economy principles, this approach contributes to a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach. The system undergoes iterative testing to assess its environmental and operational performance, as well as its ease of assembly. Ultimately, it yields a sustainable cladding system that can be seamlessly integrated into the design of my building, replacing the existing cladding as it reaches the end of its lifespan.
The three-week design project centers on the development of a universal cladding system grounded in the principles of a circular economy. By employing low-tech construction methods, this project aims to enable the attachment of everyday items as cladding elements, thereby mitigating landfill waste and fostering a sustainable circular economy.
1. M6 Locking Nut & Bolt (1) The locking nut connects the bracket to the horizontal L plate. This allows the bracket to be easily detached if it needs to be replaced.
2. Horizontal L Plate
The Horizontal L plate spans across the top of the cladding and suspends the metal sheet from the structure. This gives separation for ventilation, preventing mould and mildew, and keeps water from ingressing into the buildings structure.
3. Steel U Bracket (1)
The steel U bracket is an important joint, as it connects the suspended perforated sheet to the horizontal L plate. They are spaced in 100mm increments, allowing it to handle the load of the cladding. The system is attached exclusively by nuts and bolts, allowing the metal sheet to be easily replaced at the end of its service life, and minimising waste by disassembly through hand tools only.
4. M6 Locking Nut & Bolt (2)
The locking nut connects the metal sheet to the horizontal batten. Using the holes already existing in the sheet, it is tightened on the opposite side by a nut, creating a secure connection suspending the metal sheet from the structure.
5. Self Tapping Screw
The self tapping screw connects the horizontal L plate to the buildings structure. Self tapping screws do not require pre drilled holes, therefore this allows for faster installation. This is designed to be a more permanent fixture, as the horizontal L plate does not need to be replaced, and it has to carry the loads of the metal sheet and the attached cladding.
6. 5mm Perforated Zinc Metal Sheet
The Perforated Zinc metal sheet acts as a “grid system” where the multitude of holes allow for different sizes and shapes of cladding to be attached using nuts and bolts, creating a universal cladding system. The use of zinc is a conscious decision, as it has a service life of up to 100 years, which allows it to be used for 2-3 cycles of cladding. Moreover zinc is the fourth most recycled metal in the world, and can be recycled without any loss of quality, contributing to a circular economy.
7. Waterproofing Membrane
The waterproofing membrane is exposed on the exterior, and is used a second barrier of protection after the cladding to protect the cladding from the elements, if any water was to make it through the cladding and the ventilation gap.
8. 18mm OSB Sheathing
The 18mm OSB sheathing is lightweight, which allows it to be efficiently installed. Furthermore, as its constructed from recycled wood chips, this lowers the embodied carbon of the envelope system.
9. Plastic Containers / Recycled Plastic Shingle
In this system, I have chosen to use plastic containers and recycled plastic shingles ,to use recycled plastics donated by the community to avoid landfill waste and contribute to a circular economy. However in this universal system, any item can be attached, but its crucial that is thoroughly tested, such as being able to resist weather loads and to be fire resistant to ensure occupant safety.
10. M6 Locking Nut & Bolt (3)
M6 Locking nuts and bolts can be used to attach and secure the cladding items to perforated metal sheet, creating an efficient securing system through the use of hand tools, allowing for the quick attachment and detachment of the cladding. The nuts and bolts can be reused for different claddings, further minimising waste.
11. Steel U Bracket (2)
A steel U bracket is used to attach the spring system at the bottom of the cladding system. This attaches by using an M6 nut and bolt to secure it to the metal sheet, allowing for the springs to be easily replaced.
12. M6 Locking Nut & Bolt (4)
The M6 nut and bolt is used to attach the bracket to the metal sheet. This allows is to be easily assembled and removed, incase of failure to the springs.
13. Tension Spring
The tension spring aids in improved wind resistance, keeping the zinc sheet stable under wind loads as the sheet is only 5mm thick. This further helps the sheet not detach from the building, improving the systems safety. These are spaced every 100mm to provide sufficient stability.
In addition to my studies in architecture, I have undertaken investigations into alternative avenues through which architects and designers can promote awareness of the climate crisis. My personal endeavours revolve around employing photography as a powerful tool for fostering awareness. Within my initial series, titled “Trashscapes,” I diligently gather discarded items discovered within urban settings, subsequently transforming them into sculptures. By doing so, I aim to emphasise the prolonged persistence of these materials in our surroundings, as they do not readily decompose. The second series, aptly named “Debris,” endeavours to draw attention to the issue of marine pollution. This is accomplished by employing a blend of digital and photographic media, wherein I capture and collage shoreline litter, rendering it seemingly suspended within the oceanic environment. This technique effectively underscores the escalating magnitude of waste accumulation within our oceans. Overall, my progression as a prospective architect has been driven significantly by my commitment to heightening environmental awareness, and I continue to explore how this objective can be furthered through the utilisation of alternative artistic mediums.
The series “Trashscapes” encompasses the collection of discarded items within an urban setting, subsequently transforming them into sculptures. This artistic endeavor serves to elucidate the entrenchment of these items within our environment, owing to their protracted decomposition process. Through this creative approach, awareness is raised regarding the detrimental consequences of littering and improper disposal practices.
The series entitled “Debris” highlights marine pollution by means of digital and photographic mediums. This series encompasses the collection of discarded objects found along shorelines, rendered to create the illusion of suspension within the ocean’s depths. Through this artistic approach, the series effectively underscores the escalating concern of marine pollution.
