Sebastian Birch_Y4 | Unit 14 | Bartlett School of Architecture

THE CARPENTER’S GUILDHOUSE -

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THE CARPENTER’S GUILDHOUSE

A PROTOTYPE FOR INTERROGATING THE GERMAN TIMBER FRAME

LÜBECK, GERMANY

The project imagines a future guildhouse for timber framers (Zimmerleute), sited in the northern German city of Lübeck, building on the history of this dead but formerly valuable typology. Working from a research phase investigating the possibilities of a complex series of nodal glulam components, the project speculates on the development of glulam fabrication technologies specifically with a focus on connection strategies (which typically govern the performance of timber structures). The building is made up of a series of prefabricated components with nodal connections built in which can be assembled on site. The project looks to leverage the expressive possibilities of the system, treading the line between referencing the traditions of craftsperson organisation in Germany and a future typology influenced by digital possibilities.

Project statement:

The project imagines a future guildhouse for timber framers (Zimmerleute), sited in the northern German city of Lübeck, building on the history of this dead but formerly valuable typology. Working from a research phase investigating the possibilities of a complex series of nodal glulam components, the project speculates on the development of glulam fabrication technologies specifically with a focus on connection strategies (which typically govern the performance of timber structures). The building is made up of a series of prefabricated components with nodal connections built in which can be assembled on site. The project looks to leverage the expressive possibilities of the system, treading the line between referencing the traditions of craftsperson organisation in Germany and a future typology influenced by digital possibilities.

1. Natural taper of spruce pole allows a tighter bend at the top of the curve

Hooke Park Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Structural Performance: Use of Deformability

The workshop building at Hooke Park demonstrates a novel application for green roundwood thinnings, a waste product of forest management. The concept was to use the wood in a prestressed condtion as flexible poles, bent while the wood was still wet and deformable. The form of the roof shell holds the members in their prestressed position, mitigating the effects of creep.

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1. Concrete footing

2. Steel plate and strap connection secures roundwood of varying sizes

3. Spruce pole bent to shape when green

2. Bolted lap/scarf joint secures bent timbers in pre-stressed position

3. Fibreglass wrapping adds final security to joint

Hooke Park Training Centre

Assembly Strategy: Simple Components

Novel jointing and assembly methods were developed for using this underused material. Conceived as a kit of components slotting together, poles were bent into place using the foundation as a jig. Keeping the poles as roundwood meant that knot defects did not affect cold bending due to fibre continuity. The PVC coated membrane, nailed to arches, acts as a further tensile element in the crossbraced system.

Green spruce poles fixed to upstand Poles cold bent into ‘pre-stressed’ form purlins and crown elements maintain shell

PVC membrane acts as tensile element in shell system

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Basketry

Initial Investigation

Basketry investigated as approach for making interwoven structures using deformable but rigid material. Different approaches can be taken for holding the material in its stressed form. Generally members restrain each other through wrapping, tying or interlocking. There are 3 main kinds of basket construction: coiled, frame/weave (both with primary and secondary members) and matted/plaited (homogeneous).

Methods to be adapted (artefacts)

Out of the series of manufacture techniques 3 were judged as containing potential for an architectural application for building with a deformable member: 01. frame and weave construction to introduce heirarchy into a structure 02. tri-axial weaving which can be densified and allows for a surface condition 03. splitting of members allows for varied conditions of overlap.

2.0 Frame and Weave Construction (Lattice)

1.1 Single coil

2.1 Braid and sewn 2.2 Single twine

2.3 Double twined 2.4 Wrapped intersections

1.2 Double coil

1.3 Twill effect

Manufacture

Twill (shifted intersections)

3.0 Plaitted Construction

2.1 Frame and Weave Construction (Parallels)

Hooke Park Training Centre

Frame and Weave Basket

Hierarchal (primary and secondary members) basket weaving is an interesting precedent for scaling up to architectural scale. A shift between moments of structural support and areas of infill/redundancy would be both practical and could be an opportunity for expression.

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

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1. Primary structure (frame)

2. Secondary weaving holds frame in place (moving element)

Potential for creating strong, stiff areas of surface which can vary in density. Possibility to insert further members to strengthen locally.

Hooke Park Training Centre

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Tri-axial weave (kagome) basket

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1. Tri-axial weave made of 3 members

Member splitting technique (rokansai basketry) Splitting of members can enable a transition between structural elements and between woven surfaces.

Highly

Artefact 01: Column studies

Investigating the

for a

potential

tectonic strategy using the deformable timber member at the building scale. Initial study looks at the column as a series of woven members.

Basic weave: most likely fixed intersections

Braid posible with 4 members +

tensioned weave creates intersection of greater tortion/deformity

Condensed weave is more dynamic

Spatial Testing

Artefact 01: Column studies - most effective

Two studies judged most effective are based on a three-member intersection with a braided weave (diagonal crossing pattern), and a hierarchal weave pattern where a smaller flexible moving element binds together the 3 standards.

Frame + moving element column

The tri-axial weave could be applied at a building scale to create a series of interlocking/interweaving spaces. Deformable members form a skeleton which gains supports from those interlocking with it.

Hooke Park Training Centre

Artefact 02: Braided System

Series of braided members have the potential to form a system, with members scarf or finger jointed to become continuous

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

1. 4-way braid forms floor member

2. 3-way braid as column

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Park Training Centre

Basic Variations of Column/Beam Laminations crosslamintion, branching, peeling, investigated as lamination approaches for member transition from column to beam. Opportunity to create continuous structure where lamination types can be optimally applied using this language.

Single-curved Low curvature

Double-curved Low curvature

Single-curved High curvature

Double-curved High curvature

r / 200 = lamella depth

Hooke

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

1.2 Crosslamination

1.3 Peeling

Curved Glulam Fabrication Procedure

Lamellae machined from raw timber

Twisted Lamination: Adding tortion to a glulam blank adds some fabrication complexity but could also be employed on single curved elements to add complexity with reduced steps

Existing optimisation approach for generic beam

compression

neutral axis

High grade timber in areas of higher stress/ strain

Hooke Park Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Glulam Systemics 01: Fabrication Procedure

The project speculates on the application of singly and doubly-curved laminated timber elements, forming the nodal conditions within a volumetric frame structure. It looks to intersect and develop the existing procedures for curved glulam fabrication outlined above.

Glulam Blank

Single Curvature Double Curvature

Lower grade timber (juvenile timber or greater knot density) in areas of lower stress/strain toward neutral axis

2 or 3 axis gluing on reconfigurable press Robotic mill shaping

Lamellae machined from raw timber

Typical Blank Types

A1. Straight blank for straight component

Glulam Blank Finished component machined within blank

A2. Finger jointed blanks for single curvature component

A3. Finger jointed blanks for double curvature component

Non-curved / Jointed Blanks

Single Curvature Blanks

B1. Single curvature blank for single curvature component

B2. Single curvature blank with integrated tortion

B3. Single curvature blank for double curvature component

Double Curvature Blanks

C1. Double curvature blank for double curvature component

C2. Double curvature blank with integrated twist

Hooke Park Training Centre

Glulam Systemics: Glulam Blank Types

Lower Grain allignment/continuity but faster fabrication time

Good grain allignment but limited formal complexity to single curvature

Good grain allignment but very limited formal complexity

Good grain allignment/continuity but complex fabrication procedure

Forming blanks can be a multi-stage procedure: when forming blanks with integrated tortion, for example (Svilans, 2020). Most industry standard methods sacrifice grain continuity and create a greater amount of waste. My project proposes a targeted application of high curvature limited to connection points, with the majority of the building being composed of straight, easily fabricated parts. Grain continuity is prioritised due to its structural benefits.

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Broadleaf tree stress adaptation: Junctions are concentrations of stress which the tree must adapt toward to resist (Mattheck)

Compression adaptation Tension adaptation

1. Orientation and intelocking of wood fibres at

Typical hardwood anatomy: Material Anisotropy down to cellular level

A. Wood fibres run axially (95%)

B. Wood rays

Form optimised for mechanical stress. Even a slight deviation results in much higher stresses (Mattheck)

tensile force

bending

2. Material optimised to resist tensile forces in broadleaf, compressive in conifer (reaction wood) at branch

Lath in gridshell : Use of deformable member to create single thin skin. Dynamically activated on site

Contemporary Glulam Manufacture: static aggregations of lamellas held in bending with glue assembled as ‘puzzle pieces’

Hooke Park Training Centre

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Notion of volumetric frame could be a way to break free of master surface adherence status quo in glulam construction

Spatial Strategy

Timber: Extreme Anisotropy, Continuous Grain Connections

Completed in 1989, the workshop building at Hooke Park demonstrates a novel application for green roundwood thinnings, a waste product of forest management, from the surrounding woodland. Typically of small diameter (50-100mm), the thinnings were cold bent into a series of rigid structural shells, creating a large span, yet lightwieght, striking space. Novel jointing and assembly methods were developed for using this underused material.

The anisotropic nature of timber can be harnessed by designing connections around a continuity of members within a lamination, as with tree branches. This can create highly stiff connections with minimal subtractive machining for the purpose of jointing.

‘fork’

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B.

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1. Primary Structure

2. Secondary Structure

3. Tertiary Structure

Hooke Park Training Centre

Establishing heirarchy within a component Multiple laminated elements can come together to form prefabricated building components with integrated hierarchy.

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

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3.

Hooke Park Training Centre

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Lamella to Lath: Transiation from member to tensile surface Possibility to create conncection to hanging roof surface using peeling lamination logic.

1. Laminated tensile connection

2. Single member surface

1. 2.

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Divergent Lamination

Weaving strategies can be interpreted more practically in timber construction as laminated connections. The language of interweaving and knotting, splitting and diverging can be applied well. Initial fragment re-interpreted as tri-member lamination. Members twist and split from oneanother to enable assembly.

Members can diverge to form different structural types Moments of divergence can also be varied to increase structural height, for example A more volumetric approach.

Hooke Park Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

1. Less complex curvature allows for larger scale lamination H=40mm

2. Higher degrees of curvature fulfilled by smaller lamellas H=3mm for 600mm radius

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Additional elements add strength and complexity Members twist and diverge from each other to meet others, providing structural height or moments of support. Lamination can be achieved through discretisation throughout the assembly. This could allow for targeted placement of high grade vs low grade timbers in response to stress distribution and curvature.

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Spatial Arrangements

Fragment 01: Modulating the ground

A variety of different node conditions for continuous member laminations can be produced by modulating the ground. Members bundle for column supports and stack where they need to span. Services ‘weave’ between the hollow nodes, a weaving of two systems.

Fragment 01: Continuity/Componentry

In contrast to the component based logic of members and connectors of previous frame systems, these arrangements make use of the anisotropic nature of timber by having connections built into the components. Just as the grain is continuous within the tree branch Lamellas are continous through the connections.

Hooke Park Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

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Hooke Park Training Centre

Fragment 02: Increased heirarchy within aggregations Different bundling strategies result in more differentiated structure. Integration of ancilliary elemtents (stairs, furniture) into member aggreagation allows continuity of design language.

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1. Series of cross-bracing elements act as tensile members

2. Floor geometry results from nodal twist

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Hooke Park

Fragment 02: Differentiated components

Greater differentiation is achieved through different aggregation strategies for building’s components. Aggregations could be optimised to perform strucurally.

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5. Possibility to integrate stair and other elements in same language

3. Column to beam transition can involve multiple members

4. Series of cross-bracing elements act as tensile members

A B C D E

1. Components gain complexity through integrated twists

2. Members can converge and split globally and within aggregation

Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Fabrication tests

Complex intersections and curvatures tested at model scale

4 way column/beam connection

Branching nodal element tested at 1:5 scale. Steam bending was employed as an appropriate technique for achieving curvatures at the model scale. Timber machined and jig fabrication for one member.

Timber steamed to achieve curvature

Bending jig fabricated

1. Bundled member 4-part

2. Bundled member 5-part

3. Stacked member 3-part

1. 45 degree mitre joint

2. 54 degree mitre joint

001. Single member cut and bent to test workflow

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CNC milling of parts prior to bending procedure for changing intersections

CNC toolpath to mill complex intersections of parts 002. Custom bending jigs place material in space and define bend for 8 distinct elements. Designed to be fabricated through planar cutting ie laser cut

Jig adjstment to include compression strap for tightest bends following failures

Compression strap added to reduce tensile forces during bend

Prototype 01: Milling and Jig Manufacture Complex milling operation creates intersections for steam bent pieces. While most machining in this instances occurs prior to bending, similarly to glulam construction bends need to be placed precisely in space, requiring the fabrication of a series of bending jigs.

1. Laser cut bending jig assembly

2. Bending procedure after steaming with jigs

3. Jigs including compression strap for most extreme bends

4. Final glue up - use of clamps and tornique collars to pull steambent parts together.

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Series of bending jigs fabricated for assembly. (right) 45 degree mitre connection when 4 members bundle (left)

Jig fabrication

Branching nodal element tested at 1:5 scale. Steam bending was employed as an appropriate technique for achieving curvatures at the model scale. Timber machined and jig fabrication for one member.

A. 45 degree mitre for 4-part bundle, B. Stacked face-joints, C. 54 degree mitre for 5-part bundle

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C.

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Prototype 01: Milling and Jig Manufacture Complex milling operation creates intersections for steam bent pieces. While most machining in this instances occurs prior to bending, similarly to glulam construction bends need to be placed precisely in space, requiring the fabrication of a series of bending jigs.

1. Laser cut bending jig assembly

2. Bending procedure after steaming with jigs

3. Jigs including compression strap for most extreme bends

4. Final glue up - use of clamps and tornique collars to pull steambent parts together.

A. 45 degree mitre for 4-part bundle, B. Stacked face-joints, C. 54 degree mitre for 5-part bundle

Jig fabrication

Branching nodal element tested at 1:5 scale. Steam bending was employed as an appropriate technique for achieving curvatures at the model scale. Timber machined and jig fabrication for one member.

A. 45 degree mitre for 4-part bundle

B. Stacked face-joints, C. 54 degree mitre for 5-part bundle

B.

C.

A.

Prototype 01: Milling and Jig Manufacture Complex milling operation creates intersections for steam bent pieces. While most machining in this instances occurs prior to bending, similarly to glulam construction bends need to be placed precisely in space, requiring the fabrication of a series of bending jigs.

Hanseatic League Associated Cities Hanseatic League Chief Cities Other Important Trade Centres Hanseatic area of influence

Brief Research

Reinterpreting the medieval craft guild for a contemporary context

Guildhouse Locations and Significance of guild typology in the Hanseatic cities Guildhouses can be found throughout Germany as a remnant of past forms of production and management. Often these buildings took on a civic role, a function which continues today but divorced from a production context. Particularly the northern cities of Lubeck, Hamburg and Bremen enjoyed prosperity under the guild system as members of the Hanseatic League: a trading body controlling 13th- 15th century commercal activity in northern Europe.

Lübeck in north of the country has strong history of guild controlled production. Formerly known as the ‘key to europe’, the central hanseatic city

3. Clothmakers Guildhouse Braunschweig (1591)

4. Carpenter’s Guildhouse Zurich (1430)

2. Butcher’s Guildhouse Hildesheim (1529)

1. Shoemaker’s Guildhouse Münster (1589)

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Bremen. Hamburg. Brunswick. Cologne.

Danzig. Stettin.

Riega.

Revin. Visby.

Stockholm.

Lübeck.

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4.

3.

The Guildhouseas a civic building

The Guild house (Gildehaus or Zunfthaus) fulfilled a civic function for guild members. Often they were a place of lively activity: for gathering (feasting, festivals) and knowledge exchange, regulating work (apprentice examinations) and commercial activity (a market and fair space). Especially in industrial towns these concentration of skilled work, embodied by the Guildhouse, becomes a principle part of urban society and culture.

Guildhouse Functions

Master

Regulation of labour

Collective devolution carried out

Journeyman

Protection of self-interest

Lobbying of rulers for priveleges

Regulation of products

Inspection of product quality

Regulation of market and materials

Innovation exchange/regulation

hereditary admission common

Requirement for skill exchange

Guild Assembly and Festivities

Tradition of travelling once appreticeship ends still remains today

Apprentice

Decentralised Production

Commercial trading at markets/fairs

11th Century: Decentralised production first organises into guilds in cities

12th-15th Century: Merchant and craftguilds enjoy prosperity in period of evolving global trade.

16th-17th Century: Emergence of regulated companiesand other associations of wealthy merchant capitalists leaves guilds

Hooke Park Training Centre

19th-20th Century: abolition of craft associations in Europe in favour of industrial methods with centralised organsiation of manufacture.

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

21st century: rise in more affordable methods of digital manufacture allows for a return of artisanism

Spatial Strategy

Completed in 1989, the workshop building at Hooke Park demonstrates a novel application for green roundwood thinnings, a waste product of forest management, from the surrounding woodland. Typically of small diameter (50-100mm), the thinnings were cold bent into a series of rigid structural shells, creating a large span, yet lightwieght, striking space. Novel jointing and assembly methods were developed for using this underused material.

The Guild as protector of the crafts and an organizational body The guild reflected a predilection for ordering society. Each guild set the terms of its craft: the forms of labor, standard of product, and methods of sale. The educational structure of the guld sought to regulate and organise labour, a tradition which continues today. The guildhouse was the centrepoint for logistics and commercial transaction. Innovation was encourged through exchange and conversation.

Monarch Clergy

buttons

Buttons symbolise the working week: 6 on the front for 6 days work, 8 internally for 8 hours a day

Headwear

Different hats denote ranks of craftspeople.

60 km radius around home

Apprentice aged 14-16

Journeyman’s piece after 3 years

3 years of travel honing craft

Journeyman

Traveller’s bundle

On one’s journey only specific items can be taken: tools, a change of clothes. Work is undertaken for bed and board.

earring traditionally paid for burial

hats denote years travelled

Traditional vs. Digital Production

Walking stick carved

Flared work trousers

The trousers originate from the shipping industry where they could be easily removed if in water.

Masterpiece and Master exam

‘Bundesgeschirr’ or ‘Joining tools’ are carried on the crafsperson’s journey

Travel in specific styles of dress

Master

Carpenter’s sidgel still employed: written is ‘Praise the carpenter’s art’

Carpenter (Zimmerman) continued cultural significance

Many traditions from the era of craft-guild organisation still remain today in the lives of craftspeople in the countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, most notably the training system from apprentice to master, styles of dress denoting rank, and the practice of taking a journey. The project taps into these ritualistic and traditional practices: in an age where the landscape of production for these practices is shifting toward digital manufacture.

Programmatic diagram

Collective devolution carried out

Lobbying for privileges

robotics and fabrication

Co-ordination of robotic fabrication and A.I. in construction research

Leading of prototyping research and its distribution

Guild Board of Masters

commercial director

Sourcing of raw materials, relationship to forestry, debating trade agreements, commercial guild interests

near future zimmermann?

High-tech meets tradition with the inhabitants of the near future guildhouse who retain some aspects of traditional dress, like headwear education director

Delivery and regulation of apprenticeship training, inspection of masterpieces and examination

chief Lobbyist

Political guild representative, lobbying for representation of crafts, guild priveledges

Hooke Park Training Centre

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, En

The benefits of contemporary guild organisation

ceremonial director

Leading of ceremonial roles, festivities, guild assembly

A contemporary carpenter’s guild could be structured to engage with these requirements, encouraging a relationship between traditional craft and digital technology, allowing collaborative access to digital tools, knowledge and information and retaining the value of traditional cultural practices. The guild would seek to engage with all levels of the timber building supply chain, encouraging a more sustainable, research-driven construction: a challenge to contemporary norms.

Inspection of product quality

Innovation exchange/regulation

Guild Assembly

Commercial trading

Meeting rooms/ offices

Atrium/exhibition space

Prototyping workshop

Lecture Theatre Library

Tavern

Trading rooms

Hooke Park Training Centre

by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, En

Death of the crafts, rise of the post-industrial digital?

Access to digital manufacture at small scale is an emerging industrial artisanism

Potentials of digital manufacture tapped into at small scale level but with benefits of collaboration?

Artisanal

historic resistance to machine production

Nottingham

The crafts are in decline throughout Europe as highly industrialised, centralised forms of production continue to dominate. While there is some recent resurgence in interest in these forms of making, many traditional methods of manufacture seem at odds with the technology focussed ambitions of digital manufacture, especially those employed in the most advanced large scale manufacture. However do the possibilities of digital manufacture as tools become more available not suggest a possibility for a return of artisanism and skilled craft?

Possible Sites in Old City, Lübeck, Hansestadt

The historic city centre in Lübeck is separated from the rest of the city by the Trave river. Historically this was the cetnre of trade for the Hanseatic league and much of the city’s architecture developed during this era. The gable end dominates and creates a cityscape of highly expressive facades. While the historic architecture which survives offers a strong contextual precedent for any intervention, the city also suffered heavy bomb damage during WWII, leading to hurried developments which are now being torn down.

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1. Fisch Straße - Post-war construction infilling bombed voids now being replaced

2. Lübeck Market Square - one of two main city squares

3. Petersgrube- Gable-end alongside contemporary infill

4. Hundestraße - one of many streets defined by adjacent gable ends with varied characters

5. 5 Church steeples are key landmarks

6. Koberg Square - one of two main city squares

Old City suffers high level of bomb damage

Offices for Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Hogehus buildings ca. 1890

Schiffersgesellschaft

Chosen site Existing Gable-end removed

Koberg Square City's central square plays host to festivals and events throughout year. Re-pedestrianised in 2010

Unfolded elevation: site one of many gable ends

Site location

Site Context: St Jakobi Square Main square to the north of the city defined by gable end facades. A fairly constrained site, the project seeks a prototypical study of contemporary fabrication and construction apporaches in relation with a historic context.

Chosen site

Heiligen Geist Hospital Restored landmark ca. 1286

Rear yards of city make up predominant green space

Ernestinen Gymnasium School Education for ages 11-18 ca. 1830

Former sailor's guildhouse ca. 1538

Lübeck Chamber of Crafts offices

St Jakobi Cathedral One of the 5 Cathedrals on the old city island ca. 1334

Medieval Timber Frame Construction: a hybrid between frame and infill Timber frames throughout Germany and Central Europe offer precedent for reinterpretation using contemporary fabrication and constructional methods. A way to form surface from members.

as more

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2.

1.1 Wattle and Daub: most traditional infill of woven timber frame and lime render provides breathable skin for the building

1.2 Brick infill: over time bricks replace infill

practical, semi-industrial solution

2. Traditional framing system: single skin wall relying on pegged mortice and tennon connections

The Gable End type dominates the cityscape in Lübeck. Often these facades would be expressions of place, wealth, ownership and use in their ornamentation. Lübeck has a long history of building in brick due to the availability of clay in the Northern German Plain. Brick would eventually come to dominate the city-scape, although most buildings remained hybrids of brick and timber, the older building material.

Lübecker Gable End Type

Hooke Park Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Hooke Park Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, En

Spatial Strategy

Contemporary Guildhouse Programme Arrangements

Could a contemporary interpretation of the Gildehaus not again fulfil a civic, commercial and educational function and so provide a space for rediscovering the relevance of craft?

Completed in 1989, the workshop building at Hooke Park demonstrates a novel application for green roundwood thinnings, a waste product of forest management, from the surrounding woodland. Typically of small diameter (50-100mm), the thinnings were cold bent into a series of rigid structural shells, creating a large span, yet lightwieght, striking space. Novel jointing and assembly methods were developed for using this underused material.

Lobbying for priveleges

Collective devolution carried out

Inspection of product quality

Innovation exchange/regulation

Meeting rooms/ offices Atrium/exhibition space

Prototyping workshop

Lecture Theatre Library Tavern Trading floor

Guild Assembly and Festivities

Commercial trading at markets/fairs

1. The attic: Ceremonial rooms and Library

2. Offices and prototyping

3. Member's quarters (Gesellen Herberge)

4. Member's tavern

5. Public tavern

6. Exhibitions

7. Lecture hall 8. Trading Floor

Hooke Park Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Massing study: Stacked organisation Stepped timber construction using contiuous nodal connection to creates stacked assembly flanked by existing buildings

Massing studies: Structural

Hooke Park Training Centre by ABK, Buro Happold, Frei Otto in Dorset, England

Approach Stepped timber construction using contiuous nodal connection to creates stacked assembly

Building

Genesis

Building genesis describes key moves and ambitions. The guildhouse is designed around a number of private and public functions, seeking to act as a locus point for contemporary crafts and also take on a civic role in the city: providing space for congregation and craft appreciation within an extraordinary timber structure.

01. Lübeck as former metropolis surrounded by current production centres

04. Public hall set back from street

07. Branching transfer structure above party walls allows 3-part organisation on upper levels

10. Private functions interweave with public ones. Wide circulation spaces allow the two to collide

13. Building organised around 2 staircases: a front feature staircase and rear utilitarian one

02. Public square in historic centre has potential to act as a civic centre in the city

05. Post and beam structure around hall creates tri-part plan organisation between party walls

08. Branching facade structure and roof lattice act as expressive layer to building

11. Servicing strategy integrates servicing within timber stucture and floor cavity

14. Facade infill expresses timber structure. Openings and shading respond to daylight and wind analysis

03. Existing gable end removed

06. Stacked organisation to building with constraining floorplates overhanging square

09. Series of public rooms activate square as civic space

12. Public ground floor creates link between square and green space within city block

15. Decentralised production and artisanism is brought together once again in the city

journeyman refuge

A hostel at the top of the building houses journeying craftspeople on their travels

guild offices

Offices for guild organisation, craftsperson registration

tavern

The tavern at the front of the building enables more informal assembly and exchange between Guild members and the public

Guild meeting rooms

Meeting rooms for signing and discussing trade deals, logistics and policy making

Front feature stair

An double stair builds off the structure of the main hall to draw visitors into the building

Prototyping workshop

While the Guild is mainly a logistical body, a prototyping workshop is found in the building for testing more experimental construction

Library

Enables guild assembly for policy discussion, lectures and presentations

Exhibition room

An exhibition room to showcase the Guild’s research into timber construction and related topics

ceremonial chamber and species archive

Enables guild assembly for private matters. Categorisation of timber species

rear utility stair

Simpler stair and lift to rear of building

Main Chamber

Enables guild assembly for policy debate, lectures, presentations and festive gatherings.

Massing and Organisational Strategy

The building is organised in as a vertical stack between the existing party walls. Public and private functons interweave with ample circulation spaces allowing spill-out and exchange

Roof Lattice

Roofing system acts to diagonally brace structure below and as expressive layer to system

post and beam (blue)

upper post and beam

An upper post and beam structure builds up from lower transfers to hold floorplates and support roof lattice

Upper transfer structure

The structure branches in above the party walls, supporting post and beams for constraining plan and retaining 3 part organisation

lower post and beam

Post and Beam system infills around and builds up from lower transfer to suppoer floors

Shear walling

Laminated timber panels brace the structure at the lower levels

facade structure

Facades cantelever out to front and rear of building

main chamber transfer structure

The main hall is formed through a large spanning structure which takes the loads from above

Concrete slab

Overall Structural Strategy

Transfer structures carry post and beams which span between party walls. Roof lattice structure and transfer diagonals add stability to the system.

Continuous

Structural

model: Iteration 01

lamella logic creates a series of different nodal conditions throughout the building. Structural heirarchy is introduced as the members thin as one progresses upwards.

Structural model: Iteration 02

The structural expression of the glulam framing is structural and decorative. The project aims to find a way to express this structure both internally and externally.

Utilising low thermal conductivity of

Facade System and Openings Concept Study

The project investigates the possibility of a timber face with expressed structure, oweing to the lower thermal conductivity of timber as a material. Current forms of engineered timber could in this instance develop a new kind of expression, both in reference to past and contemporary building practices.

1. Timber structure expressed externally

2. Parabolic dormer openings within timber infill panel

timber

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Cladding System: internal view Infill strategy imagined as a louvred or slatted system, charred to resist weather with both external and internal spatial implications.

1. Ornamental internal panelling using high value timber species

2. Charred external louvres

3, Lighting and servicing integration

Utilising low thermal conductivity of timber Charred external timber finish lends durability

Durable timber products employed within lamination

Cladding System: external view

Different processes for achieving timber’s durability are employed in the facade system. Forms of chemical alteration to age old techniques like charring timbers create weatherproof envelope with expressed timber structure.

Twisted louvres respond to solar shading requirements

Highly differenciated species distribution not currently employed in engineered timber

unstocked temporarily 260.477 hectares

Larch 307.050 hectares

Pine 2.420.623hectares

Douglas Fir 217.614 hectares

Fir1.1182.757 hectares

Spruce 2,763,219 hectares

Harnessing Timber’s Complexity and Availability

Oak 1.129.706 hectares

Beech 1.680.072 hectares

Long life deciduououss ie Maple, ash, chestnut, lime, white beam, balck locust, elm 769.578 hectares

Short life deciduous ie birch, alder, poplar, cherry, rowan, willow, forest fruit trees 1.147.904 hectares

The project aims to make full use of available timber resources in Germany. It proposes a method of timber manufacture making use of local species as well as fast grown plantation timber in challenge to typical contemporary practices. It also aims to tap into the available manufacturing landscape in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are the leading manufacturers.

Glulam manufacture CLT manufacture

Different levels of glazed vs solid infill were tested for the facade design. Solar gain analysis revealed the larger glazed openings to be a viable option. Louvre’s are limited to ventilation panels in the building’s intelligent facade.

1. Servicing integrated to component: central cavity

2. 'Scarf' connection varies between bundled types

3. External lamination: Highly durable engineered wood (e.g. Kebony, Acoja)

4. Internal lamination: fast grown, lower value/less durable timbers under less strain (e.g. thinnings or juvenile wood)

5. Intermediate lamination: slow grown softwood (e.g. spruce, pine)

6. Decorative Internally exposed layer: sumptuous hardwoods create rich internal environments for the guildhouse (e.g. cherry, walnut)

1. High Performance eg. Oak Highly Durable and decorative N.B. Engineered durable timber outperforms

2. Intermediate performance eg. Mature Spruce Fast Growing, widely available

3. Low performance eg. Spruce thinning Waste product with less strength

Differenciated Lamination

4. Rare/Decorative eg. Cherry Prized luxurious material used as panel finish

To cope with the requirement of structural expression the lamination is made up of different timber species and types of engineered wood, allowing their properties to be suitably employed: a new kind of laminated product. The layers of the lamination can serve functionally and decoratively.

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3. Interleaving of small and large lamellae within elements

lamella thickness = r/200 = 12.7

Bend radius = 2540mm

6. Single curved element with high curvature thin lamellae integrated between thicker ones

lamella thickness = r/200 in bent area = 5mm

Bend radius = 1050mm

Bend radius 1 = 1600mm

Bend radius 2 = 3450mm

lamella thickness = r/200 in bent area = 8mm x 17mm

Lamination approach for single node

Continuous lamella logic creates a series of different nodal conditions throughout the building. Structural heirarchy is introduced as the members thin as one progresses upwards.

lamella thickness = r/200 in bent area = 3mm

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Single curved elements with integrated twist

4. Single curved element with twist and integrated high curvature lamellae

2. CLT panel infill provides targeted structural support

5. Double curved element integrated with straight lamellae

Concentrations of tesnion and compression revealed through structural analysis evoke comparisons with structural optimisation in trees

Tension Compression

Optimised placement of timber species and lamella widths within lamination: heterogeneous material distribution

lamellae with high compressive strength (e.g. oak, larch, douglas fir) in areas of compression

tree’s natural growth of tension wood on the tensile side of the branch

durability

Medium durability

Low durability

High durability

50 years + 10-25 years >10 years

Accoyya (radiata pine)

Accoya (alder)

European Oak, Western red cedar cedar sweet chestnut yew mahogany douglas Fir Siberian Larch, cherry walnut

External Cladding

Internal finishes, decorative

european larch, elm, scotspine, pine SilverFir, norway spruce, pine, soft maple, european redwood, hickory, poplar European ash, willow, balsa, horse chestnut, sycamore, beech, sitka spruce, Birch, aspen, white spruce, american ash,

Internal finishes, durable

lamellae with high tensile strength (e.g. ash, elm) in areas of tension

Optimised distribution of higher grade timber in areas of greater stress

Compressive/tensile strength

areas of high curvature areas of low curvature

High strength, high grade

medium strength, high grade

Low strength, low grade

Elm, Maple, Oak, Ash, Larch, Black Locust,

lime, walnut, Douglas fir, Hemlock, white beam

can include other management strategies like coppice, thinnings, with high proportions of juvenile wood

Poplar, Willow, Birch, Alder, Rowan, Cherry, chestnut, Spruce, Fir, Pine, Cedar

External structure

High stress areas of structure

Low stress area of structure

Optimisation by timber species

The proposed system aims to learn from the heterogeneous behaviour of trees to resist forces. Preliminary structural analysis gives an initial indication of force flows under typical live loading conditions. It is speculated that this could inform the distribution of different timber species and timber grades within the laminations.

Robotic operations carried out with bandsaw and endmill end effectors: larger pieces must be cut in 3 passes due to reach of robotic arm

Robotic

Blank types in the depicted assembly:

Single curved with tortion

Double curved

Single curved

Robotic bandsaw cutting and milling Blanks are shaped with a robotic bandsaw operation while more conventional router milling operations are minimised to connection points. The bandsaw attachment is able to remove a large amount of material in a single pass. The robotic shaping process enables the mass production of the series of discrete elements in the building. Any blade slippages are celebrated as part of the experimental construction.

Robotic drilling for bolted scarf connection

Robotic milling of joints

milling of light fixture cavities

Step 1: Multi-axis gluing of component blank

Step 4: Integration of services

Step 2: Series of different blanks created

Step 3: Machining of blanks to finished dimensions using robotic mounted bandsaw and endmill

Step 6: Series of different components ready for delivery to site

Step 5: Glued assembly of 6 discrete parts to form nodal component

Node types: re-interpretations of historic joints

Historic timber frame details are re-interpreted in the proposed building system, celebrating the possibilities of glulam for structural inventiveness and innovation. Structural infill is inserted to strengthen the nodes depending on the size of nodal openings.

Branching post and beam element

Ridge Beam Junction

Cantilever component

Post and beam element

Nodal post and beam element

Dormer window component

Developing heirarchy

Structure purged to follow outlined logic and to generate more heirarchy

Bolted base connection

Bitumous paint applied to concrete surface within joint Servicing integrated into upstand Pre-cast servicing channel integrated to slab

1. Non-structural infill

2. Structural infill (shear walling)

Insulated timber infill panels received by structure

Servicing already integrated to components

Notched receiving detail for timber panel

Some panels are integrated to timber elements at pre-fab stage and installed as one

Structural Bay Facade Fragment

Notched receiving detail for glazed panel Bolted site connection

Component based structure allows craning of individual components on site

1. Ventilation panel infills enable active ventilation of building

2. Internal panelling species differenciation: spatial richness comes from richer, more costly final internal layers in the lamination. Infill panels perform insulative function.

3. Structural glazzing infills some of the openings between structure

4. Dormer openings provide variation to flat optings

5. Nodal glulam connections form main structure

6. On graduating to master title, guild members ceremonially carve their mark into the structure

View to internal spaces shows facade infill's relationship to structure and how spaces may be defined through thermally performative envelope

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Glulam structure externally and internally expressed durable modified timbers make up final lamination

Solid panel charred finish

Envelope strategy: Indicative external wall buildups (section view)

Charred external Louvres Steambent Douglas fir 20mm

Dampers for natural ventilation intake - motorised control

Perforated timber panel, red cedar (charred finish)

Charred external Douglas fir cladding ventilated to rear 20mm

Glulam Spruce/Fir/ Pine batten 50 x 50mm

OSB board 18mm

Breather membrane

200mm Woodfibre insulation between 100 x200 straight spruce noggings

Spruce soulplate 100mm x 200mm

Vapour barrier

Glazed infill panel

Durable lamellae external 40mm

Ventilation panel detail Solid panel detail

Ventilation panel steambent louvre, charred finish

Envelope strategy: Indicative external wall buildups (plan view)

Charred external cladding, Douglas Fir 20 x 200mm

Steambent to fit curvature

Spruce batten for cladding fixture 50 x 50mm

Vapour Barrier Main structure receives infill

CLT panel 100mm

internal lamellae

decorative timbers, fire retardant finish

Shaped Glulam main structural member 800 x 950mm

External lamellae of acetylated timber (accoya) with engineered weather resistance 40mm

OSB board 18mm

Insulated timber infill panel build-up (3D)

CLT internal panel 100mm

Shaped Glulam main structural member 380 x 330 mm

Decorative lamellae internal 40mm

Servicing cavity 500 x 300 mm

Internal lamellae decorative timbers, cherry, oak, elm

Breather membrane

Wood fibre insulation 200mm

Glulam studwork (coldbent) 100 x 200 mm

Lower build-up (large structural members with infill), panel inserted from above

member 380 x 330 mm

External acetylated lamellae

Build-up as structure thins toward top of building, panel inserted from exterior

Envelope Strategy: Facade Build-up

The building envelope is percieved as a re-interpretation of historic types where the loadbearing timber structure is expressed, owing to timber’s low thermal conductivity. The buildup employs different timber species/products based on their durability and aesthetic value. These form a discretized lamination in the main structure, infilled by insulated panels and glazed units. When solid, these lend some structural stability to the structure.

Double glazed fixed glass infill unit bolted into structure

Silicone infill allows for differential movement and watertight performance

4x laminated tempered glazing panel 20mm (cold bent if curved) outer layer with PVB interlayers

Aluminium spacer bar 20mm concealed internal bolted connection for solid panels

Steel L-profile fixes to post and holds clipping detail

Servicing integration to component

Timber post machined to receive glazing panel

steel clipping detail held between laminated glass panels

Silicone infilled to edge for watertightness and to allow for movement

External lamellae of acetylated timber (accoya) with engineered weather resistance

Servicing Integration

Large scale glazing infills are a challenging part of the scheme to manufacture. Keeping some panels infilled as solid has benefits for heat loss and gain, and the scheme looks to optimally infill with glazing as to provide appropriate sunlight levels throughout the building. To enable a seamless integration of glass panels between exposed timber structure a bespoke clipping detail has been developed for the building.

4x laminated tempered glazing panel 20mm (cold bent if curved) inner layer with PVB interlayers

Bolted connection to steel L Profile with bolted fixture to structure

Large scale glazed panels fabrication procedure

01. flat float glass cut to shape

04. coldbent laminations are bonded with PVB interlayers to final thickness

02. glass sheets tempered in autoclave chamber for increased strength

05. edge clipping detail and spacer bead bonded to glass to form double glazed panel

03. individual laminations are cold bent over formwork

06. Panels craned into place on site following structure erection

1. Low-Tech 01: Working with natural durability

Local timbers are distributed an used in the facade and interior as per natural characteristics (source: Inwood (Cymru) Ltd)

European ash, willow, balsa, horse chestnut, sycamore, beech, sitka spruce, Birch, aspen, white spruce, american ash, european lime, plane, alder

non-durable >5 years

Accoya (radiata pine) an Accoya (alder), tropical hardwoods

very durable 50 years+

2. Low-Tech 02: Charred Timbers make up external cladding. Douglas Fir is chosen for local availability and already high durability prior to charring. Charred timber can last 80+ years if well maintained

3. Low-Tech 03: Building Care by User

Similarly to the upkeep of historic timber frames the building is oiled with flaxseed oil every 3 years as a protective measure. Many historic exposed timber buildings in Germany are cared for in this way

slightly durable 5-10 years

durable 15-25 years

moderately durable 10-15 years

european larch elm, scotspine, pine SilverFir, norway spruce, pine, soft maple, european redwood, hickory, poplar Siberian Larch, cherry, walnut white oak, Sapele

European Oak Western red cedar, cedar, sweet chestnut, yew, mahogany, douglas Fir

3 year cycle

Louvred facade infills act as ventilation panels for internal comfort Cladding ventilated above breather membrane allows drying

Non-durable wood contains hydroxyls which are source of degradation

Acetic acid reacts with timber within heated chamber producing water as a waste product

Acetyl groups replace hydroxils creating stable product highly durable modified timbers as final lamination layer

Weatherproof Facade Design

The building looks to leverage both historic and contemporary methods for timber durability in the facade design resulting a hybrid low and high tech approach. Processes requiring high energy input, like the production of modified timbers are limited to the structure members only. As a building for makers of timber buildings, it is assumed that the building will be well maintained, making the regular oiling of the facade a legitimate approach.

4. Low-Tech 04: Facade Ventilation

5. High-Tech 01: Accoya External laminations integrated to componentry. Molecular modification with waste product only of water (acetylation) and without biocides prevents timber degredation.

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optional fan assistance with very high heating load

Stale warm air released

wind direction informs cross ventilation approach

Ground level vent (100% intake)

Ventilation panel summer mode

hot stale air is exhausted through roof level vents

hot air from occupied spaces rises through stair atrium

cross ventilation from north to south

ground level vent air intakes provide fresh air

some coolth provided by thermal mass of concrete slab

dampers controlled to lower air intake in cooler months

mixed air released

Mid level vent (intake 80% , 20% release for cross ventilation)

Ventilation panel winter mode

stale air is exhausted through roof level vents

positive solar gain is enabled through stepped facade

cross ventilation from east to west mixed air cross ventilation from east to west

stale air from occupied spaces rises through stair atrium

hot air rises through the atrium space supplementing UFH

ground level vent air intakes provide fresh air

underfloor heating throughout the building radiates heat

Ventilation Strategy

High level vent (intake 80% , 20% release for cross ventilation)

Ridge level vent (100% release)

Rdige level vent (100% release)

Natural ventilation is the key way in which fresh air is circulated both in the summer and winter months, enabling occupant comfort. The front stair atrium is utilised to circulate and release hot and stale air from the top of the building. The facade is designed with a series of louvred vents with air-tight dampers within them. These can control the amount of air intaken and released depending on internal demand

Oak flooring finish for durability

CLT panel with integrated underfloor heating 50mm

Servicing integrated between joists 60x150mm

Cellulose insulation for acoustics 150mm

CLT panel 50mm

Straight glulam floor beam 120x120mm

floor build-up and servicing integration

1. Glass lift core with service riser and vaccuum based extract system for workshop direct link to biomass storage

2. Precast service channel integrated to floor slab

3. Main connection to water main and electrics

4. Underfloor heating throughout building integrated to floor slab

5. Sprinkler integration to floor panels

6. Main thermal stores 1,500L

7. Mechanical control panel

8. Photovoltaic system concealed on ridge line rated capacity 29kW

Servicing Integration

The prefabricated nature of the building’s delivery allows for the seamless integration of services . These guts of the building are housed in basement plant rooms and distributed through the hollow spaces in the prefabricated components. The service riser within the lift core allows for the integration of dust extraction for the upper workshop space feeding directly into the biomass boiler system.

Smaller services ie electrics run within void

Solar panels located on ridge line help to power the building

sawdust extraction run through lift shaft accessed through floor

sprikler system and underfloor heating integrated to floor panel

in structural members

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section 4

final drawings

New Figure

The gable end figure of the Guildhouse chimes with the existing context. As a figure it pokes above the streetscape, yet remains respectful in scale against St Jakobi church, which still dominates the Koberg Square.

The new gable evokes the strong civic presence of the former guildhouses in its relationship to the cty square. Glazed openings provide views to the structure and activity within.

1. Solid infill panel with external Douglas Fir charred finish, internal lamella cherry 300mm

2. Ventilation infill panel. red cedar charred finish external and internal with concealed dampers 300mm

3. Cantilever node supports front balcony

4. Glazed handrail to balcony

5. Walnut and Oak finish front door with panel inlays 3m height

6. Lower shear walling adjoining existing party wall 350mm

7. Existing adjoining building underpinned with auger piling

8. Front feature staircase, Oak finish fixed to floor plate

9. CLT stability infill panel to main transfer structure 300mm

10. Main hall transfer structure 950x950mm 23m span, hardwood finish by local availability

11. Front facade glazed panel with seamless clipping detail

12. Guild sigil carved to floor in front lobby

A Gable Amoung Gables The stepped facade further invites a relationship to the street while referencing the historic gable end type which dominates Lübeck’s cityscape.

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rear facade option glazed

rear facade option infilled

1. Glass lift core with service riser and vaccuum based extract system for workshop

2. Fireproof glazed partitions between meetign chambers

3. Cedar charred finish ventilation louvres

4. Main column with servicing integrated in cavity 500mmx500mm

5. Main hall transfer structure base 950 x 950mm

6. Precast service channel integrated to floor slab

7. Pile cap 400mm and 10m pile foundation to clay soil

8. Pile foundation for main transfer structure 5m

Steel ring beam fixing detail

Rear building service core and meeting rooms

The lift core at the rear of the building functions as a service riser and utility stair. The spiral option is chose due to the constrained vertical nature of the building’s organisation. Seamless integration of servicing is designed into the intelligent structure.

Rear stair constructed around lift rails

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Porousity to urban square Section reveals series of rooms structured around central hall with a relationship to the street, all with an expressive formal architecture in the developed system. The diverse timber finishes and carvings celebrate the building’s crafting and the local materials available.

The building is designed around a series of generous circulation spaces which allow for the collision of guild and public life, surrounded and enabled by the expressive timber structure. The main transfer structure is intended as a feature point of the building.

Building Entrance and Feature Stair

The front staircase accentuates the axiality of the building, drawing users up to the public level above. A siteline is also offered through the building revealing its activity. Here, at the bottom of the building the structure is thick, and the weight of the vertical structure above can be felt.

An archive documenting timber species and their properties is contained in the upper reaches of the building, helping to preserve both new and former timber craft knowledge.

Public Ritual

The main chamber is intended as an extension of the square, enabling both public and guild assembly for lectures, apprentice graduations, debates on guild policy or other events.

A space for gathering and celebrating craft

The building fulfils both a public and private function, enabling the collision of guild and public life. It is a place for celebrating the cultural value of craft in the city once again.

All work produced by Unit 14

Unit book design by Charlie Harriswww.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture

Copyright 2021

The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmited in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retreival system without permission in writing from the publisher.

SPATIAL TECTONIC 2022

PG14 is a test bed for architectural exploration and innovation, examining the role of the architect in an environment of continuous change. We are in search of the new: leveraging technologies, workflows and modes of production seen in disciplines outside our own. We test ideas systematically by means of digital as well as physical drawings, models and prototypes. Our work evolves around technological speculation with a research-driven core, generating momentum through the astute synthesis of both. Our propositions are ultimately made through the design of buildings and in-depth consideration of structural formation and tectonic constituents. This, coupled with a strong research ethos, generates new and unprecedented, viable and spectacular proposals.

The focus of this year’s work evolved around the concept of ‘Spatial Tectonic’. This term describes architectural space as a result of the highest degree of synthesis of all underlying principles. Constructional logic, spatial innovation, typological organisation, and environmental and structural performance are all negotiated in an iterative process driven by architectural investigation. These inherent principles of organisational intelligence can be observed in both biotic and abiotic systems, in all spatial arrangements where it is critical for the overall performance of any developed order. Ultimately such principles suggest that the arrangement of constituents provides intelligence as well as advantage to the whole.

Through a deep understanding of architectural ingredients, students generated highly developed architectural systems in which spatial organisation arose as a result of sets of mutual interactions. These interactions were understood through targeted iterations of spatial models, uncovering logical links while generating ambitious and speculative arrangements. Sequential testing and the enriching of abstract yet architectural systems were the basis of architectural form - communicating the relationship of all logical dependencies, roles and performances within the system.

Thanks to: ARUP, ALA, DKFS, knippershelbig, RSHP, HASSELL, Seth Stein Architects, ZHA, Expedition Engineering