THE HRINGUR
ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION 01 02 03 04 05 06
NATURE CRAFT
Y3 ACADEMIC PROJECT
Y2 ACADEMIC PROJECT
WORK EXPERIENCE RIBA STAGE 2 & 3
SEN BEDFORD SCHOOL
WORK EXPERIENCE RIBA STAGE 4
WORK EXPERIENCE RIBA STAGE 5
A new region of Iceland is hoping to be a shining example of sustainability as it looks to adopt a circular economy. As such, ‘The Hringur’ (means cycle) is design to be a community home that can act as a central point for locals and visitors to meet, learn, and trade materials and equipment as needed
The Iceland Community House competition Mývatn region, Iceland
Designed in Revit Rendered Using Enscape Post Production in Photoshop
The primary objective of THE HRINGUR is to establish a cohesive community space featuring three key functions: resource collection, a greenhouse, and a multi-functional community centre. Each of these functions is allocated its distinct zone while being thoughtfully interconnected.
Notably, sustainability is paramount in my design ethos, exemplified by the incorporation of recycled wood materials throughout the entire building. This commitment not only aligns with environmental considerations but also reinforces the ethos of responsible resource utilization within the community.
Competition Brief
ICELAND COMMUNITY DESIGN
Access to the building is facilitated through a private road leading up to the depot parking area, with the resource collection zone strategically positioned alongside the depot. Additionally, an innovative workshop space has been introduced to the design, providing citizens with a dedicated area to repurpose materials from the collection zone and craft their own items.
The greenhouse is situated on the eastern side of the hilly site, designed to follow the natural slope, thereby maximizing sunlight exposure. Constructed with a recycled timber structure complemented by attached polycarbonate boards, the greenhouse embodies a harmonious blend of sustainability and functionality.
Adjacent to the greenhouse lies the organic waste collection zone, strategically positioned to facilitate the reuse of waste for plant cultivation. This integrated approach underscores our commitment to ecological considerations.
The community centre is designed to accommodate a variety of events, providing a versatile space for the community’s diverse needs. Situated on the first floor, a terrace extends the possibilities to host outdoor events, while the glazed wall of the terrace serves a dual purpose by bringing sunlight into the feature stairs and kids’ zone, creating an inviting and well-lit atmosphere.
Beyond its functional role, the gallery serves as more than just a bridge connecting the community centre and the greenhouse; it is also a dedicated space for citizens to showcase and exchange their artwork.
There are bold ways to reconsider our Architectural relationship with the built environment. Not just spatial, tectonic moves and creative acts of re-use, but foregrounded with the activity of construction and the potential for Reclaimed materials used within that process. This retrofit project, NATURE CRAFT, is aim to design a Construction Skills Centre for apprentices to learn Retrofit Construction Skills and Biophilic Design Principles
Year 3 Architectural Design Studio - Final Project Kingsway, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Designed in Revit Rendered Using Enscape
Post Production in Photoshop
This retrofit project is situated on the city center and adjacent to Spode's China Halls. The Spode's China Hallshold significant historical value to Stoke's pottery industry, which relied heavily on the waterways as the primary transportation networks.
The objective of this project is to design a Construction Skills Centre that integrates biophilic design principles. This educational building will provide a platform for individuals to acquire timber construction skills and green wall construction skills. By incorporating biophilic design principles, it aims to foster stronger connections and engagement with nature. This approach allows people to not only learn about biophilic design in a workshop setting but also experience it first-hand throughout the space.
The site currently consists of two existing buildings. The China Hall will undergo a retrofit to serve as the workshop area for woodworking and green wall construction. On the other hand, the Gorden House will be demolished, and its materials will be repurposed and utilized in the new design.
Ground Floor Plan
The China Hall will be retrofitted as the workshops (woodworking + green wall). The green wall construction workshop will open to the community during weekend. People can create their own home-decoration by using green vegetation. The new building, situated on the site of the current Gordon House, will be designed to accommodate classrooms, a reception area, and a canteen. Between the two buildings, there will be a semi-open corridor constructed with a timber frame, serving as an exhibition space for students.
Existing Structure New Structure
The existing building, the Gorden House, is constructed using concrete and brick. In a commitment to sustainable design, the concrete will be repurposed and recycled to create the new pavement for the site. Furthermore, the recycled bricks from the existing structure will be utilized as the primary material for the new building's facade. This approach not only minimizes waste but also contributes to a more environmentally conscious and resource-efficient construction process.
Detailed Section
1. Roof light Structure
• Timber kerb detail
• Granular fill with edge
• Reinforcement strip
• Retention trim and filter fleece
• wood curb
• Thermal break
• Extruded Aluminium snap cap & frame
• Insulated safety glass
• Silicone & butyl seals
2. Green Roof Structure
• Timber cladding
• Concrete roof deck (existing)
• 300mm Granular fill with edge
• Reinforcement strip
• Retention trim and filter fleece
• Screed laid to falls
• Vapour control layer
• 250mm Insulation
• Waterproof membrane
• CAP sheet
• Drainage mat and root barrier
• Filter membrane
• Soil
• Planting
3. Wall Structure
ꞏ Brick Wall (existing)
ꞏ 350mm insulation
- Rigid insulation
- Thermal insulation
- Acoustic insulation
• Window fixed to the timber frame
• DPM
4. Foundation & Flooring
• Raft foundation (existing)
• 100mm insulation
• DPM
• Timber floating floor incorporating vapour control layer below
The canteen
The canteen is located at the eastern of the site, situating next to the Rose Garden. This canteen will also serve as a public communication space for both students and the neighborhood.
In the pursuit of sustainable design, a holistic approach is adopted to create environmentally responsible and energy-efficient spaces. Ventilation and outdoor circulation play a pivotal role in this strategy, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air while minimizing the need for artificial climate control. Large windows and strategically placed openings maximize natural light and encourage passive cooling through cross-ventilation. Additionally, incorporating energy-efficient LED lighting reduces the overall energy consumption, while roof lights harness natural daylight, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting during the day. This thoughtful integration of sustainable design strategies not only minimizes the environmental impact of a structure but also fosters a healthier, more comfortable living or working environment for its occupants.
This project entails the creation of a co-housing community for a diverse group of individuals, including those with disabilities, with the aim of advocating for their rights. In Sheffield, where 19 percent of the population is identified as disabled, the majority face challenges in finding suitable housing. Consequently, a sustainable and disability-friendly housing community has been conceived to address their needs and enhance their quality of life.
Year 2 Architectural Design Studio London Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Designed in AutoCad/Sketchup Rendered Using Enscape Post Production in Photoshop
The co-housing community comprises two distinct housing types and two different apartment designs, providing adaptability for a diverse range of residents such as students, couples and families with disabled member.
The project places a strong emphasis on facilities designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. A community center and workshop serve as spaces for social interaction, while a therapy center offers essential support. Additionally, a disabled community center open to the public contributes to enriching the life experiences of residents.
A thoughtfully designed ramp system has been integrated into the project to enhance the convenience of wheelchair users. The dwellings designated for individuals living independently are characterized by flexibility and accessibility.
To establish an environmentally friendly housing community, various strategies have been implemented, including the use of recycled materials, installation of solar panels, and rainwater collection systems.
1. APARTMENT
2. LIFT AND STAIRS
3. ACCESSIBLE APARTMENT
6. ROOF GARDEN
7. COMMON ROOM
8. ACCESSIBLE APARTMENT
1. TYPE A1 APARTMENT
2. LIFT AND STAIRS
3. COMMON ROOM AND LAUNDRY
5. TYPE B2 HOUSING
6. ROOF GARDEN
7. GREEN ROOF
8. TYPE A2 LOFT APARTMENT First Floor Plan Second Floor Plan
4. TYPE B1 HOUSING
5. TYPE B2 HOUSING
9. LOFT APARTMENT
10. RAMP
11. CORRIDOR
4. TYPE B1 HOUSING
The masterplan design is a nine-building development on a highly prominent, riverfront site in central London known as Puddle Dock. Named after a historic dock which once existed on the site, the area is now the last large scale undeveloped area in the City which currently stands as a legacy of poor post-war urban planning. The masterplan first looks to transform the urban realm of traffic dominated roads, tunnels and slip roads into a lively city quarter with streets that are green, pedestrian friendly and open to the sky. Through the regeneration of the North bank, the scheme can provide new routes and views down to the river. These connections can be enhanced by public squares and courtyards to create a public realm that feels more akin to the historic character of the St. Paul’s conservation area than what exists there today
This building is the largest of all the floorplates, extending from Blackfriars Station’s eastern boundary to Puddle Dock and Upper Thames Street to the south. The gap between A2 and A3 links a new access into Blackfriars Station with the masterplan’s centre of gravity at the junction with Puddle Dock and Upper Thames Street. The constituent parts of the façade design vary around the building, the model photographs opposite depicting the east elevation of A2 facing Puddle Dock. A2 and A3 are cousins, A2 with a heavier external structure whilst A3 has fewer floors and a single storey expression and different colour.
The building parameters and response to the site is defined by infrastructure: the District line tunnel runs directly under the building to the north; re-routed Puddle Dock and Upper Thames Street to the east; Blackfriars Station and a shared party wall with building A1 to the west.
The building is designed to offer flexible uses and the potential for multiple tenant receptions in an amenity rich environment. Having an entrance sequence akin to a theatre foyer and a diverse mix of uses that blend public zones with private tenant spaces can draw people into the building.
The plot is articulated as two buildings either side of a new entrance into Blackfriars Station. Activated uses line the route with retail and office entrances.
Large terraces define the corners of A2 and A3 with the roofscape garden affording views across the Thames. Non-accessible areas are occupied by mechanical plant and biodiverse roofs.
Within the framework of the structure, the cladding responds to its orientation varying vertical and horizontal louvres depending on aspect. Additional solid spandrels and façade panels moderate the solid to glazed ratio to reduce solar gain and cooling loads. FMDC have provided detailed analysis of each façade and how to effectively respond to aspect.
The building wears its structure on its sleeve, the exposed structural frame telling the story of the large transfer structure to the north façade. The top and bottom of the truss creates a consistent unifying datum around A2 and A3 unaffected by the ground plane or SPHG, the middle floors appearing almost as a box supported on columns with a separate distinctive character to the upper and lower floors. The west facades facing onto the lightwell between the building and station are simpler without exposed steel.
Behind the expressed structure, a unitised aluminium façade system with opening vents is used for all elevations. A solid or shadow box spandrel obscures the floor and structural zones with additional solid panels behind columns and shading.
Vertical shading changes direction depending on aspect, with the south and south-east elevations of A2 and A3 also having horiztonal louvres to minimise solar gain from high angle sun. This could be solid or perforated and is likely to be of aluminium or similar metallic material, to be explored in further detail at the next stage.
As seen in the images, the base of the building is faceted with an open upper ground and retail glazing to lower ground. The top floor – level 05 on A2 and level 04 on A3 – is a separate entity, expressed as a roof pavilion which peels away from the façade and massing below.
A level change leads to the dynamic atrium environment with stairs leading up to office floorplates, encouraging active travel. The base of atrium is occupied by an inhabited stair linking lower and upper ground receptions, offering the potential for presentation, meeting and break out space.
The lower ground entrance off Upper Thames Street / the Blackfriars link is also large enough to be split into several receptions, tenant lounge or broken down into smaller alternative spaces and retail units
This is one of the largest special educational needs (SEN) school in the UK. We aim to foster inclusivity and accessibility, accommodating the unique requirements of those on the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We also working on creating independent, comfortable environments through thoughtful design elements like clear signage, natural materials, and quiet spaces.
Timber Square is a commercial office development located in Bankside not far from Tate Modern. It responds to the vibrancy of the area with mixed uses at street level and new routes through the site, including connections to the “Low Line” viaducts. Comprising two buildings – a partially retained printworks and a new build – all floors have access to terraces and roof gardens. Operational, embodied and construction transport carbon emissions will all be about half those of a typical new London office building. This is achieved by re-using the existing structure of the printworks and a hybrid steel/Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structure. In addition, this project will be a pilot for the ‘Design for Performance’ initiative, which sets verifiable energy-use targets.
