Becontree estate - Urban masterplan
New / Existing site features
1:1250 @ A1 0
10m
50m
100m
N
6 - Remodelled traffic junction
1 - Existing commercial centre 2 - Valence Avenue
7 - New pedestrian only route
1:500 @ A1
8 - New retail units
0
9 - New community growing space
3 - Existing community allotment
Valence Avenue - Contextual site plan
- New cycling lanes
11 - Zipline tower
5 - Valence House Museum, library & archive complex
25m
10
50m
- Green space N
10 - Becontree Urban Room & Planning Museum
4 - Valence park
10m
- Water
12 - Temporary pavilion
5 1 - New site planting 2 - New London plane trees 3 - Central boulevard 4 - New street lighting
1
5 - New cycle storage
6
5
2
6 - New street furniture 7 - Retail hub
8
8 - Greenhouses
5
8
9
9 - Urban Room & Planning Museum 8
1 3
10 - Zipline
8
6
- New cycling lanes
7
5
12
2
2
- Green space
7
12
4
7
12
1 6
6
8
8
11 6 1
1
7 10
8
7
7
1
3
7
7 9
9
7 6 6 1 4 8
8
7
2
2
2
6 1 5
3
6
7
1
Becontree estate - Isometric masterplan
New / Existing site features
1:500 @ A1 0
10m
25m
6 - Remodelled traffic junction
8 - New retail units
2 - Valence Avenue
6
- Green space
9 - New community growing space
3 - Existing community allotment
N
2
7 - New pedestrian only route
1 - Existing commercial centre
50m
- New cycling lanes
10 - Becontree Urban Room & Planning Museum
4 - Valence park
8
- Water
8
11 - Zipline tower
5 - Valence Circus
8
-Roads for redirected bus routes
12 - Temporary pavilion
8
7
12
12 7
12 7
8 8
11 6
3
7
10 7
4
7
7
9 9
8
8
7
8 8
5
2 6
1
8
9
1
Urban Room - Ground floor plan 1:100 @ A1 2m
5m
Urban Room - Second floor plan
Urban Room - Roof plan
1:100 @ A1
1:100 @ A1
1:100 @ A1
10m
1
2
3
2400
1
4
2400
2
3
1 - Entrance foyer
4
1
2
3
1
4
2
2 - Becontree timeline exhibition part 1 (1921-1941)
3000
2400
3
4
2400
3000
3 - Becontree timeline exhibition part 2 (1942-1961) A
A
A
A
4 - Cafe seating
33
6 - Reception desk B
7 - 1:5000 interactive site model
B
B
B
C
C
8 - Kitchen
3000
3000
18
3000
3000
5 - Cafe servery
9 - Cold food store 10 - Bin store
C
3000
30
32
11 - Staff changing room (lockers, shower, W.C)
3000
C
12 - Female W.C.
D
13 - Male W.C
D
15
D
D
E
E
F
F
G
G
H
H
3000
3000
14 - Accessible W.C. 15 - Store
15 E
16 - Shop
E
F
F
3000
17
18 - Climbing wall
27
3000 3000
3000
17 - Main exhibition hall/community roomsdividable into 3 separate spaces to house temporary exhibitions & community functions)
19 - Becontree timeline exhibition part 3 (1962-1981) G
3000
21 - Becontree timeline exhibition part 5 (2002-2021)
3000
20 - Becontree timeline exhibition part 4 (1982-2001) G
22 - Becontree timeline exhibition part 6 (2022 onwards) 23 - Viewing deck/seating H
24 - Plant room
3000
17
31
25 - Meeting room
29
3000
H
26 - Office I
I
27 - Breakout space
I
I
J
J
29 -Learning space
J
30 - Youth zone (Group games, video games, group discussion space)
3000
17
31 3000
28 J
3000
3000
28 - Library/archive room
31 - Roof light
K
32 - Viewing platform
K
K
K
L
L
16
3000
3000
33 - Zipline platform 27
L
L
3000
3000
31
M
M
14
M
M
N
N
26
15
N
3000
3000
14
N
13
3000
3000
31 26
O
O
O
P
P
3000
3000
O
25
P
P
3000
3000
31 12
Q
Q
Q
Q
R
R
3000
3000
11 24 R 5 6
9
S
18
17
15
9
16
5
14
10
13
6
12
23
13
11
13
4 T
22
14
2 1
10
15
20
15
16
17
18
6
19
5
21
7
18
6
14
8
17
7
5
4
10
W
12
12
12
12 W V
U
11
U
11
13
4
19
13
T
T
9
16
8
V
V
13
11
U
W
19
T
10
13
11
W 12
U
11
10 T
U
V 13
14
10
V
W
U
9
16
T
T
12
V
15
9
16
W 12
8
17
14
10
U
W
3
9
8
V
W
11
15
9
16
V
7
19 18
17
14
11
S
19
8
T
U
7
18
17
23
15
10
4
S
19 18
8
6
7
7
19
8
6
6
7
S
5
5
5
3000
R
3000
0
N
Urban Room - First floor plan
5
4
18
6
18
6
17
7
17
7
16
8
16
8
15
9
15
9
14
10
14
10
5
19
11
4
19
1
2
3
4
Urban Room - Ground floor detail plan A 2400
2400
1:50 @ A1
3000
5m
0
3000
2m
1m
N 2m
5m
1
2
4
3
Shop 1
2
48 m²
3
4
2400
1
2
2400
3000
3
4
Accessible W.C. 3 m²
Accessible W.C.
W.C. Lobby
Cleaning Store
5 m²
1 m²
3000
2200
3 m²
3000
A
1300
1500
M
7725
N
3000
B
8925
3000
Male W.C. 18 m²
Climbing Wall 69 m²
O C 1200
W.C. Lobby
3000
3000
2 m²
P D
Circulation Female W.C.
2100
3000
73 m²
20 m²
Equipment Store below
Circulation
Store
3 m²
7 m²
3 m²
Q 2650
1200
1500
3000
Wheelchair space
2200
Staff Changing/W.C. 3000
3000
1500
E
Fire Exit
950
12 m²
R Lobby
16 m²
S
1500
11.2 5°
1497
Cold Food Store
5° 11.2
18
3 m² 1497
6
1497
19
1497
1497
11.25°
11.25°
3000
Wheelchair space
1500
Kitchen
5
14 97
7
11 .25 ° 14 97
11 .2 5°
° .25 11
97 14
17 5° .2 11
97 14
5° .2 1 1
15
G
8
9
11 .2 5°
14 97
16
3000
3000
Fire Exit
5900
F
2 m²
97 14
11 .25 °
10 T 3000
11.2 5°
11 m²
1497
Cafe Servery
13
11
U Bin Store Below
I 11.25°
V
1497
7 m²
11.25°
Exhibiton Hall/Community Room
142 m²
5° 11.2
1497
H
5950
17 m²
14 97
14
° .25 11
Cafe/Seating
Fire Exit
1497
12
3000
W 12
J
16 m²
5° 11.2
Interactive Scale Model
Cafe/Seating 17 m²
97 14
11 .25 °
1345
° .25 11
10
50 m² 14 14 97
T
K
Exhibit Journey Section 1 (1921-1941)
16 m²
97 14
Entrance/Foyer 17 m² 11 .2 5°
14 97
97 14
11 .25 °
7
Fire Exit
5900
5° .2 1 1
16 L
° .25 11
14 97
11.2 5°
97 14
5° 11.2
11.25°
1497
11.25°
1497
6 5
1497
1497
4
12
17 3000
8
15
3000
5° .2 11
9
14 97
1497
11.2 5°
13
3000
U
11
5650
9 m²
1497
Exhibit Journey Section 2 (1942-1961)
1497
11.25°
1497
V
Reception
11.25°
W
11 .2 5°
1m
N
1200
1:50 @ A1 0
Urban Room - Ground floor detail plan B
L
18
Shop 48 m²
19 M
13
1
2 2400
Urban Room - First floor detail plan A L
3000
N
1:50 @ A1
Breakout Space
5m
Roof light above
0
23 m²
1m
N 2m
5m
1
2
3
4
3000
2m
Urban Room - First floor detail plan B
1
2
3
4
1
2400
2
2400
3000
3
4
M A Office
6486
2625
3000
2550
3000
10 m²
Void N B 778
Office
5500
3000
2550
3000
Roof light above
10 m²
O C
3950
6100
Projector screen
3000
Balcony/Youth zone 33 m²
3000
Circulation 60 m²
5550
Void
P
D Roof light above
3000
Meeting Room 22 m² Q
1200
3000
1500
Wheelchair space
2100
Circulation
Store
5 m²
3 m²
1300
E
5525
3000
3000
Plant 25 m²
5550
R F Void
5 6
Cafe/Soft seating area
3000
Wheelchair space
1500
1500
1200
31 m²
7
S
19 18
G
8
1200
9
Seating Area
16
84 m²
5550
15
3000
17
H 14
10
Roof light above 3000
T
13
Learning Room 22 m²
11
U
I V Exhibit Journey Section 6 (2022 onwards)
12
3950 3000
W
12
20 m²
W
J
Void U
13
Roof light above 3000
11
5550
V
T
Exhibit Journey Section 3 (1962-1981)
10
22 m²
Exhibit Journey Section 5 (2002-2021)
20 m²
Local History Archive
14
20 m²
K
Exhibit Journey Section 4 (1982-2001)
20 m²
15
16
8
3000
9
L
Roof light above
17
7
Breakout Space 23 m²
3000
1m
2400
3000
0
4
3800
1:50 @ A1
3
18
6 5
4
14
19 M
15
1
2 2400
Urban Room - Second floor detail plan A L
3000
Urban Room - Second floor detail plan B 1:50 @ A1
N Void
5m
0
1m
2m
5m
1
2
3
4
3000
2m
N
1
2
3
4
1
2400
2
2400
3000
3
4
M
3000
3000
A
Zipline Platform 8 m² N B
Void
3000
3000
1500
Void
O C
4200
20 m²
3000
3000
Viewing Deck
Wheelchair space
P
1500
3000
3000
1200
6025
D
Void
2100
1200
1200
Q E
3000
3000
Void
R F
Void
5 6 3000
7
S
19 18
G
8
15
3000
17
9
16
H 14
10
Void
3000
T
13
11
U
I V
12
3000
W 12 W
V J U
13
Void
3000
11
Void T 14
10
K
15
9
16
8
3000
1m
2400
3000
0
4
L Void
17
7
3000
1:50 @ A1
3
18
6 5
4
16
19 M
17
Urban Room - Elevations 1:100 @ A1 0
N
2m
5m
10m
T
U
V
W
W
V
U
T S
R
Q
P
O
N
M
L
K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
Level 02 FFL 7250
Level 01 FFL 4600
Level 00 FFL 0
1 - East elevation in context
4
1
2
3
4
V
U
T
T
3
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
1
U
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
Level 02 FFL 7250
Level 02 FFL 7250
Level 01 FFL 4600
Level 01 FFL 4600
Level 00 FFL 0
Level 00 FFL 0
2 - South elevation in context
4 - North elevation in context
2
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
O
Q
R
S T
U
V
W
W
V
U
T
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
Level 02 FFL 7250
Level 01 FFL 4600
Level 00 FFL 0
3 - West elevation in context
18
19
V
4
3
2
1
Urban Room - Sections 1:100 @ A1 0
2m
N 5m
10m
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
O
Q
R
S T
U
V
W
W
V
U
T
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
Level 02 FFL 7250
Level 01 FFL 4600
Level 00 FFL 0
Long section AA looking East in context
C
A
D
1
2
3
4
V
U
D
T
T
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
Level 02 FFL 7250
Level 02 FFL 7250
Level 01 FFL 4600
Level 01 FFL 4600
Level 00 FFL 0
Level 00 FFL 0
B
U
V
4
3
2
1
B
Cross section BB looking North in context
Cross section DD looking South in context
C
T
U
V
W
W
A
V
U
T S
R
Q
P
O
N
M
L
K
J
I
H
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
Level 02 FFL 7250
Level 01 FFL 4600
Level 00 FFL 0
Long section CC looking West in context
20
21
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
Urban Room - Hyperboloid structure exploded isometric
Urban Room - Linear structure exploded isometric
1:100 @ A1
1:100 @ A1
0
2m
5m
10m
N
14
Linear structure second floor & roof
13
22 - 250x250mm pink powder coated curved steel I beams (under rooflights) 23 - 250x125mm pink powder coated steel I beams sitting stop curved beams Hyperboloid structure second floor & roof
24 - Secondary steel structure to support roof formed of 50x50mm steel diamond sections arranged in a hyperboloid pattern
12
7 - 250x250mm pink powder coated outer steel ring beam 8 - Vertically ascending 250x125mm pink powder coated inner steel ring beam bracing 9 - 250x250mm pink powder coated curved steel I beams that taper to 250x125mm at top
23
10 - Secondary steel structure to support roof formed of 50x50mm steel diamond sections arranged in a hyperboloid pattern
10
Other 11 - 150mm thick reinforced concrete lift shaft walls. Lift shaft provides additional lateral stability
24
12 - 250mm deep steel mesh floor deck viewing platform 13 - 250x250mm pink powder coated roof support steel I beams on 3m grid at 60 degree slope
11
22
14 - 250x250mm pink powder coated curved steel I beams
Linear structure first floor
20
21 8
9
18 - 250mm deep intermediate composite floor deck with
18
19 - 250x250mm pink powder coated steel I columns on 3m grid 20 - 250x250mm pink powder coated steel I beams on 3m grid
7
21 - 250x250mm pink powder coated roof support steel I beams at 60 degree slope
19 Hyperboloid structure first floor
6
5 - 250mm deep intermediate composite floor deck with 250mm deep steel mesh floor deck insert in middle 6 - Outer structural ring formed of 250x250mm pink powder coated steel I columns with 250x250mm pink powder coated steel bracing arches between
5
17
4
Linear structure ground floor 15 - 400mm reinforced concrete ground slab 16 - 250x250mm pink powder coated steel I columns on 3m grid 17 - 250x250mm pink powder coated steel I beams on 3m grid
15
Hyperboloid structure ground floor
16
1 - 400mm reinforced concrete ground slab
3
1
2 - Outer structural ring formed of 250x250mm pink powder coated steel I columns with 250x250mm pink powder coated steel bracing arches between 3 - Inner structural ring formed of 250x125 mm pink powder coated steel I columns with 250x125mm pink powder coated steel bracing arches between
2
4 - Ring beam formed of: - 250x250mm pink powder coated outer steel ring beam - 250x125mm pink powder coated inner steel ring beam - 250x250mm pink powder coated tapered steel I beams in radial grid with 1/3 cantilever 22
0m
2m
5m
10m
23
Urban Room - Primary structure isometrics
11
1:100 @ A1 0
2m
5m
22
3
4 1
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
10m
N
Wall build up 3 - 25mm thick pink powder coated aluminium cladding fin - 50 x 25mm treated horizontal fixing batens at 500mm centres - 50 x 25mm treated vertical fixing batens at 500mm centres within air cavity - Breathable DPM - 25mm PPC coated rigid insulation panel to provide thermal break outside steel structure - 250mm rigid insulation between columns and fitted either side of column - 25mm PPC coated rigid insulation panel to provide thermal break inside steel structure - Smartply propassive 12mm OSB as vapour barrier - 50 x 25mm treated horizontal fixing batens at 500mm centres - 12mm plasterboard fixed to batens
Urban Room - Technical section AA 1:20 @ A1 0
E 500mm
1m
E
2m
Roof build up 1 - Thermally broken Velfac 200 aluminium faced composite window frame - Velfac 24mm double glazing unit
2
2 - 12mm thick lapped ceramic roof tiles - 50 x 25mm treated horizontal fixing batens at 500mm centres - 50 x 25mm treated vertical fixing batens at 500mm centres within air cavity - Breathable DPM - 125mm rigid insulation - 25mm PPC coated rigid insulation panel to provide thermal break on top of steel structure - Vapour barrier - 50mm steel lattice secondary structure (shown behind steel structure) - 12mm plywood acoustic diamond roof tiles housed within secondary frame (shown behind steel structure)
1
Isometric 1 - looking from South East
Ground floor substructure & foundations
F
4 - Thermally broken Velfac 200 aluminium faced composite window frame - Velfac 24mm double glazing unit - 25mm thick pink powder coated aluminium vertical louvres
F
Intermediate floors 5 - 25mm thick galvanised steel mesh removable floor finish panels with 10 x 10mm holes - 200mm thick galvanised steel mesh structural floor slab with 50 x 50mm holes - 25mm thick galvanised steel mesh removable ceiling finis panels with 10 x 10mm holes
2
7 - 25mm ceramic tile floor finish - 75mm screed with underfloor heating pipes - 150mm reinforced concrete ground slab - Vapour barrier - 150mm rigid insulation below slab - DPM - 50mm sand layer - 150mm concrete blinding
6 - 500 x 500 x 12mm suspended floor tiles in wipe clean vinyl finish laid in diamond pattern - Raised access floor pedestals - 12mm plywood sheathing - 150m pre cast concrete floor slab with 200mm up stand at edge - 12mm plywood acoustic diamond roof tiles - 25mm PPC coated rigid insulation panel on edge to provide thermal break outside steel structure - 25mm thick pink powder coated aluminium cladding profile
8 - 25mm steel column base plate - 225mm closed cell insulated bearing block provides thermal break to concrete foundation, with 25mm grout either side - 1000mm x 750mm concrete pad foundation
5
Level 02 FFL 7250
Isometric 2 - looking from South West
Level 01 FFL 4600
6
3
4
7
Level 00 0
8
24
25
T
V
U
Level 03 Roof Top 13900
W W
W W
T
U
V W
S S
R R
Q
1
Urban Room - Technical section BB 1:20 @ A1 0
E 500mm
1m
E
2m
9 - 12mm thick lapped ceramic roof tiles - 50 x 25mm treated horizontal fixing batens at 500mm centres - 50 x 25mm treated vertical fixing batens at 500mm centres within air cavity - Breathable DPM - 125mm rigid insulation - 25mm PPC coated rigid insulation panel to provide thermal break on top of steel structure - Vapour barrier - 50mm steel lattice secondary structure (shown behind steel structure) - 12mm plywood acoustic diamond roof tiles housed within secondary frame (shown behind steel structure) - 12mm thick lapped ceramic roof tiles - 50 x 25mm treated horizontal fixing batens at 500mm centres - 50 x 25mm treated vertical fixing batens at 500mm centres within air cavity - Breathable DPM - 150mm rigid insulation - 25mm plywood sheathing - 25mm PPC coated rigid insulation panel to provide thermal break on top of steel structure - Vapour barrier - 12mm plywood acoustic diamond roof tiles (shown behind steel structure)
F
F
10 - 25mm thick galvanised steel mesh removable floor finish panels with 10 x 10mm holes - 300mm thick galvanised steel mesh structural floor slab with 50 x 50mm holes - 25mm thick galvanised steel mesh removable ceiling finis panels with 10 x 10mm holes
2
2
9
11 - 25mm steel column base plate - 225mm closed cell insulated bearing block provides thermal break to concrete foundation, with 25mm grout either side - 500mm x 750mm concrete pad foundation
2
9
Level 02 FFL 7250
3
10
Level 01 FFL 4600
10
6
6
3
7
Level 00 0
8
7
11
8
26
27
Glazing detail GG 1 2 3
Aluminium cladding detail HH
H
I
1:10 @ A1
Urban Room - Perspectives
1:10 @ A1 1 G
2
1. Approach along Valence Avenue
15
4 16 17
1
25mm thick pink powder coated aluminium cladding profile
2
25mm PPC coated rigid insulation panel to provide thermal break outside steel structure
18 2
3
250x250mm pink powder coated steel I beam
4
Thermally broken Velfac 200 aluminium faced composite window frame
5
25mm thick pink powder coated aluminium cladding fin
6
Velfac 24mm double glazing unit
7
250x250mm pink powder coated steel I column
8
50mm thick concrete pavers
9
100mm rigid insulation with DPM outside and lapped up to meet glazing frame
19 20
21
3
10 150mm reinforced concrete ground slab 11 25mm steel column base plate 12 100mm concrete blinding to outside of floor slab 13 225mm closed cell insulated bearing block 14 500mm x 750mm concrete pad foundation 15 12mm thick lapped ceramic roof tiles 16 50 x 25mm treated horizontal fixing batens at 500mm centres 17 50 x 25mm treated vertical fixing batens at 500mm centres within air cavity 18 125mm rigid insulation 19 Aluminium guttiering 20 50 x 50mm treated fascia board
5
6
21 350x250mm pink powder coated steel I beam
22
22 125mm rigid insulation fitted inbetween column web and flange
2
23 Climbing wall
17
24 25mm ceramic tile floor finish
16
25 75mm screed with underfloor heating pipes
5
26 12.5mm plywood sheathing 27 150mm rigid insulation below slab
7
23
28 25mm grout
4
29 100mm gravel drainage strip to outside edge of floor slab
8
24 25 9
30 250mm rigid insulation 9 10
10 26 26 27
31 12.5mm plywood sheathing
11
32 12.5mm x 250mm vertical plasterboard panels
12
28
33 100mm wide metal floor grate above services void 13
34 500x250mm pink powder coated steel I column 35 25mm thick composite concrete siding boards
14
29
12
5
17
16
2
30
Rotunda wall detail plan II
2
14
31
17
32
33
34
22
2 35
4
6
2. Entering the urban room with interactive scale model
1:10 @ A1 28
29
4
3
5
3. Main exhibition space with folding walls to create smaller spaces for community use
5. 1st floor youth space overlooking ground floor climbing wall
4. 1st floor exhibition space with hyperboloid roof structure
6. Second floor zipline platform looking North along Valence Avenue
30
31
6
Direction of travel
To better understand the character of my site along Valence Avenue I conducted a systematic photographing exercise inspired somewhat by the systematic observational method of Georges Perec in Attempting to Exhaust a Place in Paris. I undertook a walk from the beginning of Valence Avenue at its junction with Wood Lane and walked down its centre until the junction with Becontree Avenue. Every 20 strides (approximately 20 metres) I stopped and took a photograph facing forwards, then left, then backwards, then right. The left and right photographs have been compiled into collaged elevation studies separately. The forward and backward facing photographs from each point are documented in this booklet, giving a systematic and sequenced display of the first half of Valence Avenue. The method I used is explained below, with a red line indicating a stopping point every 20 metres, a thicker red line indicating every 100 metres and the red arrow showing the direction faced when taking the corresponding photograph. None of the images have been digitally enhance or modified, they appear how they appeared right after they were taken. This is to try and maintain a depiction as true to life as possible. Key Every 20 metres Every 100 metres Location of current photographs A Direction of photographs A & B B
Site map, 1:1000 @ A4 32
33
A
A
A B
A B
1:750 @ A4
B
B 34
35
A
A
A B
A B
B
B 36
37
A
A
A B
A B
B
B 38
39
A
A
A B
A B
B
B 40
41
A
A
A B
A B
B
B 42
43
A
A
A B
A B
B
B 44
45
A
A
A B
A B
B
B 46
47
A
A
A B
A B
B
B 48
49
A
A
A B
A B
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Typology study: Marquee/town show tent
Typology study: Cooling tower/hyperboloid
A study of form, construction, function in tented structures
A study of form, structural & ventilation design
With my proposal to stage a centenary festival partly inspired by similar historic civic events in the borough, such as Dagenham Town Show (1952-2012), I wanted to reference the physical appearance of these events in some way through my proposal. As such I looked extensively into tent structures, including marquees & tensile roofs. One of the obvious issues with these structures is their temporality; they are designed for short periods of use. Thus, my proposal seeks to reference, not replicate them, in a permanent state. The inverted funnel form of these spaces and their large, uninterrupted spans inspired me; I wanted to replicate this sense of a large communal gathering space with high ceilings and openness to the external. This left me with an issue in terms of replicating this form through other structural means to meet environmental & performance requirements for a permanent building whilst using materials in a “truthful”, not referential way.
Following on from this research I began to look into cooling towers & their similar “inverted funnel” form. I discovered this form is in fact a hyperboloid, & cooling towers assume this form for functional reasons; namely minimal material usage for large spans & enhanced stack or natural draft ventilation. This was a crucial discovery as it opened up a path for me to achieve the form & aesthetic I wanted without it being merely “a nice shape”. There are still issues with the spatial efficiency of this form but as it is only to be used for the main public space in my scheme I decided the positives of structural efficiency, environmental performance & beauty outweighed these concerns. Developed by Vladimir Shukov, the hyperboloid is generally a lattice construction of tapered straight lines whose end points are rotated around a circle, resulting in the famous “inverted funnel” form. Tented structures or marquees are often seen at town shows, such as above at Dagenham Town Show
Diagram showing a hyperboloid is all straight lines, simply rotated
Usually a concrete hyperboloid, the towers above also use a steel lattice
Cooling tower concept - Frei Otto/Atelier Warmbronn, 1974
Steel poles hold the canvas in tension & achieve large spans
Frei Otto pioneered tensile structures, like Munich Olympic Stadium, above
Frei Otto, Diplomatic Club/Tuwaiq Palace, 1980, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Cooling towers are often hyperboloids to maximise natural draft ventilation
Vladimir Shukhov’s first ever hyperboloid - water tower, 1896
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Form study: arches & vaults Exploring the appropriate materiality, structural & aesthetic function of arches in contemporary design Early on in the design process I was searching for architectural components or devices to base my scheme around, mainly searching the local built and historical context for clues. I like to work in this way, taking existing elements and using them in a different way to create something new. The Becontree estate has a certain uniformity to it, bordering on mundanity, making the details even more crucial in the architectural language. One of these details is the shared entrance arch to most houses, something which inspired the form of my node project. The arch is a key architectural device over centuries so I wanted to use it to reference both the immediate and wider themes. In Roman times, the arch was used for its structural strength in compression, with each stone holding the others in place. Stone is strong in compression and the lack of alternative building materials and fixings made the arch very useful in constructing large infrastructure such as aqua-ducts. Combined, arches form equally strong multi directional spans through vaults, as shown to the right.
Pont du gard, a romanesque example of structural arches in an aquaduct
Decorative arches - “130 William” residential tower, Adjaye Associates, 2019, New York
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How arches form a vault and transfer structural loads
Diagram showing how arches work in compression
Arch as art - “Arcade”, Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, 2019, Kruibeke, Belgium
Deployment of arches in contemporary architecture is a more complex issue, with debate over its use as a merely aesthetic device. With advances in modern construction & materials, achieving long structural spans is possible in a multitude of ways, with the compressional strength of arches no longer crucial with the advent of concrete. However, the arch continues to be used frequently, despite the form no longer being derived from structural necessity. Some argue, this is a betrayal of structural principles or truth to materials but the arch still has strong aesthetic & symbolic associations so is as legitimate architectural device as any other. The images below show it being used to frame an entrance on the Becontree Estate & to create a sheltered but visually open walkway to the right. In contemporary architecture the arch is more of a symbolic feature than a structural one, being able to be constructed from a wide range of materials.
Arches as a design motif - Barkingside town centre, DK-CM, 2014
These arches reference the existing context of Fulwell Cross Library
The arch is no longer a structural necessity, as seen above
Variations of the “Becontree arch”
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Key precedent: Fullwell Cross Library
Key precedent: Woolwich Rotunda
Public library by Sir Fredrick Gibberd, 1968, Barkingside, Ilford
Temporary events space/war museum by John Nash, 1814, Carlton house & later Woolwich common
An important project in developing my approach to form, Fullwell Cross Library is situated in a suburban East London context, much like my scheme. It is also a generous civic offering like my proposal, though its position in a town centre differentiates it. The arched clerestory windows and tent like copper roof echoed my intention for the urban room portion of my scheme almost perfectly, providing a concrete example of how I might realise this concept structurally & spatially.
Similarly to Gibberd’s library, Woolwich rotunda is a lesser known example of the work of a historically prominent & significant architect, in this case John Nash. Studying this building, particularly through the brilliant “Cones, not domes” paper by Jonathan Clarke, made me realise the form I envisaged in my head was structurally achievable, particularly if it had been realised in 1814 without the advances in structural technology available today. It also offered an alternative to the hyperboloid lattice structural system, using a system of radial trusses & load bearing double outer wall to support a very heavy lead roof & achieve a span of over 20m with only one central column. The fact this form is achieved with timber and not concrete, unlike Fullwell Cross or Niemeyer’s Brasilia Cathedral, is remarkable.
Whilst the spatial efficiency of forms like this are debatable, their beauty is undeniable; ambitious & geometrically skilful. Whilst I am using a steel structure, not concrete, I am attempting to produce a similarly ambitious form with a relatively heavy roof cladding so understanding the structural logic, size & spacing of members in this project was extremely useful.
Library entrance showing ribbed copper roof
The striking form of the rotunda with lead roof
In section the use of divided tie-beam trusses is clear
Arched clerestory windows draw light into reading spaces
Furniture, including bookcases, are integrated into the circular plan
The large roof span is enabled by deep concrete ribs
These ribs radiate outwards and integrate with the arched facade motif
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Internally, a central free stone enables a large column-free span
A load bearing double outer wall requires strong cross bracing
Each opposing pair of half ribs meet in the middle, with their upright timbers forming the king post
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Key precedent: Brockholes Visitor Centre Nature reserve visitor centre by Adam Kahn Architects, 2012, Samlesbury, Lancashire Another significant precedent in developing my approach to structure & form has been Brockholes Visitor Centre by Adam Kahn Architects, mainly for its use of roof-lights and steeply pitched roofs. Although I am pursuing a different philosophy towards materiality; steel, use of colour & ceramic tiles vs exposed timber, natural colours & shingles, my thoughts about the roof line of my scheme, sequential spaces & daylighting from above are very similar. I especially like the ratio of roof to wall used here, with external walls making up only 1:3, sometimes 1:4 of the overall building height, as illustrated below. The image bottom left in particular shows the echoes of a line of terraced houses with sharply pitched roofs, much like on the Becontree estate, with its multitude of “dormer” bungalows.
Long section showing rooflights and ventilation system
The scheme has achieved an “Outstanding” BREEAM rating, with zero carbon construction, achieved through using low embodied energy materials, state of the art insulation & glazing, grey-water use & a biomass boiler. In addition, the roof lights perform a key sustainable role, as well as a beautiful spatial one. All spaces, with the exception of kitchen’s & w.c.’s, are naturally ventilated through these predominantly north facing roof lights. Being north facing reduces over-exposure to summer sun, with retractable blinds below aiding this. Air is drawn in through low level vents and extracted through the roof lights. Entering the pontoon
Internally, light floods in from above, creating beautifully soft spaces
Simple timber roof structure
The roofline and steep pitch define the form of the scheme
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Detail section showing the roof build up including oak shingles
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Key precedent: Yard House Workshop/arts space by Assemble, 2015, Stratford The strict geometric layout of diamonds also contrasts nicely with the seemingly random arrangement & subtle colour variations. This natural variation is enhanced by the ability of the facade to seemingly change dependant on the environmental conditions; it will appear different from day to day, dazzling in the sun & more sombre in the rain.
A key project in the development of my approach to materiality was Yard House by Assemble - a simple, low cost set of studio spaces for artists in London. Whilst the ethos of the scheme is simplicity & low cost adaptability, as shown in the simple 2 storey, 3 bay structural layout, lack of fixed internal partitions & remarkably low ÂŁ291/m2 construction cost, it is the one area of extravagance that attracted me.
The choice of mostly subtle pastel shades helps achieve this effect and heavily informed my decision to pursue a tiled roof on my scheme, in part to reference the surrounding terraced context. I have experimented widely with colour tones, parings & arrangements to achieve two separate conditions; a largely uniform, subtly changing palette from afar & a more varied, dynamic appearance up close, much like in the pointillism technique employed by artists such as Georges Seurat.
Whilst the rest of the building is constructed from simple components & off the shelf, prefabricated panels, the public facing facade features an intricate, colourful cladding of ceramic tiles. Hand made on site, I love the natural variation & texture of these tiles, giving a sense of surprise & difference to the facade.
Simple 3 bay, 2 storey structural layout
Public facing facade clad in handmade tiles
Detail view of cladding tiles showing subtle colours and texture
The tiles were hand made on site
Ground & first floor plans, long and short sections
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Central atrium with staircase leading up to first floor studio spaces
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Materiality & colour: Tiles Exploring aesthetic & environmental uses The decision to use tiles in one form in my project was one I made early on, wishing to reference both the predominant masonry/ceramic materiality of the surrounding context and the subtle variations of colour along Valence Avenue that are hardly noticeable from a distance but provide one of the few forms of variation across the estate when up close. Assemble’s Yard House project has been the key precedent throughout with the aesthetic effect of its coloured ceramic tiles forming the exact effect I wished to create. However, I also looked at a series of other examples for alternative materials, patterns and environmental performance, including the People’s Pavilion (below) and Woodland Place at Hackney City Farm (opposite). I volunteered on the latter scheme so am familiar with the rationale behind its use of roof tiles in particular.
The pointilism style effect of hand made ceramic tiles
People’s Pavilion, Bureau SLA & Overtreders W, Eindhoven, 2017
The cladding system is relatively simple, using wooden batens
The project features a similar cladding of coloured tiles
The varied texture of each tile creates a bespoke feeling
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All three projects feature diamond shaped tiles in an overlapping pattern as a waterproof cladding but all three are made from different materials. Yard House uses hand made ceramic tiles, the People’s Pavilion features tiles made from recycled household plastic waste, & Woodland Place’s tiles are made from recycled tetrapak cartons. After studying these projects I decided to follow the recycled materials route but as both Woodland Place and People’s Pavilion are temporary projects, I decided to use Assemble’s route of ceramic tiles for their durability and weather proofing performance. As a result, the tiles in my project will be made from recycled ceramic and construction waste, including some from the demolitions in my masterplan. Assemble themselves have developed a series of ceramic products made from recycled construction waste and there are a series of masonry building products made from recycled construction waste, showing it is indeed feasible.
Radial roof system of timber trusses
Woodland Place by Studio Wic, Hackney City Farm, 2018
The pavilion is incredibly simple but the roof stands out
Close up of roof tiles made from recycled tetrapak’s
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Structural design: Exposed steel
Materiality: Use of colour
Exploring structural form, material properties & spatial function
Exploration of colour in architecture, its associations, application & atmospheric effects
Deciding on a structural approach to my scheme was a challenge, with my aesthetic preferences sometimes conflicting with structural or environmental performance. Following my research into hyperboloid lattices I moved towards steel as my primary structural material, as is the case in many of these lattices, and marquee tents. However, my desire to express the structural frame both internally and externally raised a serious issue of thermal bridging. As the examples on this page demonstrate, this can be achieved but requires either cladding of the steel externally in an aesthetically similar material such as an insulated aluminium panel in the offices below, or to introduce thermal breaks between the internal & external envelope, as well as between floors. This raises questions of truth to materials but I believe it is the best solution to have intumescent coated exposed steel internally & to use insulated cladding panels externally to replicate the effect aesthetically.
Another consideration in my development of materiality has been the use of colour. The use of colour, particularly bright, statement colours, is back in architectural vogue in recent years, after a period of “natural” aesthetic, i.e. unfinished plywood walls, exposed concrete etc. Colour has featured at points in history too, notable through the work of modernist architects such as Luis Barragan & Le Corbusier, as shown below. I am particularly interested in pursuing a palette of pastel colours similar to that used by Assemble in Yard House, of light pinks, blues and yellows. I intend to feature colour in the cladding of my scheme, with a rich variation of roof tiles in different tones, but also in the exposed steel structure, through a single colour, likely pink. As the examples below show, steel takes colour well, with a more uniform application than timber or concrete allowing for “blocks” of statement singular colours.
Exposed steel facade - IBM offices, Hopkins Architects, 1992
Pink steel facade - R7 offices, Duggan Morris, 2017, London
Facade detail showing metal cladding over structure behind
Cladding the steel reduces thermal bridging but retains the effect
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Animo South Los Angeles High School - Brooks + Scarpa, 2015
Staircase - Leietheater Deinze Theatre, TRANS architectuur
Staircase - offices, Studio Rianknop, 2018, Amsterdam
Coloured entrance gate - Luis Barragan
High Court, Le Corbusier, 1955, Chandigargh, India
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