Alex J Gunn Part II Architectural Portfolio [EXTENDED VERSION] 2/4

Lechlade Church - Surveyed Drawings

Short Section

Lechlade Church - Surveyed Drawings Elevation

Lechlade Church - Surveyed Drawings Elevation

Lechlade ChurchSurveyed Drawings

Elevations

Lechlade ChurchSurveyed Drawings

Elevations

Lechlade ChurchSurveyed Drawings Long Section

The surveying was painstaking. It took many months. I remember hanging around several days in the February ice and rain with measuring stick, lasers, camera, and tape in hand. I covered every angle and square inch of the 14th C. Building and created this whole set of drawings which I then developed to create a new internal scheme...

Lechlade ChurchSurveyed Drawings Proposal

‘Project Inspire’ - The brief was rather simple: Create a new lobby, kitchen, and community room at the back of Lechlade Church, aiming to semi modernise the interior and create a much more practical community space for the village.

A few renders I did on TwinMotion showing the new interal area towards the main entrace side of the church.

MArch 1 - Concept Shortlisted Final Project

Cardiff Suburb Community Centre (The Bridge)

The Bridge - Ely - A Community Hub in the Cardiff Suburbs

Site and Surround Analysis

Urban Pathologies

Creating a Programme

Following a meeting with an Ely local committee made up of sports organisers, local council members, nursery workers, bowling club members, school associates and others, we discussed the needs and wants of people in the area and identified the needs into 3 primary groups.

An identity began to blossom, the idea to ‘bridge’ gaps between generations, classes, interest groups etc. To create linkages to other important community sites, to bond healthy communities for vulnerable youths and to foster a relationship between the local ambitions and higher education opportunities.

Overview showing final proposal with drivers and bridging links highlighted in respective ‘need’ colour.

The standard ‘tracing paper method’ of organising space, along with a shedule resulted in a concept comprising of 3 main volumes...

Forming a Building

We also used metaphysical montage to visualise key junctures and parti diagrams to understand the seperate places in the building.

Playing with different forms based on area and an accomodation schedule:

The Bridge was a physical metaphor: It aims to encourage spontaneous interactions between divded identities in the population and promote growth. It bridges the gap in more ways than one.

We experimented with form, but arrived at a system with a tower that promoted wellness across several dimensions, a more secluded, well connected nursery and the projects namesake: The Bridge

Masterplan + Circulation

The project began to take shape and we designed an extensive overhaul to the surrounding blocks of trees, park facilities and connections to existing parts of the site.

Park Entrance

Main Entrance

‘Permeable’ Access

Woodland

Nursery Entrance

Bowling Green/ Canopy Function Space

‘Transitional Epicentre’ Market/Exhibition Space

Existing Boxing Gym/Changing Rooms

Play

Floodlit courts

Nursery / drop off zone with enclosed play area

Posts adaptable for marketplace functions

Secure, hot drinks point/cafeteria & seating under tower

Rollable astroturf zone with ability to be covered with canopy and hosting of events.

Space to stand / circulate under bridge - permeable space

area

Circulation/Collaborative Space

Bookable classroms, counselling rooms, and workshop space.

Erectable Modern Tensile Canopy

Extra 1/2 Floor helps define the teconics outside from the ground, and offers a small auditorium.

Internal Circulation

Cafe, kitchen and WC’s

3 Seperate Volumes in 1 Unified Complex

FYI this report refers to ‘The Bridge’ and ‘the bridge’.

This was what we arrived at for our proposal:

Materials comprised of complimentary brick that matches local styles to create the appearance of a sturdy and familiar primary register. Elsewhere is ecological cladding and structural sytems using partly UK sourced timber with CLT and Glulam stucture.

Green technologies have been applied with an aim to further compliment the site, and promote sustainable values without environmentalism becoming the buildings main identity.

Conceptual Light Model

Solar and Thermal Analysis

Wind Analysis

The Bridge is the epicentre and namesake of the entire complex. The facade design, teconics and location between the two contrasted volumes make this explicit.

A key tecontic vision was a long unbroken glulam beam that gave the structure a feeling of robustness and relates the synthetic facade to the general natrual material palette around.

Site Overview

The tower gives it a wider visual signifcance. The permeable space underneath coveys a psychology of openness and a distinct point of access from the building (espically considering approach from that direction

This is a 24/7 space that is exciting and engaging. It should give different and intersting expressions of light throughout the morning, height of the day and night time.

The Nursery is totally secure and the tower is totally public. the bridge can be either depending on what’s going on.

The space under the bridge shouldn’t be overlooked as a space for people to accumulate and interact.

Rainwater that collects in the tray underneath the visible green part of the sedum roof goes into an internal downpipe in the tower. Water that hits the facade drips down onto a large gutter. Waste can then flow between volumes.

Sustainable Measures

Plumbing can all go underground whilst electricity can flow through over bridge, offering sockets and lights along the way.

Primary heat gains: the South facing windows and facade are the main contributors and the rooflights let in some too, this is partly why polycarbonate was chosen as it will reduce cooling costs.

A ground source heat pump can partially power the underfloor

heating in the bridge, or alternatively be fed into the nursery or tower. More heat is accumulated in the evacuated solar tubes on the roof.

Air gets sucked in by trickle vents (which can be adapted to be mechanically powered) and is able to exit through the openable roof lights, creating a natural ventilation effect.

Hand Models

I’ve tried to capture a greater sense of lightness and openness.

Reflecting some of the concepts of the precedent ‘Landscape for Living’ having a sort of hierarchy of masses.

Similarly in the ‘Landscape for Living precedent’, the contrast in some elements but continuation of others makes distinguishable but regularised buildings.

The Flashing and gutters add depth and shadow, hiding the raw ends of the materials.

The lights, accoustics and surfaces as well as innate dimensions aim to give the space a ‘sandbox’ appeal,somewhere people can make it their own.

It’s a two way transparency, as well as the views, people from the outside are attracted to the life inside.

This integrates the sense of mass and heaviness, the solid permanence of the wood contrasts the clouded transience of the facade.

The charette really helped inform how to get an ‘enticing glow’ to the building and what is aimed to be a warm community buzz in evenings.

Hand Models

The sedum roof was a great substitute for a green roof due to lightness. Many of the sustainable features are hidden from view, at least at ground level.

Atmospheric Image 1

Atmospheric Image 2

17.) Root Proof Membrane

16.) Damp Proof Membrane

15.) 104mm x 225mm Glulam Timber Beam

14.) 1000mmx1000mm

VELUX Domed Rooflight

13.) 150mm CLT Panel

12.) 75mm Rigid Insultation with Underfloor Heating

11.) 50mm Concrete Screed

10.) Grey Lino Floor Finish

9.) DPM Layer

8.) Prefabricated Polycarbonate Facade ‘Protrusions’

7.) Machine Cut Steel Window Support Fin

6.) Rigid (Anti-ColdBridging) Insulation

5.) Custom 150x150 Alumninium Gutter

4.) 10mm Dia, Extra Long Fixing Screws

3.) 100mm Tarmac ‘Ultratrec’, 200mm Type 1 Recycled Aggregate

2.) 20mm Threaded Rods

1.) Concrete Pile Foundation

1:20

18.) Aluminium Flashing/Clip

19.) Troltekt 25mm Absorbing Panel

20.) Rigid Insultation

21.) Evacuated Solar Tube Heating Channel

22.) 30mm Sedum

23.) 20mm Substrate

24.) 20mm Drainage

25.) 75mm Rigid Insultation

26.) 70mm CLT Panel

27.) Steel Facade Clip

28.) 38mm Steel Facade Fixing Bracket

29.) 75mm Polycarbonate Facade

30.) Electrical Runs

31.) 150mm x 150mm

Glulam timber column

32.) Facade Cap

33.) Glu-lam beam 115mm x 225mm

34.) 150mm x 150mm Glulam timber column

35.) 20mm Anchor Bolts and 25mm Steel Baseplate

36.) 25mm Thick Steel Shoe, Column Bolted.

37.) Drainage and Services

38.) Hardcore

Rigid Insulation 22.) 30mm Sedum 24.) 20mm Drainage

16.)

27.)

23.) 20mm Substrate 25.) 75mm Rigid Insulation

70mm CLT Panel

Window

11.) 50mm Concrete Screed 10.) Grey Lino Floor Finish and Underlay

12.) 75mm Rigid Insulation

9.) DPM Layer

13.) 150mm CLT Panel 52.) Angle Bracket

4.) 10mm (d) XL Fixing 34.) 150mm x150mm Glulam Column

5.) Custom 150mm x150mm Aluminium Gutter

Ground Column Base

30.) Electrical Runs 36.) 25mm Steel Shoe

29.) 75mm Polycarbonate Facade

First Floor Wall & Column Intersection

6.) Rigid Insultation

2.) 20mm Threaded Rods

35.) 20mm Anchor Bolts

37.) Drainage and Services

1.) Concrete Pile Foundations

6.) Rigid Insultation

32.) Facade Cap

35.) 25mm

35.)

3.) 100mm Tarmac ‘Ultratrec’, 200mm

38.) Hardcore

20mm Anchor Bolt

Type 1 Recycled Aggregate

Steel Baseplate

Roof

Materiality

Exploded Axonometric

Rooflight

Aluminium Flashing

Insulation

Polycarbonate Facade

Foundatoins

Glass Doors

Steel Facade Support

Custom Windows

Concrete

Green Roof

Timber Columns

Glulam Beam

CLT Panel

Timber

Windows and Structure Facade and Structure

Internal Relationships

Building Slice

Services

Construction

Shape Tectonics

Material

Tectonics

FOUNDATIONS

Foundations dug and filled accoridng to soil conditions & ground source heat pump laid

NURSERY

Phasing

Several of the cladding materials to be locally sourcedshould be timetabled adequately. Also consider appropriate material storage

Site perimeter established, adapting to minimise surrounding disruption.

More bespoke elements and longer beams are brought in with consideration.

CLT must be scheduled to arrive in advance, due to importation logistics.

PHASE I

TOWER

PHASE III

As the landscaping is underway, finishes to the interiors, servicing and details should be completed so opening time can be brought to an agreed time.

Some landscaping elements will be pre-fabricated such as engraved paving.

LANDSCAPING

The bowling green itself is rennovated. It will be able to be rolled back to accomodate a hard floor and central canopy support.

Utilising larger machinery will need consideration, at least a small crane is likely.

The tower is built and the framework for the bridge is put in.

PHASE II

BRIDGE

PHASE V

All parts are designed to be transported and assembled without specialist heavy duty equipment.

Viewpoints to local sites, the green, the park and pitches.

External works may involve closure of areas, but in a timetabled manner. A staggered opening in the external works minimises disruption.

PHASE IV

HANDOVER & USE

The nursery will be temporarily rehoused.

Detail drawings should at least be underway by this stage.

Equipment and Scaffold for the tower is brought on.

Glulam beams have a good weight to size ratio, and much of the structure can be built by hand.

Works on the interiors of the other volumes should be underway at this stage.

Facade patterning must be prefabricated and specified with great care. Window + manifestation highlights local sites & pitches and green.

Permeable ground floor under bridge. Both schedules and free activity encouraging connections between the tower and nursery.

PHASE VI

Atmospheric Image 3

Atmospheric Image 4

7.0

MArch 2 - Final Project Parametric High Rise Sustainable Housing Scheme (Elysium Sky Village)

A Landmark New Development in Central Cardiff...

Introducing Elysium Sky Village: Aiming at creating a mixed social background residential development for more a decentralised way of living. It is designed around finding much more connectivity between physical, personal and imagined boundaries.

Elysium was the Ancient Greek heaven, or specifically, garden of paraside. As well as being tall, community focused and sustainable, Elysium Sky Village incorporates garden terraces available at many floors high above the ground.

The focus of the Thesis, is finding the ‘Connective Tissue’ in the architecture. This is done through an investigation into literal connective tissue / biophillic design, personal connection with nature, connecting cultures with symbolic meaning, connecting to the modern era and changing global economy, creating networking opportunies through serendipity, connecting vertical and horizontal planes of existence, connecting to the local area and existing infrastructure and finally, creating innovative structural connections.

Network Level:

Interrelated

Key Aims of Thesis and Research Questions Defined

When is a tower a tower?

Challenging Verticality

How can architects design at the human level?

The Human Element

What is the relationship between buildings and nature?

Integrating Nature

Is it purely the vertical element that makes a tower so? What are the spatial, economic and structural impacts of daring to built tall differently?

(Intellectual Position Part 2)

Cultural Input

How is space defined and recognised and how does that impact upon users? How to places become meaningful? How prescriptive should designers be?

(Intellectual Position Part 3)

What are the different ways to integrate nature into a building? How literal does the integration need to be? How close does the nature need to be?

(Intellectual Position Part 1)

“Despite concerns about economics, density and sustainability, high rise, high occupancy buildings can offer a viable and socially conscious answer to many of the criticisms thrown at architects.

Balancing apporaches that aim to create novel forms and unique, responsive spatial expereinces with thorough and specific high-tech problem solving, many new forms of architecture can emerge.

Architecture can reassert some of its creative integrity and power to inspire. Instead of an oversimplified, environmentally heavy approach to sustainability, by tackling the problem socially and economically, exponential progress can be made. Educated, empowered individuals, and connected, informed communities will create and demand innovation, and be much more equipped to make environmentally conscious choices.”

N.B - Important Information Above. More Information Available in Appendix

Size/closeness of network over time. Spread of Nature over time.

Since the 1800’s and Cardiff’s coal boom, and subsequent restoritve efforts in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, the ratio of greenbelt and brownbelt has proceeduraly become out of balance. The increasing demand for urban space has slowly eclipsed peoples first hand connection to the natural environment.

Amount of Greenbelt in Cardiff over time.

Size / Distance of Network over time. Web = Complexity of Network X/Y = Distance/Time. Generally, the more accessible encounters, the more opportunities for connectivity.

It appears that there is an increasing amount of tomorrow’s youth who are unable to make the basic connections vital to human happiness. This trend also seems to be correlated to physical background affluency.

Height of Residential Buildings in Cardiff over the Years

Average Height of Buildings In Cardiff

It would seem that recent legislation is making provsion for buildings of increasing height. A trend which isn’t limited to recent years. As per the expansion of human population - city centres simply must accomodate...

Amount of Humans Living in Urban and Rural Environments Over Time

50% of the global population live in cities currently, which takes up less than 3% of the landmass. Some estimates put population at 70% in cities by 2050.

What’s the ideal spatial arrangement for the perfect balance between social cohesion and a possibility where social distancing might be required?

Social Cohesion

Socio-Economic Organisational Shifts to More Decentralised Fabric

Social Distancing

Services Model

Organisational Model

Push Hierarchy

Core Approach

Control

Planning/Growth Model

Linear

Operating Model

Motivations

Centralised Production

Lack of Control

Exponential Distributed Automation

Challenging Verticality - Do Towers Create Hierarchy?

Upper Stories: Exlusive View?

Vertical Column: Segregation inevitable?

Middle Sectors: Best of Both Worlds?

More space for lower registerers: less seperation?

The so called ‘poor door’

Exclusivity reinforced through space?

Approach to Sustainability - EE + Help People Make Good Choices

Sustainable Agenda:

Environmental: Low EE + Passive Tech

Economic: Quarantine Facility + Renewable Financial Model

Education: Recycle. Reuse. Renew. Respect the planet. Be the Change.

Employment:

Innovation. Pressure on Business. Jobs Helping Others.

Social: Communal Identification

Empowerment: Community Movements, Support and Wellbeing for Positive Choices.

Key Initiatives Consulted

https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/ resident/Planning/Planning-Policy/Supplementary-Planning-Guidance/Documents/Tall%20Buildings.pdf

1:

https://gov.wales/sites/default/ files/publications/2020-02/ connected-communities-strategy-document.pdf

for People to Connect

3:

4: Building Awareness and Promoting Positive Attitudes

2: A Community Infrastructure that Supports Connected Communities

Creating Healthier Places and Spaces for our Present and Future Generations | Public Health

2: Accessible & maintained green infrastructure, open green and blue spaces

4: Community, health and social care services provided from local facilities

6: Building design that promotes health and well-being

http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/ documents/888/Creating%20 healthier%20places%20spaces. pdf

1: Inclusive infrastructure that prioritises walking and cycling, and improves road safety

3: Local food growing and retail environment that enhances access to healthy food choices

5: Low levels of air pollution

Diverse and Mixed Accomodation

Well Ventilated Space

Microcosms for Wellbeing, Education and Empowerment

Local Communal Ammenities

Adaptive Distancing Capability

Internal Vertical

‘Neighbourhoods’

Internal Flora

Remote Working and Services

Seperable Zones

Garden Roof Terraces

Located such that closing them will not hinder circulation. Well linked to each other and most dense places. Highly versatile; distinct yet intuitive.

Trying to capture the essence of a lively neighborhood as well as a smooth transition and strong definition between public and private.

175,000 m²

m²

Site Analysis - Macro

Demography of Wales

Geography

Meteorology

Brexit has been brushed under the rug in light of COVID, but the economic and social impacts are still in their early days.

National Context

Whilst in some ways governance is becoming more localised, globalism is changing cultural epicentres. Can even more localised movements define the implentation of the change?

Welsh Independance was an important cultural event for the Welsh people, and it appears the Welsh Government are seeing a slow but sure increase in power.

Site Density and Location Map

- High Rise (Some Under Construction) in City Centre

Site - John St. (Just off Bute St.) - Cardiff

The Site was chosen upon searching for undeveloped land in the city centre. It is slap-bang in the nexus of high rise developments, but in an area not necessarily already population dense.

Aspect of Focus: Lonliness and Isolation in Society

Studies show increases in lonliness & mental health related crises & an increase in homelessness and related crime throughout Wales and Cardiff. This is especially pertinent post-pandemic.

Aspect of Focus: New High Rise Developments

Legislation and the changing urban landscape of Cardiff show exponential increase in high rise developments. Namely student accomodation, often promptly repurposed.

Aspect of Focus: Declining Access to Nature

As Cardiff moves further away from industrial origins, suburbs swell further into the Greenbelt, and disused central land is being rapidly bought up for new developments erasing the chance for more central parks.

Site Analysis - Micro

Cardiff’s Hey-Day Industrial Heritage as Largest Coal Exporter to the

Cardiff Central Railway First Built

City Wide Railway Bridges Began Construction

Large Railway Expansion Project

Bute Square is Redeveloped into Callaghan Square Emphasising Links to Bay

Huge Modernisation Project Across Main Station and Cardiff Railways Upgrading Electrics

Railway Arches Used as a Circus Training School

Cardiff Bay Barrage (and Extensive Cardiff Bay Redevelopment Project) Begins

Site in Use as Car Park Light and Industrial Arch

Site Demolished

Planning Secured

Site Cleared

Arches to be Repurposed into Art/Music Space

Neighbour Site Connected Planning Secured

Estimated Start Date of Project: Connective Tissue

Urban Analysis

Local Ameneties

Circulation and Linkages

Approx Walking Distance in 15 Minutes

N.B Most Services Provided for Relatively Easily

Interesting Points of View: Nature and Landmarks

Bus Routes Train Routes

N.B Several Stops at Site

N.B Main Station Very Close, and Link Also Possible

High Rise Buildings

N.B Right in Density Hotspot - As Per Legislation

Population

Density

N.B Appropriate in General Zone, but not Hinderance to Already Very Dense Exact Location