Architecture Portfolio by Alia McGurrin 2023

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

By Alia McGurrin

CURRICULUM VITAE

ALIA MCGURRIN

01.05.1998 CONTACTS

email: mcgurrin.alia@gmail.com

phone: 085 800 8660

linkedin: Alia McGurrin

FEB

EDUCATION

Technological University Dublin

Bachelor of Architecture, year 2-5

University of Limerick

Bachelor of Architecture, year 1

EXPERIENCE

INTERNSHIPS

Sauerbruch Hutton

Architectural Intern

Mullarkey Pedersen Architects

Architectural Intern

WORK EXPERIENCE

Ryan and Lamb Architects

Paolo Pagliarino

Henry J Lyons

ARCHITECTURE INTEREST

Porto

TOOLS

CONTENTS

Youth Wellbeing Centre and Urban Farm pages 1 - 18

Terraced Housing pages 19 - 24

Primary Health Care Centre pages 25 -26

Bath House pages 27 - 28

Terraced Farming pages 29 - 30

Photography page 31

Porto Academy page 32

Hand drawings page 33

Precedent models page 34

YOUTH WELLBEING CENTRE AND URBAN FARM

THESIS DESIGN PROPOSAL

REPURPOSING OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES: AN EXPLORATION OF THE POSITIVE

ON BIODIVERSITY AND WELLBEING

THESIS TITLE

YEAR: 5th yr/ 2023

LOCATION: Dublin Industrial estate, Tolka valley

THESIS

Through my thesis research and writing I investigated the best practice for the repurposing of industrial sites and set out the four key objectives of: Reuse, Renaturing, Porosity and Openendedness. Reuse targets sustainable recycling of existing materials and repurposing of structures on site, lowering carbon emissions and retaining industrial heritage. Renaturing aims to transform the site and landscape into a place for nature to flourish once again and people to enjoy the natural mental health benefits which come with this. Porosity relates to improving circulation, connection and accessiblity. Openendedness focuses on capacity for future growth and reaching beyond the site.

THESIS OBJECTIVES

1. REUSE

• Reuse of existing warhouse and site in dublin industrial estate

• Reuse of materials. eg: frame and roof truss

2. RENATURING

• Natural vegetation growth in encouraged rewilded area

• Planting of native trees and flora in gardens and courtyards

• Improved connection to canal

3. POROSITY

• Flowing/ meandering circulation through building and courtyards give a sense of a porus building in the landscape yet enclosed and secure to meet client needs for youth wellbeing center

• 4 different ways in and out - japanese rule

(i) in from broombridge road

(ii) over bridge to towpath

(iii) up boat house tower

(iv) across to park

4. OPEN-ENDEDNESS

• Connection out into tolka valley park for 5 and 10 km walks

• Connection to canal for kayaking

• Posibility for future extension/ growth of structure horizontally or vertically

• Views from lookout point at top of boat house tower out across landscape beyond the boundaries of the site give a sense of freedom and possibility

IMPACT THIS CAN HAVE

THESIS OBJECTIVES DRAWING/ SITE AXONOMETRIC

DESIGN PROPOSAL

Tolka youth wellbeing centre and urban farm is designed for the client; Jamie’s Farm who provide support for disadvantaged youth’s growth and wellbeing through a programme built around farming and therapy. My proposal reuses the steel frame of an existing warehouse. I have subtracted from the structure to allow for courtyards filled with trees and relandscaped grass and permeable paving areas within the existing building’s footprint. The once roofed warehouse is now primarily open to the elements with the indoor spaces linked by meandering pathways through the courtyards, terraced tree top walkways and threshold stepping stone ponds. The brief is comprised of a series of different zones which are closely linked yet seperated by the threshold ponds, these incl: reception, living, activity, therapy and farming.

EXISTING SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

PLAN KEY

1. reception

2. open courtyard

3. greenhouse

4. craft and carpentry

5. animal and hay barn

6. living

7. dining

8. music and dance

9. yoga and meditation

10. therapy

11. greenhouse

12. boathouse

13. threshold pond

14. reed bed

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

PLAN KEY

1. green roof

2. bedroom cluster a - 2 beds

3. barn bedroom cluster b - 3 beds

4. outdoor treehouse terrace walkway

5. bedroom cluster c - 2 beds

6. bedroom cluster d - single beds

7. roof garden

8. therapy

9. boathouse

1.

2.

3.

11.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

`10.

4.

1. main site entrance

2. buildiing and courtyards

3. crop fields

4. animmal grazing

5. orchard

6. walled gardens

7. encouraged renaturing/ restricted area

8. reed beds

9. bridge to tow path

10. water

11. growth of structure for farm sheds

*nb all existing/ reused materials and structure drawn and annotated in blue throughout proposal drawings*

ROOF SECTION 1:10

1. existing steel truss

2. steel support beams hanging between the truss’s to support roof panel

3. kingspan insulated roof panel spanning between the trusses 125mm

4. airtight membrane

5. plywood 12.5mm

6. polyiso insulation 150mm

7. plywood 12.5mm

8. vapour barrier

9. timber batten 44x44mm

10. reused corrugated metal cladding 5mm

GUTTER 1:10

1. powder coated aluminium gutter

WALL 1:10

1. existing steel column 2300mmx250mm

2. plywood 12.5mm

3. airtight membrane

4. polyiso insulation 150mm

5. plywood 12.5mm

6. vapour barrier

7. timber batten 44x44mm

8. reused corrugated metal cladding 5mm

FLOOR/ FOUNDATION 1:10

1. liquid floor screed 60mm with underfloor heating

2. polyiso insulation 150mm

3. concrete slab 150mm

4. dpm radon barrier

5. sand blinding 50mm

6. hardcore 150mm

7. earth

8. cast pond base

9. existing rising block wall

10. foundation underpin pad

1200x1200mm, 300mm h

11.

drain

cast

A - REUSE OF COLUMN AND TRUSS FOR BARN HOUSE BLOCK

INSULATED GLAZING FRAME SECTION 1:10

ROOF SECTION 1:10

1. existing steel truss

2. rubber gasket 4mm

3. insulated panel frame 125mm (aluminium 3mm, polyisio insulation 125mm, aluminium 3mm)

4. double glazing 28mm

5. drip edge

6. powder coated aluminium gutter

Drainage/ gutter section 1:20

1. powder coated aluminium gutter

2. down pipe

3. water butt

WALL SECTION 1:20

1. existing steel column 300mmx250mm

2. rubber gasket 4mm

3. insulated panel frame 125mm (aluminium 3mm, polyisio insulation 125mm, aluminium 3mm)

4. double glazing 28mm

5. concrete block wall

FLOOR/ FOUNDATION 1:20

1. existing concrete screed

2. ring wall

3. foundation underpin pad 1200x1200mm, 300mm h

4. hardcore 150mm

5. earth

ROOF SECTION 1:10

1. glulaminated timber 300mm

2. airtight membrane

3. plywood 12.5mm

4. polyiso insulation 150mm

5. plywood 12.5mm

6. vapour barrier

7. timber batten 44x44mm

8. reused corrugated metal cladding

5mm

GUTTER 1:10

1. insulated consealed gutter

WINDOW SECTION 1:10

1. timber wall plate

2. aluminium window frame

3. triple glazing 44mm

4. powder coated aluminium sill

WALL 1:10

1. glulaminated timber 300mm

2. airtight membrane

3. plywood 12.5mm

4. polyiso insulation 150mm

5. plywood 12.5mm

6. vapour barrier

7. timber batten 44x44mm

8. reused corrugated metal cladding

5mm

WALL PLAN/ SECTION CUT 1:10

FLOOR/ CANTILIEVER 1:10

1. floor finish

2. silent battens

3. plasterboard

4. plywood 12.5mm

5. sound insulation

6. glulam 400mm

7. airtight membrane

8. polyiso insulation

9. plywood 12,5mm

10. vapour nbarrier

11. timber battens 44x44mm

12. reused metal cladding

HAND DRAWN SKETCHES AND OVERLAYS

PHYSICAL MODEL

BOAT HOUSE TOWER DESIGN SKETCH

BOAT HOUSE TOWER FINAL DESIGN SKETCH VIEW OF BOAT HOUSE TOWER OVERLOOKING SITE

VIEW FROM TOP BOAT HOUSE

HANDRAWN PERSPECTIVE MOMENT SKETCHES WITH OCCUPATION PHOTOSHOPPED

HARDLINE DRAWING

TOP FLOOR IN HOUSE TOWER

VIEW FROM TOP FLOOR IN BOAT HOUSE TOWER - SKETCH DETAIL ADDED BY OVERLAYING MODEL PHOTGRAPH AND PHOTOSHOPPING OCCUPATION

SKETCH OF RELAXATION SPACE IN TOP FLOOR OF TOWER

FINAL DESIGN/ SECTION

EARLY SITE PLAN DESIGN SKETCH

WATER THRESHOLDS COURTYARDS AND CIRCULATION ZONES AND USES

HAND DRAWN SKETCHES AND OVERLAYS

CIRCULATION OVERLAY

FINAL MODEL/ AERIAL VIEW

PHYSICAL MODEL

FINAL MODEL/ THRESHOLD

STEPPING SONE POND

COURTYARD AND POND/ THRESHOLD

TERRACE WALKWAY AND POND/ THRESHOLD

FINAL DESIGN/ PLAN

HANDRAWN PERSPECTIVE MOMENT SKETCHES WITH OCCUPATION PHOTOSHOPPED

HARDLINE DRAWING

INITIAL CONCEPT MODEL

MODEL PHOTOGRAPHING

MODEL MAKING/ DESIGN PROCESS

WORK PROCESS

INITIAL CONCEPT MODEL

CIRCULATION MODEL

CIRCULATION AND COURTYARDS STUDY

SKETCH DESIGN WORK

SERIES OF SPATIAL STUDY

TOWER DESIGN STUDY SKETCHES

FINAL MODEL CONCEPT OVERLAYS

FORM MODEL FLOOR PLATES MODEL

WATER STRATEGY OVERLAY

GREENERY STRATEGY OVERLAY

TOWER DESIGN

MODEL PHOTOGRAPHS

FINAL MODEL

TERRACED HOUSING/ ECO NEIGHBOURHOOD

COURSE PROJECT

YEAR: 4th yr/ 2021

LOCATION: Tullow

In this project I designed a front to front terraced housing typology to complete an unfinished/ ghost estate in Tullow. The housing is orientated almost due south. Each house has access to a communal garden street which is rich with greenery and shared allotments from the front door of the dwellings and access to the bike and car street from the back door of the homes.

There are two unit types, ensuring this front to front design can be applied across the site and maximize natural light. The open plan living spaces are on the first floor maximizing use of natural light. The bedrooms and storage/ garage are on the ground floor in the darker spaces. There is a mix of public and private spaces including pocket parks and playgrounds which break up the terrace rows. Each dwelling has its own south facing courtyard on the ground floor and terraced roof garden on the first floor.

The site plan is designed to encourage interaction across the site through shared spaces and an addition of new access routes directly into the neighbouring estates.

• Aim: To densify and complete an incomplete ghost housing estatein Tullow

• Site area: 3.77ha

• Densify: 20DPH

• 2/3 bed housing

• Flexible homes for future growth

• Total units: 77

• Max residents: 462

• Demographic: families

SITE HOUSING UNIT DESIGN SKETCHES FORM/ STREET MODEL

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SOUTH ELEVATION

EAST/ WEST ELEVATION GROUND FLOOR PLAN

HOUSING UNIT GA DRAWINGS

DESIGN STUDY SKETCHES FINAL DRAWINGS CONCEPT MODEL

ROOF PLAN

SECTION A

SECTION B

ELEVATIONS INTERNAL VIEW INTERNAL

SITE ELEVATIONS

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE

COURSE PROJECT

YEAR: 3rd yr/ 2020

LOCATION: Kilmainham, Dublin

I designed this primary care centre on the banks of the river Camac in Kilmainham. The southfacing building makes the most of the sunlight through tall glazing and a stretched long plan. I designed the health center in a way which connects people to the surrounding nature, Each room has generous windows and privacy in controlled through the use of clever paths and single sided spaces. Each patient room has a balcony and views out over the river Camac on the south end of the site.

The building is broken up into a mix of public, semi public and private areas. The two blocks are connected by a winter garden which enables patients to stretch their legs and get some cool fresh air all year round with the sound of the small tributary of the river directed through the space. Forest paths wind around the site giving the community and patients access through the site.

The form takes inspiration from Paimio Sanatorium with long, bright patient wings. I was inspired by the trees on the site to make use of a grid system which made the trees a part of the architecture. This can be seen in my sketches and model photographs.

INITIALSKETCH DESIGNS

GREENERY OVERLAY CIRCULATION OVERLAY

SEA BATH HOUSE

COURSE PROJECT

YEAR: 2nd yr/ 2019

LOCATION: Sandycove, Dublin

The Bath house is designed to make sea swimming accessible all year round for the local coastal community in Sandycove. My design incorporates a variety of salt water pools varying in depths and sizes. Some are open to the waves and others closed. There is also a 20m lengths pool and a seaweed treatment bath and two indoor baths including a caldarium and frigidarium.

This Bath house is designed for all ages. The pools are easily accessible for the elderly and are also a safe place for children to play in the shallows or non-tidal pools whilst parents go for a swim nearby. The internal building houses the caldarium, changing rooms, showers, toilets and a beautiful cafe inspired by Siza’s Boa Nova Tea house. The cafe sits down in the rock with views out across the pools over Dublin bay.

The form of the design follows a series of bold irregular angles which stem from an admiration for the natural rockpools I observed whilst visiting the site. The baths are still exposed to the elements but the wave action is reduced to different degrees in the various pools, making swimming more pleasant. Once a person has done their sea swim they may retreat into the warmth of the public changing rooms and warm up in the cafe looking out to sea with a cup of coffee or if in a rush they can use the outdoor showers on their way home.

SITE AND BUILDING MODEL FORM STUDIES

PHOTOSHOP PLAN STUDIES

MODELS

FINAL DRAWINGS

SITE PLAN DESIGN CONCEPT SKETCH

SITE PLAN DESIGN SKETCH

PORTO ACADEMY

ARCHITECTURE INTEREST

In Porto Academy I worked alongside DFDC Architects on an exploration study of voids. My group and I were interested in the deep feeling one gets once immersed in these spaces as well as the bold form and light. We modelled this feeling as spheres and took photographs and videos though the space we created to capture what we see a void as.

HAND DRAWINGS

PRECEDENT MODELS COURSE WORK

NORDIC PAVILION BY SVERRE FEHN

SESC POMPÉIA FACTORY BY LINA BO BARDI