Alyssa Foertsch Undergraduate Portfolio by alyssafoertsch

ALYSSA K. FOERTSCH

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY B.E.D. ‘25

SELECTED WORKS

2022-2024

PORTFOLIO STATEMENT

The following projects explore the intersection between materials, sustainability, and community through a multi-scaled approach. I enjoy hands-on learning, where experimentation and model-making allow me to examine material possibilities and their impact on a building’s character. Through the investigation of wood construction techniques and the social significance of materials in urban contexts, I am focused on advancing sustainable design and construction methods.

I. II. III.

VII. VIII. IX.

INVERSED

PRE-ENGINEERED METAL SPORTS FACILITY

Instructor: Marcel Erminy Team: Kendall Royer

Contributions: Research, Renders, Post Production, Modeling, Concept and Design Development, Program Analysis Diagrams, Detail Drawings, Sections, Elevations, Exploded Axon

Project submitted to MBMA Metal Design Competition

“Inversed” is a pre-engineered metal sports facility on the Rellis Univeristy Campus in Bryan, TX that allows students in this remote part of the campus access to recreational activities. The proposal incorporates tapered columns and beams to span large areas and explores structural versatility throughout the building. The concept of “inverting” the traditional profile of the tapered structure creates distinctive spatial qualities throughout different parts of the program and provides opportunities for rainwater harvesting through its V-shaped roof. The building incorporates various components of metal building systems in new ways, including energy-efficient shading devices made from metal purlins

Shading:

To utilize the components of metal buildings, the shading device is made of a series of metal purlins that extend from the roof and fold over the structure. This semi-transparent wall forms a shaded walkway along the east and west facades and minimizes solar gain into the building.

East Facade Shading Device - Detail

Exterior Pickleball Courts

Exploded axon showing structure and systems

The interior pickleball courts have a large glass facade shaded by the roof overhang and a row of metal panels.

The Z-purlin shading device is shown providing shade to the windows of the multi-sport court.

Physical Bones Model

Internal Gutter - Detail

Shading Device with Gutter - Detail

Rainwater collection:

Along the west facade, a gutter is integrated into the design of the shading device (above). Additionally, a large gutter captures water from the inverted roof and channels it into an underground cistern (left).

Gutter - Detail

HEY NEIGHBOR!

UPZONING MULTI-FAMILY INFILL HOUSING

Instructor: James Michael Tate

Team: Jade Radford, Addison Henson, and Ethan Hajdik

Contributions: Digital and Physical Modeling, Research, Concept and Design Development, Facade Design

Project showcased in the Wright Gallery Fresh Vision Exhibition and published in Dezeen

The duplex aims to utilize a timber narrative in the design of a set of small multi-family structures to fill typical lots in Austin, Texas. Collaboratively, my team developed an architectural language for a group duplex, and then individually crafted duplex designs that adhered to this established language. This assembly method lends itself to varied iterations for a distinctive yet repeatable design. It explores how timber techniques influence the design while following Austin’s housing codes and regulations. Utilizing a nested plan, a prefabricated CLT “core” is integrated into the duplex layout. Surrounding spaces are organized around this core, which stands out as the only curved element visible in the plan. This core houses the staircase and incorporates a light well at the top, creating a unique play of light within the staircase.

Exterior Perspective

Exploded Axon

Exterior Facades - Cladding

Section - AA

A lightwell illuminates the CLT prefabricated staircase

Oblique Axonometric

Short

Long Section

North Elevation

The duplex is designed using a modular approach, where private and public spaces are separated by shifting the modules. Timber bents are placed on the grid next to a prefabricated CLT staircase, and pre-assembled timber cladding panels are attached to the bents, completing the structure. Timber Strategy

Prefabricated CLT

Staircase

Timber Cladding Panels

Wooden Bents

Physical Model

Photographed by Marcel Erminy

NESTED

INVESTIGATING TIMBER

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Instructor: James Michael Tate Team: Addison Henson

Contributions: Physical Modeling, Photographs of Process Models, Research, Concept and Design Development

Physical models showcased at the Austin State Capitol from March 20-21, 2023

This project examines the impact of materials and construction techniques on design through the development of timber construction models. The initial models [01,02] focus on basic massing by using light frame and heavy timber construction. A chunk model was then created to highlight the nested space [03,04], drawing inspiration from Tony Smith’s sculptures and incorporating exposed heavy timber on the exterior. The final models [05,06] explore a hybrid approach that combines light frame and heavy timber construction, utilizing a shou sugi ban technique to stain the timber and distinguishing the nested figure as a unique element within the overall design. This exploration demonstrates how physical model-making, as an independent process, can drive design concepts.

Class studio models displayed in the Austin State Capitol with special appearance by Smokey Bear Photographed by Leonid Furnmansky

1. Light Frame Wood Construction Model

2. Heavy Timber Construction Model

3. Chunk Model - Nested Figure

4. Chunk Model - Nested Figure

5. Light Frame and Heavy Timber Model

6. Light Frame and Heavy Timber Model

The final models consist of a section model and a “kitof-parts” model. The section model highlights the nested figure, centrally located in both plan and section. The exterior walls are constructed with CLT panels and exposed heavy timber, while the interior walls are a translucent polycarbonate material. The kit-of-parts model can be disassembled into separate components to show the pre-assembled pieces.

Interior Perspective

Elevation

DESIGN BUILD

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP

Instructor: Jason Griffiths

Team: Alyssa Foertsch, Kayla Sidik, and Octavio Ortega

Contributions: Physical and Digital Modeling, Concept and Design Development, Construction Diagrams, Process Photographs

During a five-session collaborative workshop, four teams were formed to design different components of a larger model: the point, the plane, the column, and the beam. As part of “Team Plane”, my group and I designed a wall that would attach to a beam above, exposing the connection along the beam’s profile. The design process began by modeling our concept in a digital software, where we determined the lengths of the planks and the placement of the dowels. This dowel-laminated timber (DLT) plane consists of wooden planks of various lengths, creating voids that allow air and light to pass through. The workshop not only provided hands-on experience with power tools in the woodshop, but it also deeply informed our design process, helping us understand the limitations of wood fabrication in comparison to the initial digital model.

Digital model within given boundaries

of final physical model

Step 1: The table saw is used to cut the planks to various lengths

Step 2: The planks are then organized and clamped into groups based on their size

Step 3: The drill press is used to insert holes for the wooden dowels

Step 4: The wooden dowels are inserted and cut flush to the wood

Step 5: Each group is joined by inserting angled dowels

Step 6: The plane starts to take form as various groups are joined

Photograph

TENTH STREET

INFILL STRATEGY IN TENTH STREET

HISTORIC DISTRICT

Professor: Tyrene Calvesbert

Team: Kaila Gonzalez and Maria Nguyen

Contributions: Research, Concept and Design Development, 3D Printed Model, Site Plans, Vignettes, Addition Strategies, Floor Plans, Sections, Exploded Axon

Project showcased in “Working with the Tenth Street Neighborhood: Tenth Street Historic Dallas, Report” and exhibition for BCWorkshop Community Center

An analysis of land ownership, housing vacancy, and parcel dimensions in the Tenth Street Historic District revealed a pattern of vacant lots, many of which are narrow and deep. To address these gaps, the Double Shotgun typology was tested as an infill strategy. This typology, known for its space efficiency and historical significance in the neighborhood, allows for higher density on narrow lots, making it a cost-effective solution for affordable housing. The chosen site along Tenth Street includes three adjacent parcels, two narrow and one wide, to explore how increasing housing density can promote self-sufficiency and support multi-generational residents. The proposal includes new Double Shotgun units, a public communal building, and ADUs to fill vacant lots. Shared amenities and aligned porches encourage community interaction and cost-sharing, creating a space where residents can engage in common activities.

Mapping Vacancy and Existing Typologies

Process Sketch

Ground Plan of Selected Site

SHARED AMENITIES BUILDING

1. Shared Lounge

Shared Office

Shared Laundry Room

Section of Adjacent Houses

Long Section of House with Accessory Dwelling Unit

The double shotgun is built using balloon framing, a method that allows residents to undertake the construction themselves. This approach allows for self-sufficiency within the community and promotes sustainability, due to the durability and renewability of the wood material.

FUORI DENTRO

“INSIDE OUT”

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION PAVILION IN FLORENCE, ITALY

Instructor: Andrea Volpe Team: Maria Nguyen

Contributions: Research, Concept and Design Development, Sketches, Site Plan, Floor Plan, Perspective Section, Elevations

Located along the Arno River, a new exhibition pavilion is proposed to exhibit historical pieces of art. The pavilion’s design draws on historical insights, such as the Uffizi Gallery, to shape its orientation, materials, proportions, and concept, capturing the essence of the city’s history. It serves as an extension exhibition space to the neighboring Casa Museo Rodolfo Siviero, connecting the streets to the river. The glass facades of the parallel galleries face each other, generating a private courtyard in the center to frame the river. The pavilion invites visitors to explore Florence from a new perspective, offering a cantilevered viewing deck, while also reinstating the site as a social gathering place.

Piazza Giuseppe Poggi Collage - Social Interactions in the 1900s

The pavilion draws inspiration from the Uffizi Gallery proportions, with two parallel exhibition spaces that face each other

Process Sketches

Abstract Site Composition - Charcoal and Pen Site Plan Floor Plan

Cantilever

A cantilevered room extends beyond the site’s edge, facing the historical Uffizi Gallery along the Arno River

Permanent Exhibition Gallery Perspective

Temporary Exhibition Gallery Perspective

Courtyard Perspective of the Arno River

- Exploded Axon

DENALI VILLAGE

MIXED-USE COMMUNITY

Summer Internship Project with Stantec Team: Kaden Thurmond and Daniela Alvarado

Contributions: Research, Concept and Design Development, Post Production for Renders, Site Plan, Floor Plan, Bird’s-Eye Axon, Section and Elevation Post Production, Digital Modeling

This project was a ten-session collaboration between a team of architecture and engineering interns from Plano, Houston, and Seattle. In partnership with Hope Community Resources, a non-profit organization supporting individuals with physical and mental disabilities, the client’s mission was to develop a welcoming mixed-use community centered on universal design and inclusivity Denali Village, situated in Anchorage, Alaska, aims to create a living space for residents while also accommodating guests. The design fosters a strong sense of community through a variety of shared indoor and outdoor areas, creating a balance between private rooms and communal spaces to encourage social interaction. A walkway separates the private bedrooms from the more public amenities, giving residents the choice to remain in their own space or engage with others.

1. Road

2. Parking Lot

3. Alpaca Barn

4. Alpaca Pastures

Outdoor Recreation

Unit layout has one caretaker with a resident on either side for accessibility

Separation of private and public; pockets of social space inside and outside

through public and lounge spaces

Section

Front Elevation

SKETCHES

STUDY ABROAD - ITALY

Sketching has allowed me to understand scale, proportions, materials, and spatial relationships by enhancing my attention to details and overall compositions.