ORK LAB | Fall 2024

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ORK LAB | Fall 2025 Amelie Murphy | 4th-Year Architectural Studies Student Amelie Murphy Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University

Selected Works Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University Independent Project

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TIDE & TIMBER LIVING LABS

In response to the vertical nature of the site’s steep slope, the gallery cantilevers alongside it, guiding visitors through an immersive journey of the river’s history and stories. In contrast, the horizontal learning lab embraces the horizontal qualities of the waterfront, providing spaces for research and public engagement, including programs like water quality sampling and a turtle hatchery.

Location: Function: Completed:

Designed in collaboration with the Ottawa Riverkeeper (ORK), this project consists of two complementary buildings that honor the ecological and cultural significance of the Ottawa River.

Ottawa River, ON Canada Exhibition Gallery + Learning Lab December, 2024

Through simple forms, hidden details, and low-impact foundations, the design prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, andamelie thoughtfulmurphy material use. The two buildings provide the Ottawa Riverkeeper and Public new inviting studiospaces 4 that inspire stewardship, and foster a deeper connection between the community and the river.

ORK LAB | Fall 2024 Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University 2

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ORK LAB | Fall 2025 Amelie Murphy Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University

Ottawa River Site Plan 1 existing NCC river house 2 gallery 3 wildlife rehabilitation area 4 learning lab 5 boardwalk 6 research docks 7 public swimming docks 8 private boat docks

Ottawa River Biodiversity Analysis The Ottawa River is a vital biodiversity hotspot, supporting over 300 species of birds, 85 species of fish, and numerous mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Its unique ecosystems include wetlands, forests, and aquatic habitats that sustain rare and endangered species like the spiny softshell turtle and the American eel. This rich biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance while offering invaluable cultural, recreational, and environmental benefits to the communities along its banks.

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ORK LAB | Fall 2025 Amelie Murphy Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University

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Ground Floor Plans + Site Context

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Learning Lab Ground Floor Plan

Gallery Ground Floor Plan

1 entry 2 main learning lab 3 wet lab 4 restrooms + storage 5 research lab

1 entry 2 reception 3 main gallery space

6 meeting room 7 staff offices 8 staff area 9 exterior public storage 10 docks

4 restrooms 5 staff area + storage 6 wildlife rehabilitation area

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ORK LAB | Fall 2025 Amelie Murphy Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University

east-facing gallery section

east-facing learning lab section

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ORK LAB | Fall 2025 Amelie Murphy Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University

01 Roof Assembly Pitched Roof Cladding: Recycled Washed Metal Sheets (20 x 120mm) Stainless Steel Supports: Includes drainage holes to manage water runoff Timber Support for pitching: Forms the roof slppe and structure Damp-Proof Membrane (DPM): Provides a moisture barrier beneath cladding 80mm Insulation: Thermal Insulation to regulate indoor temperature Vapour Control Layer: Prevents moisture ingress into insulation CLT 200mm Structural Panel: Main structural component for wall and roof connection Metal Brackets for Connection Glulam Column-Beam

03 Dotted Glass for Bird Protection The glass features a subtle dotted pattern applied to the exterior, designed to make the glass visible to birds while maintaining transparency for human occupants. The pattern follows a “2x4” rule, with dots spaced no more than 2 inches apart horizontally and 4 inches apart vertically, disrupting reflections that birds mistake for open skies or vegetation. This bird-friendly design reduces collisions without compromising natural light, contributing to both wildlife conservation and sustainable building practices.

02 Bird Nest Dwellings Bird House Roof Profile: Matches cladding material.

Basket: Nesting area made of plastic base and wooden sides.

Placement: below birdhouse roof profile with a secure concealed attatchement Roofing Battens: Provides structural support for roof cladding and birdhouse integration.

Initial Wood Support for Drain: Base element aiding in water management

gallery exhibition space

gallery section a-a

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ORK LAB | Fall 2025 Amelie Murphy Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University

04 Overhead Bi-Folding Doors Overhead bifolding doors link the Learning Lab to the waterfront walkway, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. These durable, weather-resistant doors fold open to provide expansive access, fostering interaction with the riverfront for activities like water sampling, outdoor workshops, and wildlife observation.

Their design enhances flexibility and encourages community engagement with the natural environment.

05 Turtle Egg Incubators for Conservation To protect vulnerable turtle populations, the Ottawa Riverkeeper collects eggs from nests on Petrie Island, where they are at risk from predators, flooding and human activity. The eggs are carefully relocated to incubators designed to replicate natural conditions, using ventilated containers with temperature-controlled sand or vermiculite substrates. These incubators ensure optimal humidity and warmth for successful hatching. Once hatched, the young turtles are released back into the Ottawa River Watershed, supporting the recovery and survival of the=se at-risk species.

learning lab hub

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ORK LAB | Fall 2025 Amelie Murphy Azrieli School of Architecture + Urbanism, Carleton University

learning lab front elevation

section b-b

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