Exploring timber construction

Project Type: Matrix Project Scale: 5600 mts sq. Semester: Second year (Semester 3) Date: July to November 2015 Porject Guide: Prof. Gurdev Singh Dean S.E.D.A. Navrachana University (2010-2018)

Location: Kada Dam; one of the most beautiful dams in the state of Gujarat is located in the Jambughoda wildlife santuary. The area has a rich flora and founa including large bamboo and saag forests which inhibit a wide range of wild animals from leopards and hyena’s to the blue bull, sloth bears and porcupines. The aim was to create a working and living space for the rangers, forest conservators, visiting scientists and environmentalists, who are able to come to the dam for a brief period of time form cities nearby during the day. The challenge was to build on the site of the dam according to the surroundings, wildlife and ecosystem. Therefore, the process of analysing the basic situations of the site such as the sun path, wind direction, water levels throughout the year and the topography of the site is most important. Also, part of the challenge, was to use simple techniques to solve problems that were arising due to the site conditions (such as hot summers and cold winters) so that the site remains undistrubed and the structure was to be mainly built from locally available materials (timber and bamboo).

Sun

A few methods to block the summer sun and allow winter sun into the units. Ways of maximising the utilization of north and east light are also important.

Roof tilted to block south sun and allow north light Flexible roof to block summer sun and allow winter sun Sharing walls to block southwest and allow north-east sun Adjustable louvered windows blocking the south and west sun

Wind

The winds come from the south west and are cool due to the large water body behind the dam Therefore, methods of cross - ventilation during the summer are explored Windows on either side of the unit for cross - ventilation (warm air rises and escapes) The slope allows cool air from the water body to rise and enter from the bottom of the unit Adjustable vertical fins to block west sun but allow cross ventilation through the units Staggering walls which help in redirecting the winds from the water body into the units

View

Due to the surrounding ecology and landscape, views are one of the most important factors to be considered. The diagrams show techniques which allow for maximum view coverage. Cut-and-fill of the slope to allow staggering terraces for views The unit rests above a slope to allow views from a height. Balconies at different levels to allow for views. Larger decks which for provide full views.

Water

The monsoon rainfall causes the water level to rise by aprroximately 1.5 meters. The following the diagrams show different design techniques and ways to control the water without disturbing the natural cycle accross the year Wooden stilts which do not disturb the natural topography Stone piers that can withstand the force of the surface runoff. Stone retaining wall to prevent water from flooding the stay area Large moats channel the water back to the large water bodies

Section of an indivdual Unit

1:10 scale part model Floor Plan

Front elevation The gutter and perlins are made from bamboo - a locally available material on site. A layer of bitumen is applied between the timber rafters for waterproofing.

Column - Binder Joinery Detail

A steel L- section is screwed between the timber column and the floor binder preventing the transfer of any infection from one member to another

Floorboard Detail

Tongue - and - groove joinery between floorboards includes a gap filled with rubber which allows for the expansion and contraction during different seasons

Stone Pier Detail

Concrete slab - acts as a barrier between soil and stone pier which reducing chances of termite infections.

Declaration:

I Aashaka Parikh, hereby declare that the sketches, models and drawings shown in the portfolio are a record of original work done by me; except for the references taken and the contribution of others which are mentioned below.

The sketch diagrams on page 10 are done by Tvisha Shah. The views of Bhartendu House, on page 10 (collage of 4 pictures, top right) and page 11 (bottom photo) are photographed by Ajinkya Desai The view from ghats on the bank of River Ganga on page 11 (top photo) is photographed by Tvisha Shah The view of Thatheri Street on page 11 (middle photo) is a google image from www.incrediblevaranasi.com The model of the matrix project shown on page 18 is a group project done by myself, Bansari Makadiya, Aditi Patel and Aditi Patalia

“I don’t divide architecture, landscape and gardening; to me they are one”

- Luis Barragan

DOB: Tel:

Email:

Aashaka Parikh

09. 07. 1996 +91 7600069796 +248 2712910 aashaka.parikh@gmail.com