Graham, Rhiannon

RHIANNON GRAHAM 2020 PORTFOLIO

Master of Architecture Liverpool School of Art and Design

2020 Portfolio Rhiannon Graham

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CONTENTS MArch YEAR 2

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Working Wellness: Thesis Project

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Management, Practice & Law

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Group Urban Design Project 2

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MArch YEAR 1

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Density & Quality: Housing Project

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Specialist Study

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Individual Urban Design

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Group Urban Design Project 1

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WORKING WELLNESS THESIS PROJECT

Location: Floor Area: Type: Themes: Media Used:

One in four people experience a mental health issue in the UK each year and architecture has the ability to influsence the emotions of those experiencing it. In order to do this, it is important to appreciate how much time people spend indoors, away from the benefits of daylight and nature. The average employee spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime, often more waking hours than they spend at home, so it is these environments that have the greatest impact on our mental health.

This thesis identifies issues surrounding occupant well-being in workplaces, particularly office environments. Research surrounding the topic showed that many companies suffer significant losses as a result of the poor mental health of employees. Reduced productivity

and sick leave as a result of unhappiness in the workplace can lose money as well as reduce the quality of output. This building design aims to act as a precedent to demonstrate ways in which biophilic design methods can be used in an office building to improve occupant well-being.

The way we work has changed in recent years, and companies require more flexible working environments to suit their needs.

Similarly, hot-desking is becoming more popular for people who want to have more control over when, where, and how they work.

This project aims to combine flexible workspaces, biophilic design, and facilities that support a healthy work-life balance. Different people feel comfortable working in different environments. Some enjoy working in a busy,

Chester 3,300m2 Offices Well-being, biophilic design AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Photoshop, InDesign, hand drawing, digital drawing, watercolour, Enscape Rendering

active environment, while others work more productively in quiet isolated spaces. Either way occupants should have equal access to the basic requirements for a healthy environment such as daylight, nature and good air quality.

Often office workers spend very little time away from their desks, even while eating, so the scheme aims to provide opportunities for relaxation and social interaction, as well as proximity to green space for exercise around office hours.

With so much focus on mental health in recent years, it is hoped that the creation of healthy working environments will become a priority of architects moving forward.

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Reduced road access to encourage more sustainable methods of transport

Building draws attention to key features of the surrounding area

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Proposed urban design introduces a new train stop as well as new cycle and pedestrian routes and a leisure centre encouraging active lifestyles

Building does not prevent views from adjacent residential properties and only overshadows a small area of the Water Tower Gardens

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GROUND FLO O R

In order to establish the position of internal spaces it was important to understand the connections that each space would require.

Using the atrium as a centre point and circulation route, spaces were positioned based on their need for daylight, views to nature, social interaction, and acoustic separation.

For example, areas of short term occupancy don’t require as much natural light so could be enclosed, whereas office spaces require daylight, external views, and the ability to see areas of relaxation or social interaction to avoid feelings of stress or isolation.

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F I R ST F L O O R

SE CO N D F L O OR

T HIRD FLO O R

FOURTH FLOOR

FIFTH FLOOR

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GR OUND FLOOR PLAN

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F IR S T F L O O R PL AN

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S ECOND FLOOR PLAN

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T H IR D F L O O R PL AN

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F O URTH FLOOR P LAN

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F IF T H F L O O R PL AN

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MATER IALITY

The materiality of building was chosen in such a way that would minimise the visual impact of a building of that scale, while drawing attention to the retained facade of Chester Electric Lighting Station shown in the South Elevation. The glazed facade with light timber structure aims to reflect the surrounding landscape and direct views to the traditional red brick facade. Despite lacking direct sunlight the North facade benefits from long views across the gardens.

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South Elevation

North Elevation

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West Elevation

East Elevation

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BIOPHILIC DESIGN

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DAYL I G H T

RE FU G E

T H ERMAL & AIR F L OW VARIABIL IT Y

Vertical columns of timber create a screen between office spaces which provides an element of privacy but allows some views and more importantly daylight to pass between spaces. With floor to ceiling glazing over a 3m height, daylight is able to reach 6m into workspaces. The atrium provides access to additional daylight within the deep building plan.

Comfort can be gained through having access to areas of security or refuge. People have different preferences to the types of environment they like to work in, so enclosed workspaces give them the option of refuge if they feel they are more comfortable working this way. Glazed screens are used to provide enclosure while retaining views towards the atrium or external views and landscape.

With limited openings to the atrium and the density of plants inside, variability in temperature and humidity can be created giving occupants different environmental experiences.

LEGI B I L I T Y

BIO M O RPH IC F ORMS & PAT T ERNS

PROSPECT

During the research stage of this project it was found that overly complex buildings can lead to confusion and unhappiness. Clear connections between spaces can create feelings of comfort and security. The perimeter of the atrium defines the main circulation route and the glazed structure allows for visual connections between workspaces as well as views to facilities such as the cafe, creche or breakout spaces.

The design of the atrium structure takes influence from the trees that it will house by mimicking the spread of their branches. This also creates definition between the atrium structure and the structure of the rest of the building and as it doesn’t need to support internal floors, the structure can become lighter towards the top.

Uninterrupted views towards the water tower give occupants a point of focus over a distance. Desks are laid out so that every occupant has views to nature in at least one direction.

VI S U A L C O N N E C T I ON S TO NATU R E

N O N - V ISUAL AND MAT ERIAL CO N N E CT IONS T O NAT URE

PRESENCE OF WAT ER

The location of the site provides both visual and non-visual connections with nature and surrounding landscape. The breakout spaces at floors 1-3 are situated so that direct views towards the canal basin are provided. The full area of glazing to the North side of the building, while lacking sunlight benefits from wide views of the water tower gardens below.

Access to the enclosed atrium as well as areas of internal gardens throughout allows for direct interaction with the sounds, smells and touch of natural elements.

The choice of a timber frame as the primary structure, and the aim to keep this structure exposed internally provides constant connection to the natural material.

Water features improve air quality by adding moisture to the air. It is also thought that the movement of water can be calming to some people.

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L EGIBILITY

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BI OMOR PH IC FO RMS & P A TTE RN S

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PR ESENCE OF WATER

PROSPEC T

NON-VISUAL C ONNECTIONS TO NATURE

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THERM AL & AIR F L OW VARIABILIT Y

VIS UAL CONNECT IONS T O NAT UR E

N O N -VI S UAL CONNECTIONS TO NATURE

PR ES ENCE OF WAT ER

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Ground Floor: Creche

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Fourth Floor: Group work screen

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Fifth Floor: Window seats

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Third Floor: Enclosed meeting room

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Fifth Floor: Individual workspaces

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Internal gardens in circulation space

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Timber screen dividing office spaces

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IN T E R N A L SPACES A lot of stress can be caused due to difficulties balancing childcare with working hours. Providing a creche as part of the building programme relieves some of this stress allowing them to be more productive during the day.

Slim screens can be used for group discussions or presentations as well as to break up open plan spaces. These could be white boards, cork pin boards or digital screens.

These also create a sense of privacy even in an open plan layout.

In some areas of the building direct sunlight can be detrimental to office work by causing glare on computer screens. At upper floors window seats are included along the

South facade for reading, writing or relaxation which should be unaffected by direct light.

Desks point outwards on the North facade benefitting from views across the gardens.

Natural daylight can only reach a certain distance into the building, leaving an area along the circulation route devoid of daylight.

While these areas can’t be used as long-term workspaces, they are suitable for enclosed meeting spaces that are used for short-term occupancy.

Individual workspaces divided by screens allow for acoustic isolation and a sense of security, but a glass front allows for some daylight and long views across the Water Tower Gardens.

Areas of internal gardens feature throughout, in order to provide non-visual experiences with nature to those with limited time to spend in the atrium or gardens. Some also include water features which positively impact on health and well-being as well as contributing to good air quality.

Desks in the main office spaces are designed so that each seat had views to either the atrium, the canal basin, the Water Tower and Gardens, or the River Dee. In order to divide office spaces but retain some element of legibility and for daylight to pass through, vertical timber columns along a glazed screen are used.

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Approach from the viaduct

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Approach from New Crane Street

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View from atrium seating area

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Atrium footpath

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Group workspaces

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Individual workspaces

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Shaded garden

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New cycle and pedestrian path

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STRUCTURAL STRATEGY Having decided that the new building would be built onto the existing brick facade of the Chester Electric Lighting Station, it was important that the structure complimented this. At ground floor the brick outer skin is continued in order to give the impression of a heavy base and to continue the existing facade.

Above, however, the structure aims to appear light in order to reduce the visual impact of the building from the road and to draw attention to the existing facade.

The timber frame has been designed on a 7.5m x 7.5m structural grid with a full height 500mm x 500mm glulam timber column at each of the intersections. 600mm x 160mm glulam beams are fixed in twos to each column

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creating the grid. CLT floor slabs are combined with a raised access floor system to house lighting and electrical cables. As the timber frame is left exposed within the building allowing occupants to appreciate the structure, heating and ventilation pipes are hidden where possible, running along circulation spaces and through enclosed meeting rooms with suspended ceilings. Vents are then used to extract and supply air to the surrounding spaces.

While the primary structural frame of the building requires large timber members in order to span the required distances, narrower pieces of timber are used to support the double skin facade. Externally this gives the

impression of a much lighter structure.

This double-skin is designed in such a way that allows access to between the layers for maintenance. Perforated steel floors allow for this without preventing its use for ventilation.

It also provides opportunities for plants to be grown for additional shading in the Summer.

As the atrium has no responsibility in supporting the floors of the building, the structure becomes lighter towards the top, only needing to support the glazing.

Timber Atrium Structure

Double Skin Facade

Floor Plates

Brick outer skin at ground floor

Timber Frame

Retained Front Facade

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1. Double skin facade raised 1100mm above roof level for ventilation and to create a parapet around roof terraces 2. Controllable vent to release / enclose warm air between the layers of glazing 3. Concrete floor slab / paving slabs 4. Concrete screed 5. Damp proof membrane

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100mm CLT subfloor Raised access floor system Floor finish MEP within raised floor Task lighting suspended through subfloor 140mm Rigid board insualtion Cavity barriers

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External brickwork Damp proof membrane Masonry block Concrete slab foundation Anchor bolt connecting timber stud to foundation slab 100x300mm suspended timber floor 100mm CLT subfloor Floor finish 500x500mm glulam column Exposed internal brickwork

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Floor finish Raised access floor system Cavity barriers 140mm Rigid board insulation 100mm CLT subfloor Cables suspending ceiling 160x600mm structural Glulam beams spanning 7m between columns Ventilation pipes extracting and supplying air to surrounding workspaces Suspended ceiling Air vent 180mm insulated stud wall for acoustic separation White plaster finish to reflect light where possible

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Vertical timber mullions (100x150mm) External glazing with steel fixing Timber sill External brickwork Metal wall tie 100mm thick cellulose insulation Damp proof membrane 75mm cavity Inner brickwork Perforated steel floor spanning double skin Vent allowing air flow to double skin Horizontal timber supports Internal glazing 500x100mm vertical and horizontal timber frame hosting curtain wall 15. Steel corner fixing 16. 160x600mm structural Glulam beams spanning 7m between columns 17. 500x500mm glulam column

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ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY The strategy for this project involves reducing the environmental impact of the building both in initial construction, and over its lifespan.

Timber was chosen as the primary structure for several reasons. The first is that the initial construction process is quicker and much quieter than other frame materials, reducing the impact on surrounding residents and visitors. Secondly, it is a sustainable material, and, as part of the biophilic design of the building, new trees will be planted both in the atrium and as part of the landscape proposal for the project.

With regard to heating and ventilation the building aims to rely on natural sources where

possible. Fully glazed facades on all sides of the building aim to maximise natural daylight.

The space between the double skin will collect solar gain during the colder months and act as an additional layer of insulation. During Summer, green shading can be added on the South facade and warm air can be released from vents at the top. Natural ventilation will be provided via both the double skin and the atrium.

While mechanical systems will need to support the natural heating and ventilation strategies, elements of the design aim to reduce energy usage where possible. Pre-cooled air from the shaded garden can supply the mechanical ventilation systems in the Summer

and a ground source heat pump can collect, store or supply heat when needed.

While this kind of system is initially expensive, the energy it provides over the building’s lifespan considerably reduces running costs.

Good air quality is important in creating healthy environments. Water features within the atrium, and smaller areas throughout the building, allow water to be evaporated into the air adding moisture, and plants naturally release oxygen, both of which improve air quality.

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S U MMER

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WI NTER

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MANAGEMENT, PRACTICE & LAW

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Project:

Roof Garden, Cafe & Store Design for the Turnpike Gallery

Client:

Helen Stalker, Art Director Al & Al, Local Artists and Authors of the Wigan Cultural Manifesto Wigan Borough Council Arts Council England

Design Team:

Jesse Barnes Srushti Bhosale Essam Elaraby Emma Fitzpatrick Rhiannon Graham Adam Hardman Adam Williams Jamie Scott (Tutor)

Module Introduction:

Initial Brief:

Project Introduction:

The management, practice and law module is a group project in which students meet with a real client and discuss their aspirations for a small scale architectural project. As a group we were asked to put together a report to present to the client which included our designs, an initial cost plan, and a time schedule of works.

Following feedback this document would then be presented by the client to the local council in order to gain support and funding for the project. This module aimed to give students first-hand experience working with clients as well as the opportunity to see their designs come to life and have an impact on the community.

Using a combination of ideas inspired by the Wigan Borough Council cultural manifesto, and aspirations of the clients, develop a design which provides safe access onto the roof of the Turnpike Gallery, with the potential for it to become a detailed roof garden that could be an extension of future exhibitions. The project should also provide options for short and longterm storage as well as a new outdoor cafe for use by visitors to the gallery and the local community.

Before the first client meeting, as a design team we carried out research into the gallery, it’s history, and the type of artists that exhibit at the Turnpike. This along with ‘The Fire Within’ Cultural Manifesto for Wigan BoroughCouncil gave us an insight into the priorities of the local council, community and the importance of art and culture in Leigh.

This Live Project is driven by Helen Stalker, the director of the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh, with the hope that designs for the gallery will gain the support of both the Borough Council and the Arts Council in the coming months.

The Turnpike Centre consists of the community library at ground level with the

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gallery at the first floor. Currently the gallery is made up of a main exhibition space, storage / workshop room, a small reception area, communal office and a large studio space used for a range of community activities. Run by the local authority, the gallery is a popular venue for art classes, toddler groups, and drama clubs. As most exhibitions are free it is difficult for the gallery to be financially sustainable, and being a community building, many groups wouldn’t agree to increased rates of room hire. As a result it is important that the live project proposal is worth further funding and investment from the council.

November 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Turnpike Gallery, so the

Live Project aimed to result in a design that could be achieved by then, in celebration. The gallery currently opens onto a significant area of unused roof space that could potentially become an extension of future exhibitions or just a pleasant community garden. However, the roof needs considerable work carried out before it can safely support heavy loads, which is expensive. There are also security issues with regard to anti-social behaviour from members of the public climbing onto the roof. As the venue facilitates so many different activities, storage is also a big problem; existing storage is limited and disorganised and often the size of the space is unsuitable for the activity. Finally, there is a lack of acoustic isolation in the

reception and workshop spaces leading to issues of both privacy and work noise in the gallery. The Live Project therefore aims to both solve issues of internal layout and separation, as well as creating additional storage, preventing unauthorised access onto the roof, and designing a community garden that can become an extension of the gallery in itself and a positive promotion of the art and culture that Leigh has to offer.

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GROUP URBAN DESIGN CHESTER - THE GARDEN QUARTER

Our aim for the redevelopment of the Garden Quarter area is to create an example for how the remaining areas which immediately surround the historic city centre could best be regenerated, provoking those responsible for Chester’s next ‘future plan’ to more intently consider how the regeneration of the city’s suburbs could not only benefit the locations themselves, but how they could also aid in transforming the way in which Chester centre itself is used, visited and commuted to.

Our scheme proposes a number of key changes to the infrastructure of the Garden Quarter, large and small, with the aim to create a densely populated, vibrant, mixed use suburb which is well connected, affordable,

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and offers opportunities to those who live, work and visit the area.

Whilst the main redevelopment scheme is tied to a specific region, our regeneration scheme will seek to influence changes beyond this area, with an aim to provoking investment into the underutilised canal paths around the city through the connections created within the regeneration region, and the importance the scheme places on these pathways, to begin Chester’s progression towards a walkable, pedestrian focussed future which is far less dependent upon vehicular traffic.

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DENSITY & QUALITY HOUSING PROJECT

Location: Floor Area: Type: Themes: Media Used:

Liverpool Housing High density housing AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Photoshop, InDesign, digital drawing

Crea ting affordable & enjo yable urbanity in english cities

This project involved the selection of a housing project as a precedent in designing our own housing scheme. Having identified key themes within the brief a precedent was chosen which is high density, affordable, enjoyable and sustainable; the Byker Wall

by Ralph Erskine. The scheme makes use of height and scale to create a buffer from road noise and maximises South light. The curves of the wall weave in and out of mature trees which also provide shading and privacy. Its facade features external balconies and shared walkways which encourage interaction between neighbours. All of these features could be applied to my chosen site.

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The long, narrow site sits alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The scheme developed aims to create a similar high density ‘wall’ which, while private, provides public access through the site to the canal, and includes several shops and cafes at street and lower ground level. The curve of the building is made up of 17 repeated and mirrored blocks which become 16 dwellings of various occupancy, and the curve itself responds to existing mature trees. Working to minimum space standards the scheme presents affordable, high density homes without compromising on quality. Large windows, vertical louvres, and recessed walkways provide well daylit, enjoyable internal and external spaces.

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MASSING DEVELO PMEN T

South facing dwellings maximise daylight but only the end units to the West will have views of the canal.

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A staggered layout could provide some views of the canal to each dwelling.

East-West orientation gives each dwelling the same access to canal views and morning light at one side and evening light at the other.

A curved layout could achieve higher unit numbers than a straight block and a curved mass could be seen to be less intimidating.

A break in the block can create a public route through the site to the canal.

Ends of the block respond to the site boundary and the break is angled like a dwelling segment.

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Lack of amenities near the site presents a need for small shops, cafes or salons as part of the scheme

city centre only a 20 minute bus journey or 30 minute walk from the site and train station only 15 minute walk away

T R A N S P O R T & A M E N IT IE S

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East-West orientation gives equal daylighting to both sides of the dwellings

Height provides a buffer from road noise

Mature trees retained for shading and privacy

E N V IR O N M E N T

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L O WER GROUND FLO O R PLAN

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UPPER GROUND FLO O R PLAN

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FLOOR PLANS & S CH E D U L E O F A C COMMODATI ON

20 No. Type A 2b 3p apartments @ 61 sqm.

20 No. Type B 2b4p apartments @ 70 sqm.

10 No. Type B 2b4p apartments @ 75 sqm.

20 No. Type C 3b4p apartments @ 80 sqm.

10 No. Type D 4b7p apartments @ 114 sqm.

4No. Circulation Core Total = 80No. Apartments over 0.62 hectares Density = 129 units/ha

451 hr/ha

TYPE A @ 1:200

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TYPE B @ 1:200

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TYPE C @ 1:200

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TYPE D @ 1:200

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S TR UCTURE & FA C A D E STU D Y Similarly to the Byker Wall, the facade design is split into two styles. The first is more open with shared balconies and fully glazed screens, providing both long views out towards the Mersey as well as short views over the canal. The East facade however, is more defensive with smaller areas of fixed glazing in order to reduce the impact of noise from the main road. The elevational studies show how the facade can vary based on occupant control over the timber louvres.

The calculations which began in the earlier design stage of this project have lead to a panel system, by which every dwelling, window, and louvred screen is made up of a multiple of 787.5mm panels both on the inner and outer

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circumference of each dwelling segment. This number also works with brick dimensions ensuring that both windows and louvred screens can fit easily within the brickwork on the East facade.

In order to allow for the height and spans required for this scheme a steel frame construction has been chosen. The flexibility of the material means that curved beams can be used to create the shape of the building. up of a multiple of 787.5mm panels both on the inner and outer circumference of each dwelling segment. This number also works with brick dimensions ensuring that both windows and louvred screens can fit easily within the brickwork on the East facade.

Calculations Circumference of larger circle = 2πr = 354372mm Circumference of larger sector = 354372 = 7875mm 45 Area of circle = πr² = 9993280567mm² Circumference of smaller circle = 283497mm Circumference of smaller sector = 6300mm Area of circle = πr² = 6395699563 Area of the dwelling:

11279

x°/360° = 8°/360° =

c = 7875mm

1 45

Larger sector:

A = 80m² - 150mm offset wall perimeter A = 74m²

c = 6300mm Circulation Core

1 45

1 πr² = 45 x 9993280567 = 222072901mm² = 222m²

Smaller sector: 1 45

Minimum width at point of stair = 4200mm Larger angle increases the curve at the circulation points.

r = 56400mm

1 πr² = 45 x 6395699563 = 142126657mm² = 142m²

c = 6300mm

r = 45120mm

Area of dwelling = 222m² - 142m² = 80m²

c = 4357mm at stair

Subtract 150mm around the perimeter = 74.5m²

c = 3937.5mm

Panel System: c = 7875mm = 10 x 787.5mm panels (321 bricks wide) c = 6300mm = 8 x 787.5mm panels (321 bricks wide)

x = 8°

x = 8°

x = 8°

x = 12°

OR c = 7875 = 5 x 1575mm panels (7 bricks wide) c = 6300 = 4 x 1575mm panels (7 bricks wide) Core: c = 6300 = 8 x 787.5mm panels (321 bricks wide) c = 3937.5 = 5 x 787.5mm panels (321 bricks wide)

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W EST ELEVATIO N

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E A S T E L EVAT IO N

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WEST E LEV A TI O N

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E A S T E L E V A T IO N

Inner Circumference = 6300mm 8 x 787.5 mm panels (28 bricks)

Panel system using brickwork dimensions allows windows to work to the same multiples as the timber louvres

Outer Circumference = 7875mm 10 x 787.5 mm panels (35 bricks)

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Steel parapet capping Waterproof membrane 150mm soil for planting Concrete deck with waterproof layer and filter fabric above Corrugated metal deck Vapour control layer 12.5mm sheathing 70mm wood fibre rigid insulation 12.5mm sheathing External steel sheet cladding Surface mounted acoustic air vent Curtain wall of 787.5mm fixed double glazed panels 215mm air gap between fixed glazing and closed louvre Steel pin fixed to brickwork allowing louvres to rotate 100mm thick adjustable timber louvre Standard aluminium window frames Fixed double glazing Floor boards 12.5mm chipboard deck 100mm reinforced concrete deck Corrugated metal deck Vapour control layer 180mm wood fibre rigid insulation Steel cable suspending ceiling Steel ceiling grid 25mm plasterboard ceiling 203 x 125mm timber battens supporting chipboard and insulation 178 x 102mm steel I beam Wall ties connecting brickwork to internal sheathing 102.5 x 215 x 65mm blue engineering brick 100mm concrete deck supported by metal mesh Damp proof membrane 50mm rigid insulation 50mm sand blinding Compacted hardcore to level the ground Concrete foundations supporting steel frame and floor deck Steel base plate bolted into concrete foundations

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WEST ELEVATION 38. Steel external stair with concrete treads 39. 2.5m adjustable timber louvres 40. Double glazed panels opening in two directions for ventilation and to adjust louvres 41. Safety glass balustrade with steel handrail 42. Steel balusters embedded in the concrete floor 43. 3.1m adjustable timber louvres 44. Steel bracket fixed to the concrete floor slab and supporting the louvres 45. Concrete balcony fixed to structural steel frame 46. Main reinforcing steel 47. Distribution reinforcing steel 48. 178 x 102mm steel I beam

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EN V I R O N ME N T A L STU D Y

SO LA R ST RAT EGY

VENT IL AT ION ST RAT EGY

Based on the success of the Byker Wall in Newcastle upon Tyne, the aim of this scheme is to provide high density affordable housing, without compromising on the comfort and quality of larger dwellings in the city.

Through careful consideration of materials, internal layout and facade design this 6 storey apartment block focuses on maximising the potential of natural daylight, ventilation and reusable materials in order to create comfortable living environments in dwellings of minimum space standards.

Due to the shape and orientation of the chosen site it was important to consider the day to day lives of potential inhabitants.

While many schemes aim to maximise daylight from the South when the sun is at its highest, this sceme avoids it altogether. It is usually the case that at midday when the sun comes from the South most people are out of the house, therefore the internal plan of the dwellings is based around the utilisation of East light in bedrooms in the morning and West light in living spaces in the evening.

The ventilation strategy chosen for this scheme considers several factors including, wind direction, road noise and environmental impact. As wind passes through accross the site from the West from the River Mersey, openings at the bottom of the glazed walls allows cool air to flow naturally through each dwelling. While it may be possible to release this air through openings on the East facade, these spaces are more exposed to road noise.

Instead, wall or window mounted acoustic vents can allow air to enter and leave the space while reducing external noise.

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SITE SECTION

Long view towards the

River Mersey

RIVER MERSEY

INDUSTRIAL

RESIDENTIAL TRAIN LINE

SITE

RESIDENTIAL

MAIN ROAD

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W I N T E R S O L S TI CE - 2 1 ST DECEMBER Sunrise - 8:30am / Sunset - 4:00pm Sun angle = 13.18° at midday

S P R I N G / A U T U M N EQUI NOX - 2 1 S T MARCH /S E P T E MB E R Sunrise - 6:00am / Sunset - 6:00pm Sun angle = 36.62° at midday

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SUMME R SOLST IC E - 21ST JUNE Sunrise - 4:00am / Sunset - 8:30pm Sun angle = 59.91° at midday

Winter Spring/Autumn Summer

Green roof provides insulation as well as collecting rainwater to be recycled

The design of the louvred facade allows inhabitants to control the amount of sunlight that enters their home. This control can reduce the amount of excess heat that is gained in summer or lost in winter by closing the louvres or maximising daylight by opening them.

The diagrams above demonstrate how the angle of the sun changes at different times of year and how this impacts upon the daylighting of a single dwelling.

Breeze from the west can pass in through the living space and out through bedrooms naturally ventilating each dwelling

Height of building and sloped site provides long views over the canal and towards the Mersey

Mature trees retained

Bin facilities provide separate recycling and green waste bins

Excess heat gained through large areas of glazing at ground floor can be reused to heat upper floors

Water tank with concrete surround

Overflow pipe

Pre-treatment tank to remove debris Pump

Rainwater harvesting system collects water, filters it, and pumps it back into the building to be used to flush toilets or for utilities

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Air passes through living space into bedrooms Opening in curtain wall allows cool air to rise from the bottom

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Warm air leaves through wall mounted acoustic vents Road Noise

SE C T ION & E LE V A T ION DE TA IL OF A C OUSTIC V E NT

900

787.5

755

787.5

E L E V A T ION OF OPENI NG GLAZ I NG PANE L

P L A N DE T A IL OF OP E NING GLA ZING P A NE L A ND A DJUSTA B L E LOUV R E S

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I NTERIOR & LIG HT STU D Y The main focus of this interior and light study is the effect created by the external louvres. The scheme aims to utilise natural daylighting as best as possible both with regard to environmental benefits as well as creating a more spacious feel to a home of relatively small floor area. The visuals demonstrate the effects of both the louvres and fixed windows on the internal spaces at different times of day; the bedrooms in the morning when the sun rises to the east of the site, and the living space in the afternoon when the sun is to the West.

With regard to interior finishes it could be interesting to limit the material palette to those that reflect the materials of the structure and facade. The use of timber flooring or

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worktops with the grain in a consistent direction could mimic the vertical lines of the West facade, while furniture that showcases the lightness of a steel frame and glass features would be a nice way to continue this theme.

While electric lighting cannot be avoided completely the facade design and building orientation aims to reduce the need for it at the times that each space is most likely to be occupied.

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LIVI N G S P ACE SUMM ER S O L S T ICE - 2 1 S T J U N E - 3 P M

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LIV IN G SP ACE W INTER SO L S T ICE - 2 1 S T D E C E MB E R - 3 P M

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B E D RO O M 1 - L O U V R E S C L O S E D SPRIN G EQ U IN O X - 2 1 S T MA R C H - 9 A M

The images and details above demonstrate the internal qualities of a bedroom in the morning when the louvres are open and closed. Often an opposition to daylight in homes is a lack of privacy, but by opening and closing the louvres occupants can have privacy and/or daylight when needed. In the bedrooms with fixed glazing it may be that the louvres are controlled mechanically rather than manually as in the living rooms.

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B E D RO O M 1 - L O U VRE S O P E N SPR IN G EQ U IN O X - 21 S T MA R C H - 9 A M

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SPECIALIST STUDY WINDOWS, WELLNESS & WEALTH ABSTRACT

In recent years mental health has been at the forefront of discussion. Nearly 800,000 people per year commit suicide and the number of people with depression has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years (World Health Organisation, 2017). While there are more opportunities arising for people to gain support with mental health problems, there is still more that can be done.

The benefits of sunlight to our physical and mental health has been known for hundreds of years, and there have been attempts made to maximise these benefits through light therapy, outdoor activity and daylight design in buildings. But with modern lifestyles revolving around technology, we as a

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population are spending more time indoors than ever. Working hours are longer, and many of us spend a significant proportion of our time in front of a screen, in offices, schools, and our homes, away from the benefits of natural light. Particularly in winter, when hours of daylight are shorter, we work into the evenings under the influence of artificial light. We travel to work by car, or bus, or train, spend our days indoors, then go home to our artificially lit houses. These lifestyles are seemingly leading to a population deficient of the potential health benefits of exposure to sunlight.

Changing the way we live however, could be a near impossible task. But, architects and designers have the ability to change the way

we live indoors.

While forcing people to go outside more may not be possible, effective building design could have an inherent role to play in improving the health of a whole population.

Good daylight design can have significant benefits to our physical and mental health.

While there have been certain regulations put in place that can improve employee health through access to sufficient daylight, very little is in place to provide the same in UK housing.

With increasingly more people working and studying from home, it is important that there becomes a greater focus on daylight design in homes.

To say that all houses are insufficiently

“A room is not a room without natural light” LOUIS KHAN

daylit would be incorrect. Many larger detached or semi-detached houses have greater opportunities for daylight available to them, whether that’s through more windows, better privacy, or the ability to feature a fully glazed façade. Unfortunately this often isn’t the case in more densely occupied settings. Terraced houses and blocks of flats have a reduced ability to provide large areas of glazing due to cost, privacy, or an inability to move away from the uniform style of a traditional street.

It could therefore be considered whether the benefits provided by daylight are restricted to the wealthy.

Generally though, even in modern architecture therehas been an increased

focus on energy efficiency in buildings. Often this can lead to a certain disregard for daylight design in favour of reduced heat losses.

However, with further research showing that a well daylit building can contribute significantly to energy efficiency, the importance of daylight is becoming more apparent. Design methods such as passive house are aiming to provide well daylit energy efficient buildings, and houses have been produced that fulfil these requirements. But in the majority of cases these are still unaffordable.

This study therefore proposes to demonstrate the importance of daylight design in supporting positive mental health, and the ways in which architects and designers

can design to maximise these benefits.

It will aim to illustrate how choices in glazing design, floor plan, and considerate electric lighting solutions, can create houses that, not only provide occupants with a higher quantity of daylight, but with a quality that creates enjoyable spaces that support our biological need for light.

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INDIVIDUAL URBAN DESIGN ELLESMERE PORT

Following the group urban design proposal, this project focuses on a small area of the masterplan and develops it further.

The site I have chosen is, what was initially defined as the cultural ‘zone’. I chose to build upon three main themes; history & landmarks, views, and interactions.

Overall I was happy with the function of my chosen site in terms of providing spaces for learning crafts and skills as well as a space for children to explore natural materials and habitats. I felt that our initial masterplan embraced these activities but turned its back on the historical elements of the site which I feel best represent Ellesmere Port. As a result I aimed to redirect views towards the Boat

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Museum as well as providing outdoor spaces with views across the Manchester Ship Canal towards the Stanlow Oil Refinery which represents Ellesmere Port’s industrial history.

Both monuments and buildings could be considered landmarks and with buildings such as the Boat Museum and Lighthouse surrounding the site I aimed to create a new landmark using another element which represents the site’s history. I have also tried to embrace the existing site through my use of materials such as block paving for the primary route through the site and gravel paths for secondary routes along the canal. Similarly the use of arches in the building design aim to reflect the existing National Waterways

Museum buildings.

I consider interaction to be key in creating a comfortable, safe sense of community, which is why I aimed to design routes which would encourage interaction. The changes in levels, while providing more diverse views, to some extent challenge interaction, but it is interesting to consider how different types of interactions between levels can take place as a result.

In terms of a landscape strategy I have considered how landscaping can interrupt views. Through the use of open trees that, while disrupting direct views, still allow glimpses through to the key elements of the site.

B UILDIN G SECTION

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P ROPOSED SITE PLAN

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FIRST FLOOR

STEPPED SEATING & PERFORMANCE SPACE Raised platform draws attention to the horse sculpture as well as providing seating which faces across the canal towards a potential performance space and outdoor cinema.

GROUND FLOOR

EXHIBITION SPACE & SENSORY GARDEN PROPOSED PATHS

Exhibition space provides a central meeting space and opportunity to showcase local works of art while the sensory garden allows children to engage with natural materials. It could include elements such as a rock pool, sand pit, and ‘bug homes’.

WATER

PLAY AREA & POOL The site is surrounded by water but with little opportunity for direct interaction so the scheme provides a shallow pool of water alongside an area of the canal that people can sit around, play in or walk through.

S IT E LEVELS

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OU TDOOR EXHIBI TI O N S PACE

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M A IN ROU TE THRO UG H TH E S I TE

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V IEW TO THE BOAT M US EUM

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S E ATIN G AREA & S TATUE

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GROUP URBAN DESIGN ELLESMERE PORT

Ellesmere Port can be found on the Southern shore of the Mersey estuary. The site has a 200 year old history comprising of the original Shropshire Union Canal docks, locks and buildings from the late 18th century. The site boundaries include the Manchester Ship Canal to the North East, the M53 to the South, and feature The National Waterways Museum and Whitby Lighthouse.

This design proposal revolves around the idea of bringing interest to the docks and providing better leisure facilities, outdoor activities and a more enjoyable environment for its residents and tourists. With this in mind, the excessive car activity in the area will be addressed by implementing a cycle scheme and

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the pedestrianisation of much of the site.

The new central area will consist of a Water Sports Centre, craft workshops, street market as well as restaurants, bars and spa and leisure facilities. An important part of the site is its historical background which is currently not well utilized within the surroundings. In order to support the site’s heritage there will be workshops related to the National Waterways museum and also the local market, which will support local independent businesses. Another aspect with high priority in this urban design development is the provision of open, green spaces in order to allow a break from the busy central zone as well as more activities for the people visiting.

BEFORE: BEFORE: HEAVY HEAVY TRAFFIC TRAFFIC ISSUES ISSUES WITH WITH M53 M53 AND AND RINGROAD RINGROAD

AFTER: AFTER: INTRODUCED INTRODUCED PEDESTRIAN PEDESTRIAN PATH PATH ALONGISDE ALONGISDE THE THE RINGROAD RINGROAD

BEFORE: BEFORE: GATED GATED PRIVATE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PROPERTY

AFTER: AFTER: PUBLIC PUBLIC SQUARE SQUARE / FOOD / FOOD MARKET MARKET / RESIDENTIAL / RESIDENTIAL UNITS UNITS ABOVE ABOVE

EX I S TPRIVATE IN G: PR I RESIDENTIAL V A T E CARAREA PARK FOR RESI DENTS BEFORE: BEFORE: PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREA OVERPOWERED OVERPOWERED

BY BY CARS CARS

PR OPOSE D:MARKET PMARKET UB L IC MA RTO KE T THE SQUA R EWITHIN AFTER: AFTER: FOOD FOOD OPEN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC PUBLIC WITHIN RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL AREA AREA

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KEY AREAS KEY AREAS

BEFORE: HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH M53 ANDM53 RINGROAD BEFORE: HEAVYISSUES TRAFFIC ISSUES WITH AND RINGROAD

AFTER: INTRODUCED PEDESTRIAN PATH ALONGISDE THE RINGROAD AFTER: INTRODUCED PEDESTRIAN PATH ALONGISDE THE RINGROAD

BEFORE: GATEDRESIDENTIAL PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY BEFORE: GATED PRIVATE PROPERTY

AFTER: SQUARE PUBLIC SQUARE FOOD MARKET / RESIDENTIAL UNITS ABOV AFTER: PUBLIC / FOOD /MARKET / RESIDENTIAL UNITS ABOVE

EX I S T I N G : G A T E D PRI VATE RES I DENTI AL PROPER TY

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P R OPOSE D: P UB L IC SQUA R E / FOOD MA R KE TS

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BEFORE: PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREA OVERPOWERED BY CARS

AFTER: FOOD MARKET OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN RESIDENTIAL AR

KEY AREAS KEY AREAS

BEFORE:BEFORE: HEAVY TRAFFIC HEAVY TRAFFIC ISSUES WITH ISSUES M53 WITH ANDM53 RINGROAD AND RINGROAD

AFTER: INTRODUCED AFTER: INTRODUCED PEDESTRIAN PEDESTRIAN PATH ALONGISDE PATH ALONGISDE THE RINGROAD THE RINGROAD

BEFORE:BEFORE: GATED PRIVATE GATED PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PROPERTY

AFTER: PUBLIC AFTER:SQUARE PUBLIC SQUARE / FOOD MARKET / FOOD MARKET / RESIDENTIAL / RESIDENTIAL UNITS ABOVE UNITS ABOV

EX I S T I N G : H E A V Y T RAFFI C W I TH M5 3 & RI NGROAD

P R OPOSE D: R A ISE D P E DE STR IA N PA T H

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Key Plan : View Points

N

1

Open Cinema Area

2

Entrance to Market Square

3

Market Square

ELLESMERE PORT : MASTERPLAN PROPOSAL HANNAH FAULKNER RHIANNON GRAHAM ROSANA DOSEVA

Scale 1: 1000 4

3

2

C ISSUES WITH M53 AND RINGROAD

AFTER: INTRODUCED PEDESTRIAN PATH ALONGISDE THE RINGROAD

1

E RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Market Square

AFTER: PUBLIC SQUARE / FOOD MARKET / RESIDENTIAL UNITS ABOVE

NTIAL AREA OVERPOWERED BY CARS

AFTER: FOOD MARKET OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN RESIDENTIAL AREA

3

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VELOPMENT USES

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Residential Area

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

4

Secondary Entrance to Market Square Square

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3

Market Square

4

4

3

1

2

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Secondary Entrance to Market Square Square

2

1

3

Market Square

Residential Area

2

4

Urban Park

Craft Workshops and Sensory Garden

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IDENTIAL AREA

1

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Section A-A

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Section B-B

3

Residential Area

3

Section C-C

4

Craft Workshops and Sensory Garden

3

Section D-D

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KEY AREAS

1

Open Cinema Area

2

Entrance to Market Square

ELLESMERE PORT : MASTERPLAN PROPOSAL HANNAH FAULKNER RHIANNON GRAHAM ROSANA DOSEVA

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3

Market Square

4

Secondary Entrance to Market Square Square

4

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