Architecture Portfolio (August 2024) | Christina Akele

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Suspended Sanctuary

Year: 2024

“Suspended Sanctuary” is a design that captures the beautiful views of Marble Hill by creating an elevated, tranquil eco-pod. The pod is designed with a light-weight timber frame structure, and steel structural components in the roof and in the suspended concrete floor, providing contrast in materiality, while also maintaining a minimal impact on the landscape. This connection to the landscape is further evidenced by the way in which the form is inspired by the movement of the topography; the bedroom is sunken and the firepit is accessed by descending stepping stones.

The journey to the eco-pod is part of the architecture and draws one’s attention to the surrounding vineyard. Furthermore, the design maximises the natural light through vast glazing on the North and East sides of the building, essentially allowing the views of the landscape to become intrinsic to the architecture. The skylights that sit above sleeping areas also invite natural light, while also allowing for stargazing at night.

Ultimately, this suspended, tranquil eco-pod incorporates the natural surroundings of the site in the design itself in order to create a meditative, quiet experience for the occupants.

Entrance
Living and loft
Kitchen
Indoor dining
Deck and outdoor dining
Barbecue 7. Firepit
Bedroom
Bathroom 10. Terrace and outdoor bath
SOUTH ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION

1. Kitchen

2. Living and loft

3. Indoor dining

4. Bedroom

5. Firepit

1. Living and loft

2. Kitchen

3. Bathroom

4. Terrace and outdoor bath

5. Balcony

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL 1

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL 2

19MM CHARRED SPOTTED GUM TIMBER CLADDING

90MM R2.5 FIBREGLASS INSULATION

MEMBRANE OVER FRAME

20MM RADIATA PINE PLYWOOD INTERNAL LINING

35MM x 60MM TIMBER BATTENS AT 60 CTRS

20MM FIBRE CEMENT

19MM x 95MM SHEAR STUD

125MM x 75MM UNEQUAL ANGLES STRUCTURAL STEEL

20MM FIBRE CEMENT

BONDEK

230 PFC

SUSPENDED CONCRETE SLAB TO ENGINEER’S SPECIFICATIONS

90MM R2.5 FIBREGLASS INSULATION

SUREFOOTING SYSTEM TO ENGINEER’S SPECIFICATIONS

ZINCALUME STEEL ROOF

190MM x 45MM PURLINS AT 90 CTRS MAX

200UB (207MM) RAFTERS

90MM x 35MM PURLINS AT 90 CTRS MAX

250MM X 150MM X 6.0MM RHS

CLEAT

200MM R4 FIBREGLASS INSULATION SILICONE AND FLASHING

20MM RADIATA PINE PLYWOOD INTERNAL LINING

90MM R2.5 FIBREGLASS INSULATION

35MM x 60MM TIMBER BATTENS AT 60 CTRS

100 SERIES ALUMINIUM CASEMENT DOOR

20MM PLYWOOD CEILING

45MM X 45MM PURLINS AT 60 CTRS MAX

SPOTTED GUM DECK

90MM X 45MM JOISTS AT 90 CTRS MAX

125MM X 75MM X 12MM UNEQUAL ANGLES STRUCTURAL STEEL (12MM THICK)

SPOTTED GUM CLADDING

100 SERIES CASEMENT WINDOWS

90MM R2.5 FIBREGLASS INSULATION

Endurnýja

Year: 2023

The design of this Icelandic Beer Spa draws on vernacular Icelandic architecture and culture, art and history, providing a unique, inclusive and interactive experience for all visitors. Inspired by Iceland’s turf houses, beautiful landscapes, and rich literary culture, this design is a transformation of the traditional.

The Icelandic word “Endurnýja” translates to “renew” in English. While renewal and regeneration are what visitors would seek when visiting this beer spa, the design also aims to communicate a metaphor; it is a figurative representation of beauty that can be found in “the old” when designing something inherently “new”. This design, through materiality and form, fuses the contemporary with the traditional, communicating the idea that this beer spa, which mirrors Icelandic turf houses embedded in the landscape, emerges from the ground and into the future. Furthermore, the large concrete walls provide the opportunity to pay tribute to Iceland’s history of storytelling and the remarkable Mývatn landscape.

Overall, the design encourages a relaxing appreciation of beer tasting and Icelandic culture, providing a unique, inclusive and interactive experience for all visitors.

Sauna
WEST
23. Toilets and storage
24. Second Floor terrace
25. Rooftop beer-tasting bar
26. Semi-private terrace

UNDERSTANDING THE SITE IN CONTEXT

Other Spas/Beer Spas located in Iceland

Route to site from Reykjavík via plane

Route to site from Reykjavík via road

Mývatn Volcanic Lake
Mývatn Lake
Skútustaðagígar Craters
Sel Hotel Iceland
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
Bjorbodin Beer Spa
Reykjavík
Mývatn Craters

BUILDING ON THE VERNACULAR

Embedded
Raised
Stretched

Casa CA

Year: 2023

“Casa CA” is a conceptual design of a two-storey residential building that explores unconventional shapes to create interesting spaces. This design explores a recurring concept of curves, exploring how organic shapes can be used as a motif in design.

The unique spaces also aim to be a source of artistic inspiration, evidenced by the inclusion of an art studio with vast glazing on the first floor. The design also encourages a sense of “togetherness” with various indoor and outdoor seating spaces for various periods of the day. Examples of this include the outdoor breakfast space, the bar, the sunken outdoor seating, and the pergola.

The importance of natural light was a key consideration in this design. The skylight directly aligns with the void space on the first floor, surrounded by a built-in bookshelf. Thus, natural light from the skylight can enter both the ground floor and the first floor.

All elements and components aim to interact cohesively to create a consistent design language. Overall, the focus of the design is on the occupant’s experience, thus creating an inspiring, interesting and interactive space.

Outdoor Seating

Space for Writing and Reading

Year: 2022

This outdoor performance space, which was designed independently, builds on a previous group assignment in which my team created a space for curiosity. Taking inspiration from the previous design, the idea to create a space for reading and writing was developed. Writers are inherently curious, they question the world in which we live and seek answers – often writing about things that fascinate them. Therefore, this space aims to create an environment for writers to write and read their works aloud, while simultaneously taking inspiration from the environment and the abstract design itself.

The above-ground structures serve as symbolic representations of crumpled up pieces of paper – representing the imperfection, beauty and value of the creative process. Thus, this performance space attempts to create a safe and welcoming environment for writers to make mistakes and listen to others without judgement. The landscape that rises and falls also serves as a representation of a writer’s curiosity and search for answers, and the often less straightforward or ‘non-linear’ journey one may take when writing a piece of literature.

DESIGN PROCESS

Moving from 3D to 2D.

Obtaining geometries from original model. Moving back from 2D to 3D by cutting and folding.

DIGITAL & PHYSICAL MODEL

Manipulating and ‘splitting’ the ground plane and using the geometries.

modelling 3D paper structure connecting to landscape.

Digitally
Final paper mache phsyical model.

Verdurous

Year: 2022

‘Verdurous’ was a project that explored various means of representation of a design, namely, an abstract surface created out of carefully-cut pieces of foam core. The goal was to create an expressive surface by beginning with paper surfaces and creating multiple iterations to create a final, resolved model. 90-degree angles were completely avoided, which creates an interesting surface, but also ultimately develop precise model-making skills using foamcore.

The project covered various aspects of architectural representation, including: creating physical models and craftmanship, understanding and hand-drawing orthographic drawings of the abstract form, and representing the surface through a collage to explore colour, materiality, texture and, ultimately, storytelling.

PLAN OBLIQUE

PHOTOS OF SURFACE

PERSPECTIVE

Capturing the Intangible

Year: 2023

This off-grid yoga cabin with an internal floor area of 20m2, located in Morialta Falls takes inspiration from the surrounding landscape, influencing the overall form and structure. The overall design, namely the decking pattern and the blue gum timber battens that provide a decorative roof element are inspired by Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia which grows on the site. With the building facing North, a majority of the vast glazing faces East to optimise the morning sunlight. The orientation of the cabin offers a full view of the escarpment, particularly from the deck, which allows outdoor space for yoga. Situated near a creek, the yoga cabin sits on stilts, allowing for the deck to stretch across the landscape. This allows for a full view of the creek but also accommodates the cascading of water in winter.

The aim of this design is to capture the intangible, namely, the vast views of the incredible landscape and escarpment that surround the location. This is achieved through the glass floors in the suspended bedroom which allows for total view of nature, even whilst indoors, and sits among the significant trees that surround the site. The bedroom, which is surrounded by glazing on all sides also allows occupants to birdwatch in the evening. Furthermore, the skylight aligns above the bed to stargaze at night.

Seating area
Deck
Bedroom
SOUTH

DESIGN PROCESS

Geometric and spatial layouts extracted from the realistic composition.

Lines extracted and extruded. This served as inspiration for the form and patterns.

Sketching Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia found on the site of Morialta Falls.

Moving from 2D to 3D.

Using bubble diagrams to determine spatial relationships.

Moving back to 3D to determine form.

Cascading Symphony

Year: 2023

“Cascading Symphony” is a redesigning of Wills Court located on the University of Adelaide North Terrace campus. Being situated next to Elder Hall, this design explores how landscape architecture can create sound, creating a ‘soundscape’. Specifically, this design places emphasis on the way in which water, and its movement and sound can be incorporated in architectural design.

The overall form and design concept was generated by drawing abstract lines and shapes using various colours in response to Miles Davis’ “Sketches of Spain”. The design also aims to improve the existing site which has minimal engagement from students. The original design also does not take into consideration people who may not be able to access stairs. Therefore, “Cascading Symphony” manipulates the existing ground plane by introducing various steps, while incorporating ramps for accessibility.

Furthermore, plants similar to those already existing on the site are incorporated in the design, namely the mat rushes and the ground covers. The intention is to use these plants to soften the landscape and integrate what is constructed with the landscape. Deciduous trees, namely field maples, provide shade in the summer and optimize the amount of sunlight received in the winter.

Kenneth Wills Building
Elder Hall Old Classics Wing
Hughes Building
STEPS
SECTION A

80 Esplanade, Port Noarlunga

Year: 2024

This design explores the design and construction of Class 2 Buildings in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC). The three-storey apartment complex looks at various construction elements, including large green roofs, logistics regarding drainage, materiality, and floor and ceiling construction. The design also incorporates a load-bearing concrete core to ensure that the design is structurally sound.

Accessibility in accordance with the NCC is a key consideration in this design. The ground floor contains an accessible bathroom and shower, along with access to a lift that goes through the whole building.

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

SECTION 3

SECTION 4

SECTION DETAILS 1

SECTION DETAILS 2

SECTION AND PLAN DETAILS

KITCHEN PLAN AND ELEVATIONS

ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM

WINDOW SCHEDULE

DOOR SCHEDULE

GREEN ROOF SYSTEM

SUSPENDED SPOTTEG GUM TIMBER FLOOR

REVERSE BRICK VENEER WALL

SPOTTED GUM CLADDING

SUSPENDED

REVERSE BRICK VENEER WALL

FIBRE CEMENT CLADDING

LOBBY
PLYWOOD INTERNAL WALLS

ENS. 2

ENS. 4

APARTMENT 4

BALCONY 1

RECREATION ROOM

EXPOSED AGGREGATE POLISHED CONCRETE FLOOR

FOOTING TO ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATIONS

W6
W1
BED 2
HOOP PLYWOOD CEILING
BASALT TILES
MARBLE TILES
HOOP PLYWOOD CEILING
HOOP PLYWOOD CEILING

Crafer’s West Couple’s Retreat

Year: 2023

This couple’s retreat in Crafer’s West is a hidden space, with features including a strong concrete façade, large arched windows and a green roof. The design aims to create a “hidden” or “underground” look – ideal for those seeking a getaway. The structure employs both a two-way structural system and a “vault” structure, using concrete to achieve stability and durability. Thus, the design takes inspiration from both traditional architectural practices – particularly through its use of vaults and arches – but also from modern architecture –as seen through its materiality.

Being located in the Adelaide Hills, the design also takes advantage of natural sunlight and the surrounding views of the landscape by incorporating large double-glazed windows along the North, East and South sides of the building, which, in turn, provide insulation and strength to the structure.

DETAIL 1

W40 STEEL WINDOW FRAMING

CONCRETE WALL OF ARCHWAYS 50MM

THERMAL BATT INSULATION 60MM THICKNESS

SNAP ON ALUMINUM GLAZING BEADS INTERNAL GASKET

FIXED STEEL WINDOW FRAME (EXTERNAL FACING)

DOUBLE GLAZED W40

REBATE GASKETS

CORNER CONCRETE PILLAR 500MM X 450MM

DETAIL 2

PIPE 100MM X 50MM CAST INTO CONCRETE PILLAR CONCRETE PILLAR 500MM X 450MM

20MM REINFORCING BARS (CONCRETE REO BAR) GOING THROUGH CONCRETE PILLAR AND LVL 1 CONCRETE SLAB

FIXED STEEL WINDOW FRAME (EXTERNAL FACING), DOUBLE GLAZED W40

DOUBLE FACED ADHESIVE 10MM X 3MM IG UNIT GASKET BEAD PACKER

BRASS BOLTS 50 Ø AROUND REINFORCING BARS (DECORATIVE)

BRASS CASEMENT FOR GLASS BALUSTRADE

Sketches

Date: 17 July 2021

Cat
Medium: Pencil

Portrait of Edith Piaf

Medium: Charcoal Pencil

Date: 12 December 2020

Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edith-Piaf

Portrait of Charles Dickens

Medium: Pencil

Date: 3 December 2019

Source: https://huntington.org/verso/2019/10/right-way-remember-charles-dickens

Portrait of Victor Hugo Medium: White Pencil

Date: 11 December 2019

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor Hugo#/media/ File:Victor Hugo by %C3%89tienne Carjat 1876 - full.jpg

Portrait of Fyodor Dostoevsky Medium: Pencil

Date: 21 December 2019

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fyodor Dostoevsky bibliography#/media/File:Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Shapiro, 1879) (cropped).jpg

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