Portfolio Joanne Wong by cyjoannewong

Portfolio

Joanne Wong

This application portfolio contains a professional work sample, work from my Master of Architecture (MArch) (RIBA pt II) course, as well as my BA Architecture and BA(Hons) Civil Engineering courses.

content

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pg8-17

Office building retrofit

design and retrofit of a bare shell office space in Guangzhou, China

A WOVEN LANDSCAPE

an artists retreat hillside terraces for collaboration, contemplation and creation

pg18-25 tetris house a student housing project a complete study from architectural conceptual development to engineering structural design

pg26-29 Professional practice study

pg30-39

pg40-45

pg46-49

development application a rear alteration and a first floor addition

Chasing of a creature

an animal research centre a documentation of a search for a mysterious creature

interlude the domain threshold a place for discussion, display and performance

aquatic centre timber roof structure

Office building retrofit

Professional work

Guangzhou, China

Office building retrofit

Freelance

Led the design and retrofit of a 3,500-square-metre bare shell office space in Guangzhou, China. The project transformed an unfinished rental unit - lacking interior partitions, finishes, plumbing, and electrical systems, into a fully functional, modern office environment.

This project modernised the space with a strong emphasis on sustainability, cost efficiency, and aesthetic quality. The collage above illustrates the overall aesthetic that the client aims to achieve, highlighting the integration of existing site material – concrete into the overall design concept.

Left: Sectional drawings were developed primarily to enhance communication with contractors, providing precise dimensions and detailed construction information. Key space renderings were also produced for the client to ensure alignment between the design vision and client expectations.

Right: photos taken during the current construction phase.

A Woven Landscape

Academic work, MArch Part 2 Lyon, France

An artists retreat individual work

University of Westminster Design Studio 16, Year 2

The architectural project is set in the historically and culturally rich city - Lyon, France. Lyon is renowned for its significant contributions to the weaving and textile industry due to its extensive history in silk production. The project proposal seeks to honour this weaving heritage through creating an architecture that metaphorically and physically weave together the past and the future. Through innovative design strategies, the project integrates elements inspired by weaving techniques and patterns with modern designs as means to celebrate the transformational nature of the weaving technique into physical structures and aesthetic expressions.

sleeping pods

workshop

exhibition space

communal workshop

sleeping pods communal workshop

exhibition space

individual workshop exhibition space

The project was inspired by the above concept model. The concep t model was a woven tapestry shaped to reflect the site boundary. Yarns of different thickness and colours wer e used to represent the spatial hierarchy within the artist retreat; thin yarns indicated circulation paths, med ium yarns represented transitional and gathering spaces, and thick yarns represented core functional spaces.

3D scans of a cluster of white thick yarns were made to represent the enclosing shell of a building. Beneath this woven structure, a series of “bubbles” emerged, suggesting the formation and flow of interior spaces.

To further investigate the potential structural configuration for the creation of bubble-like forms, a 3D printed model of a cluster of bubbles was developed. A structural framework was designed to align with shape of the bubbles, while considering the connection between surfaces. It is anticipated that these structural frames will be constructed with steamed bent timber. To achieve a softer visual effect, the exterior cladding will comprise of frosted material.

clay tiles constructed from knitted squares

timber frame for cladding

ETFE roofing material on structural frame

Timber frame

Tetris House

Academic work, BDes year 5 Carriageworks, Redfern, NSW, Australia

A Student Housing Project

A Collaboration with Sunni Zeng and Lind Wang

University of Sydney, 5th year Architectural to Structural Design

Tetris house is a comprehensive response to a site development requested by a student housing provider. The site is an undeveloped land, adjacent to Carriageworks, Sydney.

The design solution to the proposed student housing project features a lightweight CLT modular system that allows for a systematic approach to a prefabricated construction method. The principle of the structural arrangement is flexible, making it possible for any architectural design options. The modular system also made it possible for internal arrangement of furniture in each room customizable with a pegboard structural system. It is believed that the proposed modular system would be adaptable for future student housing projects by the client across Sydney with its unique Tetris-like feature.

A thorough structural calculation was also conducted to satisfy the Australian Building Codes and Standards. For the purpose of this portfolio, it is not documented here.

Modular System

Six overaching ideas for the modular system were developed, combining effective construction with flexibility and adaptability.

The use of a grid system dictates the location of structural members and creates space.

Different module sizes and shapes to create different spatial experience.

Exploring different heights and widths in both plans and sections, and ultimately achieving different atmospheres using the same modular system.

The grid system maximises the continuity of vertical load paths while allowing for flexibility in designing room layouts.

A subgrid system to visualise and physically accommodate for structural elements. a subgrid spacing of 600mm for wall panels and 150mm for columns

Different subgrid spacings between the walls and floors for different thicknesses were also considered.

Tetris house offers a variety of room arrangements - Units A,B and C. The diagram on the left shows the composition of a pair of typical rooms in Unit A with below panels. The rooms in Unit A are double levels and are arranged in pairs with a shared balcony on the loft level.

Iso Diagram of T1 and T2 Panels

Pedboard Panels

Furnitures

The modules are of five different dimensions, allowing for different spatial arrangements for different programs.

Iso Diagram of T1 and T2 Panels

Pedboard Panels

BASIC MODULES DIAGRAM

The modules are composed of two types of wall panels, T1 and T2, making repeatable connections to form different lengths. The pegboard characteristics allows different configurations of storage systems and inbuilt furniture.

The wet areas, which are the most complex module of the residential design, are fitted into the smallest module for easy transportation.

A pair of

A room variation of Unit C

An alternative room variation of Unit C

1: floor

Step 1: unfold floor

Step 1:

unfold floor

Construction Method [a] hinge

1

Step 1: unfold floor

Step 2:

rotate columns with short wall about hinge 1 by 180 degrees

Step 2:

Step 2: rotate columns with short wall about hinge 1 by 180 degrees

Step 2: rotate columns with short wall about hinge 1 by 180 degrees rotate hinge

rotate columns with short wall about hinge 1 by 180 degrees

Step 2: rotate columns with short wall about hinge 1 by 180 degrees

Step 2:

hinge 2

rotate columns with short wall about hinge 1 by 180 degrees

Step 3: rotate short wall about hinge 2 by 90 degrees

step 5:

Step rotate short hinge 2

Step 3: rotate short wall about hinge 2 by 90 degrees

Step rotate short hinge 2

Step 3:

rotate short wall about hinge 2 by 90 degrees

Step 4: place brackets as shown to connect the walls to floor

connect floor to wall by cleats [a]

step 5:

connect module to another module by the hooks on the columns

step 5:

step 6: connect floor to wall by cleats

step 6:

step 5:

connect module to another module by the hooks on the columns

step 5:

connect module to another module

connect module to another module by the hooks on the columns step

step 6:

connect floor to

connect module to another module by the hooks on the columns step

connect module to another module by the hooks on the columns

connect floor to wall by cleats

connect floor to wall by cleats repeat

step 6:

connect floor to wall by cleats

step 6:

connect floor to wall by cleats repeat

Connection Details

[a] Folding System

hinge connection enable rotation shown in the construction method steps 2 and 3.

[b] Floor to Wall Connection

Titan N angle bracket for shear and tensile forces, shown in construction method step 4.

[c] Built-in Connection at Corner Columns the “hook” component of the Ricon S connecto, used in construction method step 5.

element to element connections

RESIDENTIAL FLOOR

Orgeon Roof sheeting batterns

Self-adhered membrane

copper flashing

DIN571x110

2mm

Gutter bracket

cl7/245

panel

steel Strap hung mulded gutter cl3/75

clt panel

Self-adhered membrane

Rigid exterior insulation

[1] Roof Details

Orgeon Roof sheeting batterns

Self-adhered membrane

copper flashing

DIN571x110

Gutter bracket

2mm folded steel Strap hung mulded gutter cl3/75

panel

Self-adhered membrane

Rigid exterior insulation

Metal head flashing and

DA01

Top left – demolition plan

The proposed design aimed to maintain most of the façade and front of the house.

Top right – proposed floor plan, level 1

The addition of a floor provides a great level of privacy for the master bedroom.

Bottom – proposed floor plan, ground floor

As the interior of the existing house is lacking in solar access, breaking down solid rooms into smaller components allowed direct access of sunlight to the south side.

The existing hallway is maintained to separate different levels of privacy.

The introduction of the courtyard in the middle of the house effectively connects outdoor and interior.

PROJECT

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

PROPERTY

Professional Practice

1 Tawa Street, Ashfield, NSW, Australia

Development Application

A rear alteration and an addition of a first floor

individual work

University of Sydney

This is a professional design exercise focusing on design development within regulatory and practice management frameworks. Considering site constraints and environmental effects, the rear alteration and firstfloor addition exploited multiple site opportunities; Northwest facing, dual entrance, a 500mm topographic change along the site and a high height allowance.

DA02

Utilises the existing 500mm level drop to create a higher ceiling for the living space. The level change celebrates the new and maximises natural sunlight.

Chasing of a creature

Academic work, MArch part 2 Palermo, Italy

An animal research centre individual work

University of Westminster Design Studio 25, Year 1

This is a documentation of a search for a mysterious creature, also known as the Future Ghost, or the ghostly creature. A group of scientists believed that this creature can be attracted, through wildfire, sun and an unrealised project by an architect. They later discovered that this creature is closely related to endangered wildlife. To further their research, they decided to build a vulture, gecko research centre in Palermo Sicily.

Rammed earth

Rammed earth is used as the main construction method. It is sustainable and effective as materials can be recycled from site excavation. As a pond is proposed in the design, moving and reusing earth from the pond excavation is highly efficient.

PNEUMATIC

Site Danisinni Palermo

this is a visual documentation of a site visit to Danisinni Palermo. Although no Italian was spoken or understood, the community, people there were really accommodating and were very eager to help.

Section through lab, basement and storage room, office, bird cave

Level 1

Roof

danissini community extension

A pavilion for the Danisinni community. Flexible workshop space, also a perfect bird watching location towards the ponds, especially behind the rammed earth gaps.

ers and viewers, and between viewer and viewer. However, as it is often of the language that receivers are not familiar with, hence initial visual interaction is the key to establish further attention.

The brief for the graduation studio asked to design a space for lectures, events and architectural exhibitions on the western edge of the Sydney Domain, between the urban environment of Macquarie Street and the open Domain park in Sydney.

With this site location, it presented an excellent opportunity to link the symbolic public landscape and the dense urban streets.

A parallel investigation was conducted to study elements of Utzon’s architectural thinking. His methodological approach has connections to computational thoughts from a ‘first principles’ perspective and the design of The Interlude was greatly inspired by one of Utzon’s building, the Kuwait National Assembly.

Blackbox Theatre Offices

Second Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

B - Section

A - Section

C - Section

The style of the building is more natural and organic in its nature compared to the existing square cut buildings and maybe an intrusion of more natural lines into the busy city, yet the use of concrtete and timber already utilised in the existing surrounds make it less abrupt between the two entities. It is a composite of man-made and organic lines, an interlude between the passage of the city and the domain.

AN URBAN OASIS

Academic work, BDes Year 3

Surry hills, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Aquatic Centre individual work

University of Sydney Design Studio, Year 3

The project is located in Surry Hills, south of a mixed-use development being designed by SJB Architecture, Architect Prineas and Aspect Studios. The site is also surrounded by two storey terrace housing and 1960s public housing, making it an area that is densely residential and rich in diversity. The terrain of the location has a notable incline towards north, creating a dynamic ambience in elevation.

With the characteristics of the location’s high-density population being considered The URBAN OASIS aims to provide a contrasting experience for inside and outside users in so much as it is a public attraction but once inside offers areas of private seclusion. To achieve this unique experience, the URBAN OASIS is designed such that it is alluring on its façade and circulation, sunken and covered on the inside.

This design studio focused on the structural design of the roof. To celebrate the materiality and promote sustainability, a dramatic roof structure was designed with an expressive use of timber.

The end. Thank you.