Curative landscape progress report

Curative Landscape Groups 2+3

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Contents Project Brief........................................2 Week One.............................................3 Site Analysis........................................4 Client Consultation.................................10 Precedent Studies...................................12 Design Development..................................17 Planting Design Development.........................24 Final Proposal Consultation.........................31 Construction Drawings...............................35 Program of Work.....................................41 Risk Assessment.....................................42 Week Two............................................46 Construction Photo Diary............................46 Post Completion.....................................51 Site Clean Up.......................................62 Domeny Court Amendments.............................35 Lancaster Court Amendments..........................55 Final Outcome.......................................56

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2+3 Project Curative Landscape Location: Domeney Court, 58 St Antony’s Road, Forest Gate London E7 9QW Client: Liz Shearer: Newham Council Project Officer (Active Parks Team) Facilitator: Pat West (Architect/partner, Collett West architects) The Introductory Brief: “Fixings and finishing. Commit to material provided and work within the economy of means at the start of the project, while being ambitious with design aspirations and turning the ‘economy of means’ from a perceived difficulty into an architectural merit.”

Site: “The site is available for people who have physical or sensory impairment

and can use the open spaces within this former monastery, now care centre, to enjoy nature.”

The Task: “To present drawings and models to the client group and proceed with one built installation in each of two very different courtyards. Materials available from Newham Council are already on site under a designated covered workshop space.

Additional materials may be ordered as required.”

Additional: “A design and build manual will come from this workshop, allowing

Newham to equip its volunteers with the means of executing the workshop design in care centres, schools and community projects across the borough.”

Outcome: “The realisation of two built interventions within the courtyards as

part of the strategy.”

Interpretation of brief into the Project

Develop a project for the users to include: - Places to grow plants, herbs and vegetables - Enjoyable environment to sit and rest - Tool storage facility - Wind and sun shelters

Taking into Consideration:

- Low maintenance Structure and plants - Different kinds of disabilities of the users

Aims:

- Produce different Levels of Accessibility for Varied levels of Mobility - Incorporate planters, seats and tables into one kind of structural device that can be replicated on various other sites by people with varied skill sets - Create spaces which

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WEEK ONE:

SITE ANALYSIS, CLIENT CONSULTATION AND DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

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Site in Local Surrounding Neighbourhood Forest Gate, London

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Site Description

The site used to be a monastery for the priests of the Catholic Church of St. Anthony’s of Padua before the Family Mosaic Housing Association transformed it into a care centre. It accommodates people with physical or sensory impairment. The care centre is separated into two courtyards with flats for 43 residents (22 in Domeney court and 21 Lancaster court.) The flats are arranged around the courtyards with up to four stories around Lancaster court and two stories around Domeney. Every flat enjoys a view into the central courtyard.

Domeney Court

St. Anthony’s of Padua

Lancaster Court

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Site Plan

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Lancaster Court

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Domeny Court

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Sun Path Studies Lancaster Court - Domeny Court

6th of December

6th of December

17:00

17:00

6th of June

6th of June

08:00

08:00

6th of June 18:00

6th of June 18:00

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Client Consultation

We were allocated two courtyards at Family Mosaic residential care homes to create livelier and more usable spaces.

The residents are mostly elderly people, some of which have mobility issues.

As a group we discussed what we felt would be appropriate for theses areas, but believed that it would be more productive to consult with the existing management and residents.

It was decided that three people of the group would visit the homes to discuss with the residents what they felt was missing from the courtyards and how they had been using the spaces up till now. Separate consultation meetings were arranged for each courtyard, each lasting around half and hour and including three residents and the home manager.

Consultation with residents of Domeney Court An issue that frequently arose was that few residents had been using the courtyard due to lack of “things to do there.� We were also informed that the courtyard was mostly used during the warmer times of the year. The residents wanted more opportunities to plant flowers, however there were mixed feelings over having vegetation on site, from one resident unhappy that another had planted mint and allowed the herb to grow over the rest of the allocated bedding. When we discussed the option of giving each resident an individual growing space, the response was fairly negative with the residents seeming to prefer us to provide them with preplanted areas with seating.

In this Court there were already existing grass areas, with over-run planting on the edges of the courtyard.

It was suggested that we should carry out some maintenance work on the existing beds, which included cutting back the over-grown foliage and washing down the window sills. (There was perhaps a little confusion over the initial nature of our tasks, however we agreed to their request and endeavoured to steer the conversation towards a more architectural intervention.)

Consultation with residents of Lancaster Court Again, residents raised the issue of the lack of activities available in the courtyard and that they too only really use the area during the warmer summer months. The residents also wanted more opportunity to have colourful plants and flowers. We were informed by one resident that he had previously tried to grow tomatoes but he found it too difficult to maintain their upkeep. Another resident told us that he would like to see more colour in the courtyard, however illuded to his inability to maintain such a installation due to mobility issues, stating that the current flower bed were too deep and overgrown to reach and maintain.

Residents of both courts seemed to be in agreement that at present there is little reason for them to spend time in the courtyards, apart from during the summer months, in which they use the outside space for sitting in the sun. Residents generally expressed a desire for a vibrant and stimulating space that is easily accessible in which to relax and socialise.

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We also decided to ask for the current manager’s views on what she felt was missing and what she expected from our interventions.

The manager agreed that plants and vegetables would be a good idea but that unfortunately nothing could be connected to the walls of the buildings due to their listed status. There would also need to be easy access to the plants and seating and we would need to cater for the needs of wheelchair users.

When discussing Lancaster Court, the manager explained that she would like to be able to hold BBQs in the courtyard and be able to hold more activities as the residents of Lancaster Court are more able then the residents of Domeney Court.

Conclusion

In consideration of the conversations we have had with residents and the home care manager, we can determine the following criteria: 1. Easily accessible, comfortable and sociable seating area.

2. A variety of low maintenance and accessible planting arrangements to provide colour and interest throughout the year.

3. Particular consideration must be made regarding the visual impact of the design to the surrounding residences that overlook the site - due to the lack of use throughout the cooler months of the year.

4. Sensitivity to the protected heritage of the sites.

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Precedent Studies

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PRECEDENT:

Holding Pattern, P.S.1 2011 Installation

LOCATION: New York City

DESIGNER: Interboro Partners

SIGNIFICANCE:

“Holding Pattern� is a community based design that incorporates both the program requirements and the communities needs; consisting of recycled plywood, sandboxes, both ping-pong and football tables, even a lifeguard stand and wading pools.

- Low budget materials, mostly recycled - Adaptability of furniture layouts - Fabric canopy provides dramatic dynamic to overall space, casting shadows, engaging sight and sound as it flaps in wind - Approachable, human scale to all furnishings of varied programs creates a playful and inviting space

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS14

PRECEDENT:

(Left to right) Family Multifunctional Furniture, Mod U Me, U.M.O. Furniture

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL MODULES

LOCATION: N/A

DESIGNER:

(Left to right) Jin-Young Lee, Stephanie Sauve in corporation with designer Yana Tzanov, UM Project

SIGNIFICANCE:

Jin-Youngs Lees’ multifunctional furniture is a piece of furniture that imitates a blooming flower.

It is made of plywood and plastic and it can become table or chair at the same time. It has a rotative device and can be foldable too. This piece can be mass produced and used in a variety of functions.

Mod U Me is an eco friendly furniture that is aimed for children. This modular furniture offers flexibility to reform this into any shape that the children want. This simple shape can be easily produced to serve a number of functions.

The multifunctional U.M.O. (Unidentified Magical Object) from UM Project can be a table, chair and desk.

This playful and attractive design can inspire a variety of modular and multifunctioning furniture.

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PRECEDENT: Sensational Garden

LOCATION: Frosinone, Italy

DESIGNER: Nabito Architects

SIGNIFICANCE:

The goal of the project is to invite users to a path in which the scene is always changing. The user will have the sensation of discovering an always-different space but with the same kind of characteristic.

The five human senses are the main theme of the space and the materials and vegetation relate to them. The user will not have an entire look over the park, but will do through a series of the different senses. There is a variation of heights, scale and colour through the journey. The attractive and stimulating intervention allows the user to indulge in a leisurely stroll, a private moment or a social gathering.

SENSORY GARDEN16

PRECEDENT: Origami Shelter)

Cave

(Emergency

LOCATION: N/A

DESIGNER: LAVA

SIGNIFICANCE:

The base molecule can be shipped as a flat pack, cut out of local plywood, or dropped off by a helicopter. The interior can then be carved out of wood, cardboard, newspapers or other locally available materials. ‘The project plays with ideas of prefabrication and personalized inhabitation, as well as stacking of multiple units, while giving an opportunity for individual expression.

The piece is an inspiring example of how prefabricated furniture of high design qualities can be produced on site, on mass and constructed by non-skilled craftsman.

PRE-FABRICATION17

Design Development Whilst designing it was key to bear in mind various constraints set out in the brief, formulated by both the Client and the University. Each design iteration was assessed against the brief in order to ensure that the changes made helped us move further toward more elegantly and logically fulfilling the requirements of the brief.

Our project would provide a place to accommodate ‘intimate moments of use such as sharing a drink, reading a paper and enjoying the sun,’ in addition to space for growing small plants and herbs. The project will provide the residents with a reason to venture out into the courtyard, maximising their involvement with the outdoors and nature.

As this design is intended for use throughout the London Borough of Newham and is to be constructed by volunteer community workers and there are pragmatic constraints within which we also need to adhere to: Design with an awareness of ‘economy of means’ Construction methods need to be as simple as possible There should be no bespoke components Materials should be available for use without preparation in a workshop

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The first step was to attempt to create a planter using a small number of components as cheaply as possible.

With economy of means in our minds, we looked to the wooden palettes that had been left for our use by the council. We came to the conclusion that it would be best if we were to design bearing in mind standard dimensions of palettes as this would minimise machining, cost and skilled labour.

Breaking apart the timber palettes and stacking them with an iron bar anchor point allowed us to vary the height and swivel slats outwards to create ‘pull out’ moments around the planter. Our thinking was centred around creating an activity hub with different areas relative to the ‘intimate moments’ mentioned above.

Having realised the potential of this form of construction we developed it to create a planter and seating area. This highlighted various problems, such as new components needing invention and areas that required more research.

It became clear that we would need further understanding of ergonomic dimensions, and further knowledge regarding standard palette sizes. We needed to know if the standard palette dimensions would match our standard ergonomic requirements.

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Having developed the system to accommodate a seat and raised planter, issues started to become apparent. By swivelling slats by 90 degrees to make seating, voids were being created which needed to be in filled with small, square components with a circular central cut out to support the structure in the absence of a slat. Each of the slats would also require circular cut outs to house the steel anchor poles. Removing the circular cut outs would be difficult without a workshop as it would require a specialist drill piece and vice system. There is also a high chance that this type of work will crack the slats if produced by non skilled labourers.

It also became obvious that we did not have enough wood to produce our design and that it would be very costly to purchase the amount of wood required.

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Standard palette dimensions: 800mm(L)x122mm(W)x1200mm(H)

R

Key ergonomic dimensions: 900mm (Standing reach height) 500-700mm (Reach distance) 450-500mm (Seat Height) 600-700mm (Table Height)

W

H L

SR S

T

Our research showed us that our modular system would be best sized around 450mm cubes, as this is sufficiently high to sit on, when doubled reaches standing reach height and the slats can be economically sourced from the wooden palettes leaving little wastage. By breaking up the palettes we could gain two 450mm long slats from each 1200mm palette slat, which would leave us with approximately 20 per palette.

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Turning the slats through 90 degrees and stacking them on their thin ends meant that we needed far less slats to reach our 450mm seating height.

Each slat is approximately 75mm wide, meaning only 6 would be required to reach seating height.

Turning the slats through 90 degrees allowed us to be more economical with our materials but meant that we could not use the steel poles as we had originally intended. We had to investigate new methods of joining the timber, with as much elegance but little skill as possible.

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Lap joints seemed like they were worth investigation as they had a nice appearance and would not require too much skill to create.

However, as we progressed the design to form a seating area, it became clear that it would be very complicated and time consuming to make without power tools.

The number of components required was increasing and becoming less elegant.

Looking more closely at the joints that we were looking to create, it was possible to devise a system that avoided complication.

The system we were trying to create was like a four way fencing system. If we could create a four way fence post, our palette slats could slide within the runners and create our walls, at the heights we required.

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Creating fence like structures limited to rotate segments allowed us to limit dramatically.

posts to act as corner us in only being able through 90 degrees but the number of components

Our original intention was that these posts could be easily put together with standard sized timber posts and screwed together.

Research into fencing components revealed that these posts could be readily bought from B&Q. This meant that they could e bought nationwide and were available to any community group that decided to make our design. The posts were The posts were cheap, treated and available in standard sizes (1800mm or 2400mm), allowing us to calculate wastage.

Having modelled and tested our modular construction technique at University, we were confident that it would work and could begin designing a configuration of planters and seating.

These configurations were designed to respond to the ergonomic requirements shown in our research as well as the site conditions.

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Planting

Planting is a very important part of our contribution to the project in developing a space for the users to enjoy nature.

Both Domeney and Lancaster courtyards are available for physical or sensory impaired people. Having this in mind, the design of the senior community garden, as well as the plants we used, were according to residents’ physical, psychological, social needs.

Our personal goal as a team was to create a place that could stimulate people’s senses and have a beneficial effect on their well-being, their recovery process and their re-adjustment. Our strategy was, by using specific sensory plants, to give people the motivation they needed in order to use these outdoor spaces by providing them sensory opportunities that they may not normally experience at the existing courtyards. Understanding the benefits of providing sensory plants to the residents and taking into consideration their personal needs and preferences, the aim was to create an aesthetically beautiful and, at the same time, low-maintenance garden, considering the life-span and how it would developed through time and seasons.

Plants research - Meeting with landscape architect, we consulted Jarred Henderson, a landscape architect who gave his feedback on the first research and plant proposals, and also, his advise on how to create a garden that would last and bring the wanted results.

Sensory stimulants Sight: Colours (appealing to the eye and attract butterflies), shape and sizes can help to create an interesting visual environment.

Sound: Include nectar-producing plants (usually colourful) that lure birds and butterflies into the garden (also, disguise unwanted background noises). Encourage birds into the garden with a bird box.

Texture: Incorporate plants with different textures such as large fleshy leaves, velvety or furry leaves as well as feathery ferns.

Smell: Crushing fresh herbs in your hands or walking next to a strong-scented climber can delight the senses.

Taste: By planting herbs we help the residents discover the delights of having fresh herbs (Perhaps when 25 planting a fruit tree, we also provide people with fresh fruits).

Planting: Soil Calculations Length(a) X Width(b) X Height(c) = how much soil we need In our case: 25 beds at 0.45 x 0.45 x 0.25 = 1.4m3 or 1400 litres (two tonnes of soil) Example of a bed: First, we cover the interior of the bed with landscape fabric, to avoid soil contamination from painted wood.

The bottom layer is 10-12cm of hard-core as an absorber of the water the plants wont use.

For one bed with dimension 0.45 x 0.45 x 0.25, we need 50.6 ml soil, of which, 10% is sand.

Sketch-section of a bed 26

Notes after the meeting: -Plant a lot of bulbs. They will be a nice surprise during spring.

-Combination of different kinds and sizes of plants in one bed (example: seasonal plants like pansies, herbs such as rosemary and climbers).

-Plants need space, so we had to make sure that we leave a proper gap between them (according to the dimensions of each plant).

-Initial idea for planting vegetables was no longer feasible as they need a lot of care and attention, therefore quite high maintenance.

> Sketches and notes during the meeting with landscape architect.

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Diagrams Domeney court Domeney court: diagram showing installation. Trying calculate how many plants, soil and hard-core we need.

to

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Diagrams Lancaster court Lancaster court: diagram showing installation.

Trying to calculate how many plants, soil and hard-core we need.

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Planting Scheme

We created a planting scheme based on the residents need for a low-maintenance garden, this included considering the life span of the plants and how the scheme might develop over time. We consulted with landscape architect Jarred Henderson who advised on how to create a scheme that would last and develop from season to season. Colour, smell, texture and structure were all deemed important for elderly residents - with the use of annuals, bus herbs and flowers.

Autumn: Violas and Cyclamens (known as pack bedding) and grasses for instant colour.

Winter: We have planted more hardy evergreen plants and shrubs, to withstand the winter months.

Spring: Bulbs added to every be for surprise colour Summer: By summertime the plants will have grown and matured into their surroundings, creating a well developed garden.

Gardening List: Soil, hardcore, main plants (1 per bed), small filler plants (4/6 per bed) and bulbs.

-Watering and maintenance once built -Tools for gardening

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Plants Used In Scheme

Viola flower (seasonal)

Pansies (seasonal)

Coloured heathers

Lavender

Cyclamen (perennial)

Chrysanthemum

Decorative grasses

Clematis (perennial)

English Ivy

Honeysuckle

Conifers

Star jasmine (climber)

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Final Proposal Client Consultation

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Final Presentation to Client and Residents

On Friday 23rd of September, a few members of our group presented the proposed design proposal to the client, Patricia Jones of Family Mosaic, before proceeding with building the two installations in each of the two courtyards.

We presented a drawing of the proposal and planting scheme, for each of the two courtyards.

Patricia and a couple of the residents showed great enthusiasm for our proposals and the meetings concluded that we continue with the construction of our proposals.

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Visualization of Lancaster Court - Shown to residents in final design consultation

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Visualization of Domeney Court - Shown to residents in final design consultation

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Construction Plans - Lancaster Court 1:50 @ A3 Overall build dimensions

Post Layout

Base frame foot layout

Base frame layout

Post, foot and base layout

Top finishing frame

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Construction Plans - Domeney Court 1:50 @ A3 Overall build dimensions

Post Layout

Base frame foot layout

Base frame layout

Post, foot and base layout

Top finishing frame

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Construction Section A,A and B,B for both courts 1:50 @ A3

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Construction Details C,C D,D and E,E 1:50 @ A3

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Universal Construction System Dimentions of a standard pallet

Using the pallet to create slats

Cut to 400mm leagth slats

Post dimensions

cutting down posts to make single box

Process repeated untill all sides are complet: 1 unit

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An example of how the system can be adapted to mny different uses

Identifying local primary schools and adapting the system to create a structure for the children to enjoy

Adopting the system in a primary school

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Program of Work

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Risk Assessment

Health and Safety Risk Assessment for Postgraduate Research Degree Projects Period of Fieldwork: Monday 19th September - Friday 30th September inclusive Type of Fieldwork: Site Survey, Design and Build Full Scale Installations in the two Courts on Site.

Fieldwork location: Domeney Court, 58 St. Antony’s Road, Forest Gate, London E7 9QW Thesis Title: Workshop - 02-03 Curative Landscape – Pat West

Hazard Severity: (Rate high medium or low - 1 = low, 3 = high) Likelihood of Occurrence: (Rate high medium or low - 1 = low, 3 = high) 1. Use of Materials on Site HS-2 , LO-2, Moderate Risk 2. Trip/Slip Hazards HS-2 , LO-2, Moderate Risk 3. Untrained Workforce HS-2, LO-3, Moderate Risk 4. Use of Tools In Workshop & On Site HS-2 , LO-3, Moderate Risk 5. Working on High Levels HS-2 , LO-3, Moderate Risk 6. Installation of Framework HS-2 , LO-3, Moderate Risk 7. Site Deliveries HS-1 , LO-1, Low Risk 8. Carrying/Moving Loads HS-2, LO-2, Moderate Risk 9. Site Access HS-1 , LO-1, Low Risk 10. Noise from Power Tools HS-2 , LO-2, Moderate Risk

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Controls in place for each hazard in order of likely risk: Use of Materials on Site An understanding on how to correctly handle materials.

Trip/Slip Hazards Site needs to be kept tidy during and after construction periods to minimise risk. Materials and tools will be stored appropriately. Wearing the appropriate clothing suited for the job.

Untrained Workforce Inductions on how to correctly operate machinery and tools. Allocating more experienced members of the team to help supervise others.

Site Access Safety measures will be put into practice to ensure no risk to residents, all tools and materials will be stored out of way when work is not being carried out. A team member will be allocated to ensure the site is kept clear at all times.

Noise from Power Tools Necessary safety work wear such as ear defenders and goggles will be provided to team members using noisy power tools. Work will only be carried out on site during office hours to keep disruption to a minimum.

Use of Tools In Workshop & On Site Workshop inductions by university staff explaining how to properly operate machinery and power tools. Being aware of your surrounding and paying attention on site.

Working on High Levels Worker to be supervised by an allocated member of the team to prevent risk of injury or fall. Loose tools to be securely attached or stored on lower levels when not needed.

Installation of Framework Wearing of appropriate clothing and footwear when constructing any framework/structures Site Deliveries Member of the team will be allocated to help guide/prevent any damage to existing buildings and structures from deliveries made to site Carrying/Moving Loads Correct carrying methods and postures to be implemented when moving and carrying loads. Individual team members will need to be assisted when carrying heavy loads.

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Potential Consequences for each hazard: Use of Materials on Site Personal injuries/lacerations caused from mishandling material: splinters, cuts, back sprains Trip/Slip Hazards Injuries caused due to poorly maintained working conditions on site: sprains, lacerations Untrained Workforce Danger of personal injury from not employing correct/safe working methods/practices: sprains Use of Tools In Workshop & On Site Danger of severe personal injury due to lack of proper understanding and operation of power tools: lacerations, trip hazards from cables resulting in sprains Working on High Levels Serious injuries caused by fall due to unsupported worker and injuries to people below from falling tools/ material: sprains, cuts, fractures Installation of Framework Possible damage to existing surrounding structures and risk of personal injury Site Deliveries Possible damage to existing buildings. Workers could be crushed by large delivery pallets if proper precautions are not taken Carrying/Moving Loads Danger of causing personal injury if correct methods of carrying and lifting are not followed Site Access Potential injuries to residents as courtyards are open to use by residents and members of the church if material is left unsecured and trailing cables are left laying on the ground could act as a trip hazard Noise from Power Tools Disturbance to residents and workers using power tools could suffer from hearing loss 45

NOTES Risk Assessment Rating Risk = Hazard Severity x Likelihood of Occurrence Hazard Severity (HS) 1 = slight hazard - injuries where people may be unfit for normal activity for up to 3 days 2 = serious hazard - injuries where people may be unfit for normal activity for more than 3 days 3 = major hazard - death or major injury (see App 4 of UEL Code of Practice for Fieldwork) Likelihood of Occurrence (LO) 1 = where harm will seldom occur 2 = where harm will occur frequently 3 = where it is certain or near certain harm will occur Risk Categories 1/2

low risk

3/4/6

moderate risk

9

high risk

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WEEK TWO: THE BUILD Day One: - Taking pallets apart for material - Removing nails etc.

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Day Two & Three: - Cutting material to size - Sanding and painting

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Day Four: -Putting design together -Arranging on site

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DOMENY COURT

Day 5: -Planting & finishing touches -Site clean-up

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LANCASTER COURT

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Post Completion & Amendments

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Site Clean-up

Pallets and Off cuts of timber: We disposed of all waste on the site.

Firstly we offered the off cuts of wood to the nearby school, they came and took a large amount; following this there was still a large pile of materials to dispose of so a few members of our group offered to take the rubbish to a local dump in their cars.

It was important to leave the site as we found it; we swept all areas and just before leaving watered the plants one last time.

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Domeney Court Post Completion Amendments 1. Table to be removed from proposal.

2. Trellis arch to be cut down leaving just seating and lowered planters only.

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1

3. Seating area needed to be fixed.

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3

Domeney court : Changes to layout: A week after completion the residents raised some issues with Domeney Court.

Despite having been shown the final proposal before the build started, having seen the finished structure the residents felt it was too intrusive to the site and asked for the trellis and seating to be removed, but to keep the planters. They wanted it removed from the middle of the site and placed near the wall on the far corner opposite the entrance. We came to site a week later to make these amendments. •This meant splitting up the current proposal, removing the seating areas and table top and lowering the planter heights and the trellis arch.

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Domeney court amendments made: • Removal of arches from proposal • Proposal has been moved to corner of the square on the footpath against the wall, as suggested.

• Architects discretions to leave 1 seating area with slats screw fixed in place and the other seating area has been turned in to a raised planting area.

Removal of off-cut materials : • The off-cuts have been deposited in black bags and carried 55 away from site to a recycling depot.

Lancaster Court Post Completion Amendments

Lancaster Court: Residents complained over the loose slats that covered the corner seating/storage compartment (illustrated above), raising concerns over safety and ease of access. Brief consultation concluded that safety was not so much of an issue, and that a small ‘finger-grasp’ notch should be neatly cut into the end slat to allow for easy access to the storage area below.

Residents also raised complaints over the timber finished seating being uncomfortable to sit on. Consultation concluded that cushioning was the best solution to the problem and that the care home should supply some cushions that can be taken outside to be used by the residents.

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Final Outcome: Lancaster Court

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Final Outcome: Domeney Court

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CONSTRUCTION MANUAL

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Contents Introduction Design 1 Plan Design 1 Section Material Selection Tools & Fixings

Step 1: Slats Step 2: Posts Step 3: Bottom Rail

Step 4: Fixing Post & Bottom Rail

Step 6: Slat Insertion

Step 5: Feet

Step 7: Planter & Seat

Step 9: Pergola

Step 8: Top Rail Step 10: Planting

Step 11: Finishing Touches

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Introduction The Curative Landscape Construction Manual is a detailed instruction manual which allows the user to create raised flower and vegetable beds.

The Curative Landscape project allows communities to reuse, recycle and reduce whilst providing spaces for growing produce with social and interactive aspects.

The idea driving The Curative Landscape is to utilise ‘inbetween spaces’ in the London Borough of Newham. This project aims to provide the Borough with a string of pop up interventions which benefit the community.

The modular system allows for a combination of outcomes giving site specific flexibility.

This adaptable system means that the project can also be tailored to different budgets and scales so that communities always have the opportunity to utilise The Curative Landscape Project.

This project was developed and realized by students of Architecture studying at the University of East London in collaboration with Newham Council.

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Plan

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Section

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Materials The following is a list of materials which are needed to construct this curative landscape.

1. Palettes x27 2. Fence Posts 1.8m(l) x28 3. Sawn Timber (75mm(w)x22mm(t)x3000mm(l)) x32 4. Landscaping Fabric 15m(l) x1 5. Top Soil x5 v 6. Gravel 20mm x5 7. Planting/Herbs/Vegetables

The materials needed for the construction of this project are readily available and easy to source. Most builders merchants will stock the sawn timber and the fence posts. Garden centres will stock top soil, gravel and planting needs.

Palettes can be acquired from various sources cheaply and in some cases can be obtained for free depending on suppliers so hunting around is advisable.

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Tools & Fixings

Below is a list of tools which will be needed at various stages of the build.

The symbols below will indicate at which stages of the build the tools will be needed.

N.B. In some circumstances electrical tools maybe used instead of the hand tool variant above but are not a necessity i.e. saw, drill, planer. Also a spray gun for the wood stain is a time saver if can be acquired.65

Step 1:

Before starting the build it is important to clear the site and to keep the site tidy during the construction.

1.1 Palette preparation Gather Palettes

1.2

Dismantle

Palette

Carefully remove the lengths of timber from the frame of the palette.

Use the crowbar for leverage CAUTION! to pry up the lengths.

Spatial awareness Use a hammer to punch Splinters the lengths off the Protruding Nails palette from the back.

1.3 Slat Preparation

Remove any nails/screws which are still attached to these lengths.

Sand rough edges and splintered sides.

CAUTION! Splinters Protruding Nails

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1.4 Slat Cutting

Cut the removed lengths into 405mm (L) slats

Keep off-cuts to one side as these will be used later.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from saw blade when cutting

1.5 Slat Preparation

If slats are thicker than 19mm, plane the ends so they fit into the post grooves.

(Check slats fit into post groove)

1.6 Slat Treatment

Once slats are smoothed, cut to size and can slot into the post grooves treat with wood stain.

Once dry stack neatly and put to one side.

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Step 2:

2.1 Post Preparation

Cut the post into the length required for the design displayed in the table below

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from saw blade when cutting

2.2 Post Requirements

28 posts at 1.8m(L) are required for the total cut posts below.

N.B. When cutting 450mm posts only three can be cut from 1x1.8m(L) post to allow for the blade width.

Keep the shorter left over posts separate to the 450mm posts as these will be used later.

2.3 Post Treatment

Treat the posts with wood stain before assembly.

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Step 3: 3.1 Bottom Rail

Use the sawn timber to cut the bottom Rail (Br) components as follows

Br1 x3

Br2 x4

Br3 x7

Br4 x3

Br5 x1

N.B Mitred edges are 45o and are measured to longest edge

Br6 x2 CAUTION! Keep fingers away from saw blade when cutting

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3.2 Bottom Rail

Treat the components of the bottom rail with wood stain before assembly.

Br1

Br2

Br3

Br4

Br5 Br6

3.2 Bottom Rail

Use the components to set up the bottom rail as follows No fixing required at this stage Br2

Br6

Br1

Br2

Br3

Br3

Br3

Br5

Br2

Br6

Br1 Br4

Br3

Br4

Br3 Br4

Br3

Br3

Br2

Br1

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Step 4:

4.1

Fixing

Posts

to

Bottom

Rail

Place the posts onto the bottom rail following the plan in 4.2 Fix the posts rail using

to the two

bottom screws

If the post lies on a mitre joint use one screw on either side of the joint to create a strong fix and also fixes the bottom rail together.

CAUTION! Don’t drill screws too close to the edge to avoid splitting the wood To help spacing use a 405mm slat made in step 1.4 whilst fixing posts

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Step 5:

5.1 Feet

Create feet using off cut pieces of palettes.

Ensure that all the feet are the same thickness Feet Dimensions x175mm (w)

175mm(l)

5.2 Feet

Place a foot underneath each post junction Ensure that the feet are centred with the posts so there is enough space either side to fix a screw.

Fix with screws through the bottom rail to the feet.

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Step 6: 6.1 Slat In fill

Now that the posts are fixed to the bottom rail the slats can be slid in between the post grooves

6.2 Slat In-fill

The 405mm Slats can be inserted in between the groves

Use wood glue in the post grooves before inserting the slats for extra strength Fill the gaps with slats up to the shortest adjoining post.

6.3 Slat Inserted

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Step 7:

7.1 Planter Preparation

To create a shelf for the planter use timber batons 430mm (L) 30mm from the top of the planter (Timber batons can be fashioned from off cut slats)

Fix the timber batons to the inside of the planters with screws through the posts.

Fix batons to two opposite sides of the planter making sure they are fixed at the same level.

7.2 Planter Preparation

After the timber batons have been fixed (7.1) span slats across the batons to create a shelf inside the planters.

No fixing required as weight of the soil will keep the shelf in place

7.3 Planter Preparation

After the shelf has been created use the Landscaping Fabric to line the shelf and walls of the planter.

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7.4 Seat Preparation

To create a seat for the planter use timber batons 430mm (L)

(Timber batons can be fashioned from off cut slats)

Fix the timber batons to the inside of the seats with screws through the posts.

Fix batons to two opposite sides of the seat making sure they are fixed at the same level.

7.5 Seat Preparation

After the timber batons have been fixed (7.4) span slats across the batons to create a seat flush with the top of the posts.

Fix with a screw at each end of the slat through the timber batons

N.B This design is flexible so if more planting is required convert the seating to planters by following the steps on the previous page.

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Step 8: 8.1 Top Rail

Use the sawn timber to cut the Top Rail (Tr) components as follows

Tr1 x5

Tr2 x8

Tr3 x2

Tr4 x2

Tr5 x3

Tr6 x1

Tr7 x1

Tr8 x5

N.B Mitred edges are 45o and are measured to longest edge CAUTION! Keep fingers away from saw blade when cutting

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8.2 Top Rail

CAUTION! Perform in a well ventilated space

Protect the top rail by applying a coat of wood stain.

8.3 Top Rail

Tr4

Tr4

Tr1

Fix the top rail with screws as follows.

Tr8

Tr7 Tr8

Tr5

Tr5

Tr8

Tr1

Tr2

Tr2

Tr3

Tr2

Tr8

Tr6

Tr2 Tr8

Tr2

Tr3

Tr1 Tr2

Tr2

Tr5

Tr2

Tr1

Tr1

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Step 9:

9.1 Pergola

To create adequate head height use the off cut posts which are short of 450(l)

Attach these shorter posts to each 1.8m(l) post using brackets

9.2 Pergola

Use Sawn Timber lengths to span across the high posts.

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9.3 Pergola

To fix the cross beams in place fix a screw into the post so that the beams can sit on top of it.

Make sure that the screw is protruding enough for the beam to sit on

Make sure the screw is fixed at a level so that the beam is flush with the top of the post.

9.4 Pergola

To cap the beams use sawn timber with the lengths specified below.

Place on top of the posts and beams and fix with a screw at each end.

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Step 10: 10.1 Planting

Fill to planter with a layer of stone core

10.2 Planting

Fill the planters with topsoil

10.3 Planting

Then plant flowers, bulbs, herbs or vegtables

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Step 11: 10.1

Finishing

Touches

Now that the Curative Landscape is constructed take the time to add finishing touches.

Make sure all screws are tight and there are no loose elements.

Apply a final coat of wood stain if necessary.

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Unit Customization Tubular Material

Single Panel Tongue and Groove Stack

1) Choose material 15mm thick or less.

2) Cut to size 400mm x 450mm 3) Place into frame 4) Weatherproof

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