PROMENADE

After the decision of implementing ramps into the project, Villa Savoye came across during research. Nonetheless, the concept and theories behind this villa helped me further develop the concept of the proposal.

Villa Savoye is a good exmaple of Le Cobusier’s concept of Promenade. Promenade means walking, which is a main concern for my proposal. Even though the villa was not designed purposedly for wheelchair user, but it hope the variety of vertical circulation provides different intinery for user when they are inside the space. And the clever use of the ramp connects all the spaces together- from the vestibule to the rooftop garden. From the options of vertical circulation, it allowed user to experience the space from their choice of movement - take the ramp or staircase and have perspectives and sense of the space. In this case, the promenade indicates the walk from the house into the nature.

Work Live

As the proposal focuses on the the development of a live & work housing development, the cottage has been simply divided into 2 volumes: work and live volume. Such programme aims to provide a simple and avoid any maze-like circulation for the wheelchair user.

The cottage’s program is placed along the blue axis. Logically, the first room is the living room upon entering a house, then kitchen, bedroom. So the work spaces are separated from the relaxtion areas.

Each program is closely connected within its own function. The circulation remains simply to accomodate the wheelchair user by avoiding any complicated pathways.

The ramps were tested out through 3D printing models. Planning was carried out initially, Then they were calculated on SketchUp to ensure they ramp flights fulfill the UK wheelchair ramp regulation.

The reason for extending the ramps to the front space is that ramps often take up a lot of space internally. By placing the ramps externally, it saves more space and achieves the idea of promenade when the ramps are engaging with the interior and exterior.

02/ Orthographic drawings

Location plan

Site plan

Floor plans

Elevation

Longitudinal section

Cross section

Exploded isometric

Technical section

1. 100/450 mm lan. ridge board

2. Roof construction:

Plain tile pre-owned and re-used

24/48 mm battens

22mm wood fibre board sheathing

80/200mm rafters

200mm collar

220mm inlaid cellulose thermal insulation

3. 380/200mm wall plate

4. Random rubble wall (existing)

5. HEB 220 Steel beam

6. Suspension rod bracket

7. 15mm Timber ceiling panel

8. Cross tees at 600mm spacing

9. 80/200mm collar tie

10. 114mm Square gutter

11. 150/50mm Timber wall plate

12. 150mm Oak panels

13. Glass window:

8mm lam. safety glass in 80/30/4mm steel angle frame

Visual on the left is showing the office on the upper-ground floor, which is designed for the wheelchair user. It would be more convenient to set the office for him on a lower ground to avoid unnessary vertical circulation. On the other hand, the visual shows how the ramp flights are connected both to the contexts and back into the cottage.

2 separate offices are required from the clients. So, the new proposal calls for 2 separate offices with an open plan which still allows conversation and provides private working space at the same time.

Both of the offices are placed facing the row of windows towards the woods, which provides an opportunity to look at the greens in case their eyes get tired from working.

On the other hand, installation of the new skylight allows influx of natural lighting to flood into the interior space and provides a warm aubience to the space.