VIVARIUM

AUTOCAD, REVIT, ENSCAPE, PHOTOSHOP, PHYSICAL MODELLING

2022

TEAM: ALEX XIE, KADEN KO, LANCE SY, SPENCER ENG

VIVARIUM is a compact living space designed for the final project of our first term Architectural Engineering studio course. The team was given a 10m2 interior space constraint and was tasked in finding a solution to create a tiny retreat that focused on comfortability and efficiency.

Located at the south-east corner of the University of Waterloo in the open space of the United college, our structure faces east with the entrance located south, parallel to the path for privacy. Its scenic location allows for continuous soft natural lighting, shading, and a pleasant lakeside view.

Being a retreat surrounded by nature, it is made of natural appearing materialswoods and synthetic shingles emulate the landscape with their shades of browns and natural textures. It sports an exterior work space, as well as a small entrance for privacy.

THERMOWOOD CLADDING

AIRSPACE

AIR, WATER AND VAPOUR BARRIER

PLYWOOD

R-28 VACCUM INSULATED PANEL

R-15 FIBREGLASS INSULATION

2X4 WOOD STUD WALL

WOOD FINISH

Roof Detail

SYNTHETIC SHINGLES, 4.8MM

PLYWOOD, 12.7MM

AIR VENTILATION GAP, 17.4MM

PLYWOOD, 12.7MM

RAFTER, INSULATION, 139.7MM

INTERIOR FINISH, 12.7MM

Physical Model

The physical model was constructed using foamcore and white-coated skewers. It was made to demonstrate the effects of sun path on the structure, and it is scaled at 1:25 for a better visualiztion of the overall design.