Architecture Portfolio

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO 2023

SELECTED WORKS

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

In the past five years, my focus on architecture and the built environment has been characterized by an immersion into the study and exploration of architectural challenges. These challenges have been intricately tied to both global and local contexts, encompassing diverse areas such as live/work relationships, urban brownfield sites, and, most recently, sustainable rural landscape management.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Architecture & Master-planing

Carmarthen,

Wales

As part of my MArch design thesis, I delved into the realm of regenerative land systems and sustainable rural landscape management. Within this context, I proposed a building condition as a vital component of a broader permaculture farming strategy. The primary objective of the project was to revolutionize the underutilized Welsh landscape by integrating food production practices while concurrently offering support to local dairy farmers.

TIMBER INNOVATIONS HUB

Architecture

Leckwith, Wales

51 N 3 W

The Timber Research Center stands as the culmination of my Part 1 studies, serving as my final design project. Its primary focus lies in investigating the concept of “waste of place” and transforming a damaged site into a vibrant space for the local community. The challenge at hand was to construct on a site exposed to water erosion and prior activities. Overcoming obstacles such as flooding, challenging terrain, and erosion played a pivotal role in shaping the design.

Architecture

ENRICHING CARMARTHEN 34

Cardiff, Wales

51 N 3 W

Located in Cardiff, the Urban Live/Work project centers on serving the local community and enhancing the surrounding area. Extensive primary research and analysis were undertaken to develop a proposal that aligns with the site’s unique characteristics. The design process involved exploring diverse concepts to address the challenges posed by the narrow and challenging plot, which is sheltered by a large existing structure and urban building edge.

TRAM STOP DECODED

Temporary Installation

Riga, Latvia

57 N 24 E

The tram stop project served as a valuable precursor to the final design project, providing an opportunity for experimentation and building upon innovative solutions. Notably, this project diverged from the typical UK context, introducing unique challenges and requiring the utilization of second-hand materials. Its relatively small scale facilitated greater freedom for experimentation and testing, contributing to a rich learning experience and fostering a spirit of innovation.

BESPOKE FURNITURE

Furniture Design

Kuldiga, Latvia

LIVE - WORK FUSION 48

56 N 21 W

Furniture design has been a personal passion of mine, enabling me to delve into design realms beyond architecture while honing essential technical and drafting skills crucial for successful building projects. The showcased work encompasses a personal project involving the renovation of a single bedroom flat. The challenge at hand was to maximize storage capacity within a compact space and an unconventional layout therefor e a custom solution had to be designed .

THROUGH A LENS

Photography

Tenby, Wales

Photography has been a passion of mine for quite some time, and it allows me to capture the beauty of nature and the intricate details of architecture. As I’ve delved deeper into this hobby over the years, I’ve discovered that the world around us is a boundless source of inspiration. Photography has become a means for me to apply that inspiration to architectural projects or simply ignite my creativity. Here is a collection of selected pieces that have truly resonated with me in terms of their composition and ability to tell a captivating story.

ENRICHING CARMARTHEN

Carmarthen, Wales

52 N 4 W o o

Carmarthen is a historic town located in the southwestern region of Wales, within the county of Carmarthenshire. The town is situated on the banks of the River Towy, which runs through it. With its origins dating back to Roman times, Carmarthen is considered one of the oldest towns in Wales. Despite its rural context, the town has a light urban character and is well-connected to neighboring towns such as Llandeilo, St. Clears, and Newcastle Emlyn.

A new landscape strategy would propose sustainable and profitable uses of the grasslands, maximizing land potential and increasing output for the local community. It would introduce alternative farming methods to support the dairy market and benefit sustainability targets and local food production. This strategy would also bring economic growth, efficient land use, and environmental improvements, making Carmarthen more resilient and socially responsible.

In addition to the landscape strategy, a new building will be introduced with the primary goals of providing a production/processing facility for goods collected from the landscape and offering an educational element for the local community and nearby school. This building must complement the landscape strategy through careful consideration of connection routes and links to the wider strategy. By doing so, the building can further enhancing the community’s sustainability and economic growth while providing opportunities for education and social engagement.

TOMATOES

For high-quality seeds, tomatoes require more attention and supervision during their growth, therefore access to the growing area should be made easy. Polytunnels are also necessary, as they provide a controlled environment for optimal growth. They are self-pollinated, making tomatoes a suitable crop for seed production. Seeds are extracted through a fermentation process.

CABBAGE

Cabbage plants can be pollinated by both insects and through self-pollination. Unlike tomatoes and cucumbers, they do not require close monitoring and can be located in less accessible areas of the site. The preferred method for seed extraction from cabbage is dry processing.

OPEN - POLLINATED SEEDS

Hybrid seeds result from cross-pollinating different plant varieties to create offspring with desirable traits, but cannot be saved from year to year because they don’t produce offspring with the same characteristics as the parent plant, requiring farmers and gardeners to purchase new hybrid seeds annually.

Open-pollinated seeds are pollinated naturally through the wind, insects, or other means, without any human intervention. These seeds are not genetically modified and can be saved and replanted, which makes them important for preserving plant diversity and for sustaining local agriculture.

In Wales, there is a growing movement towards using open-pollinated seeds and promoting seed sovereignty, which is the right of farmers and gardeners to save, share, and sell their own seeds. There are several organizations in Wales that work to promote the use of open-pollinated seeds, such as the Welsh Seed Savers, a non-profit organization that collects and preserves traditional Welsh varieties of vegetables and fruits.

CHOICE OF SITE

The chosen site in the west of Carmarthen has a locally specific character, featuring extensive grasslands that have not been fully optimized for agricultural production. The site stands out due to its relatively level terrain and the clear boundary between residential and rural areas on the south of the site. The site in the west of Carmarthen benefits from strong access routes to the town center, as well as its proximity to the train line and the A40 connecting it to nearby towns and farms. This makes it a strategic location for the proposed scheme, which seeks to promote a change in the approach to farming in Carmarthen.

Locally, the site has direct connections to the expanding residential development, creating a new neighborhood and a direct link to the proposed school grounds as part of the “local development” plan for Carmarthen. It can be accessed directly from the main road linking it back to the town center or directly from the A40, providing convenient access to visitors and commuters.

Brexit in 2020 led to a sharp decline in grants and government support for local dairy farmers. Coupled with the current food market’s high inflation, this has put them in a difficult position. As a result, dairy farming has become less attractive to both young and existing farmers, with many struggling to turn a profit.

In order to support local dairy farmers and make their business financially sustainable, there is a need to explore additional revenue sources that can complement their existing operations. This can be achieved by implementing new strategies that are financially and environmentally sustainable, while utilizing existing elements at the farmers’ disposal. Additionally, by focusing on long-term sustainability rather than short-term profits, farmers can ensure the continued health and productivity of their land for future generations.

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY

POLYTUNNELS Polytunnels for growing vegetables in the Welsh climate.

TREBERSED FARMS

FARM - DAIRY CATTLE TOTAL SIZE - 3.0ha

PEPPERS/EGGPLANT

NUMBER -1838 FIELD - Wayn Pwll SIZE - 0.7ha

LISTED

ROUTE THROUGH

TOMATOES/CUCUMBERS

NUMBER -1838

FIELD - Wayn Pwll SIZE - 1.7ha

CARROTS/ONIONS

GREEN CORRIDORS Acting as windbreaks to stop cross pollination and as animal crossings.

ANIMAL FEED PROD. OXIGINATED COMPOST Rotational/oxiginated compositng systems to supply the vegetable growing.

2. SQUASH/PUMPKIN

1. PARSNIPS/CELERY

PERMACULTURE STRATEGY

SIZE - 16.2ha

GROWING - 8.2ha

WILDING - 8.0ha

WILDING AREAS

New wilding areas for animals and insects to help pollination

VEG. ROTATION

Rotate vegetables for larger variety and soil health

PARSNIPS/CELERY

SQUASH/PUMPKIN

DISTRICT CENTER

BROCCOLI/CAULIFLOWER/ CABBAGE

NUMBER -1634 FIELD - Park lib SIZE - 2.56ha

TOWN CENTRE

STARLING PARK FARMLAND

RETAINING POND TAWALENBROOK

PROPOSED SCHOOL GROUNDS

NOT A RUIN REMOVING DETAILS HIGHLIGHTS

It is important to note that the original farm building is not a ruin, but rather a residential structure that will be re-purposed for commercial/industrial use. This implies that the approach to the building must prioritize the conservation of existing materials, detailing, and fenestration.

It will be essential to remove any later additions and bolt-on elements to highlight the original form and materiality of the farmhouse. This will also involve stripping the lime render layer from the front elevation to enhance the presence of the original materiality when arriving at the farmstead.

Enhancing the original fenestration by installing new timber frames, improving and structuring the openings on the ground floor to provide better order and proportion, and introducing a new roof to improve the building’s thermal envelope while adding a slightly more contemporary aesthetic.

ORIGINAL STONE WALLS

Retaining the existing external and internal structural walls serves as the key structural concept for the rehabilitation of the farmhouse. This approach will allow the new floor plan layouts to be built upon the existing structure, while also preserving the exterior visual appearance of the original farmhouse and highlighting its detailing and fenestration.

INTERNAL WALLS

Removing the existing internal walls will enable the introduction of a new floor layout with new partitions and spaces that support the seed extraction/educational element of the building strategy. This will allow for the creation of a new grid and spacing between the structural walls, accommodating the new use more effectively.

STRATEGY

The overarching design concept for the farmhouse is to preserve and emphasize its original character while introducing new fenestrations and improving the scale, proportions, and detailing of the ground floor fenestration to retain and enhance its significance within the farmstead and surrounding context.

The key connection concepts for the extension will involve a massing that is noticeably smaller than the farmhouse and connects directly to the external wall of the stone structure. The design will maintain the L-shaped form, which generates a yard at the front for direct access from the road, providing a functional and accessible entry point to the property.

The new extension will accommodate the majority of the extraction process, including wet and dry processing, fermentation, drying, seed testing, and manual extraction. As these spaces will require more room than the farmhouse, a new addition to the existing envelope of the farmhouse will be required.

After thorough testing and multiple iterations for the placement of the extension and its relationship with the farmhouse, the optimal layout was determined to be an L-shaped side extension. This layout will allow for the creation of a south-facing front yard and a stronger building edge facing the farmstead.

The design primarily utilizes CLT (cross-laminated timber), horizontal timber cladding and concrete as key materials. The study spaces feature greater insulation to effectively regulate the indoor environment, while in the workshop areas, insulation primarily serves fire safety purposes due to the varying temperature fluctuations resulting from the nature of the activities. Exterior insulation is employed to expose the structural CLT on the interior, capitalizing on the warm qualities of timber. Green roofs are incorporated across all four units to enhance sustainability and seamlessly integrate the proposal with the surrounding landscape.

The use of horizontal timber cladding contributes to achieving a barnlike aesthetic, harmonizing the study and work areas within the scheme. The floating roof design in both spaces not only allows for increased daylight penetration but also imparts a sense of lightness. Furthermore it provides higher ceilings, enhancing the spaciousness of the rooms.

By utilizing CLT and incorporating thicker wall insulation, the scheme achieves an impressive U-value of approximately 0.15. Additionally, the inclusion of a 250mm-thick green roof significantly reduces heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, resulting in a low U-value of 0.12 for the roof.

point farmhouse. existing

Wall Connection

WALL CONNECTION

Wall Connections

Floor Connection

Custom gutter 100mm Splash/drain lintel 6mm

Roof

An essential aspect of the wall design is the connection point between the new extraction bay and the existing farmhouse. The junction where the sloped green roof meets the existing

An essential aspect of the wall design is the connec-

Wall Connections

Custom gutter 100mm Splash/drain lintel 6mm

Green roof 100mm

Floor Connection

The connection between the new and existing floor is a critical junction as it marks the transition from the lobby space into the seed lab, where there is a change in use and finishes. Another

Floor Conenctions

Epoxy oor 3mm

Limecrete 75mm

Geotextile 12mm

Cork board 40mm

Subsoil

Glapour RFG 200mm

The connection between the new and existing floor is a critical junction as it marks the transition from the lobby space into the seed lab, where there is a change in use and finishes. Another

Green roof 100mm

To a maining

Floor Conenctions

Epoxy oor 3mm

Roof Guttering (new)

Limecrete 75mm

Gutter

Geotextile 12mm

Cork board 40mm

To optimize rainwater collection and facilitate water reuse, a standardized gutter detail has been implemented for the remaining extraction bays. This gutter detail enables the efficient

Gutter Detail

Green roof 100mm

Standing seam zinc 20mm

Gutter 80/80mm

TIMBER INNOVATIONS HUB

The timber research center is situated in the north west part of the city. It is located next to Cardiff retail park and Cardiff city stadium as well as international sports campus. The site itself is designated as industrial, despite being close to the countryside. There are various smaller local companies operating on the site including car salvage, concrete works and construction training agency that provide the industrial character.

A natural barrier - river Ely separates the site from the urban expanse of Cardiff. Despite its hidden position across the river, convenient connectivity prevails, offering excellent access to the city center, Cardiff Bay, and the bustling docks. Serving as the primary gateway to the site, the Grade 2 listed Leckwith bridge stands as a testament to its historical significance. For pedestrians and cyclists seeking a picturesque route, there is a trail running from Cardiff Bay, weaving its way up to St. Fagans.

The chosen plot is located at the far south end of the site. Initially being used for heavy machinery testing now has been left damaged and empty. It was selected partially as a wasted space as well as for its natural characteristics - forest and terrain. The already cut out plot allows to implement the project by minimizing any additional damage to the landscape. It is an interesting location as it has an existing level change which can be taken advantage by the design as well as degraded surface in need of re-purposing.

Leckwith, Cardiff

CONCEPT

Over the past five decades, there has been a noticeable transformation in the Leckwith area, shifting from its industrial roots to a commercial hub. As the city expanded, the once thriving center of production has given way to retail establishments. This transition has had a significant impact, leading to a decline in skilled labor while the demand continues to grow. In light of these changes, there is a broader objective to explore opportunities that can reintroduce industrial skills to the local community, providing educational prospects and revitalizing the area’s historical industrial values.

In line with this vision, a timber training and research center is proposed to address the current decline in the local industry and the pressing need for skilled professionals. This center will focus on providing dedicated spaces for individuals and companies seeking to educate their staff in sustainable timber construction methods. The target audience for this initiative includes engineering companies within the nearby retail park, practicing professionals, and industrial sites in the Cardiff vicinity. The primary objective of the scheme is to facilitate the testing and study of engineered timber solutions, fostering innovation and knowledge in the field.

STRATEGY

The proposal’s strategy centers around six primary goals: resources, reserves, process, trading, research and design, and waste management. The successful achievement of each goal is crucial for the scheme to effectively deliver the initial concept. The resources goal emphasizes the sourcing of local Welsh timber materials to support the process. Reserves play a vital role by providing storage facilities for these materials. The process goal revolves around workshop spaces and woodworking. Trading is focused on knowledge sharing and education, facilitating the growth of expertise within the industry. Research and design objectives are met through dedicated study spaces, such as classrooms and research labs, fostering innovation and exploration. Waste management is a significant aspect, with a commitment to recycling and re-purposing.

Additionally, the design takes into consideration the specific characteristics of the plot, including changes in terrain and the potential for flooding from the river Ely. To address these factors, the main workshop spaces will be elevated, creating a courtyard at a higher level. The space beneath the workshops will be utilized for storage, allowing easier access for larger vehicles.

FABRICATION YARD

CONCEPT

The main study space within the proposed design features a linear layout, divided by a central corridor. Adjacent to the fabrication yard, the spaces benefiting from views include a café, library, meeting room, and design studio. However, due to its partial placement skylights are incorporated to introduce natural light into the floor plan. Another entrance, serving as both an additional access point and a fire exit, connects the fabrication yard with the meeting rooms and design studio. Given the building’s considerable length, this supplementary entrance enhances ease of use and circulation.

In a section view, the positioning between the yard, workshops, and the base site level is utilized advantageously to create storage space beneath the central workshop, allowing access to materials in all weather conditions. Furthermore, the raised ground level serves as a protective measure against potential flood risks. The study spaces located at the rear foster a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape and allow to enhance the thermal performance. This arrangement follows the natural contour line of Leckwith woods, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious relationship with the site’s topography.

STRATEGY

The adjacency diagrams have been developed into a comprehensive context plan, effectively illustrating the positions of various spaces at an appropriate scale. A significant aspect of the scheme is the fabrication yard, centrally located between the four units. This yard provides ample outdoor working space, particularly during warmer weather conditions. Ensuring smooth movement throughout the scheme was a crucial consideration for efficient circulation. The yard features an entrance at the top and an exit at the back, facilitating one-directional movement and eliminating the need for larger vehicles to maneuver within the yard.

Terraced greenery is incorporated on both sides of the unit, serving multiple purposes. It introduces a natural landscape into the original site, while also establishing visual cohesion among the three units. Given the taller workshop spaces, the primary source of illumination is provided by polycarbonate panels on the top of the facade, allowing soft, diffused light to permeate the unit. Side windows are strategically positioned to frame views across the greenery and provide glimpses of the site below, further enhancing the visual connection between the interior and the surrounding environment.

The walls are made from CLT panels in order to support the structure as well as give warmth to the interior.

The facade uses weathered timber cladding as main material that way allowing to merge with forest.

Large sliding doors are used at the front to ease the movement of elements from yard to workshop.

The side panels have two double height windows to frame views to the outside as well as direct light.

The main study unit uses skylights to introduce light in the back spaces as it has a deeper plan Made from cast concrete the back retaining wall of the unit needs to be able to withstand high forces

The side walls of the primary unit do not have windows in order to protect the structure from any floods.

All 3 workshop units have green roofs in order to cope with rain water more efficiently - sustainability. Polycarbonate is used for the top of the facade to allow soft natural daylight to enter the workshop.

Same facade cladding is used for workshops tying the scheme together.

Green roofs are used across the scheme in order to control the interior temperature by reducing the necessary insulation as well as cope with excessive rainfalls.

DETAIL

The design primarily utilizes CLT (cross-laminated timber), horizontal timber cladding and concrete as key materials. The study spaces feature greater insulation to effectively regulate the indoor environment, while in the workshop areas, insulation primarily serves fire safety purposes due to the varying temperature fluctuations resulting from the nature of the activities. Exterior insulation is employed to expose the structural CLT on the interior, capitalizing on the warm qualities of timber. Green roofs are incorporated across all four units to enhance sustainability and seamlessly integrate the proposal with the surrounding landscape.

The use of horizontal timber cladding contributes to achieving a barnlike aesthetic, harmonizing the study and work areas within the scheme. The floating roof design in both spaces not only allows for increased daylight penetration but also imparts a sense of lightness. Furthermore it provides higher ceilings, enhancing the spaciousness of the rooms.

By utilizing CLT and incorporating thicker wall insulation, the scheme achieves an impressive U-value of approximately 0.15. Additionally, the inclusion of a 250mm-thick green roof significantly reduces heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, resulting in a low U-value of 0.12 for the roof.

LIVE - WORK FUSION

Cardiff, Wales

Nestled within Cardiff’s City Road, the Urban Live - Work project emerges on an empty lot adjacent to a neglected entertainment hall. The project’s objective revolved around extensive research on City Road, delving into its demographics and uncovering potential needs within the community. This exploration was crucial in determining the optimal size of the live units and identifying the essential elements for the “work” component of the project.

Through a comprehensive analysis that encompassed primary and secondary research, a significant observation emerged: the vicinity surrounding the site exhibited a noteworthy unemployment rate, particularly among the youth. Locals harbored aspirations for starting new businesses, yet lacked the requisite skills and knowledge to navigate this successfully. Thus, the project aimed to fill this gap by creating a business incubator that would not only provide accommodation for students and young individuals but also serve as a space for learning and guidance.

The incubator space was designed to offer an environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. It features a well-stocked library, empowering individuals to delve into valuable resources, alongside workshop areas where ideas can be tested both in theory and practice. Moreover, a common space fosters a sense of community, facilitating space for guest lecturers who impart crucial skills pertaining to business. This versatile space also serves as a hub for socializing and idea-sharing among members, accelerating progress and cultivating a collaborative atmosphere.

Given the challenging layout of the site, characterized by its narrow and elongated shape, the initial concepts played a pivotal role in understanding the potential organization of the scheme. Multiple variations were explored, each presenting distinct advantages and disadvantages. The primary focus of each concept was centered around establishing efficient access points and connections to the main road. Additionally, the contextual relationship with neighboring structures was considered, weighing the options of creating a more sheltered environment or opening up the proposal by shifting its position along the site.

After careful evaluation, the final concept was chosen based on its merits. This design features workspaces positioned along the main road, offering direct access and visibility. In contrast, the living spaces are situated at the back, prioritizing privacy for residents and creating room for a secluded green area. The units themselves are designed with a relatively narrow footprint, avoiding deep plan structures and maximizing the utilization of natural daylight.

Furthest away from the main street, it has direct connect to the service road at the back and path to the city road.

UNIT 2 & 3

The two middle units are positioned together in order to shorten the length of the proposal to fit the site .

PRIVATE ACCESS

It links city road directly to the units at the back without the need to pass through the work area of the scheme.

GREEN SPACE WORK UNIT

Situated at the front it attracts the most attention from main street ass well as provide an addition to the street scape.

This layout allows to maximize the green space as well as make it more sheltered and private due to work unit.

LIVE - WORK FUSION

Size of single unit : 39m2

Occupancy : 16 people

Primary User : Students/young professionals

Number of Units : 8

Stories : 2

The development comprises a total of eight living units, each spanning 39 square meters. These units are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a comfortable living experience for two individuals. Each unit encompasses a well-appointed living space, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom.

On the ground floor, storage spaces are strategically positioned between the units, optimizing the use of available space and providing convenient storage solutions for residents. On the first floor, the layout allows for private stairs, providing exclusive access for residents. This arrangement ensures seamless connectivity and efficient circulation throughout the development, enhancing the overall functionality and convenience.

The proposal introduces a green space to address the lack of recreational areas along the city road and provide a more appealing view for residents. By shielding the work unit from the street, a peaceful environment is created for residents. Bedrooms and living spaces face the yard, enhancing the overall experience. The work unit offers views across the yard, combining the energy of the city road with the tranquility of the garden. A mezzanine provides various access routes and fire escape options, ensuring convenience and safety

TRAM STOP DECODED

The alternative tram stop project is located in Riga, Latvia . It is situated in a garden city called “Mezaparks“. The task for the project was to deliver an intervention for a limited time of 5 years. The goal was to advertise a national celebration/festival that happens in “Mezaparks” every 4 years. The proposal was a sequence of 3 tram stops that would inform passengers about the event as well as provide shelter.

This project was with a focus on improving existing tram stops by providing necessary shelter. The goal was to explore the use of second-hand materials such as wood pallets and cladding and its subsequent construction method. With the shelter itself I investigated the potential to make it more interactive and engaging than regular stops. Chipboard was used to split the shelter in compartments and display information about a local festival. As the stop is located on the edge of the street you must move through the bays of the shelter to get to a crossing that way engaging with the information.

At present, the existing tram stops in their current location lack any form of shelter or seating, posing a challenge, particularly for elderly individuals. The stops are situated along a narrow path, necessitating a thoughtful solution that not only addresses these concerns but also preserves the location’s integrity without causing any permanent damage.

STRATEGY

The concept behind the project was to prioritize the use of recyclable materials and incorporate available resources from the surrounding area. The project primarily utilized four main materials: shipping pallets, chipboard, timber cladding, and timber beams. Chipboard was employed for displaying essential information on boards, while timber cladding was utilized for the raised floor, providing easy access to the tram and serving as sheltering walls. Timber beams were used for the structural framework that supports the roofing made from pallets.

In the roofing and shelter design, the pallets were re-purposed as blocks. Each stop consisted of 10 blocks that could be lifted onto the frame based on the season or expected number of visitors, creating a larger covered area. Additionally, the surplus blocks were ingeniously used as additional seating on both sides of the stop, enhancing the arrival experience with a playful and exciting touch. Due to their manageable weight (25kg each), the blocks could be easily adjusted, allowing for different settings at all three stops simultaneously.

Each block comprised two full pallets with an offset middle cladding layer, ensuring a closed surface that effectively prevented water leakage. The sides of the blocks were also clad, providing a refined appearance by concealing the pallets. The cladding material was sourced from recycled pallets, ensuring that no element went to waste. This approach exemplifies the project’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness in utilizing materials.

DETAIL

The stop provides convenient access from both sides of the street and either side of the pavement. The central focal point of the stop is the information bay, attracting attention from passersby approaching from all three directions. To enhance accessibility, the platform is raised to ensure smoother boarding onto the tram, as the existing platform is relatively low. The slight outward shift of the middle bay further increases its visibility and prominence.

Considering the temporary nature of the project, the attachment mechanism to the pavement holds significant importance. The foundation structure incorporates a timber frame with a hollow space in the middle. This space is filled with sand sourced from a nearby lake, providing the necessary weight to secure the structure even against strong winds. This approach eliminates the need for permanent bolting or extensive mounting to the existing pavement, ensuring a flexible and adaptable installation that can be easily removed when required.

BESPOKE FURNITURE

Kuldiga, Latvia

Both furniture projects were designed to maximize storage and accessibility within the constraints of a small flat renovation. Due to alterations in the original flat plan, the initial furniture became obsolete, and standardized elements did not fit, necessitating a custom approach to achieve the desired outcome. Several variations and concepts were explored before finalizing the designs.

The first wardrobe, serving as both a versatile storage unit and a partition wall between the entrance hall and kitchen, was a key consideration. Given the limited space in the small flat, it was crucial to utilize both sides of the wardrobe effectively. On the entrance side, provisions were made for outdoor clothing, additional accessories, and smaller shelves for items like keys, wallets, and phones. On the kitchen side, the wardrobe incorporated a fridge, washing machine, microwave, and extra storage shelves.

The second wardrobe, located in the bedroom, presented its own challenge. The objective was to utilize the entire wall without obstructing the existing doorway and to provide space for utility items such as a vacuum cleaner and ironing board, in addition to clothing storage. To address this, the corner end of the wardrobe was dedicated to accommodating these utility items. The wardrobe was positioned deeper against the wall to prevent any interference with the doors. As a result, when the entrance door is open, it aligns seamlessly with the rest of the wardrobe, creating a unified and simplified design aesthetic.

WARDROBE

The design of custom-made furniture presents a formidable challenge that revolves around the meticulous accuracy and precision of planning, as well as the seamless collaboration with skilled carpenters capable of executing the desired design flawlessly. In this particular instance, a small bedroom required a new piece of furniture to replace an existing wardrobe. The objective was twofold: to infuse the space with a contemporary atmosphere and to meticulously tailor the furniture to fit the precise dimensions spanning from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, thereby enhancing storage options for the user. Furthermore, the utilization of lighter timber materials contributed to creating a more spacious ambiance.

UTILITY SPACE

The importance of precision was underscored by the need for the utility space door of the wardrobe to function seamlessly alongside the entrance door to the bedroom. The proximity of the mirror and door handle left no margin for error. It was imperative that either door could be effortlessly opened.

DOUBLE SIDED

The second piece of furniture served as unique element. On one side, it functioned as a wardrobe, while on the other side, it featured kitchen shelves supporting a washing machine and a microwave. Additionally, this furniture piece served as a partition wall, separating the entrance hall from the kitchen and dining areas.