Harvest in the Sky | PART 02 | Kazia Mac Sherry

DERELICT BUILDING SITE SELECTION | ROBIN HOOD GARDENS

ARCHITECT: ALISON & PETER SMITHSON

LOCATION: ROBIN HOOD GARDENS ESTATE, POLAR, LONDON, UK

COMPLETION DATE: 1972

BUILD COST £1,845,585

SITE AREA 12,740m²

BUILDING AREA 1,130m²

CONSTRUCTION: PRECAST CONCRETE SLAB BLOCK

FORM: TWO TEN-STOREY ELONGATED FLATS

FUNCTION: RESIDENTIAL

FLATS 214 DUAL FACING FLATS TOTAL, (38 FLATS @ GFL FOR ELDERLY)

STREETS IN THE SKY

“an exemplar – a demonstration of a more enjoyable way of living in an old industrial part of a city. It is a model of a new mode of urban organisation which can show what life could be like.”

- ALISON AND PETER SMITHSON (https://municipaldreams.wordpress.com)

SITE VISIT - ROBIN HOOD GARDENS ESTATE, POPLAR - VISUAL STUDY

NEW WESTERN BLOCK DEVELOPMENT

BLACKWALL TUNNEL HIGHWAY ROBIN HOOD GARDENS EASTERN BLOCK

WOOLMORE PRIMARY SCHOOL

POPLAR HIGHSTREET

ALL SAINTS CHURCH

TOWER HAMLETS PLANNING DEPARTMENT

ROBIN HOOD GARDENS | HISTORIC SITE ANALYSIS

HERITAGE ENGLAND

Historical Significance & Preservation Efforts:

Robin Hood Gardens was a significant example of Brutalist architecture, which emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the need for affordable, mass housing in the UK. The style was characterised by the use of raw, utilitarian materials such as exposed concrete, and a focus on functionality and social use. The complex was also significant for its social history, having been designed to provide high-quality, affordable housing for working-class families in the area. The design of the complex included large communal areas, balconies, and gardens, which were intended to foster a sense of community among residents. Efforts to save the buildings and preserve their heritage were unsuccessful.

EXISTING STRUCTURE

DESIGNED BY ALISON & PETER SMITHSON

COMPLETED IN 1972

2 ELONGATED BLOCKS

213 EXISTING FLATS

PRECAST CONCRETE SLAB

PRE-DEMOLITION 2017

POST-DEMOLITION 2023

BUILDING LIFE:

45 YEARS

1972 - 2017

NEW WESTERN STRUCTURE

DESIGNED BY HAWORTH TOMPKINS

CONSTRUCT START 2017

6 SQUARE BLOCKS

268 NEW HOMES

PRECAST CONCRETE

ORIGINAL DESIGN INTENTIONS

STREETS IN THE SKY

“The deck itself is wide enough for the milkman to bring his cart along or for two women with prams to stop for a talk and still let the postman by.”

A QUIET GREEN HEART

“stress-free central zone protected from the noise and pressures of the surrounding roads by the buildings themselves…a quiet green heart which all dwellings share and can look into.”

PAUSE PLACES

Designing small alcoves – they called them ‘pause places’ off the decks which they hoped residents would personalise through the use, for example, of flower boxes.

COMMUNITY

Combined with the public circulation walkways and pause places and central mound, a sense of community is created between residents.

PRIVACY

Bedrooms and living rooms were designed facing inwards towards the central mound, situated off the public street decks.

LIGHT

Dual aspect flats provided both morning and evening light for residents with windows penetrating most of the facade.

OVERALL DESIGN

“It is now your turn to try and make it a place you will be proud to live in..”

DISUSED CORRIDORS VANDALISM

ALLY IN THE SKY

Reports stated residents did not make use of the deck areas for socialising as intended due to them being too narrow for social gatherings as they’re unwelcoming from their cold concrete materiality.

LACK OF WIDER COMMUNITY

Strangled by roads, black wall tunnel approach. Air thick with noise and fumes. Site cut off by wider neighbourhood.

COLD CONCRETE

POOR INSULATION

A 2007 study concluded it would cost £70,000 per flat to refurbish. Constructed on prefabricated concrete slabs in the 1970s, there were little regulations regarding thermal insulation

CRIME AND VANDALISM

The estate allegedly scored 14 out of 16 on the scale of features held to encourage crime.

POOR MAINTENANCE

Terrible upkeep made the apartment units undesirable places to live. The poverty that the estate had been aimed at alleviating was only exaggerated.

LACK OF PRIVACY

No definition of private/public areas or any sense of belonging to individual occupants resulting in lack of maintenance.

INCOHERENT OVERALL DESIGN

“English heritage final comment: ‘socially, the building does not work’, ’fails as a place for human beings to live”

OUTCOMES FOR INHABITANTS

STREETS IN THE SKY

Building on Alison & Peter Smithson’s Streets in the Sky, this strategy seeks to extend the streets to create a seamless pathway from ground level to the rooftop attraction, encouraging people to use these pathways during opening hours and prevent opportunities for anti-social behaviour.

ROOF MARKET & AMPHITHEATRE:

One of the key drivers for the scheme is reconnecting with the local community, with the community roof market aimed at drawing people to Robin Hood Gardens and reactivating the vertical streets. Additionally, the amphitheatre represents the progression of architecture in the 20th century, encouraging play rather than discouraging it with a large grass mound.

PARKS IN THE SKY:

A hexagonal lattice structure has been installed along the vertical walkway ramps to create pockets of communal gardening spaces as breaks during the journey up and down the path to sit and enjoy the sun.

REFURBISHED EXISTING FLATS:

The existing flats are set to be refurbished with a new layout, taking advantage of the dualfacing aspect to gain more natural light, while insulation will be added to the floors, walls, and ceilings during the process.

ALLOTMENTS IN THE SKY:

Each redeveloped flat has been provided with an external greenhouse balcony extending over the east-facing facade, equipped with a planter system to grow residents’ own fruit and vegetables.

THE

The building has become derelict due to several factors, with maintenance being a major issue. To ensure the longevity of the project, a 25% Robin Hood Garden Tax on all products sold at the rooftop market is proposed, which will be put into a fund for regular repairs.

STREETS IN THE SKY

The Robin Hood Gardens facade is divided by rigid concrete fins which regularly split the elevation by floor level, balustrade and window height.

The intention with this study is to analyse the existing geometry to establish a regular grid system on the façades. Additionally to establish public and private spaces such as stair cores/walkways and flats/balconies.

BLACKWALL TUNNEL

DAILY TRAFFIC FLOW

NB - 51,043, SB - 48,127

TOTAL DAILY VEHICLES = 99,170

WEST ELEVATION (A-A)

Facade faces inwards towards the central garden area.

Bedrooms and living rooms were positioned on the western elevation to limit the noise pollution from surrounding roads and better views.

EAST ELEVATION (B-B)

Facade faces outwards towards Blackwall Tunnel highway.

Kitchens and internal flat circulation positioned on the eastern elevation as noise disturbance less of a priority in these spaces.

CONCRETE FACADE FINS

The concrete fins are featured on all four façades.

Alison and Peter Smithson indented the fins to protrude from the facade to prevent noise pollution from the Blackwall Tunnel travelling along the facade

Air Quality Focus Area: The surrounding area of Robin Hood Gardens is deemed an air quality focus area as it exceeds the EU annual mean limit value for NO2 (above 40 micrograms per cubic meter). These exceeded zones are shown in yellow to red. Borough Air Quality Action Plan. (LAEI 2016). The site is surrounded by major roads, (A12 & Blackwall Tunnel), result in high levels of traffic-related air pollution.

ANNUAL WIND ANALYSIS

WIDER SITE LOCATION

Robin Hood Gardens is located on the northern side of the River Thames, situated between Canary Wharf, Poplar and Canning Town. The surrounding areas are undergoing significant gentrification projects of their own, to improve residential and commercial industry in the area.

The site has locational advantages with easy reach of commercial shopping centres such as Canary Wharf. Close proximity to the river Thames and the Millennium Dome for entertainment. There are also many transport links in the areas, such as three manor roads (Blackwall Tunnel), Train connections via the DLR network, as well as London City Airport.

LOCAL MARKETS:

Watney Market

Distance: 45 minute walk

Type: Indoor Products: range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as clothing, electronics, and other goods

Open hours: 6 days a week.

Roman Road Market

Distance: 47 minute walk

Type: Historic Indoor Products: range of fresh produce, clothing, and household goods, as well as street food vendors.

Open hours: 3 days a week.

Billingsgate Market

Distance: 12 minute walk

Type: Indoor Products: largest seafood market in the UK, Open hours: 5 days a week. (4am-8:30am)

Poplar Market

Distance: 5 minute walk

Type: Open-air Products: a range of fresh produce, clothing, and household goods.

Open hours: 1 day a week (Saturday)

SOIL ANALYSIS

WIND SPEED AVERAGE:

15.9kmph - 21.2 kph

The predominant direction from the annual wind speed is from the south-west traveling north-west. The proposal will take this into consideration and attempt to direct the wind up and over the building to prevent uncomfortable environment for the residents of Robin Hood Gardens and customers of the roof top market.

From analysing the soil condition in Poplar, London, it appears there is a high concentration of Loam & Clay around and on the site. This is beneficial for the proposal as it employs 3D printed clay planters as its construction material, offering a locally sourced material product.

Robin Hood Gardens is a significant community green space in the area, covering 2.2 hectares and providing a valuable asset to the local community. The green space is important in a densely populated area, providing opportunities for physical activity and access to nature, which has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.

STUDY FOR CROP GROWTH:

Understanding how the sunlight interacts with Robin Hood Gardens is key to the proposal as it integrates growing fruits and vegetables directly into the design. The building is orientated north, with two of its largest façades facing east and west. This is beneficial to the residents for receiving natural daylight in the morning and evening. As well as growing crops as they receive the maximum daylight through out the duration of the day. The structure is ten storeys, sitting at 26.8m tall. The structure, as well as its context, will cast shadows on the site limiting the solar gain to areas on the site at different types of day.

Results illustrate the east-facing site receives morning in light and the western site evening light. This will be reflected in the orientation of each pod to face the rear for maximum solar gain.

Applying the hexagonal grid system, tested in the previous study, to the ground plane on Robin Hood Gardens. Combined with the solar and shade analysis to orientate the pods to maximise their solar radiation gain on the rear surface. The intention with this study is to test the orientation of each pod, tested within my previous digital exploration.

9 HOURS 17 MINUETS SUNLIGHT (4:34 - 14:00)

ROBIN HOOD LANE PUBLIC HIGHWAY

PROPERTIES REAR GARDENS POPLAR HIGHSTREET PUBLIC HIGHWAY EASTERN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SHADOW & OPEN GARDEN SPACE

ACCESS THROUGH GREENHOUSE POD COMMUNITY POD

OPTION

OPTION 02

OPTION

The intention with this study is to test options of varying hexagonal grid system to the facade of Robin Hood Garden.

Using existing details from the facade such as the concrete fins and floor levels as fixing points, without obscuring views from existing windows.

- Horizontal and vertical points align to existing frame, providing greater stability.

- Each hexagon aligns to the floor levels, retaining views from balconies and windows.

- Every other vertical row aligns to floor plan, the next intersecting column sits half way between the floors. These frames will obstruct views and reduce light levels internally

- Hexagonal row on the first floor aligns to floor level, allowing for optimum views from windows, however as the upper and lower rows connect they sit just below the floor plane and disrupt the alignment

Align hexagonal greenhouse frame to centre of floor levels.

Issue = mullion width and floor heights not equal to align a symmetrical hexagon between.

MATERIALITY

Stretch hexagon to align to centre of vertical concrete mullions.

Issue = all options may not tessellate across facade.

GLUE LAMINATED TIMBER (GLT)

FLAT PLATE STEEL BOLT JOINT

UP-CYCLED GLASS

PRECEDENTS

Once built, a steel frame building will produce around 12,200 kilograms of carbon dioxide per cubic metre while timber removes 800 kilograms of carbon per cubic metre from the air (https://idmh.co.uk)

Galvanised steel pin joints are proposed between the glue laminated timber frames. These are joins are flexible as they are bespoke and can be modularly constructed for standardised joints.

Recycled glass melts at a much lower temperature than virgin glass. Research shows that recycling a glass bottle can save enough energy to light a normal light bulb for 4 hours. (truthpaste.co.uk)

GLASS FRAME SYSTEM

Atelier Kristoffer Tekigaard - The Dome

This precedent study is of a greenhouse structure, formed from cross-laminated and glue-laminated timber beams. Their employ an offset hexagonal polyethylene sheets for construct a greenhouse structure.

Improved Plant Growth

Consistent temperature and increased light levels lead to increased productivity and a reduced need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides, resulting in cost savings over time.

Reduced Heat Transfer

Air gap between the glass and frame acts as an insulator, reducing the amount of heat transferred. Maintaining a consistent temperature inside, especially during colder weather conditions, resulting in lower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint.

Improved Ventilation

The air gap improves ventilation, helping regulate the temperature and humidity levels inside and prevent condensation from forming on the glass and contacting the timber.

Increased Light Transmission

The offset design increases light to enter the greenhouse through the sides of the glass, which can improve plant growth and productivity.

Easier Maintenance

More room to access the panels from both inside and outside for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Increased Structural Stability

The weight of the glass is distributed evenly across the frame, reducing stress on individual joints allowing for slight movement.

OFFSET

It takes 40% more energy to make glass from scratch compared to recycling it!

ROBIN HOOD GARDENS | GREENHOUSE CANOPY DETAIL

• Hexagonal grid packing system, allowing for ease of movement between pods.

• Orientating the pods for maximum solar gain.

• The greenhouse canopy over the Robin Hood Gardens provides thermal insulation to the residents due to the lack of insulation within the existing walls and floors.

Moving forward, integrating both the larger greenhouse canopy with the pods would improve the language and coherency of the design.

West Elevation

South-West

South-East

Central Grass Mound

Poplar Highsteet

East Elevation

THERMAL GREENHOUSE CANOPY CLAY PLANTER GREENHOUSE PODS

The proposal demonstrate the pods designed in Brief 01 situated on side.

The intention with this study is to test how the hexagonal pods and green spaces will array up the side of the facade. The proposed formation offsets each pod from the one above, to allow access to light. The platforms also only extend from the walkway levels, to prevent overlooking into bedroom floor levels. Aligning to the vertical hexagonal platforms, a timber frame has been added to support the pods and parks in the sky.

PRIVATE POD ZONES

Pods arranged in an offset grid for solar gain. Pods are proposed on the yellow hatched hexagonal zones, these are on the edge of easy floor level grid, to ensure they retain maximum exposure to sunlight for crop yield.

PUBLIC GREEN ZONES

Inspired by Alison & Peterson’s Streets in the Sky design strategy, the proposal is implementing Parks in the Sky. Vertically arranged green areas for socialising and relaxing.

ANGLEDPOD ARRANGEMENT

PARKS IN THE SKY - 3D HEXAGONAL GRID LATTICE

GRID LATTICE

The following digital experiment tests the concept of vertically stacking the pods along the facade. The three tests demonstrate the developmental steps in design progression from Test 01 - a condensed vertical packing system. Through to Test 03 - simplifying the design to Parks in the Sky which allow the natural light to still penetrate the dwelling in Robin Hood Gardens. The grid connects to the platform vertices. The platforms adjoin to the existing streets in the sky, extending the public pathways above the central green area.

Test 01

Individual pods graduating up the facade. Varying activities on each level, some holding live-in pods, others as parks and public spaces. This system vary by having alternative levels which are accessible from the walkways.

PARKS IN THE SKY - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Test 02

Variation of Test 01, with park and pod balcony spaces up the facade, reducing the depth of pods in the grid to allow light to enter Robin Hood Gardens and each Live-In Pod.

Test 03

Simplifying the stacking grid, reducing the depth to ensure the main structure, Robin Hood Gardens has enough access to sun light. The parks act as moments along the external walkways for residents to enjoy green spaces in the sky.

ROBIN HOOD GARDENS | CURTAIN WALL LOFT TESTING

ROBIN HOOD GARDENS CANOPY GRID

The following digital experiment seeks to wrap a curtain wall around the western facade creating a greenhouse for the Live-In Greenhouse Pods at ground level. This will form an open public allotment space with vertical Parks in the Sky, situated along the external walkways. The canopy follows the outline of the pods at ground level and swoops up over attaching to the vertical Parks in the Sky.

GLULAM TIMBER > STEEL

Glued-Laminated Timber has been selected as the proposed structural material for the project as its is a highly sustainable material due to its renewability and carbon sequestration. Glue-laminated timber specifically as the beams can be bent into curved forms during the gluing and pressing process which will achieve the structural strength and organic aesthetic appeal of the greenhouse canopy. Timber is a renewable material and more environmentally friendly compared to steel which was previously used to support the heavy weighted concrete at Robin Hood Gardens.

GLULAM TIMBER PROPERTIES

SUSTAINABILITY:

a renewable resource that can be replenished through responsible forest management practices.

LOW THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY: it is a good insulator, helps to maintain a stable temperature inside a building.

ACOUSTIC INSULATION: reduce noise transmission, making it a great option for soundproofing walls and floors.

CURVED GLULAM BEAM

LOCALLY SOURCED TIMBER FABRICATION

TIMBER GRADING & OPTIMISING FINGER-JOINING LAMELLAS GLUE-APPLICATION & PRESSING

Glulam timber beams can weights up to 75% less than steel beams!

durable building material that can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions.

CANOPY FOOTING DETAIL

CANOPY EDGE TIMBER FRAME JOIN

RECYCLED GLASS PANELS 455mm x 525mm

RECYCLED GLASS TIMBER FRAME

CANOPY STEEL PIN JOINTS

GLULAM TIMBER BEAM

2x STEEL BOLT JOINT 20mm

2x STEEL BOLT JOINT 20mm

GALVANISED STEEL FRAME BASE

VENTILATION GRILLS

STEEL LOCKNUT BOLT

STEEL PLATE SET INTO CONCRETE

CEMENT MORTAR CAST FOOTING

GROUND SOIL

CURVE SET BEAM

SANDWICH STEEL PLATE CONNECTIONS

After the adhesive has set the solid beam is planed to remove excess glue and uneven surfaces and chamfered to shape.

Glue is applied in-between the lamellas layers and stacked horizontally together. The stack is them pressed together in a press bed.

The shorter individual boards are fixed together using finger-join to interlock the boards seamlessly together.

The dried timber are graded visually by the amount of structural imperfections, such as large knots, resin and bark. These are removed from the lamellas selection as they are not as structurally stable.

e ces

MATERIAL EXPLORATION | LOCALLY RECYCLED GLASS

RECYCLED GLASS > VIRGIN GLASS

Recycled glass is collected from the local Tower Hamlets ReUse & Recycle Centre, to be used to formed into modular glass panels. These panels are modular and a product of parametric design. The panels come together to for a large curtain wall to insulate the dome pod home creating a greenhouse effect inside to create an environment to grow fruit and vegetables. Recycled glass is preferable over virgin glass as it uses less C02 to produce and reused existing materials.

VERSATILITY:

as the glass is being reheated to for a new sheet of glass, it presents an opportunity to shape the material into a mould to produce modular sheets.

RECYCLED GLASS PROPERTIES

THERMAL INSULATION: provide excellent thermal insulation, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs.

RECYCLED GLASS PANES FABRICATION

SUSTAINABILITY:

an environmentally sustainable material as it helps in reducing waste and conserving natural resources.

1.5mm

01.

RECYCLING CENTRE 02. BREAK GLASS DOWN INTO SMALLER SHARDS BETWEEN 0.5mm - 1.0mm 03. FILL HEX GRID WITH THE FINE GLASS SHARD ON KILN PAPER 04. PLACE

01.

COLLECTION

01. Collect glass waste from local recycling centres. Ensure that the glass is clean and free from any contaminants, such as plastics or metals.

SORTING & CLEANING

CRUSHING

03. Crush the glass into small pieces, use sustainable processing methods, such as electric grinders, to minimise energy consumption.

& SHAPING

THE

2.0mm

04. Recycled glasses has a 40% lower melting temperature compared to virgin glass. Fire the glass shards in the hexagonal moulds.

05. Tested for their physical properties, such as strength, transparency, and resistance to temperature fluctuations, using laboratory tests.

06. Transport the panels from the local manufacture to RHG. using sustainable transport methods, such as electric / hybrid vehicles, to minimise emissions.

07. Craning the recycled glass panels into the preassembled timber frame.

clear 5.0mm

08. To ensure the longevity, perform regular maintenance and repair as needed, by cleaning the glass panels, replacing & repairing damaged panels & structural components.

09. Waste from residents & Customers of RHG. can recycle their waste for new glass panels to be made.

MATERIAL TESTING | FUSING RECYCLED GLASS

CRUSHED GLASS SIZE

0 minutes

05 minutes @ 700kwh

Energy = 0.05831 kWh

Carbon = 10.58 gC02

TESTING THICKNESS OF GLASS GRAIN

10 minutes @ 700kwh

Energy = 0.11667 kWh

Carbon = 21.16 gC02

15 minutes @ 700kwh

Energy = 0.175 kWh

Carbon = 31.73 gCO2

20 minutes @ 700kwh

Energy = 0.23333 kWh

Carbon = 42.31 gCO2

MIX WITH WATER AND SET GLASS WITHIN HEX MOLD TO HOLD FORM

TEST 01 - LOST FORM DUE TO SIZE TEST 02 - HELD FORM

GLASS SEEMED TO BURN OFF RESIDUE

DEPTH OF GLASS

GLASS HAS MERGED TOGETHER TEST 01 - SOLID FORM TEST 02 - HOLD APPEARED

TEST 01 - LOST FORM DUE TO SIZE TEST 02 - OPTIMAL GLASS GRAIN SIZE

GRAIN TEXTURE TOO THIN, GLASS PANE BROKE DURING COOLING PERIOD

GRAIN TEXTURE

GRAIN TEXTURE TOO THICK, GLASS PANE BROKE DURING COOLING PERIOD

PARKS IN THE SKY

STREETS IN THE SKY DEVELOPMENT

ACCESS TO STAIR CORE

BEDROOMS 875mm 875mm

RAMPED WALKWAYLEVEL WALKWAY CYCLE PATH PEDESTRIAN PATH PEDESTRIAN PATH CYCLE PATH

3500mm 3500mm

RAMP SITE PLAN CENTRAL GRASS MOUND

PROPOSED RAMP ELEVATION

ENTRANCE PORCH 1750mm

3500mm VIEW OFFSET PRIVATE DWELLINGS

PARKS IN THE SKY RAMPED WALKWAY LEVEL WALKWAY

PEDESTRIAN PATH CYCLE PATH PEDESTRIAN PATH CYCLE PATH PRIVATE DWELLINGS STAIR CORE STAIR CORE STAIR CORE 7000mm

DAILY EXERCISE

A fruit and vegetable market is proposed on the roof of Robin Hood Gardens to activate the use of these Streets in the Sky to encourage the use of these walkways and spaces and prevent crime. They are designed with wide walkways to allow two people and a bike pass by at one time, these walkways also encourage exercise by encouraging cyclists, runners and walkers to complete the route up and down the facade as part of their daily oversize routine, with a reward of a fruit and vegetable market to the top. There are three stair cores on the north, centre and southern part of the building as an alternative method of accessing the roof market.

TOTAL BUILDING LENGTH = 114.8m

No. of RAMPED WALKWAYS = 5

No. of FLAT WALKWAYS = 6

114.8m x 9 lengths = 1,033.2m (0.64miles) one way

Full Circuit= 2.07km / 1.28 miles

TOTAL BUILDING LENGTH = 114.8m

NORTHERN BLOCK

SOUTHERN BLOCK

STREETS IN THE SKY - VISUAL

WALKWAY ACCESS TO ROOF MARKET

EXISTING CENTRAL GRASS MOUND

THE EXISTING CENTRAL GRASS MOUND WAS DESIGNED TO DISCOURAGE PLAY, THE SIZE AND POSITIONING MEANS IT IS OCCUPYING POTENTIAL AREA FOR PODS

AMPHITHEATRE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

EXTEND POD SYSTEMS

EXTEND POD GRID INTO THE GRASS MOUND ZONE, FOLLOW A DIAGONAL LINE TO MAXIMISE SOLAR GAIN FROM THE SOUTH-WEST EVENING SUN LIGHT.

PROPOSED AMPHITHEATRE

RETAIN PART OF THE EXISTING MOUND AD THE WALLS FOR AN AMPHITHEATRE, EXCAVATE BELOW GROUND LEVEL FOR A STAGE AND SEATING.

VERGEGRASS

STAGE SEATING

GRASS VERGE OFFSET POD BOUNDARY VERGEGRASS

LOCALLY SOURCED CLAY | EXCAVATING CLAY FOR 3D PRINTING

CENTRAL MOUND MASS CALCULATION

The central grass mound at Robin Hood Gardens was designed to discourage ball game activities within the central community space. Instead a basket ball court was integrated within the scheme situated on the southern edge adjacent to Poplar High Street Road.

The mound is approximately 2 stories tall, circa 5.36m) with a 54m diameter (27.0m radius). The intention with this study is to calculate the volume of earth currently situated on site and if it is appropriate to use this material to form part of the 3D printed planters.

3D Printing can reduce material waste by up to 70%! (compared to traditional construction)

UP-CYCLED CLAY PLANTERS FABRICATION FROM ROBIN HOOD GARDENS CLAY

82% past residents say they enjoy living in Robin Hood Gardens, it just needs refurbishing.

Using the existing earth material from the central mound to make way for a community centre in its place.

Adding recycled insulation fibres to the central mound earth material to reinforce form when extruded.

Apply mixed to extruder for 3D printing planters.

3D printed planters individually fired to firm and set form

Recycled fibre-reinforced clay planters transported to site.

ORIGIN - PREVENT PLAY

PROPOSAL - ENCOURAGE PLAY

HARVEST IN THE SKY | VENTILATION & AIRFLOW

Ventilation and airflow are key considerations within the Harvest in the Sky project. The large glass greenhouse canopy is beneficial for creating a warm environment to grow fruit and vegetables, however, these spaces are designed to be lived-in and over heating is an issue. The canopy has been designed with large vertical ventilation ports at the south, north and centre of the building. These are timber louvre systems which open and close to control the movement of air around the building.

TIMBER LOUVRE VENTS

INSIDE OUTSIDE

WINTER - CLOSED SUMMER - OPEN INSIDE OUTSIDE

COOL

COOL AIRFLOWS THROUGH CIRCULATION ROUTE AND MARKET SPACE

EXCESS HEAT ESCAPES THROUGH ROOF VENT

VEGETATION HELPS REGULATE THE AIR TEMPERATURE BY SHADING AND BLOCKING DIRECT SUNLIGHT ON THE WALKWAYS, CREATING A COOL CIRCULATION ROUTE

DIRECT SOLAR RADIATION

01. SOUTH CORNER ENTRANCE

02. STREETS IN THE SKY

03. PARKS IN THE SKY

04. MARKET IN THE SKY

HARVEST IN THE SKY