Liam Cashin Selected Works Portfolio

Hello! I’m Liam Cashin

A multi-skilled, energetic, and forward-thinking architecture student, with core transferable skills from the construction industry, Skilled at completing challenging briefs with precision, in narrow time-frames. Highly organised, brings sharp attention to detail in concept development and construction awareness. Ambitious, extremely hard-working, and goes above and beyond to deliver designs tailored to a given brief. Seeking a new opportunity to enhance my awareness of sustainable design and materials of architecture as an Intern at an established practice during my year out of University.

Mobile: +353 (87) 2688601

Email: liamcashin.arch@gmail.com

Address: Thurles, Co.Tipperary, Ireland.

Instagram: cashin.design

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liamcashin

Work experience

Carpenter

Maguire’s Carpentry, Killenaule, Co.Tipperary

May 2021 - Present

Cabinet Maker

Savvy Kitchens, Thurles, Co.Tipperary

May 2018 - September 2020

Construction Labourer

Suirside Construction, Waterford City, Co.Waterford

Education

BSc Architecture - University of Limerick

Castletroy, Limerick City, Co.Limerick

Civil Engineering - Waterford Institute of Technology

Cork Road, Waterford City, Co.Waterford

2016

Leaving Certificate - Thurles C.B.S, Thurles, Co.Tipperary

2008 - 2014

Softwares

AutoCad

SketchUp

Rhino

Enscape

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illiustrator

Adobe InDesign

Achievements

Best Working Drawing award winner

University of Limerick

2023

Letter of acknowledgment for QCA achievements (First Class Honours 1:1)

University of Limerick 2022 + 2023

Safe Pass certificate

Waterford City

2017

Clean Irish driving licence

Waterford City

2017

Manual Handling course

Waterford City + Thurles, Co. Tipperary 2015 + 208

Completion of Suicide Awareness Course Thurles, Co.Tipperary

2015

Occupational First Aid course Thurles, Co.Tipperary

2014

IF YOU WISH TO SEE A MORE DETAILED CURRICULUM VITAE PLEASE CONTACT ME

REFEREE DETAILS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Portfolio | Liam Cashin

1 2 3 4 5 6

Social Infrastructure pg. 6 -7

Location: Clare Island, Co.Mayo

Visual Culture pg. 8 - 9

Location: Clare Island, Co.Mayo

Co-operative Housing pg. 10 - 13

Location: Clare Island, Co.Mayo

The Space of the Book pg. 14 - 15

Location: Kells, Co.Meath

Live Furniture pg. 16 - 17

Location: Thurles, Co.Tipperary

Honourable Mentions pg. 18 - 20

There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?

PROJECT 1

‘Social Infrastructure’ Island School.

In response to the urgent need to address the challenges of the climate emergency, a brief was assigned to develop a robust studio program for a public building on Clare Island. This island off the Irish mainland has experienced a population decrease due to famine and lacks essential public infrastructure to support its inhabitants. The absence of amenities such as a school, library, community center, and sports hall threatens the island’s population. The proposed solution is to establish a small post-primary boarding school that not only reverses the decline in the island’s young population but also exposes generations of young people to the unique island life experience. This school serves as a community center, theater, cinema, library, digit al hub, cookery school, hostel, and guest house, functioning as the heart of the community and revitalizing the harbor area.

To ensure a culturally sensitive approach, the design takes into account the island’s decreased population and the risk of losing cultural values. The site, previously a harbor and gathering place for island inhabitants, is repurposed to create a safe and educationally enriched environment. The scheme’s geometry is inspired by the adjacent jetty and new harbor, with cranked volumes forming courtyard spaces where students can bond with their peers. These spaces offer scenic views, framing the landscape and raising the eye level above the surrounding environment.

past, for a future which is essentially unknown.

As an architect, you design for the present, with an awareness of the

— Norman Foster

PROJECT 2

Visual Culture - Wall and Platform

This elective explores surface qualities through artistic processes, including drawings, carvings, models, and casts. It focuses on real textures, patterns, and relief’s of surfaces, emphasizing the interplay between tools and materials. The outcome is the development of material awareness, demonstrated through project exercises. These outcomes are reflected in materials, drawings, and models created throughout the duration of the project, fostering a process-oriented approach. On Clare Island, I study the qualities of slate, steel, timber, and rope within the island’s context. The goal is to fuse materials without mechanical fixings, using joinery techniques and modular arrangements. To consider their resilience to the island’s climate and exposure to the Atlantic Ocean.

The final product is a singular component made from three materials, connected through slits in the material. This modular design manipulates the landscape, creating a plinth with various functions. Horizontal elements become seats/ benches, vertical components shield users, and ground connections provide habitats for plant and sea life. Materials are tested at different scales, with hammered-steel plates reflecting light and matte-colored materials adding contrast.

Architecture

is not based on concrete and steel and the

Even a brick wants to be something.

— Louis Kahn

PROJECT 3

Co-operative Housing & Land Management

ROOF CONSTRUCTION:

1 - COMPOSITE RIDGE CAP

2 - RIDGE BOARD (150X50)

3 - GALVANIZED CORRUGATED STEEL

4 - BATTEN (50X50)

4 - TYVEK BREATHER MEMBRANE

5 - TRUSS RAFTER (203X50)

6 - TRUSS WEBBING

7 - TIE BRACING (152X25)

8 - DIAGONAL TIE BRACING (152X25)

9 - CEILING BRACING (152X25)

10- STRUT BRACING (152X25)

11 - ROOF LIGHT (TOP PIVOT)

12 - ALUMINUM FLASHING

13 - ALUMINUM GUTTER (250X200)

14 - PVC FACIA

15 - FACIA BOARD (228X20)

WINDOW CONSTRUCTION:

— Denise Scott

Architects can’t force people to connect, it can only plan the crossing points, remove barriers and make the meeting places useful and attractive.

1 - ALUMINUM WINDOW TRIM (FORMED ON-SITE)

2 - DOUBLE GLAZED TIMBER FRAME WINDOW

3 - SILL BOARD

4 - ALUMINUM SILL (PRE-FORMED)

WALL CONSTRUCTION:

1 - CHARRED PALLET WOOD (125X25)

2 - TREATED TIMBER BATTEN (50MM)

3 - TYVEK BREATHER MEMBRANE

4 - STRUCTURAL EXTERIOR STUD (150X50)

4 - HEMPWOOL INSULATION (STUD INFILL)

5 - VAPOR BARRIER (AIR TIGHT)

6 - STRUCTURAL INTERIOR STUD (100X50)

7 - PLYWOOD (18MM)

8 - TREATED PALLET WOOD (20MM)

STRUCTURE BUILDUP:

1 - STRUCTURAL CROSS-BRACED TIMBER [228X75MM]

2 - TELEGRAPH POLES [DIAM.400MM] [RE-PURPOSED]

3 - GALVANIZED STEEL SHOE

1 - ALUMINIUM SERVICE DUCT

FLOOR CONSTRUCTION:

1 - LIMECRETE FLOOR [150MM] [POLISHED INTERIOR]

2 - EPS INSULATION [200MM]

3 - DPM

4 - OSB SHEETING [18MM]

This project explores co-operative housing within a Rundale agri-environmental land management system on the island. The outcome aims to create a settlement of up to 10 houses and associated land management in three potential locations. Students work in groups, developing a site plan and model, cultivating a common ethos and design within set parameters. The focus is on no waste and detailed development of two houses per student. The design concept emphasizes a community-focused approach, utilizing the advantages of co-operative living. The chosen site on the island’s northeastern bay features a picturesque landscape shaped by a glacier-formed river. To preserve the natural terrain and address the lack of public infrastructure, the entire scheme is elevated on a platform, seamlessly integrating houses and amenities.

Materials are reclaimed from the site, and access is primarily by sea due to the absence of roads. The design incorporates different functions for each house, facilitating fluid movement and encouraging interaction among occupants. The architecture serves as a means of connecting people and fostering a sense of community, supporting the livelihoods of fishing and farming.

DPM

DPC

VAPOUR BARRIER/AIR TIGHTNESS

BREATHER MEMBRANE

STRUCTURAL GRID LINE

HEMPWOOL INSULATION [BATT]

EPS INSULATION [RIGID]

STRUCTURAL TIMBER

FINISH TIMBER

CLAY/COMPOST

LIMECRETE

Co-operative Housing | Selected Works

Each new situation requires a new architecture — Jean Nouvel

WORKING DRAWINGS/ CLARE ISLAND

HOUSING (SECTION/PART ELEVATION)

DESIGN STUDIO ASSIGNMENT 1

A1 06.02.23_DS_AS.1_SECTION_R1 2

1:20LIAM CASHIN 10.02.23

PROJECT 4

The Space of the BookShow Home

The 2008/09 economic recession caused hardship, emigration, and an emptying of the center of Ireland, in particular, Kells, Co. Meath. While there has been a fragile recovery, urgent support and development is needed. The proposal aims to consolidate the center by attracting sustainable investment in jobs, commerce, and tourism to encourage people to stay in the region. To achieve this, a proposal suggests 35 dwelling units of various sizes based on environmental and ecological principles, emphasizing shared resources. The goal is to overcome isolating housing conditions while ensuring space, privacy, and daylight for sustainable living. Integrated public transport is introduced to re-consolidate the town center, enabling residents to access key services within walking distance, reducing dependence on cars.

The project features a functional complex of apartment blocks conveniently located near existing amenities, with no provision for motor vehicles. Instead, bicycle storage bays are provided. The building envelope mimics the appearance of mature trees, blending in with the natural landscape. Carefully designed paths lead from the town center to the complex, promoting pedestrianization. Landscaping incorporates timber features that weave through the tree line, providing spaces for relaxation and community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging.

PROJECT 5

Self-initiated ProjectLive Furniture

The objective of this project was to manufacture a decorative wooden table that showcases the natural beauty of timber, utilizing two different wood types with contrasting colours, while also being practical and functional. The table was designed to complement modern and contemporary home interiors and provide ample surface area for various uses.

The manufacturing process began with selecting two wood types that have contrasting colours, In this case - Irish Oak and walnut, to create a striking visual contrast. The Oak wood was sourced through a sawmill where the piece that I requested was quote -not fit for purpose. It would have been thrown away or cut up for firewood had I not saved it. Once I had seen the quality and beauty of the natural grain definition I decided to preserve the live edge and ultimately giving the piece its character. The legs of the table were fabricated using the same wood. They are connected via a walnut core using hand crafted mortise and tenon joinery. To enhance the table’s natural beauty, a clear protective coating was be applied to the wood to prevent scratches and other forms of damage. The tabletop was sanded and polished to give it a smooth and lustrous finish.The final result shows a decorative wooden table that showcases the natural beauty of timber, with the contrasting wood types adding visual interest and elegance to the design.

–Charles and Ray Eames

God is in the detailsLudwig Mies van der Rohe

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Spacial Diagrams in the form of models

DesignProcessofModel

Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the lightLe Corbusier

Architecture is the thoughtful making of spaceLouis Kahn