USA
• Pavilion for Boggy Slough Conservation Area
• 2x4 Texas A-Frame Exhibition
• Let It Flow. Modular Structure of Logs
• Presentation to AIA Dallas: A Non-Conventional Spatial Intervention: Bamboo in a Modern Architecture Campus. 4th International Sustainable Buildings Symposium.
• Flexibode: Prefabricated Tiny Housing Solution
• Editor at ArchDaily
Canada. Calgary
• Feasibility of Multimodal Mid-Rise Timber Buildings.
Spain
• Editor at ArchDaily Arquitectura&Empresa.es Colaboration with ElConfidencial News
• School restoration and frame house construction.
Colombia
• Bus shelter of Bamboo
• Bamboo Dome
• Approaching lacustrine architecture: Extension of stilt school
Russia. Moscow
• Exhibition of The Russian Pavilion in Venice by Alexei Shchusev
China
• Certified researcher at INBAR, Virtual Anji Bamboo Study workshop.
Ecuador. Galapagos
• Master of Architecture Thesis: Recovering Landscape as a Building Practice
• Illustration for Book “As I from the south: Travel chroniques in Latin America
• Concert hall for Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogota
• Soft architecture. Hand weave textiles manufacturing
The Pavilion exalts the spirit of a Loblolly Forest to provide a site-specific place for education and appreciation of rural East Texas. As such, by acknowledging the history of the previous lodge on site, which burnt down 50 years ago, the project illustrates the remarkable potential of local materials by a single roofing to host 30 people.
The design footprint is based on the size of the largest loblolly pine ever recorded, measuring 54” in diameter. The module sets a pattern of fill and voids to provide shelter, respect existing vegetation, and frame views of Design and Construction Studio | 2023
University of Texas at Austin | Gulf Coast LabStudio In collaboration with bcWorkshop Lufkin. TX. USA. 48m² | 520 sq-ft²
Teamwork: Coleman Coker AIA, Sebastien Bartlett, Laura Bui, Paula Cano, Macarena de Salvidea, Yusuf Derya, Ciara Hackman, Madelaine Hamilton, Annie Hayes, Aya Kousa, Tessa Laplante, Miguel Magtaan, Keely Morgan, and Kate Shirley. | Client: The Temple Foundation
Texas Forestry Association (TFA) Wood Design Excellence Winner
Interior of the Pavilion from North Facade
Photo: Gulf Coast LabStudio
3 NS Connecting Deck Detail
3/4" = 1'-0"
5 Section - Roof Detail 03
3/4" = 1'-0"
LOCATION ARCHITECT
Apple Springs, TX 75926
3
3/4" = 1'-0"
4 NS Deck Detail
Coleman Coker
DESIGN TEAM
Jean Sebastien Bartlett
Laura Bui
Paula Cano
Ana Macarena de Salvidea
Yusuf Derya
Ciara Hackman
Madelaine Hamilton
Annie Hayes
Aya Kousa
Tessa Laplante
Miguel Magtaan
Keely Morgan
Kate Shirley
ISSUE DATE SHEET NAME
03/06/23
#4
SHEET NO.
North Facade
Photo: Gulf Coast LabStudio
Fabrication
University of Texas at Austin Design Excellence Nominee 2022- 2023
Design and Manufacturing Studio | 2023
University of Texas at Austin Digital Fabrication and Material inFORMation Class. Advised by Danelle Briscoe AIA
Let it Flow is a modular structure made of logs that seeks to up-cycle the massive wood “waste” after the freeze in Texas last February of 2023.
The project explores alternative approaches to using raw timber resources by demonstrating a possible use of unusual-form timbers not currently of value to the standard milling process. By 3D scanning the logs, a more accurate and precise analysis determines if the blocks are “filled” uniformly or following the branch patterns (non-uniform). The pieces comprise multiple configurations to adapt to interior design, enclosure, and architectural partition.
Keywords: Regenerative Materials, Assemblies and Processes, Material Composting
Block Prototype by Paula Cano
Twenty-five (25) logs were 3D scanned to collect three-dimensional data and build vector models. Each piece was virtually “split” into 12” sections, labeled and analyzed in CAD to digitally assembled the blocks and approach a possible appearance and performance.
Even Region, Specified Space
Stacking and Joining
Stacking and Joining
Stacking and Joining Stacking and Joining
Set of Possible Combination of User-specified desired density distribution
2. Stacking and Joining
Focused on “letting the wood flow,” the stacking follows two strategies, Uniform and Non-Uniform, to take advantage of each log form by:
1) Doing a sort of puzzle and ensuring load-bearing joints in the block structure
2) Attaching the log with dowels to avoid complex wood joinery
3) Ensuring up-cycling by using virgin materials. Structural components are the most emissions-intensive parts of buildings due to their large volume of high-strength materials
The nature of the project approach to two fabrication techniques which can work with the natural variation of timber and complex geometries for the modules stacking alternatives :
1) Robotic fabrication: A band saw on a six-axis robot arm trims the saw-log.
2) Traditional band saw: Pre-industrial homogenized fabrication.
Hackberry | Celtis Laevitaga Deciduous | Hard Wood Juniper | Juniperus Ashei Coniferous | Soft Wood
To mock-up a block, the vectors CAD and a visual programming language are tested and determine the material efficiency, schedule, and spatial configurations. Lastly, a robotic arm or traditional sawing cut the modules.
Focused on design through fabrication, each block is an opportunity to use natural variations of timber with high eccentricity and increase mass - but homogenized - production. Let It Flow is not a block. It is a project to reconsider our notion of material sustainability and our current understanding of resiliency, adaptation, and clean construction.
Juniper | Soft Wood Construction Process Photo: Paula CanoVariation within each block comprises panels to adjust to different scenarios like panels, partitions, furnishing, or ephemeral structures.
- Advantage: Mass production of bespoke modules. The code produced for analysis guides the robot.
- Constraints: Customized pieces are required. Depending on the geometry, the robot needs manual control assistance for better blade performance.
- Advantage: Availability of tools and craft skills.
- Constraints: Limited shaping
The undergrad thesis reinterprets the principles of stilt vernacular architecture by articulating porches, patios, and walkways in the extension of the existing school in Nueva Venecia in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. The research delves into the endogenous architecture of the swamp to solve a way of inhabiting and building in the territory based on local building techniques such as framing and wooden landing nets.
As one of the few active human settlements on the water on Earth, the architecture of Nueva Venecia is a landmark on the Colombian landscape and a sample of Caribbean culture. Through appreciation and documentation, potentially invigorates lost cultural heritage and reintroduces non-traditional education.
Keywords: Cultural Mapping, Educational architecture, Vernacular Structures.
As the only educational institution in the town, the 1000 m2 school was insufficient to host 1000+ students, besides infrastructure problems such as no plumbing and waste management. The three main design strategies, Community engagement, public space, and landscape preservation, organized the project by flexible classrooms surrounding courtyards connected by bridges. Each classroom has rain and water filtration units and dry toilets to guarantee hygiene and teach water cycles.
The courtyards set a template for education-based periods of development rather than grades, providing physical independence. Lastly, piers and bridges connect the old school with the expansion, consolidating a network accessible to the community.
Urban Floor Plan
Colombian Caribbean Coast Cultural Mapping Collage by Paula Cano
Porch Pier gaze
Classrooms
Library
Cadrizo Dry toilet Communal sinks
Classroom Section and Architectural Analysis
Urban Collage/Render
Structural section
Construction Collaboration | 2023
An exhibition and prototype developed by Barkow Liebinger
University of Texas at Austin at The Mebane Gallery 120m2 | 1300sq f
Using 2x4 wood studs, a common building material, this exhibition revisits the A-Frame as a versatile, sustainable architectural solution, and re-imagining it’s potential and evolution.
The Mebane Gallery prototype showcases adaptable configurations with triangulated trusses serving both structural and spatial functions. Its modular design can accommodate various programs and potentially adapt to different terrains. Clad with energy-efficient materials that can collect gray-water and support roof gardens the A-Frame is configurable.
The exhibition imagines a customizable, Eco-friendly house for under $100,000, transforming this underdeveloped typology into a contemporary, practical, and innovative housing solution that challenges traditional housing norms.
Exhibition at the Mebane Gallery Photo: Paula Cano
Timber Construction Collaboration | 2020
Michaelshof Sammatz. Lüneburg, Germany
1000m²| 10800ft²
Characterized by the design and management of the surrounding nature and international community engagement, Michaelshof Sammatz has boosted permaculture and circular economy for over 40 years in North Germany.
In 6 hectares of gardens and parks, constructions that hazard natural environments are now part of a master plan offering room and opportunities to international volunteers while expanding educational programs to Peronnik children with special needs.
The school envisioned a space proper for special education within sustainability goals like net zero emissions, waste management, and energy efficiency. By restoring old frame houses and incorporating highly insulated building envelopes, the school hosts 35+ children. The new homes, in six fully-equipped residential groups, are scattered throughout the village and are a natural part of the everyday Sammatzer life.
Permaculture Center Photo: Michaelshof Sammatz
The designers noted that the space-conditioning of the area immediately surrounding the structural frames displayed moisture and air infiltrations, particularly at metal-panel cladding attachments and near window and door openings. Therefore, maintaining the continuity of the exterior insulation system to the greatest extent possible would reduce condensation risk from dew point temperatures at interior surfaces of glazing and frames of window units.
Without accurate window unit product data and drawings for THERM modeling, indications of condensation risk at the window units themselves needed to be considered preliminary, as the simulation models do not include some components regularly found in modern high-performance window assemblies (e.g., low-conduction IGU spacers, thermally broken frames, etc.).
The result is the installed significantly outperformed the simulation models in terms of lower condensation risk (for building durability) and higher radiant interior surface temperatures (for occupant thermal comfort). THERM simulations of the plinth did not indicate condensation at wall elements. Some condensation risks at the interior gypsum board were noted in simulations. Still, the reported dew point temperatures resulting from thermal bridging through the simplified window unit modeling were fixed during the restoration and construction.
Design and Prototyping Coordination | 2022
Austin, Texas. United States
Intern at The Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems . 21m² | 225 sq-ft² module
Facing housing and supplies crisis and, FlexiBode is a future-ready, modular solution made of aluminum and mycelium. This permanent housing, can be shipped, stacked horizontal and vertical to compound multistories blocks or single apartments.
Features:
- Temporary address (emergency housing potential)
- Customizing capabilities
- Pay as you evolve
- Solar ready | Water ready
- LEED certifiable
- Kit or complete
- Food fuel accessories
Fat-walls
2. Prototyping and utilities fixture
3. Shipping
Design Studio | 2023
University of Texas at Austin Multi-family | 4800m² | 25000 sq-ft²
The Sunset District, located 6 miles from the Pacific Coast, is part of San Francisco’s history. The district is also part of San Francisco’s present housing crisis. This extends to a social crisis, represented in the lack of accessible public spaces.
While infill is the densification of housing, the project infills by opening a gap in the site and organizing public and private programs around the dominant architectural element; the wall. While usually a wall represents a barrier, the curved wall constitutes a courtyard, allowing people, city, and thermal comfort to combine.
2209 Taraval project is an urban amenity, dwellings, and a path of travel. It goes ownership back to the community to inhabit a third place where opportunities for diversity gather around the same space.
The ten units on site are a middle ground for the different demographics that aim to reconsolidate the Historical Sunset District Community. The project envisions a third place by incorporating shared services at non-cost prohibited activities for the surrounding to enjoy alongside the Sunset District.
A Third Place at the Commercial Corridor, Taraval Street
The series of diagrams is a reinterpretation of the iconic bay window of San Francisco.
The iterations go from a uniform line of two to five control points to rebuild the profile curve. The resulting geometry was tested in 3d printing and EQuest to achieve a smooth, continuous wall able to catch the sun along the profile and define the courtyard.
Curve Geometry build in Rhino and Grasshopper
Curve Geometry
“Painted Ladies” Houses. San Francisco, CA
Photo by Paula Cano
The facility offers 10 units ranging from studio occupancy to multi-family and three-bedroom duplex. Employing a diverse unit strategy on-site was essential to hosting multi-generational and diverse occupants, along ADA residents, contrary to the current neighborhood competition of single- and double-unit rentals.
Hybrid CLT Structure
The use of wood is among the preferred approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as it is a renewable material that lends itself well to zero-carbon and carbon-negative buildings. The hybrid system uses CLT floor panels and SIP walls in a platform-type construction to carry all gravity loads, transmitted to a conventional systems, of steel braced frames on ground level.
Exploted Structural Axon and Joints Details
Community Service
2021 Assisted with Administrative Tasks and Funding Campaigns for | 800 Hours
Stars United Global Outreach Org. Dallas, USA
2020 Restored a Timber Structure for Frame Building School | 280 hours. AIESECMichaelshof Sammatz. Lüneburg, Germany
2020 Guided in an Educational Language Camp in English | 120 hours. Euroweek Foundation. Bystrzyca Kłodzka, Poland
Language Competencies
Native Spanish Speaker Teacher 100+ hours
English | TOELF C1 | Advanced
Russian | Certified B1
Technical Skills
Drafting: AutoCAD, Adobe
Energy Analysis: E-Quest, THERM, WUFI
Manufacturing: 3D scanning, 3D Printing, CNC, KUKA, Woodworking
Modeling: Architectural, Civil and MEP Revit, Grasshopper, Rhino
References
• David Heymann, FAIA
ACSA| University of Texas Distinguished Teaching Professor
Current Professor and M. Arch Thesis Advisor
heymann@austin.utexas.edu | 512.471.1922 | davidheymannarchitect.com
• Keith A. Simon, FAIA
Senior Architectural Consultant | Building Enclosures Practice Lead
Current Direct Manager at Terracon Austin Facilities
keith.simon@terracon.com | 512.800.4485 | Terracon.com
• Pliny Fisk III
Co-director of CMPBS. Professor Emeritus Texas A&M University
Former Direct Manager in 2020 and 2021, when I collaborated and as a researcher and architectural designer.
pfisk@cmpbs.org | 512.928.4786 | www.cmpbs .org
