Rhiannon Graham Portfolio

ARCHITECT

One in four people experience a mental health issue in the UK each year and architecture has the ability to influsence the emotions of those experiencing it. In order to do this, it is important to appreciate how much time people spend indoors, away from the benefits of daylight and nature. The average employee spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime, often more waking hours than they spend at home, so it is these environments that have the greatest impact on our mental health.

This thesis identifies issues surrounding occupant well-being in workplaces, particularly office environments. Research surrounding the topic showed that many companies suffer significant losses as a result of the poor mental health of employees. Reduced productivity

and sick leave as a result of unhappiness in the workplace can lose money as well as reduce the quality of output. This building design aims to act as a precedent to demonstrate ways in which biophilic design methods can be used in an office building to improve occupant well-being.

The way we work has changed in recent years, and companies require more flexible working environments to suit their needs. Similarly, hot-desking is becoming more popular for people who want to have more control over when, where, and how they work.

This project aims to combine flexible workspaces, biophilic design, and facilities that support a healthy work-life balance. Different people feel comfortable working in different environments. Some enjoy working in a busy,

WORKING WELLNESS THESIS PROJECT

Location:

Floor Area:

Type:

Themes:

Media Used:

Chester 3,300m2 Offices

Well-being, biophilic design

AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Photoshop, InDesign, hand drawing, digital drawing, watercolour, Enscape Rendering

active environment, while others work more productively in quiet isolated spaces. Either way occupants should have equal access to the basic requirements for a healthy environment such as daylight, nature and good air quality. Often office workers spend very little time away from their desks, even while eating, so the scheme aims to provide opportunities for relaxation and social interaction, as well as proximity to green space for exercise around office hours.

With so much focus on mental health in recent years, it is hoped that the creation of healthy working environments will become a priority of architects moving forward.

Reduced road access to encourage more sustainable methods of transport

Building draws attention to key features of the surrounding area

Proposed urban design introduces a new train stop as well as new cycle and pedestrian routes and a leisure centre encouraging active lifestyles

Building does not prevent views from adjacent residential properties and only overshadows a small area of the Water Tower Gardens

In order to establish the position of internal spaces it was important to understand the connections that each space would require. Using the atrium as a centre point and circulation route, spaces were positioned based on their need for daylight, views to nature, social interaction, and acoustic separation. For example, areas of short term occupancy don’t require as much natural light so could be enclosed, whereas office spaces require daylight, external views, and the ability to see areas of relaxation or social interaction to avoid feelings of stress or isolation.

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

FOURTH FLOOR

FIFTH FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

FOURTH FLOOR PLAN

MATERIALITY

The materiality of building was chosen in such a way that would minimise the visual impact of a building of that scale, while drawing attention to the retained facade of Chester Electric Lighting Station shown in the South Elevation. The glazed facade with light timber structure aims to reflect the surrounding landscape and direct views to the traditional red brick facade. Despite lacking direct sunlight the North facade benefits from long views across the gardens.

South Elevation

North Elevation

West Elevation

East Elevation

BIOPHILIC DESIGN

DAYLIGHT

Vertical columns of timber create a screen between office spaces which provides an element of privacy but allows some views and more importantly daylight to pass between spaces. With floor to ceiling glazing over a 3m height, daylight is able to reach 6m into workspaces. The atrium provides access to additional daylight within the deep building plan.

REFUGE

Comfort can be gained through having access to areas of security or refuge. People have different preferences to the types of environment they like to work in, so enclosed workspaces give them the option of refuge if they feel they are more comfortable working this way. Glazed screens are used to provide enclosure while retaining views towards the atrium or external views and landscape.

THERMAL & AIR FLOW VARIABILITY

With limited openings to the atrium and the density of plants inside, variability in temperature and humidity can be created giving occupants different environmental experiences.

LEGIBILITY

During the research stage of this project it was found that overly complex buildings can lead to confusion and unhappiness. Clear connections between spaces can create feelings of comfort and security. The perimeter of the atrium defines the main circulation route and the glazed structure allows for visual connections between workspaces as well as views to facilities such as the cafe, creche or breakout spaces.

BIOMORPHIC FORMS & PATTERNS

The design of the atrium structure takes influence from the trees that it will house by mimicking the spread of their branches. This also creates definition between the atrium structure and the structure of the rest of the building and as it doesn’t need to support internal floors, the structure can become lighter towards the top.

PROSPECT

Uninterrupted views towards the water tower give occupants a point of focus over a distance. Desks are laid out so that every occupant has views to nature in at least one direction.

VISUAL CONNECTIONS TO NATURE

The location of the site provides both visual and non-visual connections with nature and surrounding landscape. The breakout spaces at floors 1-3 are situated so that direct views towards the canal basin are provided. The full area of glazing to the North side of the building, while lacking sunlight benefits from wide views of the water tower gardens below.

NON-VISUAL AND MATERIAL CONNECTIONS TO NATURE

Access to the enclosed atrium as well as areas of internal gardens throughout allows for direct interaction with the sounds, smells and touch of natural elements.

The choice of a timber frame as the primary structure, and the aim to keep this structure exposed internally provides constant connection to the natural material.

PRESENCE OF WATER

Water features improve air quality by adding moisture to the air. It is also thought that the movement of water can be calming to some people.

BIOMORPHIC FORMS & PATTERNS

PROSPECT

PRESENCE OF WATER

NON-VISUAL CONNECTIONS TO NATURE

NON-VISUAL CONNECTIONS TO NATURE

THERMAL & AIR FLOW VARIABILITY

PRESENCE OF WATER

VISUAL CONNECTIONS TO NATURE

Ground Floor: Creche

Fourth Floor: Group work screen

Fifth Floor: Window seats

Third Floor: Enclosed meeting room

Fifth Floor: Individual workspaces

Internal gardens in circulation space

Timber screen dividing office spaces

A lot of stress can be caused due to difficulties balancing childcare with working hours. Providing a creche as part of the building programme relieves some of this stress allowing them to be more productive during the day.

Slim screens can be used for group discussions or presentations as well as to break up open plan spaces. These could be white boards, cork pin boards or digital screens. These also create a sense of privacy even in an open plan layout.

In some areas of the building direct sunlight can be detrimental to office work by causing glare on computer screens. At upper floors window seats are included along the

South facade for reading, writing or relaxation which should be unaffected by direct light. Desks point outwards on the North facade benefitting from views across the gardens.

Natural daylight can only reach a certain distance into the building, leaving an area along the circulation route devoid of daylight. While these areas can’t be used as long-term workspaces, they are suitable for enclosed meeting spaces that are used for short-term occupancy.

Individual workspaces divided by screens allow for acoustic isolation and a sense of security, but a glass front allows for some daylight and long views across the Water Tower Gardens.

INTERNAL SPACES

Areas of internal gardens feature throughout, in order to provide non-visual experiences with nature to those with limited time to spend in the atrium or gardens. Some also include water features which positively impact on health and well-being as well as contributing to good air quality.

Desks in the main office spaces are designed so that each seat had views to either the atrium, the canal basin, the Water Tower and Gardens, or the River Dee. In order to divide office spaces but retain some element of legibility and for daylight to pass through, vertical timber columns along a glazed screen are used.

Approach from the viaduct

Approach from New Crane Street

View from atrium seating area

Atrium footpath

Group workspaces

Individual workspaces

Shaded garden

New cycle and pedestrian path

STRUCTURAL STRATEGY

Having decided that the new building would be built onto the existing brick facade of the Chester Electric Lighting Station, it was important that the structure complimented this. At ground floor the brick outer skin is continued in order to give the impression of a heavy base and to continue the existing facade. Above, however, the structure aims to appear light in order to reduce the visual impact of the building from the road and to draw attention to the existing facade.

The timber frame has been designed on a 7.5m x 7.5m structural grid with a full height 500mm x 500mm glulam timber column at each of the intersections. 600mm x 160mm glulam beams are fixed in twos to each column

creating the grid. CLT floor slabs are combined with a raised access floor system to house lighting and electrical cables. As the timber frame is left exposed within the building allowing occupants to appreciate the structure, heating and ventilation pipes are hidden where possible, running along circulation spaces and through enclosed meeting rooms with suspended ceilings. Vents are then used to extract and supply air to the surrounding spaces.

While the primary structural frame of the building requires large timber members in order to span the required distances, narrower pieces of timber are used to support the double skin facade. Externally this gives the

impression of a much lighter structure. This double-skin is designed in such a way that allows access to between the layers for maintenance. Perforated steel floors allow for this without preventing its use for ventilation. It also provides opportunities for plants to be grown for additional shading in the Summer.

As the atrium has no responsibility in supporting the floors of the building, the structure becomes lighter towards the top, only needing to support the glazing.

Brick outer skin at ground floor

Timber Frame

Floor Plates

Double Skin Facade

Timber Atrium Structure

Retained Front Facade

1. 100mm CLT subfloor

2. Raised access floor system

3. Floor finish

4. MEP within raised floor

5. Task lighting suspended through subfloor

6. 140mm Rigid board insualtion

7. Cavity barriers

1. Double skin facade raised 1100mm above roof level for ventilation and to create a parapet around roof terraces

2. Controllable vent to release / enclose warm air between the layers of glazing

3. Concrete floor slab / paving slabs

4. Concrete screed

5. Damp proof membrane

1. External brickwork

2. Damp proof membrane

3. Masonry block

4. Concrete slab foundation

5. Anchor bolt connecting timber stud to foundation slab

6. 100x300mm suspended timber floor

7. 100mm CLT subfloor

8. Floor finish

9. 500x500mm glulam column

10. Exposed internal brickwork

1. Floor finish

2. Raised access floor system

3. Cavity barriers

4. 140mm Rigid board insulation

5. 100mm CLT subfloor

6. Cables suspending ceiling

7. 160x600mm structural Glulam beams spanning 7m between columns

8. Ventilation pipes extracting and supplying air to surrounding workspaces

9. Suspended ceiling

10. Air vent

11. 180mm insulated stud wall for acoustic separation

12. White plaster finish to reflect light where possible

1. Vertical timber mullions (100x150mm)

2. External glazing with steel fixing

3. Timber sill

4. External brickwork

5. Metal wall tie

6. 100mm thick cellulose insulation

7. Damp proof membrane

8. 75mm cavity

9. Inner brickwork

10. Perforated steel floor spanning double skin

11. Vent allowing air flow to double skin

12. Horizontal timber supports

13. Internal glazing

14. 500x100mm vertical and horizontal timber frame hosting curtain wall

15. Steel corner fixing

16. 160x600mm structural Glulam beams spanning 7m between columns

17. 500x500mm glulam column

The strategy for this project involves reducing the environmental impact of the building both in initial construction, and over its lifespan.

Timber was chosen as the primary structure for several reasons. The first is that the initial construction process is quicker and much quieter than other frame materials, reducing the impact on surrounding residents and visitors. Secondly, it is a sustainable material, and, as part of the biophilic design of the building, new trees will be planted both in the atrium and as part of the landscape proposal for the project.

With regard to heating and ventilation the building aims to rely on natural sources where

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

possible. Fully glazed facades on all sides of the building aim to maximise natural daylight. The space between the double skin will collect solar gain during the colder months and act as an additional layer of insulation. During Summer, green shading can be added on the South facade and warm air can be released from vents at the top. Natural ventilation will be provided via both the double skin and the atrium.

While mechanical systems will need to support the natural heating and ventilation strategies, elements of the design aim to reduce energy usage where possible. Pre-cooled air from the shaded garden can supply the mechanical ventilation systems in the Summer

and a ground source heat pump can collect, store or supply heat when needed.

While this kind of system is initially expensive, the energy it provides over the building’s lifespan considerably reduces running costs.

Good air quality is important in creating healthy environments. Water features within the atrium, and smaller areas throughout the building, allow water to be evaporated into the air adding moisture, and plants naturally release oxygen, both of which improve air quality.

MANAGEMENT, PRACTICE & LAW

Project:

Client:

Roof Garden, Cafe & Store Design for the Turnpike Gallery

Helen Stalker, Art Director

Al & Al, Local Artists and Authors of the Wigan Cultural Manifesto

Wigan Borough Council Arts Council England

Design Team:

Jesse Barnes

Srushti Bhosale

Essam Elaraby

Emma Fitzpatrick

Rhiannon Graham

Adam Hardman

Adam Williams

Jamie Scott (Tutor)

Module Introduction:

The management, practice and law module is a group project in which students meet with a real client and discuss their aspirations for a small scale architectural project. As a group we were asked to put together a report to present to the client which included our designs, an initial cost plan, and a time schedule of works. Following feedback this document would then be presented by the client to the local council in order to gain support and funding for the project. This module aimed to give students first-hand experience working with clients as well as the opportunity to see their designs come to life and have an impact on the community.

Initial Brief:

Using a combination of ideas inspired by the Wigan Borough Council cultural manifesto, and aspirations of the clients, develop a design which provides safe access onto the roof of the Turnpike Gallery, with the potential for it to become a detailed roof garden that could be an extension of future exhibitions. The project should also provide options for short and longterm storage as well as a new outdoor cafe for use by visitors to the gallery and the local community.

Project Introduction:

Before the first client meeting, as a design team we carried out research into the gallery, it’s history, and the type of artists that exhibit at the Turnpike. This along with ‘The Fire Within’ Cultural Manifesto for Wigan BoroughCouncil gave us an insight into the priorities of the local council, community and the importance of art and culture in Leigh.

This Live Project is driven by Helen Stalker, the director of the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh, with the hope that designs for the gallery will gain the support of both the Borough Council and the Arts Council in the coming months.

The Turnpike Centre consists of the community library at ground level with the

gallery at the first floor. Currently the gallery is made up of a main exhibition space, storage / workshop room, a small reception area, communal office and a large studio space used for a range of community activities. Run by the local authority, the gallery is a popular venue for art classes, toddler groups, and drama clubs. As most exhibitions are free it is difficult for the gallery to be financially sustainable, and being a community building, many groups wouldn’t agree to increased rates of room hire. As a result it is important that the live project proposal is worth further funding and investment from the council.

November 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Turnpike Gallery, so the

Live Project aimed to result in a design that could be achieved by then, in celebration. The gallery currently opens onto a significant area of unused roof space that could potentially become an extension of future exhibitions or just a pleasant community garden. However, the roof needs considerable work carried out before it can safely support heavy loads, which is expensive. There are also security issues with regard to anti-social behaviour from members of the public climbing onto the roof. As the venue facilitates so many different activities, storage is also a big problem; existing storage is limited and disorganised and often the size of the space is unsuitable for the activity. Finally, there is a lack of acoustic isolation in the

reception and workshop spaces leading to issues of both privacy and work noise in the gallery. The Live Project therefore aims to both solve issues of internal layout and separation, as well as creating additional storage, preventing unauthorised access onto the roof, and designing a community garden that can become an extension of the gallery in itself and a positive promotion of the art and culture that Leigh has to offer.

DENSITY & QUALITY

HOUSING PROJECT

Location:

Floor Area:

Type:

Themes:

Media Used:

Liverpool Housing

High density housing

AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Photoshop, InDesign, digital drawing

Creating affordable & enjoyable urbanity in english cities

This project involved the selection of a housing project as a precedent in designing our own housing scheme. Having identified key themes within the brief a precedent was chosen which is high density, affordable, enjoyable and sustainable; the Byker Wall by Ralph Erskine. The scheme makes use of height and scale to create a buffer from road noise and maximises South light. The curves of the wall weave in and out of mature trees which also provide shading and privacy. Its facade features external balconies and shared walkways which encourage interaction between neighbours. All of these features could be applied to my chosen site.

The long, narrow site sits alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The scheme developed aims to create a similar high density ‘wall’ which, while private, provides public access through the site to the canal, and includes several shops and cafes at street and lower ground level. The curve of the building is made up of 17 repeated and mirrored blocks which become 16 dwellings of various occupancy, and the curve itself responds to existing mature trees. Working to minimum space standards the scheme presents affordable, high density homes without compromising on quality. Large windows, vertical louvres, and recessed walkways provide well daylit, enjoyable internal and external spaces.

MASSING DEVELOPMENT

South facing dwellings maximise daylight but only the end units to the West will have views of the canal.

A staggered layout could provide some views of the canal to each dwelling.

East-West orientation gives each dwelling the same access to canal views and morning light at one side and evening light at the other.

A curved layout could achieve higher unit numbers than a straight block and a curved mass could be seen to be less intimidating.

A break in the block can create a public route through the site to the canal.

Ends of the block respond to the site boundary and the break is angled like a dwelling segment.

Lack of amenities near the site presents a need for small shops, cafes or salons as part of the scheme

city centre only a 20 minute bus journey or 30 minute walk from the site and train station only 15 minute walk away

TRANSPORT & AMENITIES

Height provides a buffer from road noise

East-West orientation gives equal daylighting to both sides of the dwellings

ENVIRONMENT

Mature trees retained for shading and privacy

LOWER GROUND FLOOR PLAN

UPPER GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FLOOR PLANS & SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION

20 No. Type A 2b 3p apartments @ 61 sqm.

20 No. Type B 2b4p apartments @ 70 sqm.

10 No. Type B 2b4p apartments @ 75 sqm.

20 No. Type C 3b4p apartments @ 80 sqm.

10 No. Type D 4b7p apartments @ 114 sqm.

4No. Circulation Core

Total = 80No. Apartments over 0.62 hectares

Density = 129 units/ha 451 hr/ha

TYPE A @ 1:200

TYPE B @ 1:200

TYPE C @ 1:200

TYPE D @ 1:200

STRUCTURE & FACADE STUDY

Similarly to the Byker Wall, the facade design is split into two styles. The first is more open with shared balconies and fully glazed screens, providing both long views out towards the Mersey as well as short views over the canal. The East facade however, is more defensive with smaller areas of fixed glazing in order to reduce the impact of noise from the main road. The elevational studies show how the facade can vary based on occupant control over the timber louvres.

The calculations which began in the earlier design stage of this project have lead to a panel system, by which every dwelling, window, and louvred screen is made up of a multiple of 787.5mm panels both on the inner and outer

circumference of each dwelling segment. This number also works with brick dimensions ensuring that both windows and louvred screens can fit easily within the brickwork on the East facade.

In order to allow for the height and spans required for this scheme a steel frame construction has been chosen. The flexibility of the material means that curved beams can be used to create the shape of the building. up of a multiple of 787.5mm panels both on the inner and outer circumference of each dwelling segment. This number also works with brick dimensions ensuring that both windows and louvred screens can fit easily within the brickwork on the East facade.

Calculations

Circumference of larger circle = 2πr = 354372mm

Circumference of larger sector = 354372 45 = 7875mm

Area of circle = πr² = 9993280567mm²

Circumference of smaller circle = 283497mm

Circumference of smaller sector = 6300mm

Area of circle = πr² = 6395699563

Area of the dwelling:

x°/360° = 8°/360° = 1 45

Larger sector:

1 45 πr² = 1 45 x 9993280567 = 222072901mm² = 222m²

Smaller sector:

1 45 πr² = 1 45 x 6395699563 = 142126657mm² = 142m²

Area of dwelling = 222m² - 142m² = 80m²

Subtract 150mm around the perimeter = 74.5m²

Panel System:

c = 7875mm = 10 x 787.5mm panels (31 2 bricks wide)

c = 6300mm = 8 x 787.5mm panels (31 2 bricks wide)

OR

c = 7875 = 5 x 1575mm panels (7 bricks wide)

c = 6300 = 4 x 1575mm panels (7 bricks wide)

Core:

c = 6300 = 8 x 787.5mm panels (31 2 bricks wide)

c = 3937.5 = 5 x 787.5mm panels (31 2 bricks wide)

WEST ELEVATION

WEST ELEVATION

EAST ELEVATION

Panel system using brickwork dimensions allows windows to work to the same multiples as the timber louvres

Inner Circumference = 6300mm

8 x 787.5 mm panels (28 bricks)

Outer Circumference = 7875mm

10 x 787.5 mm panels (35 bricks)

EAST ELEVATION

1. Steel parapet capping

2. Waterproof membrane

3. 150mm soil for planting

4. Concrete deck with waterproof layer and filter fabric above

5. Corrugated metal deck

6. Vapour control layer

7. 12.5mm sheathing

8. 70mm wood fibre rigid insulation

9. 12.5mm sheathing

10. External steel sheet cladding

11. Surface mounted acoustic air vent

12. Curtain wall of 787.5mm fixed double glazed panels

13. 215mm air gap between fixed glazing and closed louvre

14. Steel pin fixed to brickwork allowing louvres to rotate

15. 100mm thick adjustable timber louvre

16. Standard aluminium window frames

17. Fixed double glazing

18. Floor boards

19. 12.5mm chipboard deck

20. 100mm reinforced concrete deck

21. Corrugated metal deck

22. Vapour control layer

23. 180mm wood fibre rigid insulation

24. Steel cable suspending ceiling

25. Steel ceiling grid

26. 25mm plasterboard ceiling

27. 203 x 125mm timber battens supporting chipboard and insulation

28. 178 x 102mm steel I beam

29. Wall ties connecting brickwork to internal sheathing

30. 102.5 x 215 x 65mm blue engineering brick

31. 100mm concrete deck supported by metal mesh

32. Damp proof membrane

33. 50mm rigid insulation

34. 50mm sand blinding

35. Compacted hardcore to level the ground

36. Concrete foundations supporting steel frame and floor deck

37. Steel base plate bolted into concrete foundations

WEST ELEVATION

38. Steel external stair with concrete treads

39. 2.5m adjustable timber louvres

40. Double glazed panels opening in two directions for ventilation and to adjust louvres

41. Safety glass balustrade with steel handrail

42. Steel balusters embedded in the concrete floor

43. 3.1m adjustable timber louvres

44. Steel bracket fixed to the concrete floor slab and supporting the louvres

45. Concrete balcony fixed to structural steel frame

46. Main reinforcing steel

47. Distribution reinforcing steel

48. 178 x 102mm steel I beam

Based on the success of the Byker Wall in Newcastle upon Tyne, the aim of this scheme is to provide high density affordable housing, without compromising on the comfort and quality of larger dwellings in the city. Through careful consideration of materials, internal layout and facade design this 6 storey apartment block focuses on maximising the potential of natural daylight, ventilation and reusable materials in order to create comfortable living environments in dwellings of minimum space standards.

Due to the shape and orientation of the chosen site it was important to consider the day to day lives of potential inhabitants. While many schemes aim to maximise daylight from the South when the sun is at its highest, this sceme avoids it altogether. It is usually the case that at midday when the sun comes from the South most people are out of the house, therefore the internal plan of the dwellings is based around the utilisation of East light in bedrooms in the morning and West light in living spaces in the evening.

The ventilation strategy chosen for this scheme considers several factors including, wind direction, road noise and environmental impact. As wind passes through accross the site from the West from the River Mersey, openings at the bottom of the glazed walls allows cool air to flow naturally through each dwelling. While it may be possible to release this air through openings on the East facade, these spaces are more exposed to road noise. Instead, wall or window mounted acoustic vents can allow air to enter and leave the space while reducing external noise.

WINTER SOLSTICE - 21ST DECEMBER

Sunrise - 8:30am / Sunset - 4:00pm

Sun angle = 13.18° at midday

SPRING/AUTUMN EQUINOX - 21ST MARCH/SEPTEMBER

Sunrise - 6:00am / Sunset - 6:00pm

Sun angle = 36.62° at midday

SUMMER SOLSTICE - 21ST JUNE

Sunrise - 4:00am / Sunset - 8:30pm

Sun angle = 59.91° at midday

Winter Summer

Spring/Autumn

The design of the louvred facade allows inhabitants to control the amount of sunlight that enters their home. This control can reduce the amount of excess heat that is gained in summer or lost in winter by closing the louvres or maximising daylight by opening them. The diagrams above demonstrate how the angle of the sun changes at different times of year and how this impacts upon the daylighting of a single dwelling.

Breeze from the west can pass in through the living space and out through bedrooms naturally ventilating each dwelling

Height of building and sloped site provides long views over the canal and towards the Mersey

Bin facilities provide separate recycling and green waste bins Mature trees retained

Green roof provides insulation as well as collecting rainwater to be recycled Pump

Excess heat gained through large areas of glazing at ground floor can be reused to heat upper floors

Pre-treatment tank to remove debris

Water tank with concrete surround

Overflow pipe

Rainwater harvesting system collects water, filters it, and pumps it back into the building to be used to flush toilets or for utilities

Warm air leaves through wall mounted acoustic vents Air passes through living space into bedrooms

Road Noise

Opening in curtain wall allows cool air to rise from the bottom

ELEVATION OF OPENING GLAZING PANEL PLAN DETAIL OF OPENING GLAZING PANEL AND ADJUSTABLE LOUVRES

SECTION & ELEVATION DETAIL OF ACOUSTIC VENT

INTERIOR & LIGHT STUDY

The main focus of this interior and light study is the effect created by the external louvres. The scheme aims to utilise natural daylighting as best as possible both with regard to environmental benefits as well as creating a more spacious feel to a home of relatively small floor area. The visuals demonstrate the effects of both the louvres and fixed windows on the internal spaces at different times of day; the bedrooms in the morning when the sun rises to the east of the site, and the living space in the afternoon when the sun is to the West.

With regard to interior finishes it could be interesting to limit the material palette to those that reflect the materials of the structure and facade. The use of timber flooring or

worktops with the grain in a consistent direction could mimic the vertical lines of the West facade, while furniture that showcases the lightness of a steel frame and glass features would be a nice way to continue this theme. While electric lighting cannot be avoided completely the facade design and building orientation aims to reduce the need for it at the times that each space is most likely to be occupied.

The images and details above demonstrate the internal qualities of a bedroom in the morning when the louvres are open and closed. Often an opposition to daylight in homes is a lack of privacy, but by opening and closing the louvres occupants can have privacy and/or daylight when needed. In the bedrooms with fixed glazing it may be that the louvres are controlled mechanically rather than manually as in the living rooms.

BEDROOM 1 - LOUVRES CLOSED SPRING EQUINOX - 21ST MARCH - 9AM

BEDROOM 1 - LOUVRES OPEN SPRING EQUINOX - 21ST MARCH - 9AM

SPECIALIST STUDY WINDOWS, WELLNESS & WEALTH

ABSTRACT

In recent years mental health has been at the forefront of discussion. Nearly 800,000 people per year commit suicide and the number of people with depression has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years (World Health Organisation, 2017). While there are more opportunities arising for people to gain support with mental health problems, there is still more that can be done.

The benefits of sunlight to our physical and mental health has been known for hundreds of years, and there have been attempts made to maximise these benefits through light therapy, outdoor activity and daylight design in buildings. But with modern lifestyles revolving around technology, we as a

population are spending more time indoors than ever. Working hours are longer, and many of us spend a significant proportion of our time in front of a screen, in offices, schools, and our homes, away from the benefits of natural light. Particularly in winter, when hours of daylight are shorter, we work into the evenings under the influence of artificial light. We travel to work by car, or bus, or train, spend our days indoors, then go home to our artificially lit houses. These lifestyles are seemingly leading to a population deficient of the potential health benefits of exposure to sunlight.

Changing the way we live however, could be a near impossible task. But, architects and designers have the ability to change the way

we live indoors

While forcing people to go outside more may not be possible, effective building design could have an inherent role to play in improving the health of a whole population. Good daylight design can have significant benefits to our physical and mental health.

While there have been certain regulations put in place that can improve employee health through access to sufficient daylight, very little is in place to provide the same in UK housing. With increasingly more people working and studying from home, it is important that there becomes a greater focus on daylight design in homes.

To say that all houses are insufficiently

daylit would be incorrect. Many larger detached or semi-detached houses have greater opportunities for daylight available to them, whether that’s through more windows, better privacy, or the ability to feature a fully glazed façade. Unfortunately this often isn’t the case in more densely occupied settings. Terraced houses and blocks of flats have a reduced ability to provide large areas of glazing due to cost, privacy, or an inability to move away from the uniform style of a traditional street. It could therefore be considered whether the benefits provided by daylight are restricted to the wealthy.

Generally though, even in modern architecture therehas been an increased

focus on energy efficiency in buildings. Often this can lead to a certain disregard for daylight design in favour of reduced heat losses. However, with further research showing that a well daylit building can contribute significantly to energy efficiency, the importance of daylight is becoming more apparent. Design methods such as passive house are aiming to provide well daylit energy efficient buildings, and houses have been produced that fulfil these requirements. But in the majority of cases these are still unaffordable.

This study therefore proposes to demonstrate the importance of daylight design in supporting positive mental health, and the ways in which architects and designers

can design to maximise these benefits.

It will aim to illustrate how choices in glazing design, floor plan, and considerate electric lighting solutions, can create houses that, not only provide occupants with a higher quantity of daylight, but with a quality that creates enjoyable spaces that support our biological need for light.

“A room is not a room without natural light”

LOUIS KHAN

PART I PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE CALDERPEEL ARCHITECTS

The following images are of some of the work produced during my year of Part I professional experience at Calderpeel. Mostly residential, but I also had experience working on a series of large leisure centres in Birmingham, as well as masterplans for areas of Manchester including the area surrounding Trafford Cricket Ground. Primarily working with AutoCAD to produce 2D plans, elevations and details, I have skills in using photoshop to add materials and depth to my drawings. I have particular strength in producing clear and eye catching graphics and diagrams often used in statements and presentations in support of design proposals.

THE DELL, BEECHFIELD ROAD, ALDERLEY EDGE

PART II PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MACKELLAR SCHWERDT ARCHITECTS

During my time at Mackellar Schwerdt the majority of my work has been in the residential and education sectors with the addition of works to Brighton Fire Station and a respite care facility for children in Eastbourne. The following drawings and images have been produced using Archicad, the primary software for all projects at Mackellar Schwerdt, however the images to the far right were taken from Archicad and rendered using twin motion. Working directly with one of the practice partners I have been given significant design responsibility on these projects and have been heavily involved in all aspects of the project process including public consultations and client and design team meetings.

D R A F T

APARTMENT & HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, STAFFORD ROAD, CATERHAM

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