Yielding To Organic Degradation; Cambusnethan Priory

Cambusnethan Priory Priory Cidery, Bar & Cafe Architectural Design: Tectonics

Yielding to organic degradation Richard Scott s1724181

Abstract

Contents

Cambusnethan Priory is a Gothic-revival Manor situated in the Clyde Valley which used to be rich in apple orchards, the profits of which originally funded the construction of the building.

01

- Survey & Site Analysis - Historical Importance - 1:200 Model - 1:50 Model - Structural Survey & Analysis - Component Materials - Deconstruction Manual - Component Inventory - 1:100 Physical Kit of Parts

In recent years, the building has fallen into disrepair following a fire in the 1980’s, and the profits from the orchards are no longer abundant. This has put the building at risk of demolition.

The new ‘Priory Cider’ will be brewed from the Clyde Valley orchards, in the re-imagined and revived Cambusnethan Priory.

This will drive activity back into the site and surroundings, which in turn with increased activity reduces the likelihood of the building being demolished.

02

The profits from the initial stage of the cidery construction will fund the development of a cafe and bar. There will also be space for the Friends of the Priory community group!

This is sure to revive the local area, a destination caught within a dichotomy between the juxtaposing utilitarian surroundings of Gowkthrapple and the idyllic scenery of the Clyde Valley.

Finally, the new construction will be respectful to the existing building, and the environment, with a sustainable material palette and suitable design for disassembly and reuse!

Shearing Layers

Architectures of Reuse - Naumann Architektur Pig Sty - 1:100 Concept Development - Timber Support Structure - Existing Condition Internal Elevations - Charles Enrich Merola’s Tower - Timber Lattice Support Structure

03

Cambusnethan Priory Cidery, Bar & Cafe - 1:500 Site Plan - 1:200 Level -1 Plan Proposed - 1:200 Level 0 Plan Proposed - 1:200 Level 1 Plan Proposed - 1:200 Level 2 Plan Proposed - 1:200 North Elevation Proposed - 1:200 South Elevation Proposed - 1:200 East Elevation Proposed - 1:200 West Elevation Proposed - 1:50 Section AA Proposed - 1:10 Detail Section AA - 1:10 Detail Section BB - 1:50 Sectional Model

01

Shearing Layers Building Survey & Evaluation

Juxtaposed Macro Environment

On approach to Cambusnethan Priory, a visitor will likely pass through Gowkthrapple and Wishaw.

This is a brutal and utilitarian environment which has suffered from years of a lack of funding, also lacking development projects such as the Cidery, Bar & Cafe proposed.

However, when crossing the threshold from Castlehill Road toward the Priory, the surroundings change to far views across the valley, and rolling rural topography.

Juxtaposed Micro Environment

This dichotomy between utilitarian effect and natural beauty continues when approaching closer to the site. This seems too far from the original Gothic Revival delicacy which once was.

An organism revolting

In fact, the priory has embraced the degradation and natural growth. The building seems to be metabolising, living and breathing with the vegetation which consumes within. It is not opposed to its current state, rather the load-bearing stone stands strong.

The state of the building provokes an unassuming harmony when on site. This is the effect of the natural evolution occurring within the surroundings. This metabolism must be maintained within the reuse and remodelling of the site.

Connections Embedded

Structural

Metabolic Identifying existing connections. Most notable is the synergy between the sandstone and embedded timber post.

This post has survived the fire and degradation thus far, marked only with a light char. A robust detail which will be adopted.

Expressive

Graffiti

Graffiti may be seen as a candid expression of one’s socio, economic and cultural conditions. This site has been occupied by youths in recent times with little where else to go in the surround area.

Historical Importance

1:200 Tectonic Model

Identifying the main tectonic relationship within the existing structure. The surviving systems are load-bearing stone, steel and sandstone vaulting in the basement which is currently inaccessible for safety concerns. The surrounding context is highly populated within vegetation, such as a 900 year-old yew tree.

North Elevation Original Condition 0

1:100

5m

Then, and now

When the existing building was originally constructed in 1820 by James Gillespie Graham, it was in Gothic Revival. This featured much ornamentation around windows, doors and this particular design shows resemblance to perpendicular Gothic form with an accentuated verticality.

North Elevation Current Condition 0

1:100

5m

West Elevation Original Condition

East Elevation Original Condition 0

1:100

5m

1:100

1:100

5m

West Elevation Current Condition

East Elevation Current Condition 0

0

5m

0

1:100

5m

South Elevation Original Condition 0

1:100

5m

South Elevation Current Condition 0

1:100

5m

1:50 Model

Component Hierarchies, key relationships and constituent materials

By modelling the building at 1:50, we were able to look closer at the component hierarchies, relationships within the fabric and constituent materials as a group. This would enable us to survey every component to understand structural issues and also decide what materials we should keep and how they may be reused. v

Group comprising of Richard Scott, Beverly Lin, Helena Morales, Joe Simms, Lauren Laroche and Tracy Gong.

Structural Survey and Analysis

Most notable within the structural analysis of the ground floor was the partially collapsed south-west side elevation. This corresponds to a partially collapsed floor in the same area, leading into the basement.

This partially collapsed floor has become an arterial route and entrance into the building, with the existing entrance to the north board over. It was also clear that the bay on the south-west side was at risk of collapse and required lateral support. The overall structural condition of the building is sturdy but requiring support in several areas.

Platform required on level 1 for lateral support within bay.

Turrets should be retained as they provide buttressing and lateral support for the structure. If one is removed, additional support is required in the form of buttressing or a steel frame.

Void due to stairwell collapse Void due to Level 0 Collapse

FFL 0.650

FFL 0.00

FFL -0.150

Level 0 partially collapsed into Level -1.

Requires debris to be removed before stone vaulting can be restored and structural integrity of level 0 reinstated.

FFL 0.850

Wall is standing alone on levels 1 & 2 and so is very unstable. Bracing is required.

FFL -0.150

FFL -1.950

Sills damaged or missing.

These should be replaced to brace the opening.

FFL 0.600

Void & access to basement via Level 0 collapse FFL 0.300 Fallen debris & vegetation

Load capacity of I-beams requires confirmation as they are supporting 2 levels of load bearing stone walls.

The I-beams are also perched on stone which is becoming displaced due to weathering. The beams should also be treated for oxidisation and require a fire-rated paint or cementitious coating.

FFL -1.150

FFL 0.200

Sandstone arch requires assessment to determine the structural integrity.

Walls are standing alone on 4 levels and so required immediate lateral support.

High risk of collapse.

Load-bearing wall should be replaced to provide lateral support and stiffness to the walls either side. Alternativelly, the walls either side could be braced by a steel structure.

Platform required on level 1 for lateral support within bay.

Level 0 Plan Existing Structural Condition 0

1:50

2.5m

Original roof structure missing. A new roof is required to re-establish a weathertight enclosure.

This will enable a healthy moisture metabolism of the porous sandstone load bearing walls.

Some exterior stones have become saturated with moisture and are weeping, which overtime may compromise their structural properties.

Standalone walls at level 2 are at immediate risk of partial or complete collapse. If retained, these should be deconstructed and re-built with lime mortar. They also require lateral support either in the form of passive platform bracing or active buttress supports.

Lateral platform support required throughout to strengthen all external walls against lateral loads.

Roof Level

Level 2

Level 0 is partially collapsed, and levels 1, 2 and roof level are missing.

Level 1

Level 0

Ornamental stone degradation.

Platform required for lateral support.

Turrets require assessment to determine structural integrity.

All facades should be repointed in a lime-based mortar.

North Elevation Existing Structural Condition 0

The remains of a stone arch poses an immediate threat of collapse. This should be removed and replaced with a steel/ timber beam spanning between opposite load bearing walls.

1:50

2.5m

Original roof structure missing. A new roof is required to re-establish a weathertight enclosure. This will enable a healthy moisture metabolism of the porous sandstone load bearing walls. Some exterior stones have become saturated with moisture and are weeping, which overtime may compromise their structural properties.

Turret requires assessment to determine structural integrity.

Roof Level

Level 2

Level 1

Lateral platform support required throughout to strengthen all external walls against lateral loads.

Level 0 is partially collapsed, and levels 1, 2 and roof level are missing.

Level 0

Waistline stone piece repair required to complete architectural form and to provide additional lateral support.

All facades should be repointed in a lime-based mortar.

Structural integrity of Level 0 must be re-established.

Walls either side requiring support.

This can be done by reintroducting a load-bearing wall in place of that which has fallen, or by using a secondary structure; such as a steel frame to brace either side against lateral loads.

A new concrete raft foundation would be required to support a load-bearing wall.

Platform required for lateral support.

South Elevation Existing Structural Condition 0

1:50

2.5m

Risk of falling debris. Stone should be removed or a guard installed.

Tree growing through joint. This should be removed and the stones/ joint repaired.

Turrets require assessment to determine structural integrity.

Roof Level

Level 2

Level 1

Ornamental stone degradation.

Level 0

Basement vaults are in good condition. The basement vault to the south-west side of the building has however collapsed and is occupied by rubble and earth.

Waistline stone piece repair required to complete architectural form and to provide additional lateral support.

All facades should be repointed in a lime-based mortar.

East Elevation Existing Structural Condition 0

1:50

2.5m

Bay and turret at at risk of partial or total collapse. Support is required by either reinstating a fallen wall on the south facade, adding platform support on all levels, or adding a sub-frame for additional lateral support.

Roof Level

Level 2

Lateral platform suppport required throughout to strengthen all external walls against lateral loads.

Level 0 is partially collapsed. Levels 1 and 2 are entirely collaped and the roof is missing.

Level 1

Level 0

Structural integrity of level zero must be re-established.

All facades should be repointed in a lime-based mortar.

Assessment required to establish the structural integrity of basement level walls in supporting the floors above. Basement walls may be at risk of subsidence and may require foundation repair or extensive underpinning.

Basement vaults are in good condition. However the basement vault to the South-West side of the building has collapsed and is occupied by rubble and earth.

Waistline stone piece repair urgently required to complete architectural form and to provide lateral support.

Wall and window reveal to be reinstated to provide additional lateral support.

West Elevation Existing Structural Condition 0

1:50

2.5m

Component Materials

Origin The sandstone comes from Threepwood Quarry just 9km South-East. This was one of several local quarries supplying carboniferous sandstone. Displays a blonde appearance.

Use on Site Sandstone is used within the load-bearing structure of internal walls and facades, and also a vaulted structure making up the basement wall and ceiling structure.

Condition On the exposed exterior it is weeping due to sustained periods in wet conditions. Internal walls are also crumbling, although the vaulted basement has been protected from the elements and is in good condition. All facades should be re-pointed in a lime-based mortar.

Component Materials

Rubble Use on Site Rubble is used as part of the load-bearing wall build-up along with ashlar sandstone.

Origin It is possible that the rubble came from a structure which occupied the site prior to Cambusnethan Priory. This would be a pre-existing example of reuse; continuing the lifespan of constituent materials.

Condition Rubble that exists within the walls can be reconditioned and reused. Any displaced rubble may have become contaminated and may require additional attention before reuse.

Steel Use on Site Used to support the atrium walls, opening the ground floor plan in the south side of the building.

Origin Placed on site in the mid-1970’s, enabling large banqueting events.

Condition Due to the structural significance of the steel beams, they require a legitimate structural assessment to ensure their integrity.

Deconstruction Manual

Each individual stone to be labelled in elevation, comprising of a letter denoting the facade to which it belongs, and its number.

The stone should be stored on site with a weather-proof barrier to protect from the elements.

Deconstruction Manual

To enable a partial or total deconstruction of a sandstone load bearing structure, scaffolding must be erected on the exterior perimeter walls.

An all-terrain cherry picker may be used for larger stones and for less-accessible areas.

A team of six workers with stone masonry expertise working for 16 weeks could totally deconstruct the structure by hand to best preserve the stone, working from top to bottom (as is necessary with a load bearing structure). It is recommended that the team work in pairs, two pairs on the scaffolding removing and lifting stone, and one pair on ground level sorting and storing the stones. Stones would be removed by using a kango and an angle grinder to first displace the lime mortar joints to which two workers can then lift one stone. These power tools require a 110 volt generator. Stone can then be lifted to a motorised hoist attached to the scaffolding which has a lifting capacity of 300kg at 21 meters/ minute from a maximum height of 30 meters.

A fork-lift vehicle should be used to stack the stones at ground level, to which is then driven to a secure storage facility on site. All stones should be sorted and identified with a number and labelled to their respective facade.

Deconstruction Manual

The two steel I-Beams will require hire of an allterrain crane to for removal from the structure. If these are to be removed from the site, a tractor and trailer are necessary due to the poor surface conditions and incline of the lane.

Component Inventory

A detailed inventory of all components making up the existing building fabric.

This facilitates a better understanding of design opportunities, necessities and consequentially, a more rigorous design and preservation of materials.

Physical Kit of Parts 1:100

02

Architectures of Reuse Tectonic concepts and Design Development

Working iteratively to materialise concept ideas from Chapter 1 in the site survey and analysis.

Naumann Architektur, Pigsty

The Pigsty by Naumann Architektur exhibits a modular timber system which is simply craned into an existing pigsty of loadbearing quality. This efficiently and effectively creates a comfortable interior climate where the existing structure only acts as a rainscreen, without transferring lateral loads to the module as this is independently structurally sound. This module could be removed by a crane and relocated elsewhere with little construction work required to create another habitable space.

Naumann Architekur Pigsty

The module is seen to inhabit, yet be separate from the load-bearing structure. This juxtaposition seems poignant when considering the dichotomy outlined within Cambusnethan Priory. Large reveals are created by stepping the module away from the structure, almost to show respect.

1:100 Concept Development

Working with a 1:100 model to visualise the inhabitation and separation of my own concept design. CLT modules are the perfect structural material system to create a sustainable comfortable environment, which can sit on shallow raft foundations due to its lightweight construction and not impose pressure points on the existing sandstone structure.

Similar to Naumann Architektur’s Pigsty, the modules can be simply craned into position, minimising additional effects from building works on the already delicate structure.

Inhabitation | Separation

The proposed modular CLT system should inhabit, but be separate from the existing stone walls. As such, the CLT system is completely structurally separate. It is desirable to minimise the imposition and changes on the existing structure as this would falsify the natural and organic degradation of the structure. Therefore, doors and windows are arranged to coincide with natural openings created where walls have partially collapsed.

150mm x 150mm timber cross sections Braced with 75mm x 75mm cross sections Timber dowel with metallic weatherproof coating 40 x 480mm To be embedded at least 250mm within the stone.

Existing Sandstone and Rubble Solid, Loadbearing wall

Timber Support Structure

Lime-based fixative

CLT modules (Right wall in above image) are set back from the support structure creating walkways, linking newly created spaces.

The path above links the new entrance on the South-West side with the Cafe and Friends of the Priory offices in the North-East corner of level 0.

Detail Section AA 0

1:10

500mm

Embracing the robust embedded detail within the support structure.

Existing Condition Internal Elevations

As these walkways encourage a tactility with the stone, it is essential to maintain the stone in its current condition with pieces of charred lath, graffiti and handhammered markings. This allows the clean in appearance CLT modules to visually respect the existing perimeter of the priory.

Interior South Elevation 0

1:50

2.5m

Interior South Elevation 0

1:50

2.5m

Interior North Elevation 0

1:50

2.5m

Interior West Elevation 0

1:50

2.5m

Interior East Elevation 0

1:50

2.5m

Interior West Elevation 0

1:50

2.5m

Interior East Elevation 0

1:50

2.5m

1:100 Working Model

A design preference is to enable experiential occupation within the existing ruinous structure. This is particularly desirable toward the top of the building where the dilapidation and irregularity is most apparent. By using platform constructed CLT modules, roof terraces are created; synthesising a vibrant and unique rooftop experience amongst the ruin. These spaces have far-reaching views over the Clyde Valley.

Designed for disassembly and reuse/ relocation The CLT modules are designed to allow ease of assembly/ disassembly with simple yet robust connections of self-tapping screws. They are also designed to facilitate their future relocation to a different site to extend their life-cycle. As such, their varying forms and geometries offer numerous configurations.

Description

Merola’s Tower Charles Enrich Studio

This structural timber installation supports, and acts as a stairway to allow visitors to become closer with the tactile stone fabric. The lightweight structure requires only shallow foundations, minimising additional loads on the existing structure , allowing the two to be place closer together for optimal load transfer and support.

Most notably, the ruins remain untouched from the other facade.

Embedded connections are also adopted here.

Timber Lattice Support Structure

This timber support structure will be constructed in the first phase of development to ensure structural integrity is restored to the building. The structure is made up of smaller cross sections to allow their reuse in the future. They require only shallow foundations, and use an embedded connection to anchor to the stone wall.

Providing support to the rapidly degrading bay and crumbling walls

Sequential Tectonic Build-up showing Primary Structural Systems

03

Cambusnethan Priory Cidery, Bar & Cafe Final Design Concept

Primary Access via Castlehill Road

River

Woodlands Grassland

Hard Landscaping

Soft Landscaping

Loading

Primary Entrance & Disabled Access 0.00

-0.660

UP

Priory Cafe

FOP Office

-3.630

Wildflower Meadow

Apple Orchards

0.00

Room 1

Room 2

Projector Platform Room 3

-0.280

Landscaped Walkways

-3.630 -3.030 -2.430 -1.830 -1.230

Historic Stone Path

-0.630 0.000

900 Year-Old Yew Tree

50

Seating & View Point Seating & View Point

45 40 Site Plan Proposed

35

0

1:500

25m

Staff Room

UP

Public W.C. -3.630

-3.630

Refrigeration

Storage

Priory Cidery

Electric Grinders

Apple Processing

Hydraulic Presses

Fermenting Drums Oak Barrel Ageing

Bottling

Staff Social -3.630 -3.030 -2.430

Section AA

Level -1 Plan Proposed 0

1:200

10m

Loading Primary Entrance & Disabled Access 0.00

-0.660

UP

Priory Cafe

FOP Office

-3.630

Projector Platform

0.00

Room 1

Room 3

Room 2

-0.280

-3.630 -3.030 -2.430 -1.830 -1.230 -0.630 0.000

Section AA Seating & View Point Seating & View Point

Level 0 Plan Proposed 0

1:200

10m

Loading

0.00

-0.660

UP

Public W.C.

Priory Bar -3.630 4.770

Projector Platform

Room 2 Room 3

Room 1 -0.280

-3.630 -3.030 -2.430 -1.830 -1.230 -0.630 0.000

Section AA Seating & View Point Seating & View Point

Level 1 Plan Proposed 0

1:200

10m

Loading

-0.660

Plant DN

Future Expansion

8.770

Projector Platform

Roof Terrace

-3.630 -3.030 -2.430 -1.830 -1.230 -0.630 0.000

Section AA Seating & View Point Seating & View Point

Level 2 Plan Proposed 0

1:200

10m

8.770

4.770

0.000

-3.630

North Elevation Proposed 0

1:200

10m

8.770

4.770

0.000

-3.630

South Elevation Proposed 0

1:200

10m

8.770

4.770

0.000

-3.630

East Elevation Proposed 0

1:200

10m

8.770

4.770

0.000

-3.630

West Elevation Proposed 0

1:200

10m

Detail BB

Detail AA

Section AA Proposed 0

1:50

2.5m

150mm x 150mm timber cross sections Braced with 75mm x 75mm cross sections Timber dowel with metallic weatherproof coating 40 x 480mm To be embedded at least 250mm within the stone.

Existing Sandstone and Rubble Solid, Loadbearing wall

Lime-based fixative

Detail Section AA 0

1:10

500mm

Cement Screed 1% Slope 30mm Sound Insulation 50mm Loose Gravel Vapour barrier 200mm Wood Fibre Insulation

210mm Stora Enso, 7-ply CLT wall panel roof 40mm x 30mm Timber Stud

Board-on-batten timber cladding (15mm and 15mm) 30mm vertical Studs to allow any excess water run-off Vapour Barrier

10mm OSB 150mm Wood Fibre Insulation 100mm Stora Enso, 5-ply CLT wall panel.

Detail Section BB 0

1:10

500mm

1:50 Sectional Model

Sun Path Analysis

Interior Perspective

Description

Thank you for reading.

Appendix

Physical Curated Work - Rotor Workshop, ESALA

As part of a two-day workshop with Rotor in Glasgow, we first curated our 1:100 working models and 1:50 group model to discuss possible reuse strategies and deconstruction methods. The workshop was focused on the preservation of materials, retrofitting and remodelling where possible.