Concrete Gutter: An exploration of fragment.

Concrete Gutter AR6104 Making Architecture Fragment and Project Resolution Samir Gurung K1640198

Introduction Unit 4 - Domestic Monuments

Sited between residential and industrial side of dagenham, the project is scheme of social housing with emphasis of well being. Influenced by the almshouse, my project included long undulating mono pitch roof. This effected the elevation of the housings to the public. I became interested with the elevation and the threshold of the entrance. Therefore, I believe the gutter would become the focal point of the threshold, as it will bring colour to the undulating roof.

Concrete Gutters The use of concrete to make gutters is unlikely and mostly avoided as it is not sustainable not lightweight. In most residentials, metal gutters or plastic gutters are used as it is also easy to replace. However, I wanted to treat gutters more than just to collect rain water. I intend to set these gutters on the same level to one’s eye level, which will create a sense of trasition from public to priavte when passing through the gutters. Therefore, it becomes essential character of the building.

Researching Concrete

Researching Concrete My intention to ďŹ nding the shape of gutter, I began experimenting through model making. Firstly, I used foam board to create the mould and with intention of creating different textures in one concrete model, I cut them in stripes and glued them together. I researched In-situ concrete as it had similar technique. Secondly, I mixed concrete and water. Then poured onto the mould. My main problem with this process was my little experience in using concrete as I found very hard to ďŹ nd the right ratio of concrete and water.

I poured too much water into the mix, rather than pouring in gradually, and poured the concrete mix into the mould little late as it began to set inside the bucket.

Researching Concrete Although, I made some errors with the mix, I do not believe it was total failure. It was better for me to learn the properties of concrete through this approach. The mistakes made me realise the aesthetic of the concrete is directly correlated to mix ratio. After the outcome, it was very necessary for me to experiment the different mix ratio and learn how to control the aesthetics of the concrete.

Precedent - Le Corbusier

Precedent - Carlo Scarpa

Sketches

Researching Concrete II

Researching Concrete II After the experiement, I began researching LeCorbusier’s concrete pieces. I was compelled by the curve and how weightless the gutters appear. I wanted to achieve the same, However, at the same time I wanted to experiment the different ratio mix which would result different aesthetic outcome. To create a curved mould, I used simple material such as, timber, grey card and few tools. I scorched two grey cards to make the membrane of the curve and glued timbers to stregthen the mould. Clamps and nails were also used to secure the mould.

Researching Concrete II Through research, I discovered a piece designed by LeCorbusier being restored by Integrated Conservation Resources (ICR) and Integrated Conservation Contracting (ICC) (shown in the bottom).

Due to the damage, the inner rib cage of the is revealed. The ICR & ICC recovered the piece, using the same rib cage and by casting concrete onto the piece. It is understood that the reinforced ribs holds the concrete and reduces the tension of the concrete. The pictures shows the process and how I intent to use the ribs.

Researching Concrete II These pictures shows the process of mixing concrete with different ratios. In the ďŹ rst layer, I wanted to add more concrete but less aggregates and less sand. However, on the second layer, I tried using more sand, aggregates but less concrete.

Researching Concrete II I used clamps and nails to hold the mould together. Furthermore, the use of also air-dry clays to seal holes.

The ďŹ nal result of this experiment came out rather unexpected. I was surprised by the clear difference between the outcomes of different mix ratios. The bottom and top layer had similar ratio, which resulted smoother texture, but the middle layer had very rough aesthetic due to more aggregrates in the mix. This experiment help me develop and expand my knowledge of the material.

Final Model For my final piece, I repeated the same process I did in the second experiment. I wanted to achieve the same overhanging curved gutter. However, this procress were more complicated as it had the curve and rectangural block attached to it. I was able to connect the two blocks by using a single unbroken ribs. I also wanted to have the same roughness and different textures that I experimented in the second piece. However, learning from the first experiment, I intentionally wanted to make the concrete mix more fluid as I had to pour it from the top and try to cover the shape of the curve. I also used a chipped plywood as it would result a rough surface. Then the rest of the model, I used the ratio of more concrete but less sand and aggregates to get the smooth textured concrete. Upper part of the model are direct result of the first experiment and influence of Carlo Scarpa’s work. The gold metal curve was included as it would act as water channelling towards the curved gutter.

Final Model In conclusion, I still feel that i have much more to improve and learn because there were many ideas that didnt come in the ďŹ nal result. One notible point would be the attempt to make water channelling towards the gutter. Perhaps, I would have understood more about the making of complex mould by doing another experiments. However, I believe that I have successfully created a piece that captures the characteristics of my building.