I O
I O
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
SAI SRIJA KOTHARU
ENSAMBLE STUDIO
MADRID, SPAIN
ABOUT
Ensamble Studio is a cross-functional team founded in 2000 and led by architects Antón García-Abril and Débora Mesa. Balancing imagination and reality, art and science, their work innovates typologies, technologiesandmethodologiestoaddress issuesasdiverseastheconstructionofthe landscape or the prefabrication of the house. From their early works –SGAE Headquarters, Hemeroscopium House or The Truffle in Spain– to their most recent –EnsambleFabricainMadridandCa'nTerra in Menorca, Spain–, every project makes space for experimentation aiming to advance their field. Currently, through their startup WoHo, they are invested in increasing the quality of architecture while making it more affordable by integrating offsitetechnologies.Theirnewresearchand fabrication facility in Madrid, Ensamble Fabrica, has been built to support this endeavor.
KEY PROJECTS
MissingPieces
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
TheCloud South Korea
Spain
Cloud Madrid, Spain
Truffle
Costa Da Morte
Antón García-Abril
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Antón García-Abril is a European Licensed Architect and a registered architect in the CommonwealthofMassachusetts.Heestablished Ensamble Studio in 2000 and has co-founded WoHo in 2020. He has dedicated his career to innovating typologies, technologies, and methodologies, advancing the fields of architectureandconstructionthroughworksthat are internationally recognized. Together with his partner Debora Mesa, he has progressively redefined the role of the architect, adding to his design competencies those from the developer, the contractor, the fabricator and the inventor. García-Abril is full-professor at the School of Architecture and Planning of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 2012, where he co-founded the POPlab that same year. He received the Spanish Academy Research Prize in Romein1996holdsadoctoratedegreefromthe PolytechnicUniversityofMadrid.
Débora Mesa PARTNER
Débora Mesa is a European Licensed Architect, principal of Ensamble Studio and co-founder of WoHo. She learned the profession by combining design with hands-on experiences in quarries, factoriesandconstructionsites,whereshearrived to translate innovative ideas into built reality, alongside her partners Antón García-Abril and Javier Cuesta. She has been key to the expansion of the firm in the United States and the implementation of an interdisciplinary approach to architecture. She is Design Critic in ArchitectureatHarvardGSDandpreviouslyserved as Critic at Large at Pratt GAUD in 2021/22, VentulettChairinArchitecturalDesignatGeorgia Techin2018/22andResearchScientistatMITin 2013/18, where she co-founded the POPlab –PrototypesofPrefabrication–in2012.sheholds amaster’sdegreefromthePolytechnicUniversity of Madrid, where she also completed her doctoratestudies.
Acknowledgement
MytimeworkingwithEnsambleprovedtobe an incredibly unique and enlightening experience. Immersed in the studio environment, I gained a fresh perspective on architecture that challenged my preconceptions and expanded my understandingofthediscipline.Theemphasis oncreatingprototypesandrigorouslytesting ideas underscored the significance of thoroughexplorationinthedesignprocess. Moreover, I discovered the intrinsic link between artistic concepts and architectural forms, learning to bridge the gap between creativity and practicality. Ensamble's integration of art and cultural elements into architecture further emphasized the multidimensionalnatureofthefield.
The hands-on experience I gained provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of construction sites, highlighting the importanceofvariousaspectsofthebuilding process.Overall,myinternshipwithEnsamble was profoundly educational, offering lessons and perspectives that will undoubtedly shape myfutureasanarchitect.
THE BROKEN WALL HOUSE
SPAIN
CONCEPT:
Itistheforcesthatgeneratethefracture,and thegracewithwhich thisenergyispermeable.
I doubt if the energy was captive within the volume and exhaled outside, or if, on the contrary, this dense and contained space breathedduetothepressurethatthebeautiful exteriorlandscapeexertstowardsitsinterior.A fissured mass, always expressing age and the Pyrenees, with its cracked peaks, enters the interior through the interstices of the wall. Inside, is a domesticated plane with a tree in thecenterasahearth flame,andshelterinthe mountains.
Inthedesignprocess,facadetestingandprototypingplayedacrucialroleinachievingaccurate visualization.Theinitialstepinvolvedcraftingameticulous1:20scaleprototypeforthefacade. This miniature version allowed for detailed examination and refinement before full-scale implementation. Through iterative testing and adjustments, the design team ensured the final facade would meet both aesthetic and functional requirements, enhancing the project's overall
We enhanced the model views by integrating intricate interior details, enriching the overall presentation. These refined images served as compelling visuals for the GA Publication, effectively showcasing the project's design intricacies and spatial arrangements. By editing the model views, we provided stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the project's interior spaces, fostering greater appreciation and engagementwiththedesignconcept.
ENSAMBLE GALLERIA
SPAIN
EnsambleGalleriastandsasacornerstoneofthe WOHO lab, serving as a comprehensive showcase of the firm's creative output. Within itswalls,visitorsencounteranextensivearrayof models, images, and prototypes meticulously crafted over the years, representing the diverse spectrum of projects undertaken by the studio. Beyond architectural artifacts, the galleria also boasts a curated collection of the studio's art pieces, offering a glimpse into the multidisciplinary nature of Ensamble’s creative endeavors. Through this immersive experience, Ensamble Galleria not only celebrates the firm's legacybutalsoservesasasourceofinspiration and reflection for both the team and visitors alike, embodying the ethos of innovation and artisticexplorationattheheartofthePintolab.
SituatedonthethirdfloorwithinthePintoLab,theGalleryservesasafocalpointforshowcasing thestudio'screativeendeavors.Beyondmerelydisplayingartifacts,ourcurationaimedtoweave anarrativethatnotonlyencapsulatedtheworldofthestudiobutalsorecountedtherichstory ofEnsamble.Eachexhibitwascarefullyselectedtoreflecttheprinciplesandbeliefsthatdefine our approach to architecture and artistry. Through this thoughtful arrangement, the Gallery becomesmorethanjustaspaceforshowcasingworks;itbecomesatestamenttotheethosand visiondrivingEnsamble'sinnovativepursuits. Thus,theGallerystandsnotonlyasaphysicalrepresentationofourachievementsbutalsoasa dynamic platform for inspiring dialogue and exploration of the boundless possibilities within architectureanddesign.
GALLERIA LEVEL
NEWOFFICE
entryforpublic PLAN
ENTRIES - PAUSE POINTS
ANTON’SOFFICE entryforclients
GALLERIA LEVEL
A-EARTH
B-IMPORTANTPROJECTS
C-INDUSTRY
YOUAREHERE
SGAECENTEROFFICE
MUSICALSTUDIESCENTER
AUDITORIUM MEDINADELCAMPUS
HEMEROSCOPIUMHOUSE
BERKLEETOWER OFMUSIC
MARTEMARHOUSE
THETRUFFLE
TEMPLATE DESIGN
TEMPLATE DESIGN
02 PANEL DESIGN & PROTOTYPING
02
GALLERY CURATION
Curating the models for the Gallery within the Pinto Lab was a meticulous process aimed at encapsulating the essence of Ensamble's creativejourney.Eachmodelselectedunderwent
02 TABLE DESIGN & BUILDING
STEPSTOBUILDANECESSARYTABLE
STEP 1: Measurement: models that require a base. Accurate measurements ensure the table will adequately support the models without overcrowding the space.
STEP 2: Material Selection: yard to select suitable profiles that can be combinedtomatchtherequiredmeasurements. Choosematerialsbasedonfactorslikestrength, durability, and aesthetic appeal to ensure they complementtheoveralldesign.
STEP 3: Component Acquisition:
C-sections for the base plates and columns. Thesecomponentsprovidestabilityandsupport for the table structure. Ensure the selected C-sections are appropriate for the load-bearing requirementsofthemodels.
STEP 4: Assembly: components are gathered, carefully assemble them according to the measured dimensions. Verify that everything fits together seamlessly and aligns properly. Use screws or other appropriatefastenerstosecurelyjointhepieces together, ensuring the table is structurally sound.
TABLE DESIGN & BUILDING
TABLE01
02
SUSPENDING PANELS & MODELS
Tosuspendmodelswithinourspace,weutilized a combination of transparent stringed wires and steel wires. To secure these wires in place, we strategically positioned both regular and heavy-dutymagnetsontheroof.Thesemagnets servedasanchorpointsforattachingthestrings, which were then used to support and hold the models in their designated positions. This setup provided a flexible and reliable method for displaying the models, allowing for easy adjustments and ensuring their stability throughout.
SUSPENDING PANELS & MODELS
DIRT WALL
PINTO LAB, SPAIN
The dirt walls are integral components of the ART by Ensamble studio series, a collection born from our commitment to intertwining art with architecture. Reflecting our ethos of blending creativity with functionality, these walls exemplify our active engagement in integrating artistic elements into built environments.Eachpiecewithinthisseriesrepresentsa convergence of craftsmanship and conceptual exploration, highlighting our dedication to pushing the boundaries of conventional design. Through the inclusion of these distinctive features, we not only enrich the spatial experience but also underscore the intrinsic connection between artistry and architectural innovationwithinourpractice.
“Historically, art has played a pivotal role in shaping distinct landmarks in the anthropocene and the timeline of humankind. One such landmark, is the rock art - “rupestre”, being one of the earliest forms of paintings. They chronicled the lives of the early human, in sequences of their daily activities, their prey and their agriculture. We seek to re-idealizethisrupestrethroughamorecontemporaryvision.
A vision that sets a language for art that combines elements of the earth and nature, with more organic and inorganic mixtures, creating stunning masterpieces - a reflection of the modern pace and abundance of energy that charges the life onthisplanet.”
STEP3:Oncethegrommetswereinstalled,we measuredthelengthofsuspensionfromthe upperlevelandcutsteelwiresaccordinglyand attachedthewirestothedirtwallwiththehelp ofcableclamps.
STEP4:Thenweverticallyliftedthedirtwallup andtiedthecablesfromthegalleryfloorand securedthewireswiththehelpofcableclamps makingsurethewireswereintensionandthe dirtwallwassupportedfrom2sidesinorderto suspendittorestonthelabfloor.
STEP1:Wemarkedpointsat800mmintervalsthroughoutthelengththatneededtobesuspended.
STEP2:Wehammeredaluminiumgrommetsaccordingly,creating35mmdiameterholes.
Installation of wire rope clips.
ALUMINIUM GROMMETS: Common sizes include diameters ranging from around 4.8 mm to 25.4 mm or even more. These fittings consist of a metal ring placed within a hole in fabric or other materials. Aluminum's corrosionresistanceandstrengthmakeitidealforoutdoor andmarineapplications.
CABLECLAMPS:Theseareessentialfasteningdevicesused to secure the ends of wire ropes by creating a loop and clamping the wire together. Their simple yet effective designprovidesareliablemeansofjoiningandanchoring wireropesinvariousapplications.
THE DIRT WALLS
03 ART BY ENSAMBLE
- DIRT WALLS
For the Art by Ensamble studio auction, we blended digital innovation with traditional artistry. Using AI technology, we created background images. With the precision of Photoshop, we incorporated images of dirt walls into multiple spaces, infusing each witharaw,organicaesthetic.These dirt walls weren't just visual elements; they symbolized Ensamble'sfusionofartandnature, adding depth and authenticity to theauctionexperience.
04
DETAILING EXECUTION
-TENSILE WIRE INSTALLATION
To enhance user safety within the material yard, steel wires were strategically incorporated to mitigate potential hazards posed by heavy profiles, particularly duringadverseweatherconditions.
Theprocessofintegratingthesewiresinvolvedseveral steps:
First,wemeasuredthedistancebetweeneachsection and precisely cut the steel wire accordingly. Next, we marked points and drilled holes for the wire to pass through, ensuring secure anchoring points along the profiles.
Afterwards,weattached2mmsteelloopstoeachend of the wire, sealing them tightly and securing them with wire clamps on either side of the profile. Additionally, intermediate steel wires with a diameter of 4mm were inserted between each section, further reinforcing the structural integrity of the setup.We replicated this process on the opposite side, ensuring that the intermediate wires were pulled taut to maintain proper tension throughout the system. To facilitate ease of use, steel hooks were affixed to connect the intermediate wires to the wires on either side, streamlining the process of removing the wires whenneeded.
By implementing these measures, we not only enhancedusersafetywithinthematerialyardbutalso optimized the functionality and accessibility of the profiles,promotingasaferandmoreefficientworking environment.
CSECTIONPROFILE
SECTIONDETAIL
WIRECLAMP
STEELWIRE[2mmdia]
STEELWIRE[4mmdia]
STEELHOOK
EXPO ALBANIA
ALBANIA
Albaforum aims to create a flexible, high-capacity multi-purpose event center. The program is divided across multiple large volumes that are interconnected through a series of intermediate spaces that become mezzanines and areas of pause. The exhibition areas aredevelopedwithalogicofmodularitythatcancater to different needs and are accessible through multiple pointsconnectingpublicgardensandtheopenroof,all seamlessly.
PROJECT CONCEPT
Albaforum isan urbanoasis thattakes advantageofthescaleto strategically distributeownerships andcreate public/privaterelationships that enhancethe development ofAlbania.
Albaforum also creates public venues suchaslarge outdoorstages and parks tocreatea recreationalhub thatservesasan extension tothe urbanlanguage of Tiranaandcan developintoa hotspot forAlbania.
Theprojectalso featuresa highrise hotelspacethat wouldbecomea beacon toattract visitorsandalso createa uniquefocal point forthe Albaforum
Theexpocenteris designedtocreatea newurbancenter that resonateswith theyouth andcan gatherpeoplefrom acrosstheworld through common activitiesand innovativeideas.
CONCEPT MODEL VIEWS
NORTHELEVATION
MATERIAL STUDY- RESIN
PINTO LAB, SPAIN
Wewereassignedaprojectinvolvingtheresincoating of several significant concept models across multiple studio projects. The process began with a thorough examination of each model to before commencing work.
ESSENTIAL MATERIALS: resin, cobalt, K3, and K10 additives, plastic sheets, gloves, safety suit & glasses, respiratorymasks.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS:westrictlysegregatedthecobalt from the K3 and K10 additives and was added to the resin before K3 & K10 during the mixing process. We alsoprioritizedpersonalprotectionbydonningglasses, masks,layeredgloves,andsuitstosafeguardourselves.
PROCESS: Fortheresinmixingprocess-everykilogram of resin liquid, we added 1 gram of cobalt, ensuring proper mixing while incorporating 6 grams each of K3 and K10 additives. Once the resin mixture was prepared,wecarefullydippedthemodels,ensuringfull coveragebeforetappingoutanyexcess.Subsequently, weallowedthemodelstodryunderthesunforseveral hours before transferring them indoors for overnight drying.
This immersive experience proved to be both educational and enlightening, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of resin coating and its applicationinarchitecturalmodelenhancement.
COMPOSING & SUSPENDING THE RESIN MODELS
SITE VISIT - WOHO FACTORY
PARLA, SPAIN
Our visit to the WOHO factory in Parla provided a comprehensive understanding of their projects. As the primarysitefor1:1prototyping,thisfacilityservesasa hub for exploring diverse possibilities in modular designing.
Equipped with a range of material, technical, and functionaloptions,thefactoryenablesuserstopushthe boundariesofprototyping.
Comprising indoor and outdoor spaces, the factory offers versatility in prototyping environments. The indoorareaprovidesacontrolledsettingforbothonline collaboration and hands-on construction of prototypes. Meanwhile, the outdoor space serves as a dynamic arena for recent works and experimental projects, benefiting from ample sunlight ideal for material manipulation.
Following the prototyping process, materials are carefully handled, often fork-lifted, and transported indoors for further processing. This seamless workflow transitionbetweenindoorandoutdoorspacesfacilitates efficient experimentation, allowing WOHO to innovate at the forefront of architectural design and modular housingsolutions.
WOHO MODELS
MADRID, SPAIN
Our task was to craft the WOHO models and their accompanying elements, each embodying the essence of the studio's beliefs and practices. Beginning with precise measurements of length, width, and height for each model, we then tailored woodenbasestofittheiruniquedimensions.
Next, utilizing pieces of acrylic, we utilized the CNC machinetocutoutboxestohousethemodels.
With precision and care, we assembled the acrylic sides, seamlessly attaching them to the wooden bases.
Utilizingdrills,wesecurelyfastenedeachcomponent inplace,ensuringstabilityanddurability.
Thisprocessnotonlyinvolvedtechnicalprecisionbut alsoadeepunderstandingofWOHO'svision,aseach elementwascraftedtoconveythestudio'sethosand values. Through our meticulous craftsmanship, the models became more than mere representations; they became tangible embodiments of WOHO's commitment to innovation and excellence in architecturaldesign.
EXUMA BAHAMAS
PIPE CAY, BAHAMAS
Pipe Cay, nestled within the picturesque Bahamasarchipelago,servesasthefocalpointof our current endeavors. We are engaged in meticulously crafting presentations that encompass comprehensive strategies, detailed timelines,andthoroughsiteanalyses.
AswenavigatetheintricaciesofdevelopingPipe Cay, our focus lies on understanding its unique characteristics, opportunities, and challenges. Through rigorous site analysis, we aim to uncover valuable insights that will inform our design approach and project strategy. Furthermore, our detailed timelines ensure that eachstepoftheprocessiscarefullyplannedand executed,optimizingefficiencyandprogress.
By integrating strategy, timelines, and site analysis into our presentations, we lay the foundation for a successful project trajectory. Our commitment to thorough preparation and strategicplanningunderscoresourdedicationto realizing the full potential of Pipe Cay as a vibrantandsustainableislanddestination.
CALENDAR & TIMELINES
CONCEPT DESIGN
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
PROTOTYPE
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
● Compile list of contacts for local authorities, medical facilities, etc.
● Establish a communication protocol in case of emergencies.
● Availability of a well-equipped first aid kit on-site.
● Ensuring the presence of at least one team member trained in basic first aid and CPR.
● Establish procedures for documenting incidents, near misses, and emergency responses.
● Review and update the contingency plan based on lessons learned.
● Develop an evacuation plan in case of natural disasters or emergencies.
● Identify evacuation routes and ensure all team members are familiar with the plan.
● Arrival to the port prefabricated
● Opening of the infrastructure access
● Set up Pier - First room
● Tracing the power water, sewage lines & Installing the masterplan utilities
● Opening the landscape clearance and determine the position of the house
● Introducing architectureEnclosed spaces, finishes etc.
● Carving and domesticating the plateau, in situ casting, adding structure, organic farming, casting the sun.
PIPE CAY
FLOATING STONE, CONCEPT MODELS
CONCEPT MODELS
3D PRINTING & CNC OPERATION
