Sustainable Trading Haven

haven noun

1. a place of safety or refuge. “a haven for wildlife” Similar:

2. an inlet providing shelter for ships or boats; a harbour or small port.

Sustainable Trading Haven in Fishguard, Wales

Tina Vasilache - Unit 9

Imagined space

Childhood memory: Inside the gazebo

I remember my friend’s garden had a gazebo at the back of it, that’s where we’d spend our nights when we’d stay up too late to be out and about and too loud to be in the house. We took over the space as it held our secrets, wins, losses, hopes and dreams within it’s simple timber structure. It’s openness would let us know it was still summer as we felt the outdoor air, while still providing shelter from the world outside of our inner circle.

Cliffside Pavilion inspired by the Minack Theater

I imagine the space to be a moment of pause in a wild landscape, where travellers get together to share warmth and tales of their adventures while admiring the sea from within the self-sufficient shelter. A space where ‘nothing is trying to coax you away, where you can simply be’, as Zumthor describes in his lecture on Atmospheres. It’s monumental presence takes from the surrounding ruins through the arch motif and the choice of materials.

Form and materiality explorations

Pre-catastrophy

Plaster creates a monumental effect that reltes to the precedent, but the space is too dark, uninviting. Balsa wood has a warmer feel to it. Light enters through the cracks, inspiring the idea of having a moving part that could control lighting levels inside the space. Rotating doors encourage a sense of ownership, allowing the user to control how exposed they are to the elements, while also creating interesting lighting patterns.

Post-catastrophy

Taking inspiration from the mirror-like quality of still water, the ceiling detail is mirrored in the floor, creating an informal seating space, a conversation pit for travelers to share stories around. Catastrophy-induced cracks are filled in with thickened acrylic paint, this effect inspiring the final choice of marble stone as a main material.

Plaster model before catastrophy 1:33

Timber model before catastrophy 1:33

Interior mixed media model - post catastrophy

Exterior mixed media model - post catastrophy

Rotating door detail 1:20

Rotating doors lighting study 1:33

Pavilion Proposal

Marble stone is lined with warm cedar lining at seating level. The panels carve into the stone rather than sitting on top of it, as the sea carves into the cliffs upon which the pavilion sits. Wooden rotating doors hint to what is inside, inviting the passer-by to take a moment of pause inside the pavilion.

Developed surface drawing 1:50

Themes explored

Place to trade-skills, goods, stories

Adopting context elements

Stone and timber atmospheric qualities

Interacting with structural elements creates sense of ownership

Research

Understanding Fishguard & it’s character in relation to the Deep Dark Sea

Fishguard

Reminiscence of a fishing village

Fishguard is a coastal town in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Fishguard and Goodwick are twin towns with a joint Town Council. Modern Fishguard consists of two parts, Lower Fishguard and the “Main Town”.

Lower Fishguard is believed to be the original site from which modern Fishguard has grown. It is in a deep valley where the River Gwaun meets the sea, hence the Welsh name Abergwaun, meaning “Mouth of the River Gwaun”.

It is a typical fishing village with a short tidal quay. The settlement stretches along the north slope of the valley along Quay Street. Formed along the edge of the sea, Lower Town Fishguard has a strong maritime heritage, but no identity of its own.

Fisguard in Pembrokeshire, Wales

Lower Town: Not a place for pedestrians

Approach to Lower Town:

Access to and from Lower Town is only made through main roads with little to no consideration for pedestrians, disconnecting the whole Lower Town Harbour from the rest of Fishguard. The lack of consideration for pedestrians is most evident at the main access point to the E side, which is a big, empty parking lot.

Although there is a footpath from town center to lower town, this stops on the W side, with the only way to access the E front is by a main road going over a one way only bridge with no sidewalk. This creates a huge disconnect between the W and the E waterfronts as well as between Lower Town and town center.

Lower Town developments in the last century: car parks & roads

Over the last 100 years the only developments in Lower Town Fishguard were the addition of car only roads and car parks, reducing the genesis point of Fisguard to an empty lot with nono of it’s original character left.

Although a mainly residential area, there are some community spaces in Lower Town, such as the Sea Cadets and the Yacting Club, which are both shut off season. There is also a community garden and a playground, as well as a couple local inns, all along the Quay street, which resembles the beginnings of a high street.

The presence of these spaces makes clear that there is a sense of community in Lowert Town, but there is a lack of the proper infrastructure for it to gather in.

Lower Town: Flooding risk

1. Low tide

2. High tide

3. Flood risk

Main issue for this site is the flood risk area that covers all of the E wateredge and most of the W edge. This has discouraged building in the area, leading to disorganised misuse of an otherwise charming waterfront.

W side collage

E side collage

Lower Town Harbour: Existing conditions

The main access point into the site is the car only bridge, with the pedestrian route stopping at the Sea Cadets boatyard, which quite literally creates a barrier between Fishguard and Lower Town. The two waterfronts are very disconnected, with the boat parking being faced by an empty lot at the back of a residential block - another barrier between the waterfront and the potential highstreet of Lower Town with it’s local businesses. A little alley runs along an old stone wall that at the moment encloses the local playgroud. connecting Quay street to the waterfront.

1.Car only bridge

2. Empty lot

3. Local pub -The Ship

4. Stone wall around playground

5. Sea cadets 6. Boat yard

1.Car only bridge

2. Empty lot

3. Local pub

4. Stone wall

5. Sea Cadets

6. Boat yard

Path from Fishguard Centre

East Front West Front

Lower Town: Reminiscence of a fishing village 20 min on

Design principles

‘The combination of social and economic transactions makes the experience of going to the market unique: economic exchange facilitates social interaction and creates a space for sociability.’

-Rachel E. Black 2012. Porta Palazzo. The Anthropology of an Italian Market.

Activating the harbor area

Regenerating an area that has very much potential to be a space for the local community to come together as there are small community-led clubs and activities on site, as well as beautiful views and a strong connection to the sea.

Reinstating an industry that is intertwined with Fishguard’s identity

Generating jobs and income in a place where there is a strong identity relating to the sea due to it’s name, history and location, through an industry that has the potential to sustainably regenerate the whole town with the right infrastructure.

Promoting sustainable fishing:

‘Custodians

of the sea’

Educating the public on sustainability concepts through crafting and selling locally, fishing consciously and following the ‘custodians of the sea’ mentality that allows for a healthy stock that grows along with the town.

Embracing the natural elements

Constructing a building that deals with flooding in a very low tech way: by allowing the structure to be flooded without being damaged. This approach will reinstate the worth of the harbor area that seems to have been forgotten due to flooding concerns.

Design intent: Fishing center

Brief collage: More than a market

Regenerating Lower town through creating a space for the community to gather and trade in, weather that be resources , such as fresh and cooked fish, or heritage skills such as crafting fish catching systems such as rods and nets.

Hand making such systems on site assures the maintenance of a healthy fish stock through discouraging over-fishing, while also creating jobs for locals and entertainment activities such as crafting classes.

Aditionally, classes on sustainable fishing and caring for the sea would be held in the center to teach future generations about the responsabilities and importance of being custodians of the sea.

More than just a fish market, the center will be a place to be in rather than pass through: a space to shop, eat, craft, learn and enjoy as a community.

Space schedule

1. Reception/entry 20 sq m

2. Fishing shop 40 sq m

Fishing systems such as rods, nets and floats hand crafted on site will be available for purchase

3. Fishing systems crafting studio 50-100 sq m

Crafting studio where the fishing systems will be made by local traders will be open for the public to see the process.

4. Educational space 40-60 sq m

Classes will be held by craftspeople available for trainees as well as for leisure-makers to increase the number of professionals in a dying craft.

Aditionally, classes on sustainable fishing and caring for the sea would be held in the center to teach future generations about the responsabilities and importance of being custodians of the sea.

5. Market/Food hall 150-200 sq m

Informal gathering spaces will populate this area where both fresh and cooked fish from local vendors will be sold

Fishing industry research

Hastings fish market Community regeneration

Ran by the Fisherman’s Protection Society- offices along with cafe and restaurant on site.

Schedule: boats come ashore unloading fish & wheeling to market icing and stacking on stalls outlet by a wholesaler, Network Fishmarkets, or auctioned Adams Brothers

‘Custodians of the Sea’ mentality: boats under 10m lenght maintain healthy stock by adjusting mesh size to only catch adult fish

Fish market schedule

‘Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society’. [n.d.]. Www.hastingsfps.co.uk

<https://www.hastingsfps.co.uk> [accessed 12 May 2023]

promote local markets & restaurants school programme teaching sustainability

Cornwall fish market Industrial market

Fully insulated structure ran by the Newly Harbour OfficesHarbour Master office on site.

Schedule:

4 am - harbour comes alive organizing the day’s catch by size labeling refrigerating fish is layed out for sale buyers arrive and auction begins purchases are transported to local dining eateries and beyond

‘The Port’. [n.d.]. Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners, Newlyn, Cornwall <https://www.newlynharbour.com/the-port/> [accessed 12 May 2023]

1. Fishermen set sail early morning

2. Fishing using sustainable methods such as nets

3. Fish is unloaded and delivered to auction

4. Sorting by size and species

5. Auction

6. Rest is sold at the local market

7. And delivered to local eateries

8. Prepped and cooked

8. Served and ready to enjoy!

Precedents: Market Halls

Malmö Market Hall

The studio repaired the old building and added a matching weathering steel extension, which mimics the building’s gabled form to create the 1,500-square-metre space, known as the Malmö Market Hall.

The old building was preserved both inside and out . The extension is separated from this brick structure by a strip of glass that runs up the facades and across the roof.

The extension has a mezzanine level and forms a corridor along one side of the main market hall located inside the brick building.

Billère Farmer Market

Uninsulated market hall with timber framing, openings create circulation

The use of load-bearing points inside the building makes it possible to reduce the number of triangulated beams. To improve comfort, a transparent wall running from the framework to the cladding forming the skylight will protect the public from environmental changes. The green cover was generated by two roof sections, each diagonally covering one half of the building.

Courtyard Market under the Big Roof

To build a new handy facility serving its inhabitants in the center of such an old community , the main consideration lies in how to re-construct the relationship between the building and the community. We hope that the new market acts as the real center of the community, linking every aspect of residents’ lives, rather than merely a house located on the site. It should be a space field embracing the participation of the residents, where everyone socializes in daily life, in addition to

13’. [n.d.]. ArchDaily <https://www.archdaily.com/870949/malmo-saluhall-wingardh-arkitektkontor-ab/591286e5e58eceb92c000230-malmo-saluhall-wingardh-arkitektkontor-ab-photo?next_project=no> [accessed 12 May 2023]

[n.d.]. ArchDaily <https://www.archdaily.com/952234/billere-farmer-market-pierre-marsan/5fc0610563c017d62c0010e0-billere-farmer-market-pierre-marsan-photo?next_project=no> [accessed 12 May 2023]

ArchDaily <https://www.archdaily.com/992277/courtyard-market-under-the-big-roof-biad/6374c2cd62d10b69a3401fb9-courtyard-market-under-the-big-roof-biad-photo?next_project=no> [accessed 12 May 2023]

‘Gallery of Malmö Saluhall Wingårdh Arkitektkontor AB

‘Gallery of Billère Farmer Market Pierre Marsan 2’.

‘Gallery of Courtyard Market under the Big Roof BIAD 8’. [n.d.].

Precedents

Educational Center in Pamplona

Small scale informal educational spaces with mix uses

MW Children’s Education Centre was first imagined by its founder, Rocío, as a place for creativity, music, learning by doing, and even eventual family gatherings, in an understanding that education is a joint effort undertaken by the whole community around the kid.

Manchester Arts & Design Center

Mixed spaces where you can buy products made on site, peak into the designer’s workshop spaces while shopping and attend crafting workshops and events . The center has a mezzanine level and forms a corridor offering views into the main hall.

The space is designed for artists by artists with a clear mission: ‘We promote craft in all its forms, expanding the definition and relevance of craft for everyone. We nurture and develop emerging and established talent, support viable creative careers, and showcase innovative and ambitious craft practices.’.

Tallinn Cruise Terminal

Hard landscaping creates promenade in an industrial context by taking charge of the public realm.

The initial task to design a terminal building was developed further by the architects, additionally creating the surrounding urban public space to provide an important element for the process of realization of the beach promenade in Tallinn. In the future, at the end of the promenade, a public transportation stop should be built for ferries, taking passengers to Kadriorg every couple of minutes. The space for the seaside promenade was created by designing the parking area and access roads to the harbor to be more compact than previously envisioned.

<https://www.archdaily.com/982427/educational-center-in-pamplona-polo-es?ad_medium=gallery>

<https://www.archdaily.com/979069/tallinn-cruise-terminal-stuudio-tallinn-and-salto-archi

‘Educational Center in Pamplona Polo Estudio’. 2022. ArchDaily

[accessed 12 May 2023]

‘Tallinn Cruise Terminal Stuudio Tallinn + Salto Architects’. 2022. ArchDaily

tects?ad_medium=gallery> [accessed 12 May 2023]

‘Manchester Craft and Design Centre’. [n.d.]. Manchester Craft and Design Centre <https://www.craftanddesign.com> [accessed 12 May 2023]

Plan collages

Iterative process using precedent plans

Started with the initial idea of having a market bridge that would lead into a courtyard connecting the different spaces.

Continued developing different iterations spreading the schedules across multiple lots on site.

1. Educational space

2. Crafting studio

3. Pedestrian bridge

4. Maket hall

5. Auction space

This scattered approach, along with the introduction of a pedestrian bridg aims to activate the whole area while creating a clear connection between the two waterfronts.

Educational space and workshop will be located on the W waterfront, inviting collaborations with the Sea Cadets, while the Auction space and Market hall will populate the misused lots on the E front.

Massing tests on model 1:800

This

Testing out W waterfront volumes: low volumes preserve sea views, allowing for the structures to sit at the edge of the water

Positioning the craft and educational buildings as to create a portal through which the site would be accessed. Frames po -

Both crafting and educational centeres are taking advantage of prime sea views and N light, but such a big structure would

Testing potential framed views of the Market hall through canopy over bridge upon arrival on site.

iteration preserves the views towards the sea from within the sea cadetes courtyard, but does not follow the waterfront’s

Taking charge of the initial interaction with the site by placing educational center along sea cadets wall.

Massing -Canopy

Canopy connects the two riversides and frames views, creating links between the buildings and their environment. It also establishes as a more formal boat parking space, opening up the W waterfront courtyard.

Aerial view

Site strategy

Truss installation:

Truss installation connects the two waterfronts through a pedestrian bridge. It takes charge of the public realm by introducing moments of pause in between the ship landcape and creates formal spaces for boats to be parked in. Installation is open, allowing for flexibility in the types of boats that it can house.

Massing:

W front structures adopt low volumes as to not overtake the seafront.

E front introduces bigger masses, with the auction space and market hall following the shape and sizes of surrounding buildings.

Turning backs into fronts:

Auction space creates a boundary between the private residential housing block and the new public realm of the waterfront.

Preserving the stone wall:

Market Hall incorporates the existing stone wall into it’s structure, celebrating the original character of the site

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

East Front West Front

Drawing workshop -initial form explorations

Micro informing macro

Harbour scale

Rhytm 1:1000

Roof topography 1:500

Building scale

Establishing hierarchy through roof heights, openings and levels 1:100

Drawing workshop - initial form explorations

Micro informing macro

1:100

1:10

Roof detail showing how tim ber structure sits on concrete pillars as well as how the entrance hall roof connect to the adjoining space one.

1:10

Interior courtyard creates a big open market & gathering space that can be viewed into from a econd floor loft

Timber joints detail shows how the timber beams in the roof structure come together.

Dealing with flooding

Command of the Oceans Low-tech flooding strategy:

timber structure of the building sits above the anticipated flood level

board-marked concrete structure below anticipated flooding level

electrical and mechanical distribution at high level

if/when the building does flood, the water can be pumped out with no damage to floor/wall finishes or mechanical and electrical fittings

‘Command of the Oceans’. [n.d.]. BAYNES and MITCHELL ARCHITECTS <https://www.baynesandmitchell.co.uk/command-of-the-oceans. html>

Wet proofing strategy

Raise susceptible infrastructure above flood level (such as elec-tric sockets and supply)

•Non-return valves (fitted to drains)

•Secure drainage (such as sealed drain covers and concrete man-holes to prevent pollution and floatation)

•Impervious/wash down materials (such as tiled floors, plastic doors, rendered masonry walls)

•Solid core materials, (such as use of solid kitchen units instead ofchipboard, or solid wall construction below potential flood levels)

•Replaceable materials (such as horizontally fitting plasterboard where just the lowest boards can be replaced)

(according to The Metric Handbook)

As this strategy relies on using building materials that can survive being water-logged without requiring repair or replacement, this will strongly influence construction choices.

1:20 first floor wall plan

1:20 detail section of treshold moment: loft promenade

Timber & concrete relationship

The heavy flood resistant concrete base taking part in the cliffs’ game of side and seek as the tide comes in and out of the harbour, at times engulfing it in its salty water.

On top of the concrete structure sits a carefully man-made timber structure. The repeated pattern of the exposed timber roof structure reminds of a fish skeleton, with the centred steep roof assuming a spinal role, while the side openings mimic fins.

Testing scale

Same structure prototype at a bigger scale and detached creates sheltered outdoor areas with very different atmospheric qualities.

Low timber frame: closeness to the craft, feeling of being able to interact with the structure

High timber frame: monumental feel-church like

Entrance hall model 1:33

Marketall model 1:33

Materiality testing

Preserving the wall: Stone and concrete relationship

Initial idea:

Concrete structure creates backing for original stone wall

Structural considerations:

Light timber structure above flooding level is more convincing for the original stone wall to be able hold

Proposal:

Concrete coulmns act as an overground pier foundation with minimal use of concrete

Seamless indoor-outdoor exprience: Original stone wall visible on both sides Exterior paving continues beyond the wall into the market

Fish Market Hall is actively kept cool through retaining the original stone wall. The mix of stone below flooding level (1.2m) and timber cladding above creates an instantly recognizable architecture language that runs throughout the whole scheme, making visual connections between the two waterfornts.

Connections: Timber + Concrete Columns

Reinforces barb concrete column cast on situ with bolts connecting to timber column

Timber frame on concrete columns

Timber truss scheme supported by concrete columns that can take flooding, embracing the natural elements of the site as the underpinning foundation of the project. Due to sustainability considerations, above flooding level the structure is locally sourced timber with hempcrete cast around it. As hempcrete is a non-load-bearing insulating material cast around a structural frame, it is not suitable for structural applications in isolation, but there is no doubt that as part of the typical build-up of structural timber frame with hempcrete cast around it (or as infill), the material does perform an important structural role by providing racking strenght to the frame.

Developing the trusses landscape

The intent was for the trusses to assume a structural role as well as an aesthetic one. The design driver of fitting into the roof topography of the harbour inspired the decision for the roof pitch to mimick the neightbouring structure. This decision was followed by tests in section to investigate the appropriate pattern, with each iteration being an original truss scheme fitted specifically to the space. Low trusses allow for users to feel closer to the carefully man-made structure, creating a sense of ownership over the space.

The center bay is repeated throughout the exterior bridge installation, aiming to create a unique but contextual architectural language that creates connections between the two waterfronts.

Roof structure

Timber frame

Concrete columns

Wall panels with hempcrete infill

Original stone wall

Sustainable Trading Haven

haven noun

1. a place of safety or refuge.

“a haven for wildlife”

Similar:

2. an inlet providing shelter for ships or boats; a harbour or small port.

1. Educational space

Classes will be held by craftspeople available for trainees as well as for leisure-makers to increase the number of professionals in a dying craft. Aditionally, classes on sustainable fishing and caring for the sea would be held in the center to teach future generations about the responsabilities and importance of being custodians of the sea.

2. Crafting studio

Crafting studio where fishing systems such as rods, nets and floats will be hand crafted on site and available for purchase, open for the public to see and engage in the manufacturing process.

3. Pedestrian bridge

Creatinga pedestrian route that connects the two waterfronts and the whole Lower Town haven to Fishguard center.

4. Maket hall

Where both fresh and cooked fish from local vendors will be sold to the general public

5. Auction space

Most of the fish caught will be iced, sorted and sold at the auction to be delivered to wholesale outlets and local eateries, while the rest will be sold at the on-site market Educational and crafting spaces have key views towards the sea, as well as N light.

New pedestrian bridge leads visitors from the W front to the E one, where the Market hall connects the newly created public realm to the ‘high street’ by introducing a new route through the structure while also enhancing the exististing route. The auction space is integrated into the experience, inviting visitors to see how the fish is handled and traded before it reaches their plates.

2.

3. 4. 5 .

Footpath approach

Auction approach

Arrangement

Location

Structure

Reccuring elements through evolution of markets

Porticco

a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.

Temporality

Loggia

a corridor or passage in a building.

Hall

a gallery or room with one or more open sides, especially one that forms part of a house and has one side open to the garden.

Market layout testing - Adapting the typology

Market Hall

Permanent - activate harbour all year around Closed - to create shelter

Loggia & Hall elements - to create circulation through the market from the waterfront into the high street

Auction space

Openings allow views into the space, creating a transparent experience for the visitor to watch the formal process of trading.

Back alley maintains access to residential blocks.

Mezzanine level offers views towards the sea as well as into the market hall throught the timber frame structure.

Beacuse of concerns regarding the comfort levels in the restaurant due to the smell of the market below, a glass wall runs along the market hall side of the space.

Occupancy: Peaking

into the Market

The intricate structural pattern originated from the structural concept of creating a trussed landscape for the viewer to peak through into the market, establishing connections between the twoseparate spaces.

Trusses landscape

Framing views:

The repetead cross pattern of the trusses frames views into the market below.

Connections between spaces:

Glass wall allows for the spaces to still be connected while having different qualities and comfort levels.

Moment of pause:

Canopy creates moments of pause at both levels, looking either down into the hussle and bussle of the fish market or up at the truss landscape.

Architectural language:

The intricate scheme creates an instantly recognizable architectural language that runs throughout the whole scheme, with the canopy taking after the center bay of the market truss pattern.

Construction strategy

Concept : Creating a stripped-back indoor-outdoor experience at ground level (market hall) while also providing a comfortable warm space at loft level (restaurant)

Fish Market Hall on ground floor is actively kept cool through retaining the original stone wall. Because of the nature of the market, this space does not need to be insulated .Due to concerns regarding the comfort levels in the restaurant due to the smell of the market below, the space is enclosed by a glass wall on the market side and has a different construction to the market.

The restaurant mainly uses exposed hempcrete insulation cast on situ in between the main timber frames. This method of casting allows for an exposed timber frame, which is in keeping with the scheme’s stripped back ethos..

Hempcrete is a vapour-permeable material which is hygroscopic; it absorbs moisture from the air when humidity is high (releasing it again when humidity levels drop). Not only does hempcrete provide exceptional thermal performance, significantly reducing operational carbon emissions through the lifetime of the building, but in terms of embodied carbon it is ac tually a better-than-zero-carbon material.

Roof

Locally sourced welsh slate tiles on horizontal timber battens

vapour-permeable membrane

350 mm low-density hempcrete insulation cast in softwood studs

1st Floor Wall

natural breathable black paint

75 mm tongue-and-groove timber cladding on timber battens

200 mm low-density hempcrete insulation cast in softwood studs

Floor

75 mm tongue-and-groove timber flooring

50 mm floor heating screed

200 mm low-density hempcrete insulation cast in softwood studs

75 mm tongue-and-groove timber cladding on timber battens

Outdoor Deck

75 mm tongue-and-groove timber cladding on timber battens

75 mm tongue-and-groove timber cladding

Ground Floor Wall (not insulated)

75 mm tongue-and-groove timber cladding on timber battens fixed in concrete lining the original stone wall

75 mm tongue-and-groove timber cladding

Front elevation (West) 1:100

Responding to context

Market front elevation is inspired by the adjacent stone structure, while auction hall creates barrier between the newly created public space and the existing residential blocks.

Side elevation (North) 1:100

Enhancing the public realm

Multiple perforations into the elevation along the path connecting the waterfront to the high street invite viewers to come into the market, creating new routes. Sea viewing deck allows for framed views through the timber truss installation as well as into the auction space.

Back elevation (East)

1:100

Activating the whole area

Openings into the restaurant’s kitchen invite passers-by for a bite.