Stage 6 Architecture Portfolio (Thesis 2/2) Newcastle University

Victoria Haslam

A Nest Between Two Cities :

Exploring biocentric design to facilitate spaces to enhance wildlife

2022

ARC8083 || Thesis Portfolio

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Table of Contents

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Thesis statement

04

Thesis context Site Ecological Studies

06 08 14

Masterplan Masterplan proposal Year 200

18 20 28

Material Explorations Materials to erode A catalogue of objects for non-human use

30 32 44

Growing an Island

54

Occupying Dunston Staiths

62

Monitoring Centre Declaration Development

72 77 78

Bibliography & list of images

102

Appendix A | Design

104

01

Thesis statement Through responding to the ecological context of it’s location this thesis explores themes of time, erosion and growth through material experiments.

Focusing on the inter-tidal mudflats of the River Tyne and the area around the Dunston staiths, the thesis proposes a catalyst for re-wilding the river Tyne and enhancing wildlife, aiming to consider nature in every aspect of the design. Using the mudflat creating properties of the staiths with island remediation, I propose a natural island to create a restorative ecosystem around the staiths, building upon the current intertidal mudflat habitat.

Alongside island formation the thesis incorporates architectural interventions, which encourage human and non-human interaction, whilst providing safe opportunities for non-human species to occupy the architecture and create habitat. The architectural responses manifest themselves through various interventions built within the Dunston staiths for experiencing the site and a centre for monitoring the island. All aspects of the thesis intend to enhance wildlife and increase biodiversity through careful material choices and alternative methods of construction and deconstruction.

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5

6

02

Thesis Context Exploring the ecology of the Dunston staiths, River Tyne & inter-tidal mudflats.

Research into the ecology of the Gateshead Riverside Park and the River Banks of the Tyne led me to locate my project around the Dunston staiths. I centred my interest around exploring the inter-tidal mudflat ecosystems of the River Tyne, particularly the intertidal mudflat which is situated in the basin of the Dunston staiths.

Following my investigation into the site, where I explored the ecological history and the relationship between the staiths and the mudflats, I questioned how we can design to protect wildlife and facilitate spaces for nature.

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Photo of the Dunston staiths

Site

Following ecological analysis of the Gateshead Riverside Park and surrounding areas I focused my investigation on the area around the Dunston staiths. The Dunston staiths is a wooden structure located west of the Gateshead Riverside park. The structure is 526 metres long and is a listed building and scheduled ancient monument. (Dunston Staiths Heritage Trust Network, 2022) Despite it’s listed title the structure has found itself to have became problematic to the council, without a current use and in need of restoration after having suffered 4 arson attacks since 2003. (Dunston Staiths, 2022)

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9

Site location plan (highlighting the Dunston staiths & mudflats) 1:10000

Low Tide

High Tide

Diagram highlighting site and tidal change

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The Dunston staiths harbours one of the River Tyne’s inter-tidal mudflats, which are important habitats for many bird species, especially winter waders and shore birds. (Stephenson, 2019)

Photo of the Dunston staiths

Intertidal mudflats are one of the most biologically productive habitats in the world. The change in tide allows a steady flow of food source and nutrients to the soil. (Stephenson, 2019) Photo of the Dunston staiths

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The staiths began construction in 1890, built for the purpose of transporting and loading coal onto the ships. (Barker, n.d.) During this time the River Tyne was dredged to make the river deeper and wider for the access of ships. The river was dredged for a period of 70 years which completely destabilised the biosphere destroying most river habitats and reducing the biodiversity of the river. (Tyne Catchment Plan, 2012)

Photo of coal being loaded onto a ship at the Dunston Staiths. (Lowdon-NEC, n.d.) b/JS71498062.jpg

I looked at historic maps to visualise the changes in the river due to the dredging. I discovered that there was an island in the River Tyne situated west of where the Dunston staiths are located. The island was called Kings Meadow Island and was 30 acres long, it was dredged for the construction of the Dunston staiths.

(Kingsmeadow Island, n.d.)

© Landmark Information Group Ltd and Crown copyright 2021. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

m i g

Plan of Kings Meadow island 1860 (Digimap) Scale 1:7500 0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Projection: British National Grid

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700

800

900

1000 m

History

1860

1890

1930

1980

2020

Diagram to show change in the River Tyne’s plan

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Ecological studies Following the industrial revolution the river has began to re-stabilise and many species have occupied the river and it’s banks. The intertidal mudflats provide nutrients for many species and the plants which grow as the salt mash around the mudflats provide habitat and shelter. (Stephenson, 2019) The change in tide encourages different species to inhabit the space at different times of day. I investigated the species of birds which occupy the Dunston staiths mudflat at different times of day and year. (What lives at the Staiths?, 2015)

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Cycles

High tide al Te

em Dec

Low tide

r be

ua

m

ary

b Fe

in gG

ul l

N

ry

e ov

Janu

ber

w rle

He rr

Cu

Ba

r-t a

per

ile

dpi San

dG

od wi

O c to

M a rc h

ber

t

Common Scoter Dunlin

ll

Apr

m e p te

on Gu Comm

il

ng

S

i pw La

M al

la

eron Grey H

ay

Re d

sh a

nk

rd

M c du el Sh k

June

July

A ug u

ber

Lesser Black Gull

Diagram to show daily and annual cycles of birds at the staiths

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st

high tide

herring gull

plants : Birds trefoil shub rose pinapple weed white clover yorkshire fog grasses creeping buttercup

Staiths

teal

grey herron

seaweed shelduck

fungi basin wall

fresh water mussels

worms redshank roots

snails dead leaves

water vole

seeds

mudflat : sand clay slit

low tide

Diagram to show ecosystem of the intertidal mudflat at Dunston staiths

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Following my analysis from semester 1 I aimed to design an intervention which aimed to benefit the ecosystems around the Dunston staiths.

Intending to facilitate spaces for nature and restore the Dunston staiths existing structure.

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03 Masterplan Responding to the ecological analysis of the site I developed a masterplan which provides a catalyst to re-wild the River Tyne.

The masterplan sets up framework for non-human inhabitation, acting as a catalyst for re-wilding the River Tyne. Existing over a 200+ year time frame, the programme encourages new material to grow as old material erodes. The masterplan focuses on restoring space for nature and creating future opportunities for nature to thrive.

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Masterplan Proposal Following the research conducted in semester one the masterplan responds to the former Kings meadow island, which was located in the River Tyne, declaring a new island to be constructed in the same location. The island is for non-human use and acts as a catalyst for rewilding the river Tyne.

The masterplan also includes a monitoring centre for the island, care and refuge facilities for the creatures inhabiting the island, interventions which encourage interaction between human and non-human and space for an observatory.

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Gateshead Riverside Park

Nature Island

Care Centre

Maintenance

Monitoring Centre

Observatory

Viewing and interacting

Masterplan relationships diagram

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0

1

2

5

10

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Island Framework

Framework to encourage non-human inhabitation

Monitoring Centre Care & Refuge

Public Viewing & Interacting

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50

100

200

500+ years

Natural Island Development

Different elements of the masterplan have different lifespans, informed by how long they are required.

Masterplan timeline diagram

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1

3

5 2

Masterplan 1/5500

4

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Masterplan | Year 1 1 / Nature Island 2 / Monitoring Centre 3 / Island Maintenance (Boat & Storage)

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4 / Care & Refuge Centre 5 / Public Pier (Viewing & interacting) 6 / Gateshead Riverside Park ------ Pedestrian routes (Remove vehicular access/ re-route through park / linear route provides a chance to slow & take in surroundings ------ Access to Island for maintenance & care

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Masterplan section

26 Intertidal Mudflats

Dunston Staiths Birds roost on the staiths

River Tyne

27 Residential Estate Views of the staiths and the river

Public path & road Public can’t access staiths and mudflats but can view them through gaps in the salt marsh

Salt Marsh Shelters mudflats and river from road

Masterplan year 200 In year 1 framework is set up to encourage the formation of a natural island. Before year 50 the framework for the island encourages nonhuman inhabitation whilst a natural island is growing over time. By year 200 the natural island will have began to develop, framework will have eroded and nature will have taken over. Over many years the island and it’s surroundings will slowly change, nature will take agency and adapt the framework to suit their needs. New islands and land features will develop with the increase in biodiversity. The park and river banks will return to their wild state.

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Masterplan year 200 1/5500

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04 Material Explorations Explorations with bio-composite materials to investigate rate of decay and materials for non-human use.

The project is centred around time, aiming to allow various elements of the programme to erode as other elements grow. Therefore I wanted to explore the life span of bio-composite materials and investigate how I could take agency over their rate of decay.

Alongside this, I wanted to explore how biocomposite materials could be formed to create objects and habitats for non-human use.

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Materials to erode I begun my exploration with the material hempcrete.

Hempcrete is a bio-composite material made from hemp shiv, lime and water. The material is becoming more commonly used in construction and has similar properties to concrete, in apprentice and malleability. (Roberts, 2020)

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Photo of Yasmin Bawa’s hempcrete plant pots (Marchese, 2019)

Photo of Yasmin Bawa’s hempcrete plant pots (Marchese, 2019)

Yasmin Bawa is an artist who works with hempcrete to create plant pots and vases.

“Not only is it purported to be the strongest natural fibre in the world but it’s also sustainable, less harmful to produce than cotton and can be used to create a biodegradable material that is as malleable as clay.”

Bawa shapes the material by hand to create organic shapes. She then coats the surface with a finer paste of hempcrete mixed with natural dyes. Hempcrete doesn’t require firing and dries naturally however the material can take a month to dry. (Marchese, 2019) Photo of Yasmin Bawa’s hempcrete plant pots (Marchese, 2019)

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I experimented with the ratio of the hempcrete mix to explore the texture and tectonics of the material.

Photo of hempcrete exploration day 1 (ratio 4 hemp : 1 lime)

Photo of hempcrete exploration day 1 (ratio 4 hemp : 2 lime)

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Photo of hempcrete exploration day 1 (ratio 3 hemp : 2 lime)

Photo of hempcrete exploration day 1 (ratio 2 hemp : 2 lime)

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Photo of hempcrete exploration day 83 (ratio 4 hemp : 1 lime)

Photo of hempcrete exploration day 83 (ratio 4 hemp : 2 lime)

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Photo of hempcrete exploration day 83 (ratio 3 hemp : 2 lime)

I left the experiments outside for 83 days to test how the weather had effected the material and the rate of decay. All experiments are lasted the test and the only visible effect was a slight change in colour. The experiments with a higher hemp to lime ratio are lighter and parts would come away if rubbed.

Photo of hempcrete exploration day 83 (ratio 2 hemp : 2 lime)

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Photo of material experiment (wood chippings, lime)

Photo of material experiment (wood chippings, lime & seeds on top)

I observed the same experiment of testing the materials outside with a selection of 4 other lime based bio-composite materials. All materials lasted the test. I discovered that when seeds are added into the mixture the material is weaker and likely to crumble.

Photo of material experiment (wood chippings, lime & seeds on top)

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Photo of material experiment (wood chippings, lime & seeds)

Photo of material experiment (wood chippings, lime & seeds)

Photo of material experiment (straw, lime & seeds)

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Photo of “Variations on a Birdcage” by Studio Ossidiana (Studio Ossidiana, 2022)

Material precedent Alongside testing the rate of decay of materials I wanted to experiment with materials for objects for non-human use.

Studio Ossidianna construct landscapes for nonhuman species from a variety of bio-materials they create themselves. These include: Compressed earth with charcoal powder, lime and salt (for animals to lick. Expanded clay covered in lime mix to create a porous surface for insects to inhabit. (Studio Ossidiana, 2022)

Photo of “Variations on a Birdcage” by Studio Ossidiana (Studio Ossidiana, 2022)

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Nesting Mallard (Lakritz, 2019)

Nesting Herring gulls (Where do Seagulls Nest? Habitats & Breeding - The RSPB, 2022)

To create objects for non-huaman species to use I wanted to understand how creatures that currently occupy the site use space. I investigated the habitats of the birds that use the site, exploring the conditions of their habitats and aiming to understand the qualities of the spaces they occupy.

Shelduck occupying drain pipe (Ducks, Geese, Swans, n.d.)

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Sketch of material made from oats and straw with a lime binder. With salt inserts, which will turn into crevasses over time to provide nesting spaces.

Sketch of material made from hemp and soil with a natural linseed oil binder and ginger inserts for birds and animals to lick and peck at.

In semester one I outlined potential material experiments for non-human use. Following this I designed forms for non-human use and explored bio-composite materials to create the experiments.

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Sketch of material made from clay and paprika with a natural wax binder, with seeds for birds to peck at.

Sketch of material made from hay and clay with cinnamon. Easy for birds to pick at and remove material to create nests.

Material experiment (earth, straw, sand and lime.)

Material experiment (earth, straw, sand and lime with paprika and cumin dye. Bubble wrap formwork to create texture)

Material experiment (clay and sand with rope, salt and seeds)

Material explorations in earth, straw and clay. These experiments were informed by my research into the birds habitats. I designed a wishbone form to provide a sheltered space (to create the feeling of between rocks). I designed a tube form and I designed two tiles in clay with rope for birds to dug at, holes to encourage pecking and salt to lick.

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A catalogue of objects for non-human use

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Square form with a circular insert for seeds or water creates a bird feeding table or bird bath.

Photo of material experiment (wood chippings, wood flour, lime & seeds)

Photo of material experiment (wood chippings, wood flour, lime & seeds)

Photo of material experiment (straw & lime; wood flour & linseed oil; soy wax & wood flour)

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Photo of material experiment (straw & lime; wood flour & linseed oil; soy wax & wood flour)

Experimenting with smoother surfaces to create a slide form for non-human species to use for play.

Photo of material experiment (straw & lime; wood flour & linseed oil; soy wax & wood flour)

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Photo of material experiment (wood flour, straw & lime)

A sheltering shaped form for protection and nesting.

Photo of material experiment (wood flour, straw & lime)

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Photo of material experiment (lime, seeds & wood chippings)

Photo of material experiment (lime, seeds & wood chippings)

A tower to encourage pecking, play and destruction, with seeds for nutrients.

Photo of material experiment (lime, seeds & wood chippings)

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Photo of material experiment (soy wax & seeds)

Photo of material experiment (soy wax & seeds)

Exploring smooth surfaces. Seeds to encourage pecking.

Photo of material experiment (soy wax & seeds)

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Form provides shelter and spaces for non-human species to create habitats.

Photo of material experiment (straw, lime & wood flour)

Photo of material experiment (straw, lime & wood flour)

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Tunnel form for play and shelter. This object has a rough, smooth and porous surfaces. A porous surface encourages insect inhabitation.

Photo of material experiment (hemp shiv & lime)

Photo of material experiment (hemp shiv & lime)

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Photo of material experiment (hemp shiv & lime)

Photo of material experiment (pine rosin, wood flour & seeds)

Exploration with rougher and harder textures.

Photo of material experiment (pine rosin, wood flour & seeds)

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05 Growing an Island Nature island for non human species, restoring the Tyne’s biodiversity.

Designed for non-human occupants, the island acts in two different ways, a catalyst for natural island formation and a temporary island which provides immediate habitat for non-human species. With the material of the immediate island slowly biodegrading over years as the natural island grows, eventually the two will meet.

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Island construction

Photo of floating island for nesting and water treatment site Gadenstedt, Germany (Floating Islands: Blumberg Engineers, Germany, 2022)

There are three main ways to create an island. The fastest way is to use hydraulic dredges, which suck sand and matter from the riverbed and re-position it. This method is messy and disruptive. The most common method is a mechanical process using backhoes, bulldozers and barges. Finally the most natural and least invasive method is by placing rocks in areas of flowing water and allowing the rocks to accumulate sediment. Although this method is slow it mimics the natural process of creating an island.

(Mosedale, M, 2020)

Natural floating islands gain self buoyancy through trapped air spaces and the release of gasses from decaying plants. Floating islands can be mimicked by using a textile plant carrier mat, made from a foam material for buoyancy. The textile plant carrier is made up of a coarse warp knitted structure, which allows high water storage capacity whilst allowing the plant’s roots to grow through the structure, creating nesting areas for waterfowl. The microbial biofilm of the plant’s roots have the ability to improve water quality, therefore these islands are often built as wildlife refuge and water treatment sites. (Floating Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany, 2022)

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Photo of floating island for nesting and water treatment site Gadenstedt, Germany (Floating Islands: Blumberg Engineers, Germany, 2022)

Photo of floating island for nesting and water treatment site Gadenstedt, Germany (Floating Islands: Blumberg Engineers, Germany, 2022)

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habitat for encouraging non-human inhabitation, including objects for non-human Plant carrier layer buoyancy layer re-used tree trunk framework

rope anchoring island to framework natural sediment accumulating around framework, starting the natural island formation

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Collage of immediate islands in plan view

Collage of view on immediate island

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Collage of view on immediate island

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06 Occupying the Dunston staiths Interventions occupying the Dunston staiths, creating opportunities for nonhuman and human interaction 43 interventions for various activities such as viewing, sitting and playing to create opportunities for nonhuman and human interaction. The interventions take the shape of the material explorations and decay at different rates to encourage different users.

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c.

b. a. d.

a. objects for non-human use | toys, perches, bird

baths, feeders... | x18

b. interventions for relaxing | benches, tables,

playscapes | x11

c. interventions for experience | viewing pavilions, platforms, shelters... | x13 d. information pavilion | x1 64

I outlined four different intervention types, using the forms of the material explorations to influence the shape of the intervention. I then outlined the number of each intervention type to occupy the Dunston staiths.

Catalouge of intervention types

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year 15

year 25

year 50

c. a.

a.

b.

b.

b.

c.

a.

a.

a. a.

a.

a.

a. c.

c.

The interventions are arranged in order of rate of deacy. The closer to the entrance (West side) of the staiths the faster the decay. This encourages human interest in the earlier years however as the interventions start to decay less humans use the structure and more non-human species will begin to.

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c.

year 05

year 10 a. b.

c.

c.

b.

c.

a. a.

b.

b.

b. b. b.

c.

a.

a.

a.

d.

b.

a.

a.

c. c.

c.

a.

c.

Interventions in order of location and lifespan

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Dunston staiths interventions & island at year 5

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Dunston staiths interventions & island at year 100

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07 Monitoring Centre A hempcrete panelled centre for monitoring the progress and activity of the island, naturally erodes to nourish the earth.

A centre for monitoring the activity on the island, situated within the destroyed gap in the Dunston staiths. The hempcrete panelled walls allow the centre’s different rooms to erode at different rates depending on life span of the programme. The centre’s materiality is informed by my hempcrete material explorations, the panels are constructed of layered hempcrete of different ratio mixes to take agency over the decay process.

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Photo of the Furnas monitoring & research centre (Mills, 2010)

Photo of the Furnas monitoring & research centre (Mills, 2010)

Precedents The Furnas monitoring and research centre by Aires Mateus, was built for the investigation of the evolution of the Furnas volcano and the recovery of ecosystems. The centre includes an auditorium for workshops, a large exhibition area, an observatory, a laboratory and accommodation for researchers. (Mills, 2010)

The observatory in Portugal by Machado Costa is a centre for the visitors of a nature park. The observatory also includes exhibition space. The building is positioned on the coast line, allowing part of the building to be submerged by the changing tide. (Vada, 2017)

Photo of observatory in Portugal (Vada, 2017)

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Photo of Kielder observatory (Sutton, 2014)

Photo of Brockholes (Brockholes Visitor Centre, 2012)

Kielder observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Kielder forest, Northumberland. The observatory includes observatory rooms, 2 meeting rooms/ exhibition space and toilet and kitchen space.

(Kielder Observatory - A magical & unique visitor attraction, 2021)

The Hauxly nature reserve and discovery centre, designed by Brightblue studio and is also located in Northumberland. The centre includes a visitor centre, cafe, classroom and wildlife watching spot.

(Hauxley | Northumberland Wildlife Trust, 2022)

Photo of Hauxley nature reserve & descovery centre (Hauxley | Northumberland Wildlife Trust, 2022)

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Kitchen 20sqm

Observatory 210sqm

Laboratory 70sqm

Auditorium/Meeting room 119sqm

Island maintenance & Storage 70sqm

Monitoring Room 119sqm Toilets 15sqm

Programme and spacial relationships diagram

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Declaration The building is designed to last up to 50 years, with different aspects of the programme decaying at different rates.

The monitoring centre includes a public auditorium for holding lectures and exhibition. The auditorium will be designed to last only 5 years and will also include a toilet and small kitchen. The building will also include a public observatory, with openings in the facade allowing non-human and human interaction. The openings allow users to gain views over the intertidal mudflats and island. The observatory will be designed to last the longest with a life span of up to 50 years. The building also includes a monitoring room and laboratory, these spaces are the only thermally insulated and enclosed spaces in the building. Both rooms will occupy equipment for monitoring and testing and these rooms have a life span of 15 years. Finally the building also has space for a small maintenance and storage room, for keeping equipment to repair and access the island.

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After gathering information on the structure of the Dunston staiths I designed a repair for the gap destroyed by arson attack. I then developed the massing up on the repaired structure using the information from my precedent studies and programming.

Sketch of Dunston staiths repair

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c. a. d.

a. public auditorium b. public observatory c. monitoring room d. laboratory & storage

b.

Monitoring centre massing diagram

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Multi-species archietcture / precedent The school for dogs is located just west of Madrid and is designed not only for the human and dog occupants but with the species of the site in mind.

Whilst the dogs and humans use the ground floor the upper floors have been designed for birds to inhabit.

The building enhances the ecosystem.

Diagrams of the school for dogs (Eeestudio, Lys Villalba, José Hevia, Javier de Paz García · School for dogs, humans and other species, 2022)

“Small birds of prey feed on rodents, maintaining a balance with crops and other local flora. Small birds and bats – who also inhabit the lettering on the south facade – feed on insects, including mosquitoes that can carry certain canine diseases, and are part of the pollination cycles of flowers and plants in the surrounding fields. Sparrows made an impromptu appearance in this self-regulating ecosystem, nesting in the circular holes of the container edges.” (Eeestudio, Lys Villalba, José Hevia, Javier de Paz García · School for dogs, humans and other species, 2022)

The design of this building is non-anthropocentric.

The floor finishes are designed for paws, troughs collect rainwater and are designed to allow birds and dogs to use. Interior surfaces are made with sound absorbing materials to minimise echos and loud noise. (Eeestudio, Lys Villalba, José Hevia, Javier de Paz García ·

School for dogs, humans and other species, 2022)

Photo of the school for dogs (Eeestudio, Lys Villalba, José Hevia, Javier de Paz García · School for dogs, humans and other species, 2022)

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Photo of the school for dogs (Eeestudio, Lys Villalba, José Hevia, Javier de Paz García · School for dogs, humans and other species, 2022)

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Diagram of form explorations

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Using the Dunston staiths structure to inform the shape of the design I developed the facade to be situated within each bay of the staiths structure.

Responding to this I designed fluting shaped panels.

The panels start at the base of the staiths’ vertical bay structure. As the staiths’s vertical structure is not square (the structure creates a trapeze shape) the panel is designed to curve in at the top to connect back to the staiths structure.

Development sketches ( form and panel design)

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The panels developed from being a thinner curved form to a solid one. Once I had the solid shape I began to cut into the volume to create openings and inserts. The inserts create opportunity for nonhuman inhabitation. With the solid shape I could also cut into the panel to create seating for human use. The panels are created in layers of differing hempcrete ratios, with the highest ratio of hemp at the top and the highest ratio of lime at the bottom, this will ensure that the panels erode top to bottom.

Panel form development diagram

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Form diagram

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Photo of Bruder Klaus (Sveiven, 2011)

Photo of Bruder Klaus formwork (3.bp.blogspot. com. n.d.)

Formwork The formwork for Peter Zumpthor’s Bruder Klaus Field Chapel was created from 112 tree trunks. The trees were arranged to create the shape of the interior. Once the concrete can been poured and set the trees were set on fire leaving the interior concrete with a ridged texture and charred appearance.

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Photo of interior of Bruder Klaus (Sveiven, 2011)

Timber frame Repaired timber frame of the Dunston staiths which acts as a frame for the hempcrete panels to sit within. The roof of the auditorium is a thatched roof with a timber frame.

Hempcrete panels Cast in-situ hempcrete panels. Cast in layers of strongest to weakest hemp mixture to ensure top to bottom decay of panel.

Formwork The formwork is made from tree trunks from Kielder forest, arranged to create the fluting shape of the panel. The tree trunks create a textured surface on the exterior side of the panel. On the internal side of the panel the formwork uses plywood for a smooth surface. Bundles of reeds are used to create inserts in the panels for non-human inhabitation, openings and seating.

Formwork & construction diagram

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Year 1 The hempcrete walls are built within the repaired structure of the Dunston staiths.

The auditorium has a timber structure with a thatched roof. The hempcrete walls of the auditorium are made with little lime to erode within 5 years of construction.

Year 15 The auditorium on the top is fully eroded leaving behind the timber structure of the roof and bench. The monitoring rooms are only used for 10 years, therefore by year 15 they have began to erode.

Year 25 By year 25 the walls of the monitoring rooms have almost fully eroded. The observatory walls have begum to erode but the spaces can still be used for viewing nature with the exposed wooden benches. Nature has began to take over.

Year 50 By year 50 the entire building has eroded.

The material has returned to the earth exposing the repair of the Dunston staiths. By year 50 nature has began to take over and thrive, plants and the island have began to grow.

Panel erosion concept diagram

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Interior perspective from within the observatory

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1:50 section through monitoring centre

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Support timber frame Hempcrete panel

Timber anchor Waterproof layer Timber board Dunston staiths repair structure on pile foundations

1:50 section through monitoring centre

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The floor has openings to allow views of the changing tide, this encourages nature to grow up through the openings and cast reflections upon the hempcrete walls. The walls encourage non-human inhabitation, the human uses will be able to hear the sounds of birds and other creatures residing in the walls.

Bringing the human user and the non-human user closer giving both occupants a different experience.

The structure only consists of the timber frame and hempcrete pannles. Both safe for the natural environment during and after the life span of the building.

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N

1

Monitoring Centre Second Floor Plan 1:200 1 Audiotorium

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Circulation

Entrance

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N

2

Monitoring Centre First Floor Plan 1:200 2 Observatory 3 Monitoring Room

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Circulation

Private space

3

Thermally insulated space

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N

Monitoring Centre Ground Floor Plan 1:200 4 Observatory 5 Laboratory 6 Storage Room

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Circulation

Private space

5

6

Thermally insulated space

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Full elevation 1:1000

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08 Bibliography Barker, E., n.d. The Staithes. [online] Dunston, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Available at: <https://historyofdunston.weebly.com/the-staithes. html> Blumberg-engineers.com. 2022. Floating Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany. [online] Available at: <https://www.blumberg-engineers.com/en/ecotechnologies/more-ecotechnologies/floating-islands/> Divisare. 2022. Eeestudio, Lys Villalba, José Hevia, Javier de Paz García · School for dogs, humans and other species. [online] Available at: <https://divisare.com/projects/455062-eeestudio-lys-villalba-josehevia-javier-de-paz-garcia-school-for-dogs-humans-and-other-species> Dunston, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. n.d. Kingsmeadow Island. [online] Available at: <https://historyofdunston.weebly.com/kingsmeadow-island.html.

loads/2019/10/Tyne-Estuary-Partnership-Report-FINAL.pdf>.

Marchese, K., 2019. yasmin bawa uses hemp to create sustainable monolithic plant pots. [online] designboom | architecture & design magazine. Available at: <https://www.designboom.com/design/yasmin-bawa-hemp-plant-pots-vases-hempcrete-09-15-2019/> Mills, J., 2010. [online] Available at: <https://www.dezeen. com/2010/10/18/monitoring-and-investigation-center- of-furnas-by-aires-mateus/> Mosedale, M. 2020. How Man-Made Islands Can Save the Mississippi River. [online] Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Available at: <https://mspmag. com/arts-and-culture/island-time/>

Dunstonstaiths.org.uk. 2022. Dunston Staiths. [online]

Newcastle.gov.uk. 2012. Tyne Catchment Plan. [online] Available at: <https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2019-01/tyne-catchment-plan-print-version.pdf.

Gateshead.gov.uk. 2009. What lives at the Staiths. Available at: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/media/3821/What-Lives-at-the-Staiths/ pdf/Folder-What-Lives-Staiths.pdf?m=636440214983170000

Nwt.org.uk. 2022. Hauxley | Northumberland Wildlife Trust. [online] Available at: <https://www.nwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/hauxley> [Accessed 24 May 2022].

Heritage Trust Network. 2022. Dunston Staiths - Heritage Trust Network. [online] Available at: <https://www.heritagetrustnetwork.org. uk/about-us/case-studies/dunston-straiths/>

Roberts, T., 2020. Building with Hempcrete. [online] Rise. Available at: <https://www.buildwithrise.com/stories/building-with-hempcrete>

Kielderobservatory.org. 2021. Kielder Observatory - A magical & unique visitor attraction. [online] Available at: <https://kielderobservatory.org> Stephenson, L., 2019. Tyne Estuary Partnership. [online] Groundwork. org.uk. Available at: <https://www.groundwork.org.uk/wp-content/up-

Studio Ossidiana. 2022. Studio Ossidiana. [online] Available at: <http://www.studio-ossidiana.com.

Vada, P., 2017. Observatory / Machado Costa. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/885801/observatory-machado-costa?ad_medium=gallery>

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List of images Birdsofseabrook.app.clemson.edu. n.d. Ducks, Geese, Swans. [online] Available at: <https://birdsofseabrook.app.clemson.edu/taxa/ t007-anser-images.html>

Studio Ossidiana. 2022. Studio Ossidiana. [online] Available at: <http://www.studio-ossidiana.com.

Blumberg-engineers.com. 2022. Floating Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany. [online] Available at: <https://www.blumberg-engineers.com/en/ecotechnologies/more-ecotechnologies/floating-islands/>

Sutton, B., 2014. Kielder Observatory, Northumberland, U.K.. [online] Adventure Journal. Available at: <https://www.adventure-journal.com/2014/10/weekend-cabin-kielder-observatory-northumberland-u-k/>

Divisare. 2022. Eeestudio, Lys Villalba, José Hevia, Javier de Paz García · School for dogs, humans and other species. [online] Available at: <https://divisare.com/projects/455062-eeestudio-lys-villalba-josehevia-javier-de-paz-garcia-school-for-dogs-humans-and-other-species>

The RSPB. 2022. Where do Seagulls Nest? Habitats & Breeding - The RSPB. [online] Available at: <https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-andwildlife/advice/gardening-for-wildlife/animal-deterrents/gulls/gullbreeding-habitats-and-nest-sites/> [Accessed 23 May 2022].

Lakritz, T., 2019. Striking photos of eggs that show how different birds build their homes. [online] Insider. Available at: <https://www. insider.com/bird-nest-eggs-wildlife-photos-2019-12> [Accessed 23 May 2022].

Vada, P., 2017. Observatory / Machado Costa. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/885801/observatory-machado-costa?ad_medium=gallery> [Accessed 24 May 2022].

Lowdon-NEC, J., n.d. Dunston Staiths down the years. [online] ChronicleLive. Available at: <https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/history/ gallery/dunston-staiths-down-the-years-10006109>.

Marchese, K., 2019. yasmin bawa uses hemp to create sustainable monolithic plant pots. [online] designboom | architecture & design magazine. Available at: <https://www.designboom.com/design/yasmin-bawa-hemp-plant-pots-vases-hempcrete-09-15-2019/> Mills, J., 2010. [online] Available at: <https://www.dezeen. com/2010/10/18/monitoring-and-investigation-center- of-furnas-by-aires-mateus/> Nwt.org.uk. 2022. Hauxley | Northumberland Wildlife Trust. [online] Available at: <https://www.nwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/hauxley>

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09 Design Appendix

104

1

Monitoring Centre Second Floor Plan 1:200 1 Auditorium

Earlier plan iteration

105

3 2

Monitoring Centre First Floor Plan 1:200 2 Observatory 3 Monitoring Room

Earlier plan iteration

106

5

6

4

Monitoring Centre Ground Floor Plan 1:200 4 Observatory 5 Laboratory 6 Storage Room

Earlier plan iteration

107

108

Elevation of Dunston staiths interventions (showing interventions before erosion)

109