We are ever-changing in methods to help reel back how cruelly we treat our planet - sparking innovative ways we build city structures. Modular prefabricated construction is proving to be a solution to slowing this process. This cannot be done without the very communities that hold up society. In a democratic country, the people and the politicians work harmoniously to run the nation. Progress is a two-way road, and we should be encouraging the connectivity and integration of all locals in the community through architecture.
We use a modular system (inspired by the art of Japanese timber joinery ‘Kigumi’) to sustainably build a local citizens’ assembly centre on Diamond Street for all people to have their voices heard equally.
The site is elevated with the focus of re-purposing city spaces for pedestrian activity such as remodelling Diamond Lane as green space and providing a climbing landscape for dynamic public spaces, admiring a previously bland area. It is our mission to issue this system as an easily adaptable use for endless purposes - in an environmentally friendly way.
• Assembled entirely off-site and tightly slotted together. • Constructed of locally-sourced sustainable timber components. • Easily adaptable for use on multiple sites and respectful of its surroundings. • Assembled for dynamic internal and external spatial qualities that promote a sense of community in an inviting space. • Lightweight and easily transportable via truck / small crane. • Adaptable for easy reconfiguration and multi-purpose spaces. • Easily disassembled for recycling and re-purpose. • Integrated with sustainable strategies to minimise our carbon footprint as well as green spaces.
Phase One
Phase Two
A Modular Solution
An Urban Solution
Creating an effective, sustainable modular design to accommodate a vast array of purposes and sites
Applying the modules to a project brief within a blank area of Aberdeen's City Centre.
The Japanese construction technique known as ‘Kigumi’ heavily influenced the design. Translating to ‘construction with wood’, the proposed modular system would embody the same principles of assembly. Timber components are cut in a complex way to provide a tight interlocking without the requirement of bolts or screws to hold the structure together. A large variety of possibilities are available with this technique, which allows for easy adaptation and design of components to fit the brief. This form of construction allows for great construction and sustainability advantages.
The Art of Kigumi -
Japanese timber joinery
Phase One
A Modular Solution
The ‘REBEL’ project is a sustainable complex manipulating scale and form to create dynamic spaces. The use of greenery and construction inspired incorporating green spaces.
The layout and scale presented via structural diagrams inspired the module layout as this is easily interpreted into a flowing construction.
This building acts as compact timber housing/farming units. Housed within a modular A-frame construction that creates an innovative dynamic structural ‘grid’.
The design sparks community interaction and uses appealing materials to form a simple yet effective modular system with an environmental aesthetic.
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, 'SOM', created a portable, and easily-assembled modular system to be erected outside schools for distanced learning.
This modular typology intrigued the use of ‘flat pack’ modular construction. Will the design be made adaptable to fit various sites and purposes?
Precedents
Flat-pack construction process assembled and clad off-site, can be assembled easily and can be adapted and rearrange by simply locking in place. This assembly cuts down construction time, embodied carbon and can be reused/ recycled when the purpose has been fulfilled.
Assembly
CLT floor frames are assembled with pegs inserted to allow a solid floor slab to slot in.
Once the floor joints are formed, the third of three components (CLT studs) are fitted to complete the joint. Along with the floor finish panel.
Domino joints are fitted where adjacent modules will be connected. (Otherwise, holes filled with insulation).
Wall studs are assembled with regard to the building proposal. These panels slide down along the structural studs and slot into joints above and below. Tight biscuit and dowel joints are fitted for modular connections.
Roof components are assembled -Angled CLT beams are joined together as joints before connecting with the studs.
Cross-beam is joined and connected to solid CLT panels independently. This allows all components to fit perfectly instead of any awkward insertion.
8 panels combine to create a dynamic ceiling above. They lower on slits (exposed)
Slotting into the structural beams, new beams are added to support the roof components
Roof panels are fitted above for finishing the assembly and weatherproofing.
The final structure is robust and secure, requiring the reverse strategy of disassembly to be undone.
Modules are connected via simply pushing together two faces, letting domino joints guide the process. These joints can be removed and packed with insulation when a facade is being applied instead.
Once adjacent, mending plates are applied along all faces to secure the modules together, with the assistance of tight domino joints. A textured cover is applied to fill the gap against the mending plate. This is a different colour to the internal finishes to emphasise the connections between
Using the same components available, we can adapt these modules to fit varying purposes around the site.
They can be configured to create spaces internally or externally, for varying activities or requirements of the local community.
Completed modular forms, with Scottish oak cladding panels.
Completed module structure with beams remaining for aesthetic and shading purposes. Community meeting areas and change in modular space.
Open-top greenery spaces for the integration between build design and natural elements.
All studs have a track running along the inside, with holes to the bottom of each edge - this provides guidance to slide whole façades in (via a small crane) into place.
The design comes with a wide variety of options for façades, and with anticipation of the wider use of the modular system, it is wise to ensure the system is as adaptable as possible.
Daylighting reaching the site grounds is primarily problematic for the project due to the tall buildings surrounding it.
My vision is to create a new interactive space for all types of communities to gather and have direct involvement with the design through meeting space, areas for various activities and extending the city’s green spaces. The spaces will be elevated with use of dynamic landscape architecture to obtain better daylighting, and communities provided with a beautiful place to go for gathering and views over the streets. Diamond Lane will be remodelled into an interactive walkway for increased footfall.
An Urban Solution
Phase Two
The site given is a private car park within a gap site in the heart of Aberdeen city centre (Diamond Street). Existing buildings sit adjacent as tall obstacles and a building sits in the corner of the site. The east and south of the site is accessible with Diamond Lane crossing past the southern entrance.
The area is rarely occupied in popularity, there is minimal space of interest and streets are mostly back doors to other facilities. The architecture is typical for Aberdeen with granite structures and is easily accessed from Union Street (S) and Golden Square (NW).
Diamond Lane Entrance
Site Boundary Car Park
Intersection Between Streets
Diamond Street Entrance
Site Plan
The given site is a private car park within a gap site in the heart of Aberdeen’s city centre along Diamond Street and Diamond Lane. Tall existing buildings tower over the site and a corner building still stands at the corner of the site boundary lines. For my proposal, I deemed it necessary to add the full length of Diamond Lane to maximise the impact my design has on the surrounding environment.
The area is used to a moderate extent as a private car parking lot, however, there is no real activity surrounding the site apart from a hotel and the opening to Union Street. In groups, we analysed all aspects of the area specific to the site and on a larger scale to find the most troublesome factor was the overshadowing by the adjacent buildings - and not much light reaches the ground floor.
I expanded the brief to utilise both Diamond Ln and Diamond St, to revitalise the area and encourage new activity for the community to engage with. Diamond Land serves as the pedestrian entranceway into the site with Diamond St allowing cars to enter a smaller car park below. Once entered, pedestrians interact with an inclining landscape that elevates them into the sunlight as the ramping system reaches unseen daylight for that previously useless site. The modules are situated around the central landscape to work harmoniously with it and encourage people to engage. This proposal turns dull, grey areas into a space of growth and activity.
Timber Type I
CLADDING
As the defining facade of the modules, this vertical textured Oak timber will add character to the external spaces and accentuate the module forms.
Timber Type II
Timber Type III
CLADDING
CLT Sitka Spruce timber is used for the module structure. CLT is highly versatile and tough and offers sustainable alternatives to other methods.
A mixture of elm and oak timber is used (raw and treated) for interior finishes. The difference in colours are able to amplify particular features such as the ceiling panels.
CLADDING
Masonry Type III
Exterior Paving
Pale, cast-in-situ concrete allows for creating dynamic forms for the external landscape with ease and haste. Recycled granite is aesthetically, integrates more effectively with the greenery.
Masonry Type II
Sub-Structure
Reinforced concrete is used for the underground structure where support is needed to hold the elevated modules. These materials will be cast on-site.
Aberdeen’s granite walls outline the site, and the tone of the masonry has been considered in selecting new materials.
Masonry Type I
Existing Structure
Landscape Entrance
Debating Chamber
Revitalised Diamond Lane
South - Elevation 1:200
Section A-A'
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
