Thoughts on architecture...

29.5.13

Dry-pack Brick Arches and Domes

Learning from natural structures at the Thresholds Centre, with SmallEarth and NewEarthUK:

26.5.13

Exhibition at Birmingham Architecture Festival

Exhibiting work from 'ReThinking Development in Central Milton Keynes' in the Birmingham Architecture Festival in the Entrance to Glenn Howells Office. On: 25th May - 10th June 2013

19.5.13

Professional blog post: How to get into Architecture school in the UK.

Professional blog post written for a US architectural school advise site, on how to get into architecture school in the UK. Read it here.

8.5.13

RMcKdrafting

RMcKdrafting Professional freelance CAD drafting and Architectural CAD services online...

www.rmckdrafting.co.uk

2D, 3D, BIM, planning, layout, design, building regs. and detailing.

22.3.13

Exhibition at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Exhibiting work from 'ReThinking Development in Central Milton Keynes' in the Foyer of the Aberystwyth Arts Centre during the Wales Festival of Architecture.
Open 23rd March - 20th April 2013.

21.3.13

Public Realm Analysis in Milton Keynes

Central Milton Keynes has a unique organisation and infrastructure that shapes and structures the architecture and life that happens within. Unusually for the UK, the rigid infrastructure of 20 blocks was built before most of the developments to be within were designated, even now, decades later, there are empty blocklets and whole blocks and underused areas within the developments.

This study was an initial investigation into the quality of public realm resulting from this approach to city centre development. It must be noted that forming the analysis maps was only completed by one participant and thus the results can be seen as a preliminary study only and must be looked at subjectively although an objective method was sought.

CMK map as existing.

Break down of traffic infrastructure. Red: Boulevards; Green: Gates; Blue: Streets.

Knolli Map of built form in CMK

Car dominated infrastructure at ground level.

All public realm. Here defined as non-privatised space and non-car-dominated space.

A Break down of the public realm. Green: Green Space; Red: Great, with vitality; Orange: Movement routes only; Yellow: Empty, isolating spaces; Grey: Does not feel public.

All Public Realm. Analysis Map. Black: Car Dominated; White: Privatised; Green: Green Space; Red: Great, with vitality; Orange: Movement routes only; Yellow: Empty, isolating spaces; Grey: Does not feel public.

A further study to investigate with more accuracy the quality of public realm in CMK would include wide ranging surveys and map making by many participants or through longer term surveillance and analysis of how the spaces are used.

14.1.13

Degree Show Pin Up C.A.T.

6.12.12

Thoughts linking to earth architecture...

'We join spokes together in a wheel,
but it is the center hole
that makes the wagon move.

We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want.

We cut windows and doors for a house,
but it is the inner spacethat makes it livable.

We work with being
but non-being is what we use.'

Tao Te Ching Chapter 11
-adapted from 1988 translation by S.Mitchell

20.8.12

Hemp-Lime Construction

The use of Hemp-Lime construction is growing in use as a more environmentally friendly choice for construction. Hemp is carbon sequestering and lime is a lower embodied carbon and breathable alternative to ordinary portland cement (OPC). Therefore, when combined with other sustainable choices for foundation and roof construction and finishes, a low to no carbon building that has a breathable and healthy environment can be acheived.

Another benefit is that if used where there is naturally occuring limestone or chalk, and hemp can be grown, a truely ecological approach of building can be used which is to build with materials from the site.

Some good examples from recent years:

This is Clay Fields development in Suffolk designed by Riches Hawly Mikhail Architects and Buro Happold Engineers, for Orwell Housing Association. Hemp-Lime sprayed onto Timber Frame with permenent internal sheathing. Source: Case Study Sheet from: limetechnology, Tradical, hemcrete. CaseStudy: Orwell Housig Association availiable from: http://www.limetechnology.co.uk

The Triangle housing development by Hab Oakus developers, designed by Glenn Howells, built by Willmott Dixon in Swindon, Wiltshire. Hemp-lime compacted within temporary shuttering onto timber frame. OPC content reducing ecological credentials. Source: University of Bath, EPSRC and BRE, Hemp-Lime, The Triangle, Low Impact Materials: Case Study H, May 2011, availiable from BRE online.

Seven Storey Office buildig, timber frame with hemp-lime blocks in Clermot Ferrad. Source: Bevan, R. & Wooley, T., 2008. Hemp Lime Construction, A Guide to building with hemp lime composites, Bracknell: IHS BRE Press.

Hemp-Lime Spray onto Timber Frame at th WISE building at C.A.T. This building succesfully used a number of ecologically minded and mostly natural materials to create a living ad studying space of outstanding architectural quality. Source: http://info.cat.org.uk/questions/wise/how-were-natural-insulation-materials-hemp-cellulose-and-cork-used-wise

A few construction details for hemp-lime construction: