The Nature Disconnect/Interior Shed Project – Week 1 (Research) (6)

The Shed – a vessel to connect people with nature – is the Interior project for The Nature Disconnect.

How disconnected humanity is from nature has huge implications for the environment and people’s health, both mentally and physically, so we are tasked to create an enclosure in the context of Tentsmuir.

 

What is a shed? I looked to researching the simple shed design what they mean in different countries and cultures.

Sheds

 

 

The traditional shed

 

 

 

 

A wood shed

 

 

 

 

A bike shed

 

 

 

 

 

The world’s fastest shed

 

 

 

I started conducting research of existing enclosures inspired by nature and the effects it has on everyday life.

Existing structure research examples

I went to the library and took out the book “Spacecraft 2,” it is full of different follies, sheds and quirky houses which I thought would make for good inspiration for this project.

 

Alexander Brodsky
Ice Bar

 

In 2003, Russian artist Alexander Brodsky constructed an ice-crusted metal cage on a frozen lake – a glowing bar until the spring thaw. The pavilion was lit from the interior, which created a diffused, ambient light.

 

 

N55 Artist Group
Walking House

Walking house is a modular dwelling system that enables persons to live a peaceful nomadic life, moving slowly through the landscape or cityscape with minimal impact on the environment. It collects energy from its surroundings using solar cells and small windmills. There is a system for collecting rain water and a system for solar heated hot water. A small greenhouse unit can be added to the basic living module, to provide a substantial part of the food needed by the Inhabitants. A composting toilet system allows sewage produced by the inhabitants to be disposed of. A small wood burning stove could be added to provide CO2 neutral heating. Walking house forms various sizes of communities or walking villages when more units are added together. Walking house is not dependant on existing infrastructure like roads, but moves on all sorts of terrain.

Each unit is equipped with the basic systems for maintaining everyday life for a
maximum of four persons. But it could easily be scaled up for larger family structures. Furniture is an integrated part of the structure. The module can be constructed from numerous materials. It is based on a framework made of steel, aluminium or wood and can be covered with steel, aluminium, wood or even semi- permeable textiles. Windows are made of poly-carbonate. Insulation could be anything from thin plates of Polyethylene to wool.

The rear of the modules opens up to form a stair that functions as an entrance. Each leg works as an autonomous unit with its own accumulators and linear actuators. The concept is that six legs could be mounted on any kind of structure and make it walk. When it walks three legs are always on the ground to provide the necessary stability. The structure should move at a slow pace similar to the walking speed of the human body. It is a common fact that walking often helps a person concentrate their thoughts and creates a mental state that enforces mobility of the mind. The Walking house is constructed to move at a pace similar to human speed exactly for this reason. By adding several modules together the system can provide dwellings that adapts to social needs for living as a single person, in a family, a collective or even in a walking village. In this way the Walking house adapts to persons instead of persons having to adapt to the house.

 

CHRISTOPH KLEMMT
STAR-SPOTTING FOLLY

This folly for observing the stars was built in Koshirakura, Nigata Prefacture, Japan. It was designed for the local residents, who have a strong interest in star gazing, especially for their parent-and- child playgroup. The small-scale observatory was built in the darkestspot in the village, on a hill behind the local school which is also one of the points closest to the night sky. A concrete slab was laid into position with a telescope in a precise alignment with the constellations.

 

OSKAR LEO KAUFMANN & JOHANNES NORLANDER
HOUSES A & B

Presented for the first time, at Salone del Mobile, this house by Norlander and Kaufmann is not a design experiment but an innovative design approach towards modern housing. The basic models come with or without water, electricity, or heating. The buyer can and colour as well as supplementary equipment offered in various packages, such as additional windows and doors, shutters or solar cells.

I love the simplicity of these designs, the modern theme would contrast with the
natural Tentsmuir background.

 

EKKEHARD ALTENBURGER
MIRROR HOUSE

An uninhabitable structure built on Scotland’s Isle of Tiree by the artist Ekkehard Altenburger, this small mirrored house appears to float, nearly camouflaged by the surrounding landscape. “The idea of these houses is to create a literal reflection of the environment around them.” The sculptor finds great inspiration in architecture and the environment. He uses heavy materials like steel and stone in his pieces. Altenburger looked create a blurred line between the constructed building and the natural environment. The simple structure is inspiring and resembles a shed which is how it caught my eye.

 

I then looked at biomorphic structures that already exist as this would fit into the context of the landscape. I wouldn’t like to design something that would stand out too much, as I don’t want to ruin the beautiful views.

Biomorphic structure research

I took out the book “Biomorphic Structures” by Asterios Agkathidis from the library and found some very interesting examples and descriptions of biomorphic structures in the real world and where they come from.

 

“A creative synthesis bridging the gap between surrealism and abstract art.”

– Goethe, talking about biomorphism

 

Examples

 

 

El Peix, Passaig Martim de la Barcelona – Frank Gehry (golden fish structure)

 

 

 

 

Recumbent Figure – Henry Moore (female figure)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curved Form (Trefalgan) – Dame Barbara Hepworth (inspired by the hill near her family home, named Trevalgan)

 

 

 

 

 

A Star Caresses the Breast of a Negress (Painting poem) – Joan Miro

 

 

 

 

V&A Dundee – Kengo Kuma (Arbroath Cliffs)

 

 

 

 

La Sagrada Familia – Antoni Gaudi (bones, stalagmites/tites)

 

 

 

Existing biomorphic models

 

A model showing the contrasts between the different heights occurring naturally – hills and valleys.

 

 

 

Exploring the form of flowers to make a geometric enclosure.

The top right image shows a panel in comparison to a person.

 

 

 

The Golden Ratio

The form giving algorithm, discovered by Pythagoras, that occurs in spiral structures, such as: shells and flower heads. It has been used to establish the proportions of many man-made structures, such as the Parthenon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Golden Ratio in Greek architecture was used to determine pleasing dimensional relationships between the width of a building and it’s height, the size of the portico and even the position of the columns supporting the structure.

 

Site ideas

I looked to Tentsmuir and the possibility of different sites as there are many vast views that I feel are important to capture from my “shed.”

Site 1

Site 1 is hidden within the trees to provide shelter. This will also mean that the shelter won’t be in a windy spot, therefore will be warmer. It will not be accessible to people in wheelchairs and people with low mobility due to the hills and the path being very small. For building the shed, I would need to flatten the ground and possibly move trees in order to erect the structure. I would prefer not to do this as it would ruin animal’s habitats and disrupt the landscape. Therefore, I do not think this location is right for my design.

Site 2

The second site I have considered is a lot more accessible for different types of people. I like this idea the best as it allows people to see the view across the River Tay and into the forest, whilst also providing shelter.

Site 3

The last site idea is accessible to more people as it is next to the road. This means it will be better for tourists and will also be easier to build due to the site being accessible by car. I will think about this when choosing my final site as it is important not to ruin the landscape.

I will make sure to continue my research as I go with this project to help me gather more ideas. This will also help me when it comes to making final decisions.

 

During “development” research…

Tectonic Architecture

Tectonics in architecture is defined as “the science or art of construction, both in relation to use and artistic design.”

It is concerned with the modelling of material to bring the material into presence.

Tectonic architecture is “additive” – you’re creating and defining space by adding elements that contain it. This type is usually dominated by planar/linear elements (in the case of models: paper boards, wooden sticks, etc.).

Examples of tectonic architecture

Stereotomic Architecture

Stereotomic architecture is “subtractive” – you carve into something to create a space. This type of model is usually entirely made of solid, chunky materials.

Examples of stereotomic architecture

 

Material experimentation

Concrete

• Concrete blocks are ideal for foundations and basement walls because they are stronger than poured concrete.
• Soundproof
• Good insulation
• Fire resistant
• Modern/trendy
• Long lasting

Wood

• Renewable
• Charred wood siding – beautiful finish and protects from insects and the weather without the use of chemicals
• Can be sourced ethically
• Chemical sealing can be harmful to health
• Could grow mould and fungus
• May need recoated with varnish after a few years
• Can shrink/expand/warp due ti climate
• Colours can fade
• Can stain

Metal cladding

• Durable/low maintenance
• Can last decades
• Weatherproof
• No mould
• Insect proof
• Fire proof
• Mining – not environmentally friendly
• Can be bought and recycled
• Can dent easily
• Expensive
• Can shrink/expand/warp in heat

Stone

• Durable and long lifespan
• Expansive range of stone types, colours, and formats
• Complimentary to other materials
• Various finishes
• Insulating
• Weatherproof
• Fire proof
• Can be scratch and abrasion resistant
• Can increase property value
• Labour extensive
• Expensive
• Needs to be sealed for protection
• Needs to be installed professionally

Tar paper (roofing)

• Heavy duty paper used in construction
• Impregnating paper, fiberglass mat and tar
• Made from recycling paper products
• Traditionally used for shed roofing

Copper

• Attractive
• Durable (50 years +)
• Fire resistant
• Mildew resistant
• Noisy
• Energy resistant (reflects light)
• Expensive
• Quick installation
• Expands/shrinks/warps due to temperature