Site Analysis and Design: bringing order to the chaos

Here is a typical 'Site Analysis' for a multifamily project on a land consolidation of 6 lots.

Messy isn't it. All these apparently chaotic site influences are considered together as you find the priorities for setting the design direction on a project. The environmental issues were:

• The sun's path relative to the site;
• Trees that should be kept
• Landscape screening that should be retained
• The site topography and the surface features
• Cooling breezes and unpleasant winds
• Noise producers and neighbourhood privacy
• Nearby heritage building
• Traffic movement around the site
• Pedestrian access to adjacent transport
• Overshadowing from others and over neighbours
• Opportunity for views (especially long distance) 

Below is the design solution that fitted the City's setback and density restraints along with considering the commercial reality of creating an attractive development that would suit the community. The commercial design issues for fast 'absorbtion' were:

• Apartment size
• Quality of finish
• Sunlight in living spaces
• Cross ventilation in apartments
• Bed / ensuite number and ratio
• Highlighting available views
• Common facilities
• Privacy
• Parking to apartment ratio
• Strata costs
• Long term maintenance
• Elevators and access (especially as occupants get older)

CNC a Game Changer for Canadian Timber

A beautiful, though time consuming, log timber corner detail 

A 'welded timber' structural frame junction detail.

Computer numerical control CNC machines are now being commonly used in the cutting and construction detailing of heavy timber frame members. The machine's incredible accuracy allows huge pre-cut timber components to line up perfectly on site.

This construction detail is created using a CNC machine to cut the slots, with perforated steel and glue used as connectors. (This junction method was successfully tested by a dedicated European PhD engineering student over a five year period).

In this example, the joining of column and roof frame members will become invisible and very strong. The model shows the perforated steel plate protruding from the column which would slide into the pre-cut rafter member slots. The glue actually welds the timber together and the holes in the steel act as dowells, keeping the steel rigidly fixed.

The cost effective connection is so strong that it is deemed a 'moment' connection, meaning the loads from the roof are directly and efficiently transferred to the columns without movement or rotation.

The system eliminates the need for visible fixing plates and bolts and can be used to create very sleek heavy timber designs. The ability to make accurate, complex, fire rated exposed timber junctions using the CNC machine, could well be a game changer for the wood industry here in Canada. 

An Australian in Whistler

In this Whistler home for a local Structural Engineer, the budget and site called for a disciplined design approach.

In Canada, there are recognised styles for homes such as "West Coast Contemporary" (angular roofs, stepped rectangular wall forms and exposed timber); "Craftsman" (contempory interpetations of Californian homes from the 1920s-30s with big roof overhangs); "Tudor" and the 1970's Vancouver Special", amongst others.

A new style is emerging here. It has a simple form; efficient floor layout; and creates drama through structural expression and vertical space. Due its design influences, the outcome is termed "Australian Modernism".

It is appropriate that the first such home is built in Whistler, BC, because as any Aussie snowboarder will tell you, Whistler is the Canadian capital of Australia.

More on the 'Profile Against the Sky'

Visiting a local church in full youth-ministry-craft-mode this week, I was reminded how a building's profile against the sky remains a key architectural element.

The young people had created two room length artworks, painted with a continuous skyline of buildings. The buildings were simple and colourful and effectively showed where in the world they were and the scale and the feeling created.

In these sketches of Montmarte, Paris and more recently, Bilbao, Spain, great Architects let their building's profile and colour create the place and emotion.

Montmarte creates a pure tone for reflection to the Paris skyline with its soft white dome shape suggesting a compassionate author.

In contrast, Frank Gehry's museum in Bilbao creates anticipation even as you emerge from the distant train station. When seen from there, its humourous reference to the agitation of an excited school of fish creates a skyline that causes you walk faster, attracted to the centre of activity.

In both cases, the materials and colours chosen help to strengthen the intent. In particular, Gehry's use of shiney titanium cladding contrasting against the stone base really worked.

Chinese Friendly Space

WRONG



RIGHT

Something that the Western culture loves, needs to be avoided when designing for your chinese client: big, beautiful exposed beams.

It is very Canadian (especially in the snow chalets of Whistler), to have expressive timber beams running through a space, in the kitchen, over a dining area or through a lounge room and even in the bedroom.

This is not acceptable to the Chinese client who experiences these beams as 'knives', dangerous elements that could cut you through anytime. Added to this, for Chinese, the beams create a visual heaviness that gives an overall feeling of an 'oppressive' space.

Design and the functional Church (eight Fs)

Form                

Creating a warm light

Find  your way  

Calming entrance is clear

Focus

Consider space for reflection and song

Front to back

Close to the speaker and each other

Foyer

Chance to enjoy each other

Food

Central kitchen creating family

Functions

Campus of activities for all

Financial

Challenges allowing faith to flourish   

Using technology to save money

Inexpensive galvanised steel sheets were laser cut and used as infil panels to this steel and timber stair.

After designing the sheet freehand (in the office), the manufacturer converted the drawing into a computer file which directly controlled the laser cutting machine.

Extra length was provided at each end of the border to ensure a snug fit on site. The panels were then simply screwed on to a pre-welded edge bar on the handrail support posts.

As the Architect's proverb says: tight budgets enforce creativity.

Movies and the Art of Masterplanning

You enter the movie theatre and scan the room.

Three questions arise:
1. What is the best distance to be from the screen?
2. What seats are taken?
3. How likely is 'big hair' going to mess up my view?

You make a decision where to sit.
Behold, you are a Masterplanner.

























Masterplanning in the built world is just like that. Only, the issues are all about sunlight, fresh air, views and shelter.

Now, like a masterchef, add to your analysis an artisitc concept that will give identity, beauty and coherence to the whole (and make it easy to find your way around) and the cake should come out just right.

More on using the space under the stair

What would a romantic castle be without a secret panel leading to a regal powder room?

The stair paneling provided perfect camouflage for this new amenity in the heritage building.

 

When is a shed a little more?

When is a storage shed not just a shed? When it is integrated in a way that highlights the joy of a natural material. 

Simple utility can be design opportunity. This is the space under an external staircase that was designed to be a useful component to a multifamily development. 

The steps and threshold (under the store doors) are completed using 2" thick yellow sandstone. The carefully aligned visible nails are round headed durable stainless steel. 

Using the sun's heat to cool your home.

There are two principles at work on this hillside site. Hot air rises and the temperature below ground remains constant, a few metres down. Add to this the natural air conditioning provided by pulling air across a well placed water feature. 

On a hot dry day a cool breeze will flow through the home, using the convection created by the afternoon sun. This will prepare the space ready for you to get a good night's sleep.

Home or Prototype?

For Architects, houses can be prototypes where you get to think through design ideas and have them built. This can firmly establish your goals, understanding and design aesthetic.

Regular interaction with the Builder and his trades at this level gives you layers of experience regarding thinking through construction techniques and possibilities.

A sound base of architectural house design provides confidence for when the projects grow bigger.

Starting to Understand your Chinese Customer

Strange as it seems, Mandarin and Cantonese actually have the same written language, but completely different pronunciation.

With written Chinese there are two versions: ‘Traditional’ and ‘Simplified’. The simplified version was brought in with the advent of the communist government in China, while the traditional version may be more commonly used in other countries. Some Chinese people feel strongly attached to one version or the other.

Heritage Match Up

The way to retain beautiful old city buildings and yet enable them to achieve greater use has been debated by at least one whole generation of Architects and City Planners. In this example the multi-use city church's building facade became the visual base and design generator of the 17 storey building.

The overall form of the mid rise mixed use building was restricted to maintain the sun to the park behind. The massing was generated by uses at various levels. In effect, it was broken down into five components.

• The historic base (including a new sanctuary) 
• The school for international students (with roof top garden)
• The university (two blocks)
• The city residences (one block) 
• The boardroom and penthouse apartment

The increased yield on the site enables the heart of the church to survive and become integrated within the new use.

Transport interchange = foot traffic = commercial success

This is a bus and train transport 'interchange' twin-building proposal we designed that aimed to link a regional NSW city hospital on one side of the railway with the commercial centre on the other side. It will require the agreement of around twenty land owners, state rail and the city to move forward.

It is now a matter of making the numbers work, and encouraging the various commercial land owners to either sell or take a stake in the project. The development will revitalise a struggling area of town because of the simple equation: Secure transport interchange = large numbers of relaxed foot traffic = retail and commercial success.

Working now in land assembly here in Vancouver, I get to help owners join in this city renewal process.

Latest Design Panels

These are the latest design panels created to demonstrate possibilities in multifamily construction in British Columbia.

Commercial Real Estate in Canada - seeing the forest and the trees

The properties of British Columbia have great value and potential, especially when neighbouring properties work together to form  large parcels of land which can be effectively developed. 

Acting as a commercial land broker, I specifically look for land owners who would like to share in the profit from the development process by selling a large parcel of land or who are happy to join forces with their neighbours and sell together.

I also come alongside buyers who want to develop land and help them decide on the right building type so that their ideas will fit the needs of a new community and therefore sell well. 

It should have been obvious I guess, but it turns out that a being a foreign Architect really helps in seeing all sorts of possibilities as a land broker and development consultant.  

I get to see the forest and the trees.

The Net of the Crescent Moon

Competition entry for new city center site in Semiahmoo (which can be translated as 'Crescent Moon'), just outside Vancouver.

The opening in the building follows the path of the setting sun so that we get as much of it as possible. I always enjoy a challenge...fitting a penthouse style apartment plan in this organic plan shape was great fun.

The curved plan surrounds a water feature which becomes a public skating rink in Winter.

Sir Torrens the Aussie saves you from the Knight.

Real Estate Title in Western Canada introduced in 1860 through an Aussie.

Robert Richard Torrens, from solid Irish stock, was a South Australian customs officer who believed that the ownership registration of ships could be applied to the ownership interests in land. So the Torrens System 'guaranteeing' title (known as indefeasibility) was born.  He earned a knighthood for that stroke of genius.

Sir Torren's work means that if you bought your property for a fair price in good faith you can relax in the knowledge that you own the title to the land, even if something dodgy happened in the past.

It would be terrible to think that the Knight returning home from the crusade (the actual owner) could kick you out because someone tricked you.

Thankfully, our weary and somewhat angry Knight should be looked after by the 'Assurance Fund', and you can sleep at night.

Simple Space Saving Timber Stair

Making good use of the space under the stair

The small footprint of this simple stair provides useful storage (on the left) as well as providing a sense of separation or privacy to the downstairs bathroom behind.

The closed stringer in timber and the contrasting stainless steel handrail give a clean architectural look, while the stretched sailcloth light fitting and the tensioned rigging balustrading add to the nautical reference of this seaside home. In Canada, the rigging wound be replaced with glass for compliance.

The timbers used were: Stairs (and floor) in Tasmanian Oak, an Australian hardwood; the sliding door to right was Myrtle (an excellent furniture timber) and contrasting Jarrah (deep red timber colour) was used for the internal doors, skirtings, sills and architarves. 

The colour palette provided by the timbers and steel allowed the walls to be a neutral white.

 

It Really is All About Light

It really is all about light. Ask yourself, where is the sun...can I surprise someone by bringing light in where it never was? In this example, light was brought from the sunny northern sky (southern hemisphere project) to the south side entrance hall. This made the inside brighter than the shaded porch entrance outside - making the building glow.

 

Church Building Design - Excellence and Elegance

Christians agree that a church building is not God's 'temple on earth' as in the times before Christ. It is understood that God is worshiped whenever and wherever the human heart turns to Him. 

However, a church building is a uniquely important space where life memories are made. 

A church building is a venue where...

an extended family celebrate God together & move towards the Cross of Jesus

where an outsider is welcomed and invited to belong

where the love between a man and a woman is deeply honoured

where new life is protected and delighted in

where life plans are discovered and commitments made

where closure (after a life is completed) begins

At its best, a new church building is more than a 'tool for mission' like an auditorium or converted gymnasium.

It is a place of  life's most significant moments. Those life moments are often photographed and always remembered. Think of the procession of a bride and her father.

Annandale Uniting Church heritage facade 

and proposed additions at rear

History is made in the sports arena, at the university graduation hall, even at Starbucks, but it is uniformly made at church. This insists that a church building be a work of Architecture expressing values, hope and daily faith.

A work of Architecture reflects its place in time, so a new church building will use the materials, methods and technology commonly available at the time of construction, giving it a contemporary temperament.

As both an informal meeting place with many functions and a venue of contemplation, formality and excellence, the building outcome could legitimately be called quiet contemporary elegance.

Design Rules

Set up the tight rules of the concept then find solutions within the agreed limited palette.

Nothing is permitted to disrupt the steel ceiling so the air conditioning and the lighting needed to be handled creatively. Practical aspects are also included: Having wall uplights make the changing of bulbs simple and the lower level a/c outlets in the joinery are more efficient (because hot air rises)