Project Brief
The primary objective of this project was to design a sustainable, community-centered multi-use building in an urban setting. The goal was to enhance social engagement, cultural integration, and environmental sustainability while addressing the social, economic, and environmental needs of the Plymouth community. The design aimed to foster spaces that encourage interaction, learning, and relaxation.
Design Intentions
The project addressed key challenges by:
- Improving urban connectivity with pedestrian-friendly, accessible walkways.
- Encouraging cultural engagement through flexible spaces that support local businesses and community activities.
- Promoting green urbanism by utilizing sustainable materials and eco-friendly systems.
- Generating economic opportunities by providing adaptable spaces for local enterprises and community events.
The approach focused on integrating flexibility, adaptability, and sustainability throughout the design, ensuring that spaces could easily evolve over time to meet changing community needs.
Key Design Features
- Ground Floor – Pivot Market
The ground floor was designed as a dynamic market space inspired by traditional Moroccan souks. The flexible layout features movable partition walls that can be reconfigured every six months, creating a sense of exploration. This space supports local artisans and small businesses by offering adaptable stalls, promoting community interaction and economic growth.
- First Floor – Multipurpose Rooms
The first floor features configurable rooms designed for workshops, classes, and social gatherings. These spaces are equipped with modular elements and acoustic panels, allowing them to accommodate various activities. Open communal seating areas provide a space for relaxation and overlook the vibrant market below.
- Rooftop – Greenhouse Café
The top floor is a greenhouse café that combines leisure with urban agriculture. It provides a serene environment for relaxation, surrounded by locally grown plants. The café uses sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient glazing, supporting urban agriculture. Revenue from the café and produce sales helps subsidize market stall rentals, encouraging small businesses.
Sustainability and Material Strategy
A key focus of the project was the use of sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the building’s performance and longevity. The selection of materials was driven by a commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and the integration of eco-friendly practices.
– Timber and Glulam:
The primary structural material used was glulam (glued laminated timber), which offers high strength-to-weight ratios while being more sustainable than concrete or steel. Timber is renewable, has a lower embodied carbon footprint, and sequesters carbon throughout its lifecycle. Additionally, using glulam allowed for the creation of large, open spaces without the need for bulky support columns, providing greater flexibility in the design.
– Wood Fiber Insulation:
For thermal insulation, wood fiber was chosen due to its natural properties, including excellent heat retention and moisture control. This type of insulation is sustainable and biodegradable, reducing reliance on synthetic materials that can be harmful to the environment. It also improves indoor air quality by reducing the risk of mold and condensation.
– Limecrete Flooring:
Limecrete was selected for the flooring system due to its breathability, which helps regulate indoor humidity levels, enhancing comfort. Unlike traditional concrete, limecrete has a significantly lower carbon footprint and can be easily recycled at the end of its life. Its porous nature makes it an ideal choice for integrating underfloor heating systems, contributing to energy efficiency.
– Double-Glazed Glass:
The project utilized double-glazed glass to optimize natural light penetration while minimizing heat loss. This glazing system enhances energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting and maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. It also provides acoustic insulation, improving the overall comfort of the spaces.
– Recycled and Locally Sourced Materials:
Where possible, materials were sourced locally to reduce transportation emissions and support regional industries. Recycled components were integrated into non-structural elements, such as partitions and furniture, to further reduce waste.
Key Learning Outcomes
Throughout this project, I developed expertise in:
- Applying sustainable materials and construction methods that align with environmental goals.
- Leveraging adaptive design principles to create versatile, multifunctional spaces.
- Enhancing community engagement through thoughtful space planning that integrates cultural and social elements.
- Utilizing advanced construction materials like glulam, wood fiber insulation, and limecrete to improve both sustainability and occupant comfort.
- Implementing eco-friendly technologies like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient glazing to reduce the building’s environmental impact.