Tree House - Classroom Concept - Clip On

Taalman and Koch have proposed 2 competition entries to address adaptable classrooms. below is an example of their proposal. I want to embrace the design philosophy explored within their classroom designs, and tailor it to suit New Zealand construction/assembly principles and technology. It can be argued that these classroom designs have placed too much emphasis on construction feasibility, speed and flexibility, at the expensive of student comfort and sense of place. The strong links between outdoor and indoor learning environments is a particularly strong aspect to the Tree House concept.

Taalman Koch Architecture - The iT House

Similar to the Cellophane and Loblolly Houses by Kieran and Timberlake, Taalman and Koch have created a houses concept which uses an interlocking structural, prefabricated fixtures and individualised panels. Great precedent for me in terms of detailing and philosophy.


http://www.tkithouse.com/

http://www.facebook.com/itHouse

Source: http://imagesme.net/igreenspot/prefab-it-house1.jpg

Draft - Case Studies Research

A quick presentation to run over key case studies which are to be focussed on in my case studies chapter

First Light - Complete Time Lapse - Construction + Assembly First Trial

This video provides a full break down into how the modules for first light were constructed. The video reveals that a mix of assembly and traditional construction methods were used. It clearly shows the heirarchy of elements, components and sub-assemblies.

First Light - On Site Time Lapse

This video is very helpful, providing understanding into how the building is assembled and disassembled.

Kieran and Timberlake - Loblolly House 2

Key points discussed:

Off the Shelf Extrusions + Traditional timber structure
Catergorised each element
Hybrid system - allows large spans to be created
Modified connectors + custom fabricated connectors for better structural performance
Smart cartridges - floor and ceiling panels which are pre loaded full of tech (services, wiring, communications)
Blocks - 3 main blocks - bathroom and mechanical room - fabricated offsite with the equipment in, full finished
Dumb cartridges - 2 storey panels with windows, insulation and skin installed and plugged onto structure
70% off site built
6 weeks onsite assembly + 5-6 weeks in factory (simultaneous construction)
BIM modelled allowed certainty for prefab to occur, otherwise would not have had the design confidence

source: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/15.01/images/animation2.gif

Kieran and Timberlake - Loblolly House - Modular, Prefab, Disassembly

Key Aspects discussed:

Light contact with the earth
Modelled entirely within BIM, where the confidently resolved all key issues and clashes
Bosch aluminium extrusions
Integrated assemblies of each element
Key idea was to establish a scaffold based system - flexible and strong
Digital fabrication techniques utilised 3D model for accuracy
Interesting challenge - taking high tolerance bosch strut and the interface that with low tech wooden piles
Control tolerance and add accuracy from the ground up (timber piles to aluminium frames)
integration of leading edge technology and scope - to find a better more efficient way to build
Everything is accessible and simple on site = easy and stress free

PREBUILT - Australian Prefab and Modular Company

http://www.prebuilt.com.au/index.php

The company supplies various "standard" kit homes, which are modular and low risk for the client.

Some of their work was showcased on Grand Designs Australia, Season 1, where they were able to show off their talents in a multi-million dollar, bespoke modular project. The components were trucked across the country and came together on site without a hitch.

Modular School - Time Lapse Construction Sequence