Coastal Studio works with buildings that have unique and discrete construction processes. The structures themselves are lean, the process is critical and nuanced, and innovation is necessary as there is no convention to adopt. Conventional construction has valuable lessons, but is more difficult to read and observe than it is to analyse lean and innovative construction. Models of an innovative building process emphasise structural and architectural performance; observation and testing are critical to the development of new construction methods. The various models built for our projects are observed and read closely. Each is only a partial representation of reality – models over-represent certain aspects so that readings and observations of folds and adjustments can lend direction to redesign. Each model adds valuable information. At the same time, each model adds variable information. Often models conflict. It is up to the designer to negotiate this diversity of readings in order to interpret a best possible path, and to anticipate and negotiate a realised project.
That said, these projects themselves are 1:1 models of an untypical and commercially untested construction method and a not yet easily sourced wood product. It is for these reasons, plus the circumstances of their making as a studio project, that reinforce their model status at the same time as they fufill a program, meet health and safety rules, insurance, maintenance and public use. Today, models are definitely closer simulations than they were in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. And, engineering theory is starting to exploit wood’s complex nature. Imagine counting on the structure of grain travelling twenty metres — a principle known by carpenters now expanded to a scale previously unimagined. It is here that the students working with me start to perceive the nature of materials for this century. Innovate by understanding materials, working with carpenters. At the same time, work with engineers to understand light-weight structures. It produces true prototypes, not yet efficient in terms of process but definitely a sustainable practice in terms of material. n
all images:dalcoastalstudio.com
above, from the top: The plan shows the building fitting into the landscape. The 300m 2 grid shell roof will shelter a theatre and reception area. It flows into landscaped berms to the north and south. Gabions create an amphitheatre in the steep mountainside to the east. Larger concerts are held in the meadow to the west. Curved 350mm heavily-reinforced concrete walls were built the first summer and stood Serra-like through the first winter. A huge 1:4 model was tested by suspending sand-bags from each node. This helped the engineer verify the computer model. The model was allowed to recover between tests. above left, from the top: A light, open-web stainless steel truss ties the wood shell to the concrete walls. The wood lath is formed into two gridded mats attached at the nodes. Unlike the Farmers Market, the laths were draped individually over a two-and-a half storey scaffold. The shell will be clad in sheet aluminum.
On Site review 35 : the material culture of architecture
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