Vandusen Gardens: Frame Construction - Post and Beam
Designed by Perkins+Will, this sustainable structure houses
the Visitors Center at the VanDusen Gardens in Vancouver. The design of this structure was part of the
Living Building Challenge and includes features like a timber roof covered in
vegetation, geothermal boreholes, 75-square meters of Photovoltaic panels, and
is LEED Platinum certified. With the
assistance of structural engineers, Fast+EPP complex and distinctive forms of
this structure were conceived. Through
the use of mimicry, forms of nature vegetation are translated into the forms of
the structure. Specifically the rooftop
shaped similarly to an orchid native to British Columbia.
After the decision to form the
outline of the orchid, the structural engineers divided the rooftop into 71 sections
of long panels with repeating geometric elements. Each curve of the rooftop differs from
another so spacing between beams also changings. Spacing was an important
element to consider because it is between these beams that sprinkling and other
forms of insulation are installed in order to care for the living roof. The ceiling panels, attaching to the posts,
were fabricated prior into modular pieces and later craned into place on
site.
This unique interpretation of this
structural system creates a seamless transition from the gardens to the
Visitors Center. The attention to each
beam and its thickness allowed for the posts to appear very minimal, not to
diminish the quality of openness. Selection of the timber for the structure’s
main material in combination with the variation in curves of the beams allowed
for the structure’s form to appear organic.
One portion of the structure that is visually pleasing is the uniformity
of the posts in comparison with the irregularity of geometry in other portions
of the structure. How the beams were
curved also controls the visitors’ view of the surrounding landscape. What is
most impressive about this structure is despite the slight variations (position,
angle, height) creates continuity and exudes the beauty of the surroundings.
Fabricator StructureCraft
Designers Perkins + Will Canada
Location Vancouver
Date of
Completion
October 2011
Material
Glulam,
FSC-certified plywood, thermal insulation and vapor
barrier, thermal barrier, mineral wool, fabric, moisture barrier
Bricktopia: Thin Shell
Map13’s pavilion was intentionally placed in the courtyard
of a former factory district. Architects
aimed to create a public space where performances could take place inside the
structure. To create such a visually interesting
a varying form, the form of the interior was constructed initially. The bricks were then placed around this
form. Just as the constructional method
brings together both contemporary methods and traditional, the placement of the
structure in the courtyard creates a playful juxtaposition between the
structure and the surrounding buildings.
It brings together influence from past and present cultures in order to
create an innovative multipurpose space.
This curved form lends itself to an inviting atmosphere as opposed to
utilizing convectional rectilinear structures.
What is interesting about this structure is the way it
interacts with the architecture surrounding it.
Bricktopia’s openings allow for small moments where the details of the
buildings in the courtyard are visible.
This is significant because these buildings are also constructed out of
brick. Openings allow for light to
penetrate into the space while additionally providing a focus on the
details. The irregular form permits for
the interior space to be multifunctional while barriers allow for separation if
necessary for the particular use. Various heights create a hierarchy of space
and in areas that are meant for visitors to be seated the height is lowered.
Designers Map13
Location Barcelona, Spain
Date of Completion June 2013
Material Brick
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