Sketch model 1
As I was unsure about what the best window placement would be, I made two sketch models to test it out. The photo on the left shows a model with the windows placed directly opposite from each other, whereas in the model on the right the windows are placed in two different spots. By making these models and shining a light from the same direction, I saw that the window placement in model 2 was more effective. Placing the windows diagonally meant that more sunlight entered the room. Therefore, that is the design I want to carry into my final floorplans.
Initial ideas of space layout and different design ideas
Figure 1. I set out the different elements that I thought would be important to include in the design of my rural enterprise. They are all things that I needed to consider in designing a space for bee keeping. After a tutorial, I concluded that sheep were not necessary to think about, as the habitants could grow/produce their food in other ways.
Figure 2. Following the element layout I created a spatial plan, to get a better visualization of the different rooms needed. It is important to me that every individual gets their own room with bathroom, as there will be a need for a private space considering the limited amount of things to do on the island. However, every other space will be common. There will be a common kitchen, along with common outdoor areas where food (such as vegetables) can be harvested, and also where bees can collect their nectar.
Figure 3 & 4. After doing research on the house shapes most suitable for very windy climates, I concluded that a triangular shape would be best, as this creates the best protection from wind. I sketched a few different ways this could be done, and got a better understanding of how rooms could be layed out. I also explored the foundation of the houses. To relate back to the history of St. Kilda I want to incorporate elements of the cliets into the design. I will do this by creating a stone gabion foundation, which help stabilize the houses that are placed on a very uneven ground, but it will also be a relation back to the stone cliets that are found around the island.
Figure 5. Using Illustrator I created a few different mass models to explore different ideas. One of my initial ideas was that I wanted a modular design. With a potential for the enterprise to expand over time, I felt that it was important to design a modular concept, where more houses could easily be added on if more people were to move to the island. I tested different shapes, to see what would make most sense in terms of putting them together and laying the out in a logical manner on the island. I concluded that the cubes would not be possible, as houses would be facing in opposite directions, meaning that one side would be completely blocked from sunlight. I also found that the pyramids would not work very well, as this shape would mean there would be a very big loss of space due to 4 slanted walls. I therefore decided to continue with the triangular shape, which works for several reasons such as fitting with the modularity concept and also adapting to the climate of the island.
Figure 2. Following the element layout I created a spatial plan, to get a better visualization of the different rooms needed. It is important to me that every individual gets their own room with bathroom, as there will be a need for a private space considering the limited amount of things to do on the island. However, every other space will be common. There will be a common kitchen, along with common outdoor areas where food (such as vegetables) can be harvested, and also where bees can collect their nectar.
Figure 3 & 4. After doing research on the house shapes most suitable for very windy climates, I concluded that a triangular shape would be best, as this creates the best protection from wind. I sketched a few different ways this could be done, and got a better understanding of how rooms could be layed out. I also explored the foundation of the houses. To relate back to the history of St. Kilda I want to incorporate elements of the cliets into the design. I will do this by creating a stone gabion foundation, which help stabilize the houses that are placed on a very uneven ground, but it will also be a relation back to the stone cliets that are found around the island.
Figure 5. Using Illustrator I created a few different mass models to explore different ideas. One of my initial ideas was that I wanted a modular design. With a potential for the enterprise to expand over time, I felt that it was important to design a modular concept, where more houses could easily be added on if more people were to move to the island. I tested different shapes, to see what would make most sense in terms of putting them together and laying the out in a logical manner on the island. I concluded that the cubes would not be possible, as houses would be facing in opposite directions, meaning that one side would be completely blocked from sunlight. I also found that the pyramids would not work very well, as this shape would mean there would be a very big loss of space due to 4 slanted walls. I therefore decided to continue with the triangular shape, which works for several reasons such as fitting with the modularity concept and also adapting to the climate of the island.
Sketch Technical Model of Housing Units 1:50