Group Site Analysis (other group members are Promina Islam & Leena Nashman): https://baarchitecture.padlet.org/prominaislam/1qybqz9l1y52dk0c
Stone cleits, which are a type of stone hut, is very significant to the islands of St. Kilda and the history of the island (See more information on the shared padlet). Therefore, I would like to bring elements of the cleits into the design of my rural enterprise.
These maps once again show the very steep hill that the site is located on. They also show that there is a road that goes through the site, which I need to take into consideration when planning the layout.
After drawing a site section of my initial idea, it was clear this would not work. Placing the cabins on one line would mean there would have to be a 20 meter stone wall to make them all be at the same level. Therefore, I used my site model to play around with different ways that the difference housing units could be layed out instead. I have to decided to base my new plan layout on the image in the bottom left corner. I feel this is the layout that makes the most sense, as the individual cabins will still be close to each other, but following the topography in a much more natural way. The three buildings placed in a line will be the honey production rooms, and therefore don't need as much sunlight, meaning they can be placed behind on another.
Site Topography Model 1:1000
Every new level indicates an increase of 5 meters. This means that there is a quite a significant change in levels between the top layer and bottom layer, of 80 meters. This model helps me in understanding different potential layouts for my enterprise, as the topography levels are now easy to visualize.
Every new level indicates an increase of 5 meters. This means that there is a quite a significant change in levels between the top layer and bottom layer, of 80 meters. This model helps me in understanding different potential layouts for my enterprise, as the topography levels are now easy to visualize.
Building in windy environments
Rima Taher, NJIT architecture professor, recommends the following for anyone building in high wind regions:
- Design buildings with square, hexagonal or even octagonal floor plans. "Such designs reduce wind loads," she said.
- Roofs with multiple slopes such as a four-sloped hip roof perform better under wind forces than gable roofs with two slopes. Research and testing show that a 30-degree roof slope has the best results, she said.
- Aim for strong connections between the structure and foundation. An elevated structure on an open foundation reduces the risk of damage from flooding and storm-driven water (NJIT, 2008).
Rima Taher, NJIT architecture professor, recommends the following for anyone building in high wind regions:
- Design buildings with square, hexagonal or even octagonal floor plans. "Such designs reduce wind loads," she said.
- Roofs with multiple slopes such as a four-sloped hip roof perform better under wind forces than gable roofs with two slopes. Research and testing show that a 30-degree roof slope has the best results, she said.
- Aim for strong connections between the structure and foundation. An elevated structure on an open foundation reduces the risk of damage from flooding and storm-driven water (NJIT, 2008).
This environment map shows the vegetation and surface type on the island of Hirta. It shows that most of the land that is part of the given sites from the brief is grassland. The heather grassland and improved grassland means that it is possible to grow crops and have sheep living in the areas.
Average climate in St Kilda