Category Archives: Dunster

Friday morning was an early start the students from Chichester and Hazelwick College were joined with AT student her in University of brighton.While everyone is preparing for the presentation and waiting for the model to come Laura and I printed out the A1 poster to ensure it is perfectly fine and nothing is missing. We displayed our poster into the board first which then followed by the model brought by Sam straight from Chichester College and placed on a position where the audience can see the model on different angles.

When the model arrived there are still some finishing to do to present the model properly, for example the material attached to the raised roof that provides lighting for the entire building. The actual material we will used on the real cabin is tarpaulin therefore we used tracing paper around the opening part to represent it. Moreover due to limited time the proper stands for the canopy didn’t get to me made therefore we improvised to have a reasonable size stand just to show that it does open up. Furthermore we printed our solar panels onto scale to represent the right numbers and energy source to be collected for the cabin. Externally the model is reasonable done however due to the limited time we didn’t get to do anything for the interior design and furniture for the cabin.

After all the alteration to improve the model we then started preparing for the presentation. We had a little meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page and will know what to say if being asked or to share ideas while presenting. We then started the presentation with an introduction of the group and begun to explain how we came up with the whole idea and giving out information for the entire Eco-cabin, we all provided our own knowledge about the model as a whole a we helped each other out while presenting. I believe that the presentation was very successful there are some positive and negative feedback’s from the audience however this will all be for the Eco-cabin’s improvement our design can still be developed to be more efficient and sustainable.

Further in the day while the other groups are presenting their projects and while listening to the audiences feedback’s I had gained a lot of information and understanding with the other options of how our Eco-cabin’s self efficiency and sustainability could be improved. Each projects have lots of advantages and disadvantages as a whole which can still be improved on therefore while listening to each others presentation we learn from each other to improve our work. There are lots of alternative materials that I would’ve replaced to be used on our Eco-cabin design for example insulation and cladding to increase its environmentally friendly features. Over all I was pleased with the end results from our efforts working as a group from Monday it was a great way to gain experience of having an actual project with group of people with the same aim until the end of the project.

On Thursday AT students stayed in University of Brighton and the other students stayed in their colleges. Before I left Chichester College last night I ask our module leader if I can go back the next day to help Sam from Chichester to work on the model however the group needed extra hand with research and sketches therefore I stayed in the University which gave same additional time to work on the model on his own. Haroon was also helping us for further research on his precedence studies to provide good examples where we got the ideas for the Eco-cabin.

The AT students in our group continued finalizing the model and the designs for the Eco-cabin such as materials and furniture. During the day Aidan focused on costings of the entire Eco-cabin and I helped on precedents studies. Managing the costings took longer than we thought this is because we wanted to get the most efficient products and materials for the cabin. While me and Aidan are doing the research Laura is assigned on sketches and final drawings, she produced the 3D final design drawing combine with different elevations and floor plan to have a clearer understanding for the client.

Further in the day Laura and I decided to plan out a rough layout for the A1 poster due to the limited space and to ensure every details needed are presented for the client. In addition Aidan completed the costing with the references and dimensions including everything provided for the client. At the end the rough total cost of the cabin was £6100 therefore we are in the budget which is a good sign.

During the same day Sam have mostly finished the model where most of the components are placed and included to represent their individual function from the decking up to the roofing.

Later that day we still had spare time to so more work so I had drawn sections and detailing to present and add onto the poster. After all the drawings and research done Laura started putting all the information needed onto a A1 poster to be ready the next day (Friday). Laura’s presentation and layout of the poster is how I would say on point this is because all the information is provided for easy understanding which follow through the poster. From the precedence studies to costing management and to the model making.

On Wednesday we travelled to Chichester College to join the students along with the Hazelwick College students for model making. Sam and Charlie started making the model from the day before (Tuesday) on scale of 1:5 they already made the external walls, and the flooring of the model there are some cut woods provided for the roof and base/foundation of the model to be made through out the day. The MDF used for the external walls and flooring were too thick therefore we decided that it reperesents the whole extenal wall including the insulation and plaster board.

During the day the intenal layout of the cabin were finalized which was then shown to the whole group for us to work on the floor plan of the model. Laura our group leader then also drew a floor plan on scale of 1:5 to have a visual idea to have a better undertand of the plan. This helped us to establish where everything will go and other elements of the eco-cabin.

Further in the day I helped Charlie and Sam manufacturing the model while Laura, Aiden and Haroon worked on further internal layouts and additional research. Before the day ended there are some developments for the model making we managed to attach the base to the flooring which represents a concrete slab for the foundation. In addition the decking of the cabin were also attached which were only screwd in 2/3 out of the cabin to represent sliding of the decking due to the difficulty of placing the mechanism onto the model. Furthermore we were able to cut out doors and windows off the external and internal walls which were also screwed in to place half open to represent opening and sliding of doors.

Before the day ended I stayed in Chichester College for a little bit to work on the model a bit more to add some additional touches. Before I left the college the roof were ready to be assembles and the canopie parts are cut which as also ready to be made and assemble. Charlie then gave instructions to Sam on what to do for the next day this is because Charlie won’t be part of the group after Wednesday.

On the 2nd day of the design week I started the day with 2 of my group mates. This is because Sam from Chichester College stayed in college to start working on the model making and Haroon from Hazelwick College also stayed in college to continue with his 6th Form studies while working on some research for the project. In the morning I started working on the Mondays blog with my other AT group mates we decided to finish the blogs as soon as we can so we can start with the research for the Eco-cabin.

After we finished the blogs we then talked about the rough design of the Eco-cabin to refresh our minds from the day before. We then then start developing the eco-cabin with its workability and all in all perfomance as a whole. We then finalized some of the materials and mechanisms for the structure.

We then start looking at the internal layout for the cabin as a group with Laura and Aiden. While we were working on the layout we came out with some examples sketches for the floor plan however we did struggle with laying out the furnitures due to limited amount of space.

Throughout the day we develop our internal layout by looking into exisiting similar products such as caravans and camping buses in this way we can apply some of the space saving furniture layouts into the cabin for example pull out and hidden furnitures. We found the research very useful in terms of kitchen and bedroom layouts the furnitures were very compact but still have enough space and function for the occupants. We then also consider that the eco-cabin will only be used for short period of time which will probably only be for a week therefore there will be fewer items and furnitures.

Furthermore another reason why we striggled with setting up the internal layout is because of the limited space left when the furnitures are place in the cabin this is because it is required to have enough space for disabled access around the cabin. For the first step of considering the movements required for wheelchair were the doors we decided to have a double door for the main entrace which also provides lighting/ventilation in the summer and sliding door for the toilet this is because it will be easier for wheelchair users to just slide the door across rather than open a door which will need a lot of openning space.

Further in the day we also talked about the external wall and other components of the cabin. Initially it was suggested to use cork for the whole insulation of the house however after further research we decided not to use it due to high cost of the material. We replaced the cork insulation idea with Kingspan insulation with 40mm thickness which is reasonable enough to keep heat in and cold temperature out of the cabin this also gave us an advantage because it allow us to eliminate minimum amout of internal space taken away. The same insulation will be then used through out the whole cabin. The final development for the eco-cabin of the day was the external cladding our group mate Charlie introduced the group a new material called Neowood. This type of material is a recycled manufactured plastic which can be finished by the desired paint or appearance, very environmentally friendly and waterproof.

Before the day ended we then finished the internal layout for the cabin. It allow enough bathroom, kitchen and bedroom space considering the wheelchair space requirements.

Group Blog –

Monday

Laura Pomfret –

Throughout the duration of the day the group incorporated all of the colleges equally and I feel that we bonded really well and produced some good ideas. Team Dunster were quick to come up with a range of ideas but we also went through the viability and buildability of the alternative ideas which enabled us to move on and decide which ideas which should follow through and which ideas would not be appropriate for this specific project.

After the presentations given by a range of different tutors or professions, we devleoped an initial concept design quickly, which I was surprised about due to just meeting some of our team members as well as working in a group with such a wide range of different ideas and perspectives on ideas. Throughout the course of the day we provided a range of quick sketches, which enabled us to develop the idea quickly, as well as communicating aspects, which could not be sufficiently explained otherwise.

Although we communicated different developments of the design through sketches some members of the team may not have understood which ideas we were going with, and therefore I feel as though there was an aspect of miscommunication with some of the team members at stages of the design. However, once drawing a final sketch at the end and incorporating all of the different ideas, everyone caught up with all of the different components and ideas, which we had decided to use within the structure. During the progression of the day, each individual had ideas and influences to incorporate within the project, which was the main aspect, which made the day successful due to the range of knowledges and initial concept designs.

Aidan Crowder

the first thing that happened was assign the groups. our groups had two students form Chichester collage and one student that came form hasilwick school and three AT students from Brighton University. the task was to make an eco friendly portable cabin home that ran of the grid.

what the group did yesterday was look at what was the most suitable/ user friendly type of portable house that fitted with the description in the brief, which stated that it had to be portable but last a minimum of ten years. we had a lecture who talked to us about container boxes, his name was John Smith. after what we heard form the lecture the group decided on the container box. the purpose that the group chose to use the container box was because they are sturdy and are built to take punishment as they are used for shipping thing around the world. adding to this the group also took in account how much a container cost. what the group found out was that they didn’t cost as mush as other materials. Containers veryred between 1500 and 800 pounds depending on where they from. Moreover they have a special metal that coats the outside of the container which gradually rusts. this rust helps protect the container on the long term. it also eliminated how we where going to build the eco cabin as a container is already pre built. we decided to use a 20 foot container to be the eco cabin. Reasons was that it could only take up about 10 meters of space for just for one cabin. and 20 foot container is about 6.1 meters long which made it more ideal for our cause.

the group went in and had a look at designs that where currently being used on container homes from around the world. by looking at these ideas the group came up with ideas that could work well for the eco cabin / home. however one of the members pointed out that the cabin had to be suitable for people with disablitys (people in wheel chairs mainly). so the everyone went and had a look at how homes where made user friendly for people with disabiltys. they where things such as height of the kitchen tables and cookers.

energy and water supply to the eco cabin was the next stage that the group looked in to. it was decided that the eco cabin was going to use solar panels to generate its energy, but we also looked at heating water solar panels so that the eco cabin would have a supply of hot water running though it. tanks are fitted at the bottom of the cabin one for waste water and one for clean fresh drinking water. they where fitted at the bottom of the cabin this was because firstly they are out sight form the occupants, secondly it reduces the chances of bacteria from growing if the sun contentiously on it. and mainly it is easier to access the tanks if they are at the bottom of the eco cabin.

Kevin Padilla –

At the start of the day AT students worked on the project as a group of three giving out initial ideas for the Eco-cabin. When the students from Chichester & Hazelwick College joined the group they weren’t really confident enough with in the group to share ideas therefore they were listening to us most of the time. However further in the day because the group have spoken and got to know each other so as a group we were working together better than earlier that day. The results of the teamwork were pretty good there are more ideas coming, the development stage was quicker and the rough idea for the Eco-cabin was finalized by the end of the day. On Monday it would’ve been better if we decided what method or we will use to make the Eco-cabin earlier that day for us to have more time to work on it as a group and to make sure everyone is on the same page. As a whole the group did very well with sharing ideas and design development to improve the Eco-cabin. The day was very productive and I think it went well.

Tuesday

Laura Pomfret –

On Tuesday, all students were at their own individual colleges and therefore we could only communicate via technology. During the duration of the day we used Whatsapp to communicate ideas as well as sending eachother images of the development of sketches as well as receiving images of the progression of the model. Haroon from Hazelwick School had a disadvantage, as he was limited to the amount of time the School had dedicated to the project on this day and therefore it was more difficult for Haroon to progress.

Kevin, Aidan and I were at the University of Brighton for the day and we focused on developing the internal layout of the structure, as well as detailing and the materials used. In my opinion this day was the least successful throughout the whole week as we tackled the limitations of the restricted space within the container. If we did this project again, I would have assigned different tasks to all three Architectural Technology students, rather than all of us focusing on the type of furniture we would use, sourcing this type of furniture and working out the internal layout. Personally I feel like this day could have been utilised better; however we did have the information required for the model-making day on Wednesday.

Aidan Crowder

the AT group from the university went to work on how the house would function these where things such as where the bed, kitchen etc would go and fit. we also started to do drawings scaled down to the size of 1:50 this proved to be very difficult because of the space in the container was so limited. we had to try many times before things started to fit in place that would work. we got most of our insprations form looking at caravans for they have to work with limited space. but we also looked at other containers homes that use the same size container as us. so to save space we decided to have the waste tank stored under the container and the rainwater tank. we also stared to look at prices for materials that where going to be placed in the container. the student from Chichester collage went and started the models main frame which was the containers main frame.  the groups main aim was to make the container user friendly, easy to assemble.

Kevin Padilla –

On Tuesday the Chichester & Hazelwick college students stayed in their college to do individual work for the Eco-cabin. The AT students stayed in University of Brighton to do extra research for the features added onto the cabin and initial sketches. During the day we kept contact with the others to keep updates especially with Sam from Chichester because of the model making. As a group we agreed to divide the research with in the AT students and Haroon from Hazelwick to gather information quicker. In addition Tuesday was more of a individual research to help the group to have a faster phase on doing the whole project. I think the day went well in terms of improving the cabin by performance and sustainability which was quicker than we thought this is because of the combined information gathered as a group before the end of the day. I think the day went very well and we worked as a group even though we are not together for the whole day. Tuesday went well because of our great communication skills to one another to keep updates if needed. Overall the day was very productive.

Wednesday

Laura Pomfret –

On Wednesday all students were at Chichester College to assist with the model making. It was so interesting for the students from different colleges to see the wide range of facilities that the college incorporated; the facilities provided enabled a high quality model. In comparison to the modelling studio at the University of Brighton, we wouldn’t have had the space to accommodate all of the students as well as the vast scale (1:5) models; therefore I feel that we were able to produce a better model within an efficient and recourseful college.

In my opinion, I also think that by constructing the models we were able to see a different side to the designing process rather than just the design of our eco-cabin on paper. We were able to physically represent and visualise our structure, which also assisted the presentation of the project to the client and tutors on Friday.

From my perspective, it was also a challenge being at a different college. Due to my unfamiliarity with model making and using timber to make a model to that vast scale, I felt like it was a challenge for me, however I did enjoy it. Due to the short period of time for this project, Aidan and I had to carry on with the costings and drawings of the structure, which I felt a few students from each group staying at the University of Brighton could have benefited our group more, as it would have been more benefitial for me to use the drawings boards and those facilities.

Aidan Crowder

the University of Brighton students went to Chichester collage to see the how the module was progressing. by going to Chichester collage the group could see how the furniture was going to fit in to the building. the module was 1 meter long and half a meter wide. and was made out of timber. as one member worked with one of the Chichester students to try and complete the module. me and a halilwick student went and completed the cost for the accessories that where going to be in the building. the cost had to be under 7000 pounds. the most expensive times where the container itself which came out to be 800 pounds and also the insulation which came to around to about 1000 pounds. but after 7 hours of researching we managed to  find materials and items that come out to be 6089 pounds left which was around 1000 pounds.once the cost was figured out the me and the haliwick student went to see how the module was progressing

Kevin Padilla –

Wednesday was suppose to be focused on model making however we were behind with some decisions of materials, methods and costing managements therefore the group decided for some to do the extra research and the others to make the model. The whole day was about catching up with research that we thought was enough and make parts of the model as much as we can. I think day was rushed and it didn’t go as well as we planned. We would’ve had more time and worked on important stuff rather than catching up with stuff we left out. Over all we did well on catching up with some stuff for the project and we didn’t get to finish making the model on the day however it was pretty productive and there are still a lot to do. Therefore before the day end we set task to each other for the next day so when we can get on with it on the start of the day.

Thursday

Laura Pomfret –

On Thursday we were back at each of our individual colleges, and in my opinion this was one of the most successful and productive days in the week. Sam from Chichester College continued with constructing the model, which he produced to a very high quality. Aidan used the day to complete the sourcing of components and materials as well as costing them, and similarly Kevin utilised the day by providing studies on precedents with similar structures and architectural purposes for containers similar to ours. Similarly to Tuesday, I felt that Haroon had a disadvantage within the project as he had a very limited amount of time within the day to spend on the project.

Personally, this day was the most productive due to the finalisation of details and aspects of the design therefore we could collaboratively bring the research, detailing, development and drawings together to produce presentable materials. As I proposed to make the A1 presentation poster on a Microsoft software, this imposed the problem of one person compiling all of the information and drawings that had been created, therefore I spent most of the evening gathering the information, details and drawings to be able to present it all in a poster format. Other groups had left the creation of their poster until Friday morning before the presentations, however I am glad that the poster was finished before Friday morning to allow for printing and final touches to the model, as well as preparation for our presentation which many other groups did not have time for.

Aidan Crowder

we where back at Brighton. while the Chicester collage students worked on the module trying to complete it for Friday. what the university of Brighton students did was complete the drawings for the presentation for the next day. we where also finalizing the  we where most concerned in how much we had used considering that we new that it would not surpass 7000 pounds. regardless we double checked to make sure that everything all added up to what we had

Kevin Padilla –

Thursday is another day where the group is split. The AT students are again focused on research and sketches, Haroon from Hazelwick is also on research team and Sam is working on the model. Thursday was very productive this is because of our team leader. The group was still behind with cost management, research and sketches therefore the group leader took action to assign us with the task and push us for the work to get it done. By the end of the day everything was done this is because we gave extra time to do more work and it was quick but the quality is good. On the same day Sam from Chichester college did a solid model making which he got it done. We would’ve had more time to work and done all the computer stuff as soon as possible so we wouldn’t have rushed everything by the last day before the presentation. The day was a great team effort and especially for team leader.

Friday

Laura Pomfret –

Friday consisted of: printing of the poster, final touches to the model, preperation for presentation, the presentation itself, as well as watching and learning from other groups projects and presentations. This day was very successful from my perspective, the poster was printed quickly and we were the first group to pin our poster up, therefore we had more time to finish the model and prepare for our presentation. Very minor additions were required for the model, such as just adding tracing paper and a couple of timber dowels to allow for the front fascia to be propped open.

Before the presentation we allowed time to make sure each individual within the group had knowledge of all sections of the structure as well as which specific section they felt more comfortable talking about. This was extremely benefitial to our group presentation as personally, I felt like the presentation was very successful and we filled the ten minute designated slot sufficiently with expanding upon eachothers explanations.

Once our presentation was complete, I felt like I learnt a large amount from listening to other groups presentations as well as reading their posters to understand their chosen components and openings. Throughout the whole week I learnt a large amount from my group peers as well as other groups. Due to colleges mizing, we were placed in groups with students that were studying a wide range of courses and therefore everyone had a different perspective to produce throughout the week.

Aidan Crowder

On Friday we had to present our modules and our research work to the other groups and our lecturers. the Haysilwick student came down to Brighton university and also the Chicester collage students. the students form chichester brought down with them the models to Brighton university that where finished. before presenting our work we did some final touch up to modules such as adding on the solar panels to to the roof of the building.

Kevin Padilla –

This day was very successful due to the preparation for the whole presentation, finishing up the model, and learning while listening to other groups presentation. In addition the cooperation of the groups to one another is a great factor to learn with this project which is one of the reason why this day went smooth and as planned. It was great having people in our group coming from different fields to cooperate into one project where you can see different perspective on different angles that you’ve never thought of. I’ve learnt a lot during the design week just by listening and working with other people.

On the morning of Friday, the different colleges from Hazelwick and Chichester gathered at the University of Brighton. Chichester College had brought the individual group models along with them.

To begin with, Kevin and I went to the technicians to print out the A1 poster to present to the client. Once we had pinned the poster up on the board, we brought the model and placed it at an angle infront of the poster display, which would allow the client and the audience to view all different sides and angles to the structure.

A small amount of finishing touches were required to make the model presentable such as including the transparent material to the rear of the raised roof, we modelled this using tracing paper to represent the effect. Another feature, which needed to be lifted, was the front panel of the structure; due to the limitations of the model this wasn’t correctly represented due to the size of the timber dowel we were presented with. The angle of the front section didn’t represent the full extent of the drawings, which would be required for drianage purposes. The last final touch to the model would be the addition of solar panels to the correct scale to represent the correct amount of solar panels required for the energy sourcing of the cabin.

Figure 1, Showing model arriving at University of Brighton, (Pomfret, 2015)

Figure 2, Showing finishing touches being made to the model on Friday, (Pomfret, 2015)

Figure 3, Showing finishing touches being made to the model on Friday, (Pomfret, 2015)

Figure 4, Showing finished model ready for presentation  on Friday, (Pomfret, 2015)

Figure 5, Showing A1 poster pin up, (Pomfret, 2015).

Once the model was finished we prepared for the presentation, ensuring everyone within the group was knowledgable about all the different aspects and components. We began the presentation with introducing our group and each invididual student; I believe that the presentation was very positive and effective at explaining our structure as well as explaining why we had used certain aspects and materials. However by looking at different groups projects and hearing feedback from the tutors and the client, I feel like I learnt a large amount and began to understand other options we could have used. All of the different projects had their individual strengths and weaknesses, which allowed everyone to learn from different ideas. The key ideas and alternative solutions I received throughout the day could have made the structure more environmentally friendly as well as efficient. By looking at the projects designed by my peers I began to think about other materials and components that I would use if I did the project again, these would include: sourcing an alternative type of insulation such as sheep wool or a recycled/reused material which would make the structure more environmentally friendly than directly sourcing insulation. If I had more time for the project I would have liked to include energy consumption calculations as well as thermal transmittance calculations and U-values for a range of different insulations, claddings as well as internal boards to provide a more environmentally friendly and efficient structure. Cladding was an additional aesthetic component to the structure which would not have been necessary; therefore sourcing materials such as rejected decking boards or rejected timber could have been a more environmentally friendly option as well as less expensive to source. However, at the time the recycled plastic cladding of Neowood seemed like the best option due to the aesthetic appeal as well as the recycling characteristic and the low cost.

On Thursday all students were at their own individual colleges again, which provided time for Sam from Chichester College to continue with the model making due to the limited facilites at the University of Brighton for that type of timber model making. Haroon from Hazelwick School continued looking into precedent studies with their relevance to our project and finding examples of the best solutions for container spaces.

Kevin, Aidan and I continued with the detailing of the structure, specifying each individual component and material, which was aided by the costing and precedents, carried out by Kevin and Aidan. Due to sourcing the correct, most efficient and sustainable products for the project, the costing proved to be a long task. During this day I began with collaboration between all individual personnel involved within our group to determine a rough sketch, which I could develop the technical drawings from, this rough sketch portrays dimensions and can be shown through Figure 1.

Figure 1, Showing rough sketch of dimensions for use within technical drawings, (Pomfret, 2015).

The sketch portrays a baseline for the technical drawings, which I spent most of the day drawing, including a 3D sketch of the exterior of the building, which provides a better understanding for the client whom may not be fully familiar with technical drawings and the different elevations. Due to the limitations of the A1 poster I proposed a layout for the poster with Kevin to ensure that we had enough information to present to the client and other groups as well as also confirming that we would be able to fit all desired information on the page.

Figure 2. A1 Presentation proposed layout (Pomfret, 2015).

At approximately 4pm Aidan and Kevin had compiled the costing sheet along with references to the sourcing of all the components including materials and furniture, along with the finished precedent studies. At this point I had finalised the technical drawings, (shown in Figure 3, not to scale in this case) and had begun the 3D axonometric to provide a better understanding of the structure (shown in Figure 4).

Figure 3, Showing technical drawings of the Eco-Cabin, not to scale (Pomfret, 2015).

Figure 4, Showing 3D axonometric of Eco-Cabin (Pomfret, 2015).

Once Kevin had drawn the details for the structure and the costings had been compiled (shown in Figure 5), I could begin on the collaboration of all information onto one A1 poster format for the presentation on Friday. The format of collectively sourcing all of the documents into one A1 PowerPoint page allowed for a neat and formal presentation poster. The final layout of the poster can be shown in Figure 6, including all aspects for the presentation to the client. The individual components are all clear through the headings as well as including boarders and a title block in the bottom right hand corner, the poster flows through from left to right, beginning with the precedent studies and finishing with the detail and section drawings.

Figure 5, Showing Details of the structure of the Eco-Cabin including two sections (Padilla 2015).

Figure 6. Showing final A1 poster presentation with the collective information beginning with precedent studies (Pomfret, 2015).

The costings of different components were compiled and sourced by Aidan and have been included within the poster. The final figure of cost for the project would be £6098.25, which would allow for alterations and alternative sourcing within the budget of £7000.

On Thursday Sam from Chichester college also managed to finish most of the model with the inclusion of the cut out windows and doors, the roof panel with hinges to represent the movement of this front panel along with the finishing touches with the roof structure, the decking and doors, these can all been seen in Figures 7, 8, 9 & 10.

Figure 7, Showing development photographs of the model, (Fallon, 2015)

Figure 8, Showing development photographs of the model, (Fallon, 2015)

Figure 9, Showing development photographs of the model, (Fallon, 2015)

Figure 10, Showing development photographs of the model, (Fallon, 2015)

On Wednesday we left the University of Brighton at 8:30 to travel to Chichester College via train. We arrived at Chichester College at 10:15, to spend the day with the Chichester college students as well as the Hazelwick School students model making. Charlie and Sam had begun the model making the previous day (Tuesday) and had manufactured the walls, roof and base of the container, which was to scale 1:5; this is shown in Figure 1. Due to the thickness of the exterior MDF panels, the insulation and plasterboard layers were included within this outer wall leaf, and therefore the MDF external layer represented the extrenal walls as a whole.

Figure 1. Showing Tuesdays progress on the model making (Fallon, 2015)

When we were all together at Chichester College on Wednesday, the finalised internal layout that was established on Tuesday would enable the positioning of the external window and door as well as locating where the internal wall would be placed. I drew a 1:5 scale drawing of the floor layout, which enabled us to work out the positioning of the different elements as well as providing a better understanding of the size and shape of components. Kevin drew out the situation of the external door and window on the front façade container panel, which would allow for accurate cutting; this can be seen in Figure 2.

Figure 3. Showing wooden stilts, which represent the concrete slabs to raise the container, (Pomfret, 2015).

Charlie and Sam manufactured the timber panels for the roof structure trusses on Tuesday, however they still needed to be sanded down and screwed together and then this would allow for the formation of the roof to be situated at a specific angle as well as adding structural strength to the roof component (Figure 4).

Figure 4, Showing timber trusses to represent roof formation when opened (Pomfret 2015).

On Wednesday we also managed to manufacture the decking panel, which would be screwed into place two thirds of the way out for the representation in the model, as it would be difficult to have included the sliding mechanism within this type of presentation. The internal wall of the structure was also formed with the scale sliding door included, which would portray the seperation of the two spaces. Due to my inexperience with using tools within a workshop like this, Aidan and I drew the internal layout as well as choosing and sourcing materials including the internal furniture for the structure.

Tuesday began with with students situated at their own individual colleges. Kevin, Aidan and I were at the University of Brighton focusing on the development of the design as well as the buildability and appropriateness of the structure, we were also beginning to specify materials and components. Sam and Charlie were at Chichester College focusing, beginning to manufacture parts of the model, and Haroon was at Hazelwick School beginning to look at precedents for the project.

The internal layout of the structure portrayed quite a large issue throughout the development on Tuesday, we came up with a few different floor plan solutions to fit the essential furniture into the cabin however they all included their own problems. We were required to fit four people within the eco-cabin with the requirement for one disabled wheelchair user.

Figure 1, Showing Internal layout sketches (Pomfret, 2015)

Figure 2, Showing Internal layout sketches (Pomfret, 2015)

Throughout the day, we began to research caravan and volkwagen camper furniture, which can incorporate a range of different functions within a single component of furniture, as well as furniture, which can be folded up or hidden away when it is not in use. The research included covers that folded up for the hob and sink, which would allow for extra kitchen food preperation surface, this type of furniture is widely used within caravans, which can be seen in Figure 3. The main development we made whilst looking at this specific type of compact furniture was the small proportions of the carvan kitchens which provide sufficient cooking, washing up and preperation space whilst only requiring a very small space. We also determined that due to the residents of the eco-cabin only using the space for a short stay period fewer items of furniture are essential.

Figure 3, Showing interior of a VW camper,(sjsvwcamperinteriors, n.d)

The space around furniture and components was also a limitation due to the requirement for a wheelchair to be able to gain access to all areas within the cabin. To adhere to the building regulations (shown in figure 4) for ease of access for a wheelchair user, we decided that the external door for the structure would be a double opening door to allow for a larger amount of space for the wheelchair user to gain access through, this double door feature would also allow for more light to enter the structure, and will also open up the cabin in the summer to make it more spacious. Similarly, the internal door into the toilet/shower area would be a sliding door, which allows for a larger width for the wheelchair to pass through, as well as preventing the requirement of space for doorswings which would limit where furniture could be placed.

Figure 4, Showing minimum requirements for wheelchair access (HM Government, TBR 2010)

The external wall was also discussed on this day, as well as other uses of materials within the structure. Charlie recommended the use of cork for the internal insulation of the structure however this provided very high costs, as would also not be the best material to use in terms of sustainability due to the sourcing and slow growth of this certain type of tree. Furthermore, after discussion we decided on a high performance insulation of 40mm Kingspan, which would provide a barrier to keep the heat within the structure as well as providing a very thin layer, which would allow for optimised internal space. The Kingspan insulation would be used throughout each wall as well as the floor insulation for the structure due to its qualities. The external cladding was also recommended by Charlie, which would use a material known as Neowood, this type of cladding is sourced from compilation of recycled plastics therefore it is waterproof lightweight and environmentally friendly.

The day was concluded with a finalised internal floor plan (shown in Figure 5), which would allow for sufficient sleeping space, sleeping space, food prepration as well as a sufficient bathroom space for use of a wheelchair user.

Figure 5, Final floor plan sketch (Pomfret, 2015)

References:

Sjsvwcamperinteriors, n.d. [image online] Available at: <http://www.sjsvwcamperinteriors.co.uk/SL372110%20-%20Copy.JPG> [Accessed 10 November 2015]

HM Government, The Building Regulations, 2010 (TBR 2010), [online] Available at: <http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADM_2004.pdf> [Accessed 10 November 2015]