This studio focused on designing through every aspect of an architectural project from concept to code and everything in-between. The prompt was to design a mixed-use educational boat workshop to extend the site of the current Clayton Antique Boat Museum in northern New York.
Process structural model - built in collaboration with Jacob Garcia
Process structural model - closeup
Longitudinal section through boat workshops - detail of rainwater collection in columns - modeled and drawn by Natasha
- detail of boat lift and door system - view of visitor bridge
- visitor center, reading room and auditorium - this panel drawn by Jacob Garcia
We aimed to mimic the technique and beauty of boat construction through the heavy timber structure and roof design. The double curve truss roof system emulates typical wooden boat construction while functionally opening the space to daylight and airflow. The AB rhythm of the bays increases structural integrity, allows for service spaces to be evenly distributed, and produces the opportunity for a rainwater catchment system.
Design diagrams studying the relationship between boats, built objects, ground, and water - drawn by Natasha
Final ground floor plan - drawn by Jacob Garcia
Daylight and natural ventilation studies in grasshopper - completed by Natasha
Cross-section through boat workshops - boat ramp and lift design
Brass visitor bridge through workshops and double-curve timber roof for optimal lighting and natural ventilation
Drawn by Jacob Garcia
One of the main goals of this design was to highlight the relationships between building, boat, water, and ground through the design of thresholds. These primary thresholds address different users of the space. The residential sequence sequence from public to private always includes the contraction of space to highlight the transition between the two.
The visitor sequence hosts two major moments of sequence and threshold where first, to relate to the public spaces in the city of Clayton, visitors must engage with a public plaza before entering the building through a small, off-center entrance. The second very important part of the visitor sequence is the connecting bridge suspended in the workshops where visitors can experience the construction process.
The workshop and boat sequence primarily focuses on the connection between the workshops and the water. This relationship is created through the boat ramp and lift system and the vertical pivot door which produces an effortless connection between building, ground, and water.
Final structural model
Final structural model - cut and assembled by Natasha
Final structural model
Exploded axonometric in-site - drawn by Natasha
Exploded structure, enclosure and visitor bridge detail - modeled and drawn by Natasha
As this was a partner project, the design process was incredibly collaborative, so although final drawings and models are marked by who completed them, no representation is without the influence of both designers.