Masterplan Sun Path

The sketchup model of the Allen Tod Masterplan has now been completed. This will be extremely useful for massing and sunpath analysis.



The building heights have been based on the planning submission. In general the proposed buildings comprise a double height podium of glass around the the base, with an upper portion of around 4 stories. Above this, there is "potential for expansion" of up to an additonal six stories. Allen Tod have recommended a percentage of this portion - indicated here on the model by the darker brown. This gives us an overall massing envelope which represents the typical scenario, and it is this which I have used for the sun path analysis.


21st December 0900


21st December 1200


21st December 1500


21st June 0900


21st June 1200


21st June 1500

This sunpath analysis has been essential, as I find the brief taking the project more and more toward passive solar design.

New Precedent

Spent a lot of time refining the project proposal document this week. We've got a new precedent - Sandy Road Clinic.

This is a £2m, 1,500m2 development designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, built by Kier Scotland for Greater Glasgow NHS Primary Care Trust and completed in 2004.It is extremely relevant to the brief because it combines a multi-disciplined polyclinic offering a wide range of healthcare services (GP, Dentist, Physiotherapy and so on) with a Nursery for 0-5 year olds. These two uses are expressed within two different interlinked boxes, the former clad in glass and pre-weathered zinc, the latter being clad in timber.

The design makes use of level change to create voids and light wells which also serve the passive heating and ventilation strategy, augmented by underfloor heating.

This precedent is relevant to the brief for its strategy of combining a polyclinic and nursery

Site Visual Note Taking

3 hand drawn sketches, coloured in Photoshop which will go into the 5000 word project proposal. Beats taking a photo any day!

Building Visit - Elmswell

Elmswell is a small low carbon residential development completed in November 2008. It comprises blocks of two and three bedroom dwellings using hempcrete, clad in timber. The energy strategy was to exploit passive solar gain and high levels of thermal insulation in order to mitigate the need for heating and cooling. This is further augmented by an on-site biomass boiler, which used energy from waste, serving the development as a whole. Additional touches include provision of cycle racks, communal outdoor drying spaces, allotments and areas for recycling.
Whilst the strategy looks to be impressive, the overall style of building is a little too contemporary for the area, which is a traditional country village.
This precedent is relevant to the brief for its strategies of sustainably resourced material, passive solar design and provision of community services.