The Salt House Project: Designing for Death (DfD)
Transcript of The Salt House Project: Designing for Death (DfD)
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The Salt House Project: Designing for Death (DfD)by
SunMin May Hwang
B.S., Housing & Interior DesignYonsei University, 2009
Submitted to the Department of Architecturein Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
February 2014
© 2014 SunMin May Hwang. All Rights Reserved
The author hereby grants to MIT permission to reproduce and to distribute publicly paper and electronic copies of this thesis document in
whole or in part in any medium now known or hereafter created.
Signature of Author ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Certified by ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Accepted by ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Department of ArchitectureJanuary 15, 2013
Brandon CliffordBelluschi Lecturer of Dept. of Architecture
Thesis Supervisor
Takehiko NagakuraAssociate Professor of Design and Computation
Chair of the Dept. Committee on Graduate Students
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Thesis Committee
Thesis Supervisor
Brandon CliffordM.Arch, Belluschi Lecturer Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Thesis Reader
Antón García-AbrilPh.D, Professor of Architecture Massachusetts Institute of Technology
John E. FernándezM.Arch, Associate Professor of Architecture, Building Technology, and Engineering SystemsHead, Building Technology Program | Codirector, International Design Center, Singapore University of Technology and DesignMassachusetts Institute of Technology
External Design Critiques 12.19.2013
Gabriel FeldProfessor, RISD
Debora MesaVisiting Faculty, MIT
Lindy RoyVisiting Lecturer, Architectural Design, Princeton University School of Architecture
Marc SwackhamerAssociate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Architecture
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The Salt House Project: Designing for Death (DfD)Testing radically rapid turn-over of building life-cycle
by SunMin May Hwang
Submitted to the Department of Architecture on January 15, 2014in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree ofMaster of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
We as architects consider ourselves creators. We work under the false assumption that buildings will last forever. However, the fact is that every building eventually dies. This thesis rethinks the question of death. The Salt House Project is a product of this questioning. It tests radically rapid turnover of the building life cycle in the Islands of Galapagos, Ecuador. The thesis is carried out by designing a salt-cured seasonal residence, which will gradually and naturally be demolished over a designated period of time. The building life expectancy will be precisely set out from the beginning to the end-purporting each and every step of its life cycle -from occupation to demolition. It will be constructed and disappear back into the nature within a one-year life cycle. Some parts will obviously remain for a longer period of time depending on its structural integrity. However, the big picture is that the house will evolve-decay over time, varying not only in its form but also in its function. To implement this idea, all building materials will be based on natural resources including salt, soil, gravel, sand and coconut fiber. Water and heat will be the binding solution of the building structure and wind and rain will act as demolition agents. This thesis challenges the attempt to alleviate building obsolescence over time by reversely mandat-ing a building’s life expectancy. In doing so, we achieve firstly, a sympathetic connection between geometry and material and secondly, a vitality to achieve eccentric expressions of life styles that can be highly unique and customized. In fact, the way we operate shifts dra-matically when we design for death as opposed to perpetuity.
Thesis Supervisor: Brandon CliffordTitle: Belluschi Lecturer of Department of Architecture
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Acknowledgment
I would like to sincerely thank:
All M.Arch fellow students who I learned the most from during my time at MIT, Professors for the “whippings” that now will be the seed of both my life and career,
Cron for ubiquitous and kind support, Cynthia Stewart and the rest of administrative staff whose efforts made things happen,
JongWan & Namjoo for the devoted help in the last few days of thesis, JinKyu for the mentorship when most needed,
Miho & Sung for the comfort and friendship throughout the first year, Jonathan Krones, Zahraa Saiyed, and Emily Lo Gibson for their supportive feedbacks,
Antón García-Abril for both compliments and critiques that come from true expertise, John E. Fernández for the added intellectual rigor and depth to my research,
Nader Tehrani for the courage and confidence I gained through the internship at NADAAA,
Brandon Clifford, the best teacher I have ever had, for making my last semester the most enjoyable and the most successful,
Friends & Relatives all over the world for encouragements,
Peter Kang, needless to say, for being there with me,
and
Lastly but not the least, my family for the ineffable trust, love and support.
SunMin May HwangJanuary 15, 2014
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Introduction Unintended building obsolescence Rising building demolition rates over time DfD Matrix: Scale over time Building component life-span Deconstruction vs Demolition Architects’ attempts to alleviate building obsolescence over time Precedents Other industries Mandate of time Result of buildings not designed to be deconstructed
Testing Ground Site Specifics: Galapagos Human Encroachment | Zoning Resources | Tourism
Design Process Life-cycle Materials | Form Life cycle assessment Construction & Demolition Process Program | Maintenance & Operation Structure | Design Factor
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Table of Contents
Material & Building Process Experiments 1. Salt crystallization 2. Salt solidity test 3. Salt texture, composite test 4. Earth repose test 5. Salt layer test (Saltification 1, 2) 6. Excavation mock-up 7. Demolition test 8. Settings
Drawings & Renders Phase sections Plans Diagrammatic plans Section Renders
Final Presentation
Bibliography
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Introduction
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Interestingly enough, buildings in modern society are typical-ly not designed to be demolished or deconstructed according to construction and demolition expert Bradley Guy. The way architects have been operating for years has been focused on growth and prosperity because we believe that long-lasting life is a virtue and at times economically more cost-effective. How-ever, the result is that many buildings actually fail to fulfill their life expectancy set out by architects. In fact, up until now, the assumption was that building obsolescence is a matter of scale of time.
Unintended Building obsolescence
Derelict buildings seen at 'Villa 26' slum on the banks of the Riachue-lo river in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, Argentina. (2011) Source: http://tetw.org/post/41374954509/ill-fares-the-land
Derelict building photographySource: http://1074192222.blogspot.com/2011/02/12.html by Olivia Williams
DfD: Designing buildings to facilitate future renovations and eventual disassembly. This involves using less adhesives and materials and using more re-usable components.
C&D: Construction & Demolition materials consist of the de-bris generated during construction, renovation and demolition of buildings, roads and bridges.(http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes/TopGreenHomeTerms.htm)
Derelict building in ZhongZheng, TaiwanSource: http://fotografar.pt/predios-abandonados-ultrapassado-por-natureza/
Derelict building in Saint Louis, MI, Approx. 6,000 abandoned buildings in the Missouri City which has seen a declining population over the last 60 years Source: Photographed by Demond Meek http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2169773/Stunning-photographs-transform-St-Louis-landscape-crumbling-buildings-abandoned-homes-slum-beautiful-art.html
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Rising Building Demolition Rates over time
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Short Term
(1-12 months)
Afterparty Installationby MOS
London Aquatic center by Zaha Hadid
Pneumocell: Inflatableby Thomas Herzig
Medium Term
(1-15 years)
M
Source: http://gbdmagazine.com/2012/zaha-hadid-london/
S
L
DfD Matrix: Scale over time
UBC C.K Choi Building
San Francisco Embarcadero Pier-Museum, Historic Preservation
Light House
Philips eco enterprise centerStata Parking Lot
Shrinking building demolition in Japan
Long Term
(15 years- 60years)
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Building components’ life span varies to a great extent and so some parts inevitably become obsolete earlier than other com-ponents. This distribution map [figure 1.] shows how often buildings are demolished for reasons unrelated to physical ob-solescence. When the building is designed for perpetuity, it falls in the pit of having to deal with area redevelopment, resale and not to mention maintenance issues.
Building Component Life-
Figure 1.Source: O’Connor, Jennifer. “Survey on actual service lives for North American buildings” 2004.
Source: Building layers, The six S, by Stewart Brand (1994)_edit: added arrows go-ing counter clock to the original ones. Guy, Bradley, Ciarimboli, Nicholas and etc. “Design for Disassembly in the built en-vironment”-a guide to closed-loop design and building.
STUFF 5-15 yrsSPACE PLAN 5-20 yrsSERVICES 5-30 yrsSKIN 30-60 yrsSTRUCTURE 60-200 yrsSITE >building
Building demolition reasons
Most of the reasons are unrelated to the physical obsolescence of building components
Area redevelopment (34%)
Lack of maintenance (24%)
Others
Building no longer suitable for intended use (22%)
Building Ecology Research
Buidling Life-cycle mapsBuidling Component Life-span
SchoolsResidential buildingsnon-residential buildings
Seagram buildingJohn Hancock TowerChrysler buildingEmpire state building
MOS’s Afterparty, P.S.1 NY, 2009Shigeruban container pavilion+recyclable paper tubes, Singapore Biennale 2008Exhibition booths
FoundationFrameUpper FloorsStairsWindowsInternal WallsWall finishCeiling finishSpace Heating & Air treatmentLift Installation
*Please refer to the timeline below.Building life expectancy by factors and functions
Timeline of high-rise towers
Timeline of temporary buildings inflatables, exhibition booths
Building components life expectancy
0 1month 2 months 3 months 4 months 5 months 6 months 7 months 8 months 9 months 10 months 11months 12months
100 1 year 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100years years years years years years years years years years
100 1 year 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100years years years years years years years years years years
WHAT HAPPENED HERE?life expectancy of building components far exceed
actual lifespan of buildings
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21 % 2.4 x 4 x
vs
Higher cost
man power
Man-hours
Recycling & Processing centerTransferDemolitionBuilding
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Deconstruction vs Demolition
Deconstruction
Deconstruction is a careful process that systematically disassembles a structure into its components. This process can recover items to be reused in future construction. Deconstruction process is also roughly the reverse process of construction, allowing separation of materials for reuse, recycling and disposal.
Distribution Building
37 %- Salvage value
lower net deconstruction costs 10%-
Recycling & Processing centerTransferDemolition
DeconstructionCost
Source: Deconstruction Institute, GreenHalo Systems, Note: For a typical 2000 square foot home
$3.64/sq.ft. $1.74/sq.ft.12 people 5 people
5 days 3 days480 hours 120 hours
LaborTimeMan-Hours
Demolition
Deconstruction vs Demolition
Demolition
Demolition process usually requires detonation thereby protection of the site and surrounding buildings. Many components that can be salvaged are damaged through this process.
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Methods of solutions
Architects’ attempts to alleviate building obsolescence over time
In order to resolve the problem of partial obsolescence, architects have attempted to reuse, recycle, reprocess and relocate buildings and material components. For exam-ple, Japanese metabolism came up with plug-in unit type architecture in the 1900’s. However, the initial cost of fabricating these customized unit types was too expensive that it could not supersede normal standards of build-ing construction. It goes the same for the container box buildings, which has now become a popular architectural practice. There are industries such as automobile and fur-niture in which designers have actively started engaging in the end-use of consumer goods.
4 Basic scenarios for DfD: Design for Disassembly
1) Recycling Material
2) Reprocessing of Material
3) Reuse of components
4) Relocation of whole building
Source: Crowther, Philip. “Building Disassembly and the lessons of industrial ecology” Shaping the Sustainable Millennium: Collaborative Approaches. Brisbane, Australia, July 2000
However, in the building industry, because of the large scale and the diverse methods of construction, despite the fact that there is a huge amount of research going on, the ramifications have been slow and minute in their impact. (Simply put, this is not to say that we lack information or knowledge, but it is rather that, it is hard for architects to have a comprehensive understanding of the technological input we can make on one’s own end.)
REUSE LIFE CYCLE IN BUILDING ENVIRONMENT
EXTRACTION OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
PROCESSING INTOMATERIALS
MANUFACTURE INTOCOMPONENTS
ASSEMBLY INTO BUILDINGS
BUILDING USE
DISASSEMBLY
WASTE FOR DUMPING
C.K CHOI BUILDING, VANCOUVER, BC
PHILIPS ECO-ENTERPRISE CENTER, MN
CONTAINER BUILDINGS
BUCKMINSTER FULLER’S DYMAXION
ROSE HOUSE
THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY OF PATCHOGUE, NY
Source: Scenarios for Reuse in the Life Cycle of the Built EnvironmentSource: Philip Crowther, School of Architecture, Interior and Industrial Design, Queensland Univ. of Technology, Australia.
RELOCATION OF WHOLE BUILDING
REUSE OF COMPONENTS
REPROCESSING OF MATERIALS
RECYCLING OF MATERIALS
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Precedents
Wang Shu, Recycling Parts
PROSCONS
Xiangshan Campus, China Academy of Art, Phase II, 2004-2007, Hangzhou, China
Ningbo History Museum, China
Historic significance, ecologically effectiveTime consuming, need for base resource
4 Basic scenarios for DfD: Design for Disassembly
1) Recycling Material
2) Reprocessing of Material
3) Reuse of components
4) Relocation of whole building
Building Industry
PROS
CONS
Concrete reprocessing Metal reprocessingConcrete Recycling Process Metal Recycling Process
http://www.metalandwaste.com/Products/ferrous-metal.html
Reduction in landfill space, Preservation of virgin material,
Site/Storage for recovered material,Lack of standards for recovered materialDevalued materials
4 Basic scenarios for DfD: Design for Disassembly
1) Recycling Material
2) Reprocessing of Material
3) Reuse of components
4) Relocation of whole building
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4 Basic scenarios for DfD: Design for Disassembly
1) Recycling Material
2) Reprocessing of Material
3) Reuse of components
4) Relocation of whole building
Cargo Container Architecture
PROSCONS
http://www.archdaily.com/160892/the-pros-and-cons-of-cargo-container-architecture/Photo by wendyfairy - http://www.flickr.com/photos/20575593@N00/
Strength, Durability, availability and cost (as cheap as $900 sometimes)Toxic coatings used to facilitate ocean transport, Hazardous chemical flooring, Cumbersome process of making the box habitable, Energy consumed to transport container into place where needed, Awkward dimensions for human living space
4 Basic scenarios for DfD: Design for Disassembly
1) Recycling Material
2) Reprocessing of Material
3) Reuse of components
4) Relocation of whole building
Detail of system of joining capsule to shaftFigure 2.
Figure 2.
Isometric plan of capsule. Dimension are 2.5m x 4m x 2.5mFigure 1.
Figure 1.
Japanese Metabolism
PROSCONS
Nagakin Capsule Hotel by Kisho Kurokawa
Interchangeability, ReplaceabilityCostly fabrication of customized piecesLow feasibility for mass production
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4 Basic scenarios for DfD: Design for Disassembly
1) Recycling Material
2) Reprocessing of Material
3) Reuse of components
4) Relocation of whole building
PROSCONS
Interchangeability, ReplaceabilityCostly fabrication of customized piecesLow feasibility for mass production
Production & Manufacturing industry’s effect on ArchitectureBuckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion
4 Basic scenarios for DfD: Design for Disassembly
1) Recycling Material
2) Reprocessing of Material
3) Reuse of components
4) Relocation of whole building
PROS PROSCONS CONS
Quiet demolition, Potential for reuse of materials Saves historic building, Allows new construction in original placeSpecificity and high-technology required
Using Tecorep system, build-ing components are disas-sembled in the closed space. Two floors are removed each time. The roof of the top floor is supported by temporary columns, which are placed on large beams two floors below. While building components get dismantled, jacks incor-porated into columns are lowered, creating a shrinking building effect from the out-side.
The Carnegie Library of Pa-tchogue was relocated as the 334 ton three-story brick building was moved to a stor-age location. The moving will be done in several phases.
Heavy machinery moving process
Building MobilityHigh-tech demolition systems for high-risesThe Carnegie Library of Patchogue, NYShrinking Building, Tokyo, Japanhttp://www.wolfehousebuildingmovers.com/showcase/project-list/gallery/new-york/patchogue-nyhttp://web-japan.org/trends/11_tech-life/tec130325.html
Precedents
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Automobile Industry
Automobile components disassemblyDamian Ortega’s exhibition
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford formed “Vehicle Recycling Partnership 1994 to develop means to recover materials from automobiles for reuse and recycling (Billatos and Basaly, 1997)
Furniture Industry
Self assembly and disassembly of furnitures Damian Ortega’s exhibition
Do-it-yourself (DIY) furnitures allow components to come apart easily as it is to assembly them, allowing easier access to reuse, recycle and reprocessing of materials.
Other industries
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LEED, in fact, mandates the use of dead buildings as much as possible.
Mandate of time
Successful Example: LEED Point System
1 point 2 points
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After a thorough examination of current and past attempts to reduce building construction waste, the realization was that the major problem lies in the fact that buildings in modern society are typically not designed to be deconstructed*. That is why so many building materi-als end up in trash.
The consequences are as follows... ...
Result of buildings not designed to be deconstructed
*Source: Guy, Bradley, Shell, Scott, Esherick, Homsey. ”Design for Deconstruction and Materials Reuse,”
Designing for Built-in-ObsolescencePerhaps we can reverse the common notion and design with built-in obsolescence and make a building last for only for a certain period of time.
What would it mean for architects to break away from creation? What does it mean to design for death instead of birth?
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Testing Ground
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Site Specifics
The SALT HOUSE will be sited in Santiago Island of Galapagos, Ecuador. Santiago Galapagos is a volcanic island in the northern part of Galapagos that consists mostly of arid and dry zones. There is also a history of salt mining in the northwestern part of the is-land, which now sits as a scar of human invasion. The project will utilize salt from this mine as an essential part of the project.
Most importantly, this is a site where awareness for human en-croachment on its natural habitat cannot be more ecologically sensitive. The rising level of awareness in reducing disruptive and wasteful practice of human invasion makes it a perfect testing ground for this thesis.
Galapagos, Ecuador
WARM SEASON COLD SEASON UNDESIRED ZONEWeak southwest trade wind Strong northwest trade wind Safe for development, Dry land0-8 knots 11-15 knots
1 knot: 1.151 miles per hour
N
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Area: 585 km² Maximum Altitude: 907 metersHistory: 1960’s Salt mine excursion by Mr. Hector Edgas, the first settle
Santiago Island
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Santiago Islands, Galapagos
Human Encroachment Zoning
During 1920s and1960s, companies extracted salt from the Salt Mine Crater. The mine is a small volcanic cone whose crater has a seasonal, salt-water lagoon, where flamingos and other birds can be seen. Galapagos hawks are often ob-served in the area.
66% Invasive species & Human settlement
Arid zoneDry zoneHumid Zone
Pampa Zone Topmost zone | Wet climate | Prevailing fern & grasses | Lava Flows
Miconia bushes | Direct Sunlight
Scalesia trees | Brown zone due to due to decay of mossCostant rain during wet season | Humid | Ferns, mosses, grasses, Scalesia tree | Oversized daisy
Small trees and shrubs
Cacti | Dry zone | Rocky & Sandy
Lowest zone | Dry & Sandy | Salt water flora | Prevalent Mangroves
Miconia Zone
Brown ZoneScalesia ZoneTransitional ZoneArid Lowlands ZoneLittoral Zone
0m
300m
600m
900m
1200m
SECTION CUT THROUGH ROCA REDONDA, ISABELA ISLAND AND SANTIAGO ISLAND6RXUFH��$UFKLWHFWXUH�DW�WKH�LQWHUVHFWLRQ�RI�%LRGLYHUVLW\�DQG�(QFURDFKPHQW�LQ�WKH�HFXDGRULDQ�*DODSDJRV�0,7�*DODSDJRV�6WXGLR�6SULQJ�����
STEEP CLIFFS, LAVA FLOW, CORAL & SHELL SAND BEACHES, ROCKY BEACHES, CRATER LAKES, FUMAROLES, LAVA TUBES, SULPHUR FIELDS, PUMICE, ASH AND TURK FROM LAVA
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Resources & Rise in Tourism in Galapagos
Resources Tourism
Galapagos holds very little capacity for fresh water
9,423
one household 2.9 cubic m/day
93.5 cubic m/day
1210 cubic m/day
167 cubic m/day
liters/ person/ day$100/ cubic m
16,250
800
cubic m/day
(estimate) cubic m/day
STONE EXTRACTION TIMELINE2011 2020
DESALINATION
RAIN WATER COLLECTION
EXTRACT FROM WELL
IMPORTED BOTTLED POTABLE WATER
$25/ cubic m
$1.21/ cubic m
1999
Granule used for pave-ment of the Puerto Ayora Canal de Itabaca Road
“La Cascade” neighborhood is built and new streets are created
Complete rebuilding of the road to Baltra
2007 increase in salaries for civil servants sparks wave of construction
Gravel
Sand
Stone FillingStone RubbleStone block
“La Cascade” neighborhood is
built and new streets are created
2001 2004 2007 2008
1,000,000
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
400,000
Potential Capacity
Existing Capacity of Tourism
1940 1960 1980 2000 2020
NEW POLICY-SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
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Design Process
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Hence, the thesis is carried out by de-signing a salt-cured seasonal residence, which will gradually and naturally be demolished over a designated period of time. The building life expectancy will be precisely set out from the beginning to the end-purporting each and every step of its life cycle -from occupation to demolition. It will be constructed and disappear back into nature within a one-year life cycle. Some parts will obviously remain for a longer period of time depending on its structural integ-rity. However, the big picture is that the house will evolve over time, varying not only in its form but also in its function.
Salt House Construction & Habitation Cycle
WARM SEASON
5 hr
CLEAR SKY (hrs)
Passive Occupation
Animal Sanctuary
Contemplation Shelter
End of Life-cycle
PLOTS: 7/9, 9/9 done moving
still need to plot 5/9need to cut 8/9-left side (v) & 5/9-left side
1,2,3,(4),(5) 6,7, -8,-9
Beginning of Construction Active Occupation
WARM SEASON DRY SEASON
Interior Excavation & Build-upFamily Vacation House
SaltificationDigging | Piling | Base Construction
WARM SEASON DRY SEASON
29 °C
Life Cycle
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The main material of the building will be salt, water, soil, sand, gravel and coconut fiber. The reposed mounds built out of earth, will be the form works (or mold) for the house and coconut fi-
Main Material Stream
ber will be layered on top of each mound to become the building façade. Salt crystallization over this layer will add rigidity and controlled opacity to the house.
SALT SAND+ + + | +WATER SOIL | GRAVEL BURLAP COCONUT FIBER
Using angle of repose as form work allows the space inside to get as big as the mound gets. The important factor in this method is that it leaves no harmful impact on the ecology. Forms will vary in
diameters, heights and angles depending on the mixture of earthen elements-which will add uniqueness and variability to each and every time a house with this method.
35 °
40 °
45 °
30 °
Form Works Using Earth element: Angle of Repose + Earth Molding
Materials Form
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Comparison among different building types
Life Cycle Assessment
Variant 1.
Variant 2.
Variant 3. Variant 4. Salt House
Source: Bayer, Charlene, et al. “AIA Guide to Building Life Cycle Assessment in Practice” American Institute of Architects, Washington, DC. 2010
0%
0%
0% 0% 0%
Construction (includes material
manufacturing)
Construction (includes material
manufacturing)
Construction (includes material
manufacturing)
MaterialManufacturing
MaterialManufacturing
Operations & Maintenance
Global Warming Potential (GWP) Energy Use CO2 Emission SO2 Emission NO2 Emission PM10 Emissions AveragePhotochemical Oxidation CreationPotential (POCP)
Non-RenewableEnergy (NRE)
Operations & Maintenance
Operations & Maintenance
Construction ConstructionOperation & Maintenance
Operation & Maintenance
Decommissioning
Decommissioning
Decommissioning Demolition Demolition
10%
10%
10% 10% 10%
20%
20%
20% 20% 20%
30%
30%
30% 30% 30%
40%
40%
40% 40% 40%
50%
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50% 50% 50%
60%
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60% 60% 60%
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70% 70% 70%
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80% 80% 80%
90%
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90% 90% 90%
100%
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100% 100% 100%
Acidification Potential (AP)
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Construction & Demolition ProcessLife-cycle Diagram
STABLE PARTS: LONGER LIFE-CYCLE
1 Week | DIGGING 1/2 Week | BASE-CONSTRUCTION 1/2 Week | SAND PILING
1 Week: 6-12month Month
The diagram shows the construction process.
1) Earth will be dug out, pile of sand that was excavated will be reposed to create a mold for the space. The next couple weeks will be spent on salt crystallization over the coconut fiber layer. Then, earth will be excavated back into the un-derlying earth. In this stage, there will be a negative space created in the ground alternatively so as to have service space and interior build-up using the leftover earth.
1-2 Month: 2nd Month 2 Weeks | SALTIFICATION
1 Week: 2nd Week | LAYERING. TARP WRAP, BURLAP or COCONUT FIBER
1 Week: 2nd Month 3rd Week | CURING
1 Week: 3rd Month | EXCAVATION
1 Week: 3.1 Month | INTERIOR BUILD-UP3 Month: 3.2-7th Month | ACTIVE OCCUPATION| NATURAL DEMOLITION
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Program Variability
2) Over time, the form will deform and some parts will fade away. Some parts can be made structurally more rigid in the layering process so that the durability is intentionally increased.
Private Dwelling
Soft-Bright Coarse-Dark
Public Hut
Differentiating MATERIALITY of moundsDIFFERENTIATES THE FUNCTION, LIFE-CYCLE VARIABILITY
Change over TIME CHANGES THE FUNCTION OF ROOMS
+
Rain Water Harvesting Potential
Note: Despite the huge potential in the rainwater collection system, this idea will not be incorporated into the Salt House. The rainwater harvesting goes against the natural demolition concept of the house . Although ideally feasible, it is unanimously agreed among the critiques to not include rainwater har-vesting in the project as it counteracts the thesis.
90 % RAINWATER COLLECTING EFFICIENCY=7.31 ton/year
Calculation: Area in m2 x Rainfall in mm x 0.001 x 0.9 (efficiency rate)1ton = 1,000 liter Water needed per person per day: 2-3 liters / day | 730 liters / year
ROOF PROJECTED AREA: Approx. 20m2
50 % EFFICIENCY=4.06 ton/year
Program Feasible method of Maintenance & Operation
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BASE STRUCTURE & PROGRAM
CHANGE IN PROGRAM OVER TIME
Living Room------------- Open public auditorium
Restroom ------------- Plant Vegetation
Bedroom Living Room Yoga Room
Kitchen Kitchen -------------
Pool Public bath Flamingo Sanctuary
BASE STRUCTURE DIAGRAM
In the conventional practice of architecture, “OBSOLESCENCE OVER TIME” was undesirable. In this project, obsolescence over time is actually one of the key elements of construction and demolition . Over time, the form will mutate through natural weathering agencies such as wind, water and rain.
“Obsolescence over time” as a desirable factorKey element in Construction and Demolition
This deformation will provide subtle changes at different times of the day and year, which will then cause to serve different functions at different stages of life.
Base
Structure
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Material & Building Process Experiments
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Coconut Fiber | Wiremesh | Basswood | Rice Paper | Corrugated cardboard | Casting Gauze | Burlap | Cotton | Nylon Fiber
Original state of materials
1. Salt Crystallization
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Experiment & Observation of 8 selected materials
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Coconut Fiber | Wiremesh | Basswood | Rice Paper | Corrugated cardboard | Casting Gauze | Burlap | Cotton | Nylon Fiber
Solution: Water, Epsom Salt and regular Table Salt
Daily Spraying Action
1. Salt Crystallization
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1. Salt Crystallization
1. Casting Gauze 2. Coconut Fiber
Daily Spraying Action
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2.
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1. Salt Crystallization
3. Rice Paper 4. Cotton Fabric
Daily Spraying Action
11.10.2013-12.12.2013
3.
4.
11.29.2013 12.04.2013 12.10.2013 12.12.2013
7170
11.13.2013 11.15.2013 11.16.2013 11.18.2013 11.23.2013 11.24.201311.11.2013
1. Salt Crystallization
5. Wire Mesh6. Burlap
Daily Spraying Action
11.10.2013-12.12.2013
5.
6.
11.29.2013 12.04.2013 12.10.2013 12.12.2013
7372
11.13.2013 11.15.2013 11.16.2013 11.18.2013 11.23.2013 11.24.201311.11.2013
1. Salt Crystallization
7. Corrugated Cardboard8. Basswood
Daily Spraying Action
11.10.2013-12.12.2013
7.
8.
11.29.2013 12.04.2013 12.10.2013 12.12.2013
7574
Coconut Fiber | Wiremesh | Basswood | Rice Paper | Corrugated cardboard | Casting Gauze | Burlap | Cotton | Nylon Fiber
Solution: Water, Epsom Salt and regular Table Salt
Soaking-Natural Evaporation, Oven Baking
1. Salt Crystallization
11.10.2013-12.12.2013
Oven Baking
7776
11.13.2013 11.15.2013 11.16.2013 11.18.2013 11.23.2013 11.24.201311.11.2013
1. Salt Crystallization
1. Coconut Fiber | Basswood | Corrugated Cardboard | Cotton Fabric2. Rice Paper | Wiremesh | Burlap | Casting Gauze
11.10.2013-12.12.2013
1.
2.
Soaking-Natural Evaporation, Oven Baking
11.29.2013 12.04.2013 12.10.2013 12.12.2013
7978
2. Salt Solidity Test
Oven Baking | Boiling | Microwave | Natural Evaporation
10.20.2013
Mound Test
8180
2. Salt Solidity Test
Oven Baking | Boiling | Microwave | Natural Evaporation
10.20.2013
Mound Test
8382
2. Salt Solidity Test
Oven Baking | Boiling | Microwave | Natural Evaporation
10.22.2013
Brick Test
8584
2. Salt Solidity TestBrick Test Result
8786
2. Salt Solidity Test
Oven Baking | Boiling | Microwave | Natural Evaporation
10.24.2013
Brick Test
8988
2. Salt Solidity TestBrick Test Results
1:1 | 77 °F| BOIL 1:2 | 100pwr | MICROWAVE 60sec.1:3 | 100pwr | MICROWAVE 60sec.1:4 | 100pwr | MICROWAVE 60sec. 1:4 | 100pwr | MICROWAVE 30sec.WATER: SALT (RATIO)
9190
3. Salt Texture, Composite Test
Sand+Plaster: Sand->Sun dried Salt + Epsom Salt -> Steam -> Plaster -> Excavation
11.03.2013
Sand, Salt Aggregate
9392
3. Salt Texture, Composite Test
Sand+Plaster: Sand->Sun dried Salt + Epsom Salt -> Steam -> Plaster -> Excavation
11.03.2013
Sand, Salt Aggregate
9594
3. Salt Texture, Composite TestSand, Salt Aggregate Test Result
9796
4. Earth Repose Test
12.05.2013
Sand Build-up, Texture Wrap-up
9998
4. Earth Repose Test
12.05.2013
Sand Build-up
Sand Build-up demonstrating angle of repose
101100
4. Earth Repose Test
12.05.2013
Sand Build-up, Texture Wrap-up
Texture Wrap-up to cast sand mound
103102
5. Salt Layer Test (Saltification 1.)
12.07.2013
Salt Water Spray + Drier + Light Torch
Salt Water Spray + Drier + Light Torch
105104
5. Salt Layer Test (Saltification 1.)
12.07.2013
Salt Water Spray + Drier + Light Torch
Salt Water Spray + Drier + Light Torch
First day Few days after
107106
5. Salt Layer Test (Saltification 2.)
12.10.2013
Salt Water Paste application
Solution: Epsom Salt + Table Salt + Boiling Water
109108
6. Excavation Mock-up
12.11.2013
Sand Excavation (& Interior Build-up)
111110
12.13.2013
Syringe: Rain Simulation
7. Demolition Test (Partial)
113112
12.13.2013
Syringe: Rain Simulation
7. Demolition Test (Partial)
115114
7. Demolition Test (Partial)Syringe: Rain Simulation Result
117116
7. Demolition Test (Full Scale Model)
12.15.2013
Rain Simulation Result
119118
7. Demolition Test (Full Scale Model)
12.15.2013
Rain Simulation Result
121120
7. Demolition Test (Full Scale Model)Rain Simulation Result
123122
Experiment Settings
11.20.2013-12.15.2013
Salt, Rain, Demolition Test set-up room
125124
Drawings & Renders
127126
3rd MONTH OF BUILDING LIFE-CYCLE 3rd-4.5 MONTH OF LIFE-CYCLEImmediately after Earth Excavation Beginning of Occupancy Stage
Phase Sections
Section Details & Deformation over time
Phase Sections 1/6” = 1’-0”
Drawings+Material: Time
4.5-6th MONTH OF LIFE-CYCLE 6th-12th (or More) OF LIFE-CYCLEActive Occupancy Stage Natural Demolition Stage
129128
Phase Plans 1/6” = 1’-0”
Plans
Occupancy Phase: Deformation and transition over time
Drawings+Material: Time
131130
Diagrammatic Plan
Diagrammatic Plan Variations
Unique formations
133132
Phase Plans 1/6” = 1’-0”
SectionOccupancy Phase
135134Lighting & Gaze Material Function
137136Exterior View
139138
Final Presentation
141140
12.19.2013, Media Lab
Model & Test Samples
Final Presentation
143142
12.19.2013, Media Lab
Model & Test Samples
Final Presentation
145144
12.19.2013, Media Lab
Model & Test Samples
Final Presentation
147146
149148
151150
Bibliography
153152
Andrew Scott (M.Arch) Spring 2011 Studio. “Galapagos: Architecture at the Intersection of Biodiversity and Encroachment in the Ecuadorian Gala-pagos” Massachusetts Institute of Technology, October 2011
Bayer, Charlene, et al. “AIA Guide to Building Life Cycle Assessment in Practice” American Institute of Architects, Washington, DC. 2010
Crowther, Philip. “Chapter 7-Design of Buildings and Components for Deconstruction”
Crowther, Philip. “Building Disassembly and the lessons of industrial ecology” Shaping the Sustainable Millennium: Collaborative Approaches. Brisbane, Australia, July 2000
Diven, Richard and Michael R.Taylor. “Demolition Planning” Supplemental Architectural Services, Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice. 2006
EPA Green Building Workgroup. “Buildings and their Impact on the Environment: A Statistical Summary “ 2009 (EPA’s Green Building website at www.epa.gov/greenbuilding. )
Gaisset, Ines. “Designing Buidings for Disassembly: Stimulating a change in the Designer’s Role” Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept. Mas-sachusetts Institute of Technology. June 2011
Guy, Bradley and Sean Mclendon. “How cost effective is deconstruction?” Center of construction and Environment at the University of Florida, Gainsville. July 2001
Guy, Bradley, Ciarimboli, Nicholas and etc. “Design for Disassembly in the built environment”-a guide to closed-loop design and building.
Guy, Bradley, et al. ”Design for Deconstruction and Materials Reuse,”
Saiyed, Zahraa Nazim. “Disaster Debris Management and Recovery of Housing Stock in San Francisco, CA” Department of Architecture, Massa-chusetts Institute of Technology. June 2012
Bibliography
Credit Black background photography by Andy Ryan
For video, visit link: http://youtu.be/-5GcSURrhwY (Title: The Salt House Project: Designing for death_MIT M.Arch thesis '13_SunMin May Hwang )
etc.