The Weathering Yard
1:1 Facade Prototype Testing Ground in Central London
The UCL Bartlett School of Architecture MArch (2023)
South Mare Street, Hackney, London, England
Navigating from our current era of Anthropocene to a future that acknowledges the impact of heavily resourced building materials, the project in Hackney emphasises designing architecture with longevity. It embraces the concept of weathering, viewing architecture as a dynamic and evolving entity. The focus is on accelerated weathering testing for 1:1 façade prototypes, predicting their performance over time by artificially intensifying environmental conditions. This program aims to heighten awareness of material use in the built environment and create sustainable façade composites for future generations, minimising our carbon footprint.
Site Introduction and Brief History
Following the First World War, the southern end of Mare Street became increasingly industrial, with houses converted into workshops, as recorded in 1928 (British History Online n.d.). Nowadays, the area is densely populated with creative industries. Within this urban environment full of change, the Weathering Yard will test innovative, enduring architectural elements that can resist the area’s ever-changing topography. By existing, the project is combating such a rapidly changing site to showcase the idea of a building with added resistance and mutability.
Sketching Decisions
After careful consideration, I have chosen an elongated shape as a significant design element for my project. Despite the constraints posed by the narrow site, they are opportunities to create a dynamic and diverse experience within the space. I envision the site as a tunnel-like area where prototype facades can undergo accelerated weathering stages, providing a 1:1 testing environment.
The elongated architecture is divided into two sections. The front-facing section is dedicated to creating a testing ground and providing a public experience that does not interfere with the ongoing accelerated weathering tests.
Massing Diagrams
The testing ground is surrounded by offices (including a control room), service areas with a facade decomposition workshop, amenities for staff and the public, and a canteen. Two volumes of terraced space fit together like a puzzle where the semi-enclosed space serving as the testing ground will be screened with screens, making the building a closed-off structure. Prioritising walkability for the public whilst ensuring that the weathering operations are not disrupted through public and private staircases and an accessible ramp surrounding the building.
Permanent Structure Formation and Material Decision
Without reinforcing elements, pure concrete can endure many years without displaying signs of wear. It is a highly suitable option for the permanent structure of the weathering yard due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. It guarantees long-term practicality and effectiveness for the facility.
The Chroma Cloud Roof
The roof features four teal masts that support profiled stainless steel beams on each side, forming an integral part of the stainless steel framework attached to the geopolymer concrete building. A gantry crane and a platform lift, which can be operated remotely or directly within the lift, provide safe and efficient transportation of facade prototypes while allowing workers to perform necessary tasks on the roof. The platform lift is accessible via a cat ladder installed in the private staff’s roof garden area.
Protected Internal Atrium Space vs Exposed Testing Ground
The design of the testing ground adjacent to the atrium space drove the overall form of the architecture, considering factors such as the placement of machines, overhead gantry crane for façade transportation, drainage, and ventilation.
Microclimate A:
Accelerated wind-driven water exposure
Microclimate A offers an accelerated wind-driven water exposure weathering test. It provides visitors with an immersive and informative experience by integrating the tested facade into the building envelope. The tested facade is connected to the main building, allowing visitors to witness the effects of the testing process on its performance from the inside.
Microclimate B:
Accelerated salt fog corrosion test
In Microclimate B, the nozzles are adjusted to release mist-like particles combined with salt, creating a highly corrosive environment that speeds up corrosion. Any fog leakage can indicate areas of the facade that require better sealing or design enhancements.
Microclimate C:
Accelerated temperature test
Microclimate C utilises mobile chambers to simulate the long-term effects of temperatures on facades. It includes a sealed room behind the tested facade to prevent heat transfer. The heating chamber in Microclimate C serves a dual purpose by heating water pipes for underfloor heating and operates cyclically. It also incorporates thermoelectric generators for renewable energy conversion.
