Team 2 Highland Park Tree Pavilion

Case Study: RAW:almond

Our design took a lot of inspiration from RAW:almond temporary restaurant pavilion in Canada. We reverse engineered to find the form of the single reciprocal frame element and study how the project was constructed. It help us in developing our frame research at a smaller scale.

Design Process:

Our approach to figuring out the reciprocal frame system is to create small-scale models and test put whether the reciprocal frame could fit or not. The design process took a lot of trial and error in scaling and notch researches. After a series of research in notches, we came up with a final notch of a square end and angled cut that will help easy of construction and deconstruction.

Structural Analysis:

Our structure had some challenges because it has one central column, it will be highly exposed to gravity as the edges are free from “support”. Also, in this case it is important to consider the forces acting in the vertical element (column), like the bench. We started the structural analyses using Rhino + Grasshopper + Karamba. It was a challenge for our team because none of us had expertise in structural analyses. We created a parametric model of our reciprocal frame to facilitate the process. Then, we were able to convert all lines in beams and retrieve all the connections that will act as joints. The four central points were used as the supports. We added the gravity load and although with did not model the structural joint connections, we could start the analyses to see how the system was behaving. As expected, it showed us the beams connected to the supports trying to hold the whole horizontal structure while most of the systems was falling apart as it does not have a proper connection or support.

Details and Connections:

These are some of the column to ground and column to frame research.

Our Kit-of-parts encompass 6 different pieces. 2 reciprocal frame components, 1 type of column connection,1 type of bench, and 2 type of column pieces.

Architectural Drawings:

Future Development:

There were suggestion of rain protection and shading condition for out project. Our group have put some consideration of drainage when the pavilion is top covered as well as consideration of installing leaf like silhouette shingles to create more of a natural look.