Proto-Timber
Forest Management and Interdisciplinary Explorations in New Timber Technologies
Winter 2020
In collaboration with the University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, this studio engaged a broad systems approach to understanding and challenging the role of architecture in an rural, ecologically focused context. A rural innovation hub based around silviculture, forest management and designing with wood, the project is located at Pack Forest, over 300 acres of land owned by the University of Washington just West of Mount Rainier. This architectural and master planning project merges design strategies for wood treatment, processing and production while engaging visitors and hosting education space for the university to better integrate architecture with the operations of the site and surrounding forest.
Covering both masterplanning and building design, this proposal encompasses the development of a new innovation center built over the course of multiple stages determined by feasibility, funding and external resource availability with the potential for further future expansion. My contribution included masterplanning with my partner, diagramming, designing the main hub, and producing sections, elevations and perspectives.
Partner: Nick Portman
Professors: Kimo Griggs, Glenn Stellmacher, Jack Hunter
Innovation Building:
Composed of a wood shop, learning labs, classrooms and administrative space, the initial building is intended to kickstart the collaboration of UW departments and provide new life to Pack Forest. As the site and production within the space grows, the flow of material will make its way into a second building (designed by partner) for large scale building and wood production using robotic arms. A gantry connects the two buildings, allowing easy movement of materials and building parts from the workshop to assembly area. Projects produced between the innovation building and production lab extension will be showcased outside, creating usable and interactive spaces for visitors.
Site plan showing elements from initial masterplanning for Pack Forest growth and expansion.
Localized site plan showing building’s relationship with nearby programming.
Detailed Wall section and Innovation Hub Plans:
View towards mill pond with production lab + showcase area in front and innovation lab behind.
Inside the innovation lab wood shop and prototyping space.
View from mill pond back towards innovation lab and public steps.
Section through innovation and production labs.
Section through innovation lab and classrooms facing towards pond
View to mill pond from public steps.
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