Jack Baker

M.Arch.B.Sc. Architecture

Selected Works2011-2015

Architecture +Design

Portfolio

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axonometric of wall construction and furniture,section of stairwell,night time render,evening render,brass gutter detail from early development,physical modelling photography

Front page;

axonometric of building in context

ThesisMy final semester thesis proposal was for an architectural studio in the west of Ireland catering to existing academic institutions, the premise being that architectural education should begin to reflect the distribution of people along the urban/rural divide.

The background to the project was heavily rooted in demographic studies of the area, numerous visits to site and relevant precedent from domestic and international educational facilities.

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developmental sketch,garden section between sauna and plunge pool,evening section with concert in the square behind,studio space,internal stair

NCAD

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development sketches,sketch perspective,final plan,renders of personal project (3),1:200 model of building in site context

The initial semester of fifth year played host to a comprehensive building design project located at the National College of Art and Design campus on Oliver Bond St in central Dublin.

My initial proposal connected two existing buildings on site, minimised damage to existing vegetation and focused on the development of two large workshops (each specialised for either metalwork or woodwork).

Given the important role of process in education I developed the project on the theme of ‘Process as Theatre’ and incorporated an outdoor auditorium in addition to the given brief.

In the next stage, my project was chosen for further development by the tutors, while three classmates and I inherited a project for comprehensive detail and structural development.

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exploded structural isometric,exploded isometric of facade detail, floor junction, and concrete connector,exploded isometric showing connection and rubber gasket,entrance foyer detailing using SAPA components,watercolour analysis of project

The structural and detail development project we inherited was of a large span steel structure supported by two concrete cores containing services.

The difficult issue of raised workshops in proximity to study areas was resolved through the use of raised floors on rubber dampers to absorb direct transmission and three degrees of separation from study spaces.

We tried our utmost to resolve the work to the original intentions of the architect. As I developed the steel structure, I took precedent from bridge construction and worked with professors from the Faculty of Engineering to propose realistic solutions.

Bamiyan

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plan of buildings and courtyard,main gallery space,main workshop space,classroom facing courtyard,view of cliffs from café

Two friends and I decided to enter an architectural competition run by UNESCO for a cultural centre in the Bamiyan province of Afghanistan.

We designed it on the principle of energy conservation and an adoption of local typologies such as building clusters and courtyards. Rammed earth walls featured throughout, making use of cheap local material.

The main gallery space was north lit so as to avoid overheating during the summer months. Within the classrooms and workshops, large overhangs prevented overheating while allowing the low winter sun angle to passively heat the spaces.

The courtyard made the most of views across the valley to the Bamiyan cliffs and complemented an extensive landscaping program using indigenous planting.

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1:200 Floor Plan

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1:20 Wall Section

The site strategy involves opening up the site towards the local inhabitants, encouraging them to enter freely and frequently. In the northwest corner we propose a pedes-trian access gate allowing the locals to enjoy the gardens and the shade of the trees. Landscaping with native �ora and fauna: i.e. apricot/apple trees will allow visitors to appreciate the botanical culture of the area. All internal routes are kept open but have been provided choke points to di�erentiate between them. The lower gardens will contrast with the courtyard, which is planted with a singular tree. The long slow ramp to the south will lead up through the centre of the lake, collecting water for the canals, creating a meditative and re�ective journey between sky and water. This upper garden will be planted with hardier, more drought resistant plants all surrounding the natural lake. Acting as a reservoir, the lake will be �lled with water pumped from the Foladi River using excess power generated during the summer months.

The design of the complex evolved from the traditional courtyard typology of the region but reinterpreted it in the context of a public building. We have created two court-yards a public one to the northwest and a more private one to the southeast. The northeastern courtyard is surrounded by the majority of the brief. A distinctive style is cre-ated merging the traditional materials but realising them in new forms. The building maintains a modest tone but remains visible from the valley. By arranging all the ac-commodation on a single level, we have avoided the use of elevators and make the building easily accessible for all.

To the north the exhibition space stretches out into the gardens and frames the valley as the end view. The space is divided by the storage areas which also function as lightwells ensuring each section of the gallery is evenly lit by north light. Annexed to this building, the tearoom is focused on the opposing view, opening out under the canopy and the amazing view towards the Buddha Cli�s. Opposite to this the workshops have large windows allowing them ample light and allowing interested people to come and observe the techniques in use. If privacy is required, the movable partitions can be easily moved to shy the inhabitants away from prying eyes.

Nestling into the step in the site, the research centre and administrative o�ces are bisected by the row of classrooms and the library. This is the more private area of the building and the front of the o�ces opens onto the more secluded second courtyard. This serves as a quiet place for people to enjoy their lunch and also allows stage access for the performance hall.

The classrooms are dual aspect, receiving light early in the morning and late in the evening but protected from the intense sun by virtue of their orientation. Having a corri-dor on either side means the space is dual purpose, converting from classrooms by day into changing and preparation spaces for the performers during the nighttime.

The open edge of the courtyard not only embraces the view across the landscape but also represents openness to the people and the culture in the valley. A system of canals and fountains coming from an upper reservoir provides cooling during the summer months, irrigation to the plants in the garden and a gentle sound of running water. By arranging all the main elements around a common space we are encouraging the sharing of ideas, techniques and, not only the preservation, but the further evo-lution of culture in the region.

The construction intent is to use traditional materials in modern ways combining them with high-performance insulation and passive solar design. Local craftsman will be invited to design the decorative southeastern wall of the gallery and as few specialised techniques as possible would be required. Using thick rammed earth walls which sandwich a layer of insulation combines not only the best insulative capacity but also ensures the building has a large stable thermal mass, vital for the preservation of deli-cate artworks and for the comfort of the occupants. A timber frame roof structure can sit lightly on top of these walls. Opening windows and the dual aspect of the main workspaces means that the occupants can take good control of their own environment, capturing breezes and venting heat. The planting of vegetation along the southern border of the building will promote a natural barrier to the sun which can be pruned to permit maximum input of winter sun.

All this is combined with a high-performance energy system. By reducing air-conditioning loads to zero and covering the south facing and horizontal facades with a combi-nation of photovoltaic and hot water panels it is intended that the centre will not only be self su�cient but possibly become a net-contributor to the electrical grid. An enormous hot water tank, recycled from a liquid shipping container will have such a large capacity that it could continue to supply hot water for extended stretches with-out input. A large battery bank will store the excess electrical energy for uninterrupted supply. When the sun shines brightest water will be pumped up from the Foladi, pro-viding the reservoir with fresh water. Once this reservoir is also full, electricity can be exported to the grid, lessening the peak load from air conditioning units. Low water �xtures will �ow into a water recycling system on site, be naturally puri�ed and be re-released back into the Foladi. In this way only the minimum of treated drinking water need be used in the building.

1:1000 Site Plan

UCDScienceBlock

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typical floor planlaboratory spaceview through atrium,exploded isometric of existing facade

This project was concerned with the redevelopment of a science block on the UCD campus. The brief required a combination of a highly controlled laboratory environment and general offices & study spaces.

Initially, we conducted an in-depth survey of the existing building, its structure, its facade and its performance.

I proposed a central atrium, allowing light deep into the building and dividing the space between laboratory and study space.

A heat exchanger and filter system allowed the air warmed by the offices to the south of the building to be used to preheat the incoming air into the laboratory, reducing heating demand.

A wooden batten ceiling hid services and acted as a diffuser for incoming air.

NewZealand

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mapping hand gestures,a laser cut model,the bench at full scale with backrest,location of the building in the landscape amongst walking routes,form of the building

During my semester exchange in New Zealand I made full use of the optional timber design module to work on a modular bench design which was developed to an interlocking system. I mixed laser and CNC cutting techniques with hand-finishing elements such as the backrest.

Within the design studio I experimented somewhat with form and function in an open-ended brief for a community centre in an Auckland suburb.

The building was two stories at the street, matching it to the surrounding properties. It maintained this datum as the hill sloped towards the wetlands at the rear of the site and opened up with views towards the islands and across the bay towards Auckland city.

del Puerto-Sardín

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plan for house,summer house plans, elevations and sections,bedroom for hotel in northern Argentina,lobby and restaurant block for same hotel

During my year break I took an opportunity to work and study in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I worked in a practice called Del-Puerto Sardín and attended language classes during the evenings.

I did a variety of work in the studio working on developing projects from the principles’ sketches. This involved making both AutoCAD drawings, SketchUp models and 3ds Max renders.

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media

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casting of complex shape as one piece,video installation piece,projection mapping onto multiple sources,watercolours “To The Touch”

Throughout my time in college I have enjoyed experimenting with different media and ways of exploring architecture. These vary from precedent studies to original installations and exhibits.

thank you