Pavilion

Location: St Marks Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
Duration: Yr 2 Semester 2
Project type: A Structural and environmental study of timber

Medium: Digital

This project was a timber study, to understand its structural capabilities, environmental impact and aesthetic qualities. The project was intended to use locally sourced Scottish hardwood (Oak on this occasion) for a small pavilion located in a park in the north of Edinburgh.
The structure relied heavily on hand calculations, particularly with the design of beams and columns. The sizes of the beams were determined by the components permissible shear stress, maximum permissible deflection, maximum bending moment and to ensure the beam could handle the exerted bending stress. Columns were sized by calculating the maximum compressive strength and stress to ensure the column would not buckle under loading. The design was intended to create a sense of permeability and to utilise a lightweight, thin structure, therefore its components are towards the edges of compressional and bending limits.

The project was also intended to heighten the awareness for carbon content attached to building materials. The design totalled around 731kg/C02e, with a substituted steel frame totalling to 7266kg/CO2e. The only steel used in the design were in the flitch plate connections used to join beams and columns. However, considerations were taken to use traditional joinery such as a housed mortis & tenon or tongue & groove.