#lockdowncreations
Sketching, modelling & building
13 July 2020
For the team at Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt, more time at home has meant more time to be creative! Here are some of our #lockdowncreations.
Ash Kendall, Architectural Assistant
In 2018 I volunteered with CAUKIN Studio to help design and build a community hall in Naidi, a Village in Northern Fiji. We lived and worked in the village, completing the project over the course of eight weeks. Two years on, the hall is being used as a kindergarten and library in addition to the events space for which it was originally constructed.
I’ve been sketching a lot during lockdown, mostly of places that I’ve travelled. It was great to hear from CAUKIN after I posted a sketch of my time in Naidi on Instagram – they even asked for a second image for their own social media.
Andy Matthews, Senior Architect
I sometimes use a ‘turbo’ or static trainer at home in the winter but at the beginning of lockdown, I found myself using it three or four times a week. I had been precariously balancing an AppleTV and an old monitor on whatever junk was lying around in the garage before I decided to make a little stand for it and got a bit carried away.
I used old offcuts of MDF as well as screws I already had to avoid a trip to the DIY store. It ended up being a bit more successful than planned, integrating a place for the AppleTV to be mounted with a fan underneath.
A number of people enquired about the design so I drew up the options, and provided cutting lists and 3D models!
Allister Lewis, Head of Technology
The aim was to create a ‘chaise longue’ out of laser cut elements, with a limitation of 800 x 450 mm. 4mm MDF was used with 1.5mm plywood for the top. All of the materials were cut, pre-fabricated and assembled on site (at home).
Agata Slusarek, Architectural Assistant
I decided to use the extra time at home to enter Switch’s ‘Tomb of Waste’ design competition. I teamed up with a friend and we were delighted to get an honourable mention for our work.
The competition brief was ‘to create a powerful and poetic architectural installation that raises awareness about the impact of plastic waste on our planet’.
Our design incorporates spaces for plastic exchange, social events and education about the recycling of plastic. The pavilion will promote and elevate the perception of plastic as a valuable resource through the use of ‘plastic currency’ which will provide an immediate return to people after donating plastic. The currency will create a unique opportunity to support locality, unite communities on a global scale and clean the environment.
The pavilions would be located in all neighbourhoods, creating a united network. The modular design of each pavilion allows for ease of construction and the main material used would be bricks made from donated, recycled plastic.
Dominic Gaunt, Director
I’ve built two projects during lockdown, a playhouse and a skate ramp. The kids have been in and out of the playhouse all summer and I love that they’ve personalised it with graffiti. The skate ramp has only been skatable for a day but I’m slightly concerned by the noise levels already!
Olivia Campbell, Architect
I’ve recently discovered an interest in botanical art which combines my fascination with the natural world, drawing intricate details, and learning how things are constructed.
Bruce Armstrong, Architectural Assistant
During lockdown Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt, along with a number of other companies from a diverse range of industries, took part in a collective effort to produce and supply PPE. It was fantastic to play a part in this project and it just shows what’s possible when collaborative and digital methods of working are embraced in the pursuit of a common goal.
Aaron Down, Senior Architect
My original flat pack shed had outstayed its welcome. At 6’5” I could only just stand up in the middle and it had basically become a large tool box. The wedge-shaped form of my garden also meant a rectangular shed was always going to ‘waste’ some space.
Designed in Revit to make the best use of the plot, I was able to get a full cutting list of timber directly from the model. I used a common timber frame construction method, insulated with rockwool and sheathed with OSB and a breather membrane before battening with a larch cladding. I charred the larch in the style of Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation, with a propane tank from the BBQ and a roofing torch. Two coats of Tung Oil and 800 stainless steel screws later, the workshop was clad.
TAGS Studio