Combinatorics of local materials in the example of peat and oilshale ash

Project idea

The current thesis is a research on new construction material that has not been studied before. It consists two materials that are very distinguishing to the region where the author resides: peat and oilshale ash. Both of the materials can clearly be seen from satellite images. The author tried to form a fresh angle to view critical regionalism with the help of digital materiality while using local materials. The thesis has an ambition to give an impulse to the local building traditions and workflow.
The research was partly made with the help of material scientist from another universities. Lots of tests were carried out by the author autonomously. These tests form a large and vital part of the master thesis as it is the base information from where further concepts are derived. The main focus is on the part that the author calls structure heuristics. It consists many unseen solutions and adapts necessary information from other scientific works. The author developed a building block module never seen before. Ellips shaped blocks are provided with natural one-way targeted fibres and the strength of the wall is accomplished by rotating these blocks in multiple directions. That allows to use linen fibre´s full strength potential.
The author is critical about conventional architecture and tries to find alternative solutions. Troughout the process, the author stands for environmentally friendly solutions in all steps of construction. For example, the text consisted a research on natural hydroisolation materials.

Project description

The final project is a proof of concept – all the structural tehniques were applied. The author chosed Tallinn zoo as a proper context for the material manifesto and proposed a shelter for bats (chiroptorium). It serves as refuge for our local endangered flying mammals meanwhile presents the novel material to the general public.
Flowing pavilion like structure seems arbitary at first glimpse, but consist rather clear and rigid parts. The higher part with thermal mass facing to south serves bats in the summer period and the other volume is partly underground for winter hibernation. The trajectories of staff, animals and guests are separated and could easily be derived from the space. The vault structure fits perfectly for bats to take off as their feet are to weak to stand on them. The structure consists "neo-primitive" elements such as high volume as a heat reservoir and intersection of vaults as a security mechanism for bats to escape to the private volume as the only living creatures that fit trough the narrow opening. The principle of folding surfaces to continue vaulted space was applied in the entrance area.
The developed structural heuristics is universal. It can be further developed and applied for designing residential buildings.

Technical information

The author carried out compressive strength tests with the help of material scientist. The result was around 1 MPa. The registered thermal conductivity was 0,07 W/mK. The tests proved the material to be nearly fireproof but a bit delicate to excessive moisture. Tar and waxes helped to solve the issue. Wooden cladding as a breathing skin is also a possible solution.

Co-authors

Tutors: (architects) Martin Melioranski, Renee Puusepp
(material scientists) Jüri Liiv, Tõnis Teppand