Oxbow Eden
Inspired by the landscape and the Hokowhitu Lagoon, Oxbow Eden is a project grounded in the science of context.
PROJECT ARCHITECTS : TEAM ARCHITECTS, NZ
LOCATION : PALMERSTON NORTH, AOTEAROA (NZ)
PLOT : 1855M2
YEAR : 2021 (IN CONSTRUCTION)
TYPE : RESIDENTIAL
SCOPE : COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN & OPTIMIZATION
Differential had the privilege of collaborating with Project Director Agneesh Brahmbhatt from TEAM Architects on a bespoke residence nestled along the picturesque Hokowhitu Lagoon in the heart of Manawatu.
With a drive to leverage the lastest in computational thinking, since the projects inception in 2021, Differential's involvement spanned various critical stages of the project.
Notably, during the early stages, we conducted a multi-objective study to determine the optimal form, considering architectural program, daylighting, and wind comfort on site.
As the project progressed, Differential took charge of rationalizing, 3D modeling, and optimizing the dynamic roof geometry, comprising over 11,000 individual natural slate tiles.
Precision was paramount, leading to the development of smart non-destructive workflows where each structural and sub-structural roof element was embedded with metadata to facilitate seamless data translation into BIM and IFC formats, ensuring impeccable coordination on-site.
Hokowhitu Lagoon, circa 1895 to circa 1905
Source: Manawatu Heritage
Hokowhitu Lagoon & PN Teachers' College, Jan 1973
Source: Manawatu Heritage
The Hokowhitu Lagoon, once part of the Manawatu river, has a rich history in the region. The lagoons iconic oxbow form served as a source of inspiration for the dynamic architectural form.
Leveraging the power of computation was always at the heart of this project.
The use of genetic solvers and multi-objective studies in the early stages of the project allowed us to iterate through thousands of massing options allowing us to pick the most optimised solution across numerous (competing) design parameters.
The chosen solution effectively utilises direct daylight both inside and outside the structure.
By running wind simulations (CFD analysis) we are able to strategically develop the landscape to maximise user comfort.
Rain water analysis on the roof geometry was used to determine the structural loads and calculate the necessary gutter sizing.
Subsequently, the domiant flow paths were used to determine the most efficient roof framing structure.
In close coordination with the roofing contractor, design parameters were identified and translated into parametric scripts to determine how the roof should be framed and the slate laid out.
As a final computational step, the slate geometries were then optimised into "types". This generated a pattern or layout diagram to assist the roofing contractor on site.
Image courtesy of Avodah Photo + Cinema LTD.
Project team
Project Architects : Team Architects - Palmerston North
Computational Design : Differential
BIM Consultant : Integrated BIM
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