Serpentine Summer House designed by Barkow Leibinger

Serpentine Summer House designed by Barkow Leibinger

Photographed by Iwan Baan 

Key Concept

Original concept sketch 

The Serpentine Summer House is a yearly temporary pavilion. In 2016 Barkow Leibinger created a ‘round-shaped open house’[i] pavilion without a front or back. It was a free-standing pavilion that was exposed at all sides. The architect’s approach is focused on investigating innovative applications and this design looks at ways of layering and bending timber to create a unique experience of the user.

Roof plan

The form was derived from the idea of ‘blind contour drawings’[ii] simply meaning to be drawn from a single pencil stroke looking at the landscape rather than the paper. This idea is taken into the 3D with a structure that looks as if it is a continuous structure, with no defined architectural edge, the visitor is left wondering if they are in fact inside or out. Formed through a series of curved plywood strips, the form was an organic loose free form, where one can move through the space have a variety of connections to the landscape and the pavilion itself, framing the surrounds in a variety of ways.

The temporary nature of the structure allows it to take on a more sculptural form, rather than just being a shelter or place or rest.

Photographed by Iwan Baan 

Selected Design Element

Exploring the ways that timber can be curved and organically sit within its landscape were the key elements derived from this project.

For this model I will be exploring the ways that the timber was bent to create organic forms that are layered upon one another. Using timber, I will be creating a series of models looking at how different forms interact with one another and cast shadows within the space; looking at the concept models and drawings used in the development of the pavilion to create my models’ forms. Each curved form will be set in a white base plate and sit on a timber base. The scale will be 1:20 so the curves can be tested on dense 5-10mm thick strips.

These models will be photographed using direct lighting so the shapes created by the form’s shadows can be examined and experienced.

How is the Key concept reflected in the design studio?

I believe that architecture is a means of survival and wellbeing that must be all-inclusive and engage everyone. Inclusive design is an important feature to allow for a thriving community. It helps connect an ever-growing disconnect within our society. Through the installation of temporary architecture, it allows for the expression of that point in time and encourages interaction within our society.

Floor Plan 

This small structure that sits within a 10m by 7.5m footprint shows how architecture can create a variety of moments for multiple people at once. The space is divided into 4 parts where a user can experience the space alone, use it as a gathering place or have a chat with a friend. It highlights the versatile nature that architectural space can be. By creating a form with no formal functions, you allow the people to make the space their own. This lends the space a sense of ownership and connection.

Photographed by Iwan Baan 

The key concept of investigating innovative applications through the exploration of bending timbers will also help me explore and learn the capabilities of materials and how they can be manipulated to create interesting forms within our built world.

Description of the Geometrical shape.

Four structural bands 

The free form of the structure was layered in four structural bands made from curved plywood strips, formed around a concealed steel frame. Overall structure was situated within a 10m by 7.5m space.

First was a bench level attached to the ground, which allows users to sit and reflect within the space; seating was at 400mm above ground. This was followed by three C-shaped walls which created four main nooks within the form. These 3 walls were the largest curved walls within the project and hug the user within the space. It was then crowned with a third and fourth level that acted as an open roof form to the pavilion. These levels started at 2.2m from the ground with the highest curve at 3.9m high. These forms were larger than the seating below and created a ‘tree-like canopy’ over the form. It allowed for unique vistas through the curved forms to the surrounding tree canopies and sky above.

The same material is used throughout the structure; through the layering and different sizes/thickness of the plywood you get a variety of shadows on the material creating unique patterns within the form.

Proposed Scale: 1:20

Proposed Material and technique:

Plywood sheets: cut to size and scoured on the band saw

Glue: to hold sandwich sheets together, using clamps to hold curved shape in place.

Timber Block: to form base

White Acrylic: Laser cut with curved form to hold final concept models

Time Commitment:

1hour - Laser cutting/setting up files

6hours – Cutting and scouring timber sheets  

6hours – Gluing timbers together and clamping   

2hours – Cutting base to shape  

3hours – Assembling models onto base and finishing touches

TOTAL: 18hours

Budget:

Plywood sheets: $20

Glue: $10

Laser cutter: $15 for 30mins (will be able to do this in the same session as the other model)

Timber for base: $20

White Acrylic: $21

Total: $71.00

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[i] Bianchini, Riccardo. “Serpentine Summer House 2016 by Barkow Leibinger.” Inexhibit, 14 Apr. 2017, www.inexhibit.com/case-studies/london-serpentine-summer-house-2016-by-barkow-leibinger/. Accessed 29 June 2019

[ii] "Serpentine Summer House / Barkow Leibinger" 23 Jun 2016. ArchDaily. Accessed 30 Jun 2019. <https://www.archdaily.com/790032/serpentine-summer-house-barkow-leibinger/> ISSN 0719-8884

Iii “Serpentine Summer Houses 2016: Barkow Leibinger.” Serpentine Galleries, Feb. 2016, www.serpentinegalleries.org/exhibitions-events/serpentine-summer-houses-2016-barkow-leibinger-0. Accessed 30 June 2019.

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