Thatch
Project team: Vivian Lee with assistants Tarlton Long, De Peter Yi, Rennie Jones, Nathan Smalligan, Jon Swendris, Patrick Ethen
The pavilion proposed a unique way of building with thatch, using traditional techniques combined with an innovative steel structural system. Steel combs, traditionally used to thresh dried thatch, were designed to interlock and secure the bundles of thatch. The combs were bent and stacked to form a truncated cone. Cattails were harvested and dried on site, then cut and tied to form bundles. Each bundle was cut, sorted, and secured to the combs, then assembled within two days to form the final structure. The result was a perforated space with a shaggy interior and feathered oculus.
The structure was still entirely intact after one month in the snow and wind, after which it was dismantled for inclusion in the Taubman College Research Through Making exhibition. The project received one of Architect Magazine's 2011 R + D Awards.