Studio Bark, a London based collaborative practice, are inviting students to join them for a summer workshop in order to develop a "prototype for environmental low-energy student led construction." In collaboration with TRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association, the organisers hope to begin to bridge the "enormous chasm between architectural education and the on-site application of architecture" through a live-build project. They plan to give participants an understanding of construction terminology, materials, or technical detailing, all through on-site practice.
The site is located on an idyllic former rabbit warren accessible via a long winding track and surrounded by quintessential Norfolk countryside. The building is of traditional barn typology, combining reclaimed bricks for the skin with a super-insulated airtight timber frame. Internally, the building will be left unfinished, exposing the insulation and enhancing the impact of the two large exposed timber trusses. These are to be constructed on-site from locally sourced Douglas fir and locally made custom steel gussets.
The workshop will require students to combine design-talent with management, construction and fine-carpentry skills, to ensure that the building is delivered on-time and to the highest possible standards. The client is David Levitt OBE, founder of Levitt Bernstein and author of the Housing Design Handbook. Applicants must send a 200-300 statement explaining "why you want to participate in the live build project, including details of any previous construction experience, level of study and a description of previous work."
The workshop will run between Thursday 18th June and Sunday 21st June 2015. Participants will be required to pay £80 for a personal toolkit "that you will learn to use and keep for life." Meals and accommodation are free of charge.
Find out more and apply here (deadline: 5pm, Monday 8th June 2015).
