ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ALEXANDER CASKEY
8 Marlwood Drive,
Halifax, NS, Canada, B3M3H2
A L E X D E S I G N 902.497.3849
al200518@dal.ca
 PORTFOLIO CONTENTS
PROFILE 3

CIVIL ENGINEERING 4
Tr a n s f e r a b l e K n o w l e d g e

P R OJ E CT 1 : YO U T H M U S I C R O O M 5-7
Music Centre, Halifax Commons, NS

P R OJ E CT 2 : WO R K- L I V E 8-10
S i n g l e Fa m i l y M i x e d U s e , L u n e n b u rg , N S

P R OJ E CT 3 : T R E E TO W E R 11-12
L o o k o u t To w e r , I s e , J a p a n

P R O J E C T 4 : PA R A D E O F L I G H T S 13-14
H o l i d a y Pa r a d e F l o a t , H a l i f a x , N S

P R OJ E CT 5 : B AC K F I S H I S L A N D 15-16
Off-Grid Cottage, Shelburne, NS

P R O J E C T 6 : S T. PAT ’ S A L E X A N D R A 17-18
Urban Master Plan,Halifax, NS

GRIDSHELL FREE LAB 19

ARTWORKS 20

A L E X D E S I G N
ALEXANDER CASKEY E D U C AT I O N WORK EXPERIENCE
D A L H O U S I E U N I V E R S I T Y, H A L I FA X , N S TEAL ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS
Pro f i l e S u m m a r y : Fa c u l t y o f A rc h i t e c t u re & P l a n n i n g P r i n c i p a l : To m E m o d i
Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies Expected May 2018 Architectural Co-op Student Fa l l 2 0 1 7
In an academic pursuit of a rewarding profession • Cumulative GPA. 3.7/4.3
that provides opportunities to shape the future • Dean’s list (2016, 2017)
• Worked independently with some collaboration on a rural off-grid house project. Work included designing
building exterior, maximizing structural efficiency, 3D modeling & rendering, product research, and permit
built environment. Creative self-starter with the drawings.
• Performed on site As-Found measurements and drafted permit drawings for a Japanese Korean Barbecue
problem solving skills of an engineer and an ath- commercial interior fit out.
lete’s work ethic. UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, FREDERICTON, NB • Constructed digital massing models and designed & built physical models for St. Patrick’s Alexandra
Fa c u l t y o f E n g i n e e r i n g 850,000sf development community design charrettes. Worked collaboratively to develop site urban design
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Graduated May 2016 strategies.
Architectural Interests:
• Cumulative GPA. 3.9/4.3 D E PA R T M E N T O F T R A N S P O R TAT I O N A N D I N F R A S T R U C T U R E R E N E W -
Mixed Use High Rise Design Healthcare Facility Design • Dean’s list (2012, 2013, 2014 , 2015, 2016 ) Engineering and Building Design Division
Structure & Architecture Sustainable Design • Member of UNB Varsity Reds Men’s Basketball Team (2011-2016)
Engineering Summer Student Summer 2016
Engineered Wood Products Variability in the Human Scale • 5 Time CIS Academic All-Canadian (2012, 2013, 2014 , 2015, 2016 )
Tall Wood Buildings Recreation and Sporting Facility • Part of team working on renovations to the Dartmouth General Hospital. Work included: site visits, evaluation
Design of full scale mock ups, weekly meetings with design lead, and document & drawing review.
• Prepared specification documents for small scale renovation projects.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hobbies: • Attended regular construction site meetings with contractor, project manager, and architect for South Dart-
mouth School.
• Performed Energy Audit of DNR Kentville Office. Used billing data to compare Steam Usage/ Heating Degree
Personal Development Self Education Days, and Heating Cost/ Square footage and compared results to comparable buildings.
Reading Home Renovation • Created graphic programmatic element diagrams for Nova Scotia School Design Guidebook.
Drawing Painting • Member of the UNB Varsity Reds Basketball Team (2011- 2016) D E PA R T M E N T O F T R A N S P O R TAT I O N A N D I N F R A S T R U C T U R E R E N E W -
Basketball Rugby • Dean’s List, University New Brunswick (2011-2016)
Highway Maintenance and Construction Offices
Weight lifting Soccer • CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) Academic All-Canadian (2012-2016)
• Scholarships: Engineering Summer Student Summer 2012,2013,2014,2015
2017: Dalhousie School of Architecture Portfolio Prize
2016: Dalhousie School of Architecture Entrance Scholarship • In charge of data collection, tender documentation, and repair team supervisor for Energy Absorbing Guard
2015: Transportation Association of Canada, Ralph Edwin Brannen Scholarship, Esterbauer Civil Engineering Rail End Terminal replacement project.
Graduate Award • Conducted independent project that analyzed efficiencies of snow and ice removal plow routes. My recom-
2014: Spectra Energy in Engineering Scholarship, PMI Nova Scotia Chapter Scholarship mendations lead to major cost savings through route redesign that eliminated the need for two plow routes.
2013: E. Nelson MacNab Memorial Scholarship, Alumni Merit Award, Wilson Family Scholarship • Project Lead for county wide office and snowplow base site safety map project. Included: site surveys, map
2012: Ron Covil Memorial Scholarship design, and project budget management.
2011: UNB Entrance Scholarship, UNB Basketball Scholarship • Level 1 Bridge Inspection of over 40 bridges and overpasses in the province identifying material conditions,
• Captain of Halifax West Boys Basketball Team 2010-2011 season (Awarded MVP 2011) structural decay, and potential hazards.
• Performed survey work for: road construction projects, Right of Way permits, site mapping, well locating, cul-
• LEED Green Associate (2016)
vert replacement, and other tasks using GPS equipment.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE TECHNICAL SKILLS

S I R J O H N A M A C D O N A L D H I G H S C H O O L , TA N TA L L O N , N S Sketching
B o y s J u n i o r Va r s i t y B a s ke t b a l l 5 Po i n t Pe r s p e c t i v e S k e t c h i n g
Coach 2015-2016, 2016-2017 Hand Drafting
Model Building
B L U E N O S E M A R AT H O N , H A L I FA X , N S Construction/ Renovation
Course Marshall 2016, 2017 A u t o m a t e d M a c h i n e s ( L a s e r C u t t e r, C N C M a c h i n e )
Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
3 D M o d e l i n g ( S ke t c h U p Pro , R h i n o S i e m e n s N X )
PA R A D E O F L I G H T S , H A L I FA X N S BIM (Auto Desk Revit)
D a l h o u s i e U n i v e r s i t y Pa r a d e E n t r y Re n d e r i n g ( V ra y, Lu m i o n , M a x w e l l )
Mechanical Design Lead 2016, 2017 S t r u c t u r a l A n a l y s i s ( S - F r a m e , S TA A D . P r o )

A L E X D E S I G N
CIVIL ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE THE DESIGN PROCESS
U N B , Fre d e r i c t o n , N B STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Structural Modeling CTIVE
Structural Steel Design
OBJ
EC T OBJE
E
Reinforced Concrete Design
IVE
OBJE E CTIV
CTIVE OBJ
Prior to my studies in architecture I completed a Structural Wood Design OBJE C TIV E DESIGN/
Analysis Application Programing REDESIGN
degree in Civil Engineering at University of New
Brunswick. I completed my degree while commit-
ting my time to a varsity sport which instilled in me SOLLUTION

diligence, discipline, and excellent time manage- TRANSPORTATION SOLLUTION

MODEL/
TEST/
ENGINEERING SOLLUTION
ment. Traffic Studies SOLLUTION
ASSESSMENT PROTOTYPE
FINAL SOLUTION
Predictive Modeling
During the course of my degree I studied a broad Roadway Design
RAINT CONSTRA
Parking Facility Design ONST INT
range of subjects from the micro-structure of ma- A INT C CON
STR
STR AINT
terials to the workings of global infrastructure CON CONS
TRAINT
networks. We learned to leverage our skills in CONSTRAINT CONSTRAINT
mathematics, science, economics and research in MATERIALS ENGINEERING

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH THESIS

Wood
order to innovate, design, and problem solve. The Steel
Design Process was an important part engineering Concrete In my final year I took on an optional full year undergraduate thesis under supervision of Dr. Kaveh Arjomandi. My research
Asphalt
education. investigated structural systems and sustainability in High-Rise Buildings. I published a paper and presented my research at
the 2016 Canadian Society for Civil Engineering annual conference in London, Ontario.

Engineering has provided me with the foundation PART 1: HIGH RISE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
110

I need to thrive in my architectural studies.

100
Research into the systems developed to resist the
governing wind and seismic loads in high rise buildings. 90
CONSTRUCTION
Each strategy has a height to which it can be economically 80
Construction Work Processes

ECONOMIC HEIGHT
built. Research also included the development of 70
Construction Management
principles of sustainable structural design.

(FLOORS)
60
Contracting Process
50
Occupational Health & Safety
40

30

20

10
PART 2: SUSTAINABILITY IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
SOILS ENGINEERING Research into “High Performance Buildings”, buildings SEMI RIGID RIGID FRAME CANTILEVER FRAME WITH RIGID FRAME FRAMED END OUTRIGGER FRAMED DIAGONALLY BUNDLED
Geology that aimed to achieve energy economic, and environmen- FRAME CORE CORE WITH CORE CHANNEL TRUSS TUBE BRACED
TUBE
TUBE

Earth Science tal performance substantially better than the status quo.
Soils Engineering
Foundation Engineering

GEOMATICS & SURVEYING

Land Surveying
River Flow Mapping
Geo. Positioning Sys. (GPS) INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL SITE OPTIMIZATION WATER EFFICIENCY ENERGY PERFORMANCE MATERIALS & RESOURCES
Geo. Information Sys (GIS) QUALITY Active & Public Transportation Rainwater Collection High Performance Envelopes Life Cycle Analysis
Remote Sensing User Experience Networks Grey-Water Reuse Contemporary HVAC Systems “Green” Building Materials
Air Quality Passive Solar Design On-site Waste Water Treatment Daylight Occupancy Sensors Waste Management
Daylighting Vegetation Restoration High Efficiency Fixtures On Site Energy Production Rapidly Renewable Materials
Acoustics Heat Island Mitigation Drought Tolerant Vegetation Green Energy Sustainable Structural Design
A L E X D E S I G N Storm Water Management
 A T R U LY U N I Q U E U R B A N B AT H I N G E X P E R I E N C E

THERMAL BRIDGE
To w e r s , H a l i f a x W a t e r f r o n t , N S
D E S I G N T U T O R : Ta l b o t S w e e t a p p l e
B 5 ( W i n t e r 2 0 1 8 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t

The goal of this project was to make unique ur-

ban bathing experience. To do this I decided to
go up, way up! Raising the bathhouse into the air
to remove users from the noise and craziness of
the downtown and allow them to escape into their
own private oasis over looking the mouth of the
harbour.

Halifax continues to be one of the countries fast-

est growing cities, a fact reflected in the skyward
growth of the Halifax skyline. Keeping with the
spirit of the times this concept would add density
to the city core and make economic use of the 11
million dollar proposed build site. The bathhouse
would be integrated into a mixed-use develop-
ment that features residential and commercial
space. Two 23 story towers would be linked at the
17th story by the

MECHANICAL
MECHANICAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
ADMIN OFFICES
LOBBY + SHOP
PARKING
PARKING
PARKING

A L E X D E S I G N
THERMAL BRIDGE
To w e r s , H a l i f a x W a t e r f r o n t , N S
D E S I G N T U T O R : Ta l b o t S w e e t a p p l e
B 5 ( W i n t e r 2 0 1 8 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t

The ground level is focused around a central pub-

lic square that bites into the hard glass façade of
the two towers revealing entrances in their soft
wooden inside and exposing the concrete service
cores. Cuts into the soft inside of the tower are
repeated the height of the tower as balconies until
at the 17th story where the bathhouse slices di-
rectly through both towers creating a series of sky
gardens. As the bathhouse twists itself toward the
ocean view it wedges between the two rigid cores
1 2 3
and settles into place.
16

Inside the bathhouse a versatile set of double

height sitting stairs extrude the length of the proj-
15 5

ect creating a sense of familiarity and serving a 14

10
6

4
1 5 6
SKY LOBBY
wide variety of uses from pool, to rest area, to hot
8

tub to sauna.
17
9

11 4

12 1

13

18
7 8 9

LOBBY
SPA SHOP
INFORMATION
3

CENTRE
10 11 12
GALLERY
CAFE

13 14 15

16 17 18

A L E X D E S I G N
 MECHANICAL STRUCTURE

H*
UT
O
M
RT
DA
BRIDGES + BASIN
TH
DESIGN/ ALT
N
E
L
ER TEMP:2IVIN
2° G

REDESIGN
(W AT :~ R
RH
40 O
TE E
IN
R F
CO O
%
O
ND O
M
ON D
ITI
S) S
ER
VIC
E

OUTDOOR EXPERICE OUTDOOR EXPERICE

OUTSIDE OUTSIDE

DN

DN

TEST/ MODEL/

M
O
RO
ASSESSMENT PROTOTYPE

%
40
:~
P:2 E
RH
M G
WOODSIDE

2°
VERENDEEL TRUSS

TE N
A
CH
THERMAL BRIDGE CI DN

TY RIGID CORES
+
RETURN AIR (CEILING)

CI
TA SUPPLY AIR (UNDERFLOOR)
COLUMNS
DEL
SKYLOBBY
TEMP:~22° RH:~40%

To w e r s , H a l i f a x W a t e r f r o n t , N S DN

RETURN AIR (CEILING)

DN

ER
W
O
SH
°
40
D E S I G N T U T O R : Ta l b o t S w e e t a p p l e

P:~
M
M
TE
AR
W
B 5 ( W i n t e r 2 0 1 8 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t DN DN

L
O
%
55
PO
:~
A

° RH
00 N

19
M D
:1 U
Bathers experience a sequential procession be-

P:~
L
SA

CO
TE
° RH
AM

BOARDWALK
41
P:>
LL

E
M
ST
TE
HA %
NG

ER
40
tween juxtaposed brief moments of intense tem-

:~

P:7 W
RH
LO
2°

M O
P:2

°
TE E

SH
M
SUPPLY AIR (UNDERFLOOR)

TH

TE

M
E
IC

O
%
40
RO
:~
° RH
M M
24
perature extremes in small interior spaces, and

P:~
TE R
LOWER WATER STREET

A
W
GE
UN
°
10
PL
P:<
M
LD
longer more comfortable moments in brightly lit

TE
CO
GREEN ROOF FOR
BUILDING RESIDENTS RIGID CORE RIGID CORE
RIGID CORE RIGID CORE

A
%
N
10
:<
70 U
RH
COOLING TOWER CHILLER PLANT COOLING TOWER

SA
°
rooms focused around the harbour For example. GE

P:>
TE Y
M
DR
AIR HANDELING
O
INTAKE WATER AIR AIR WATER INTAKE
VAV REHEAT SYSTEM

RG EXHAUSTE EXHAUSTE

E’S
A large, relaxing sauna facing the harbour, is pro- DN

B
ISL

P:~ U
°
40
TE T T
EXTRUDED STAIRCASE
CREATES OUTDOOR

M
HO
SEATING

“WOOD CORE” MATERIAL

STRATEGY FOR CUTS INTO
AN
ceed by an adrenalin jolting plunge through a
TOWERS
RESIDENTIAL
ACESS D VERENDEEL TRUSS
+
SACKVILLE STREET M SAUNA

AC
HOT HOT COLD POOL
TUB TUB PLUNG
POOL

waterfall into an icy cold glass bottom pool that’s NA

B’
S

ST
RE
ISL
open to the sky above.

ED
AN

ER
E
ID
TS
ELT
OU
FLOOR PLATES

SH
DN

P:~ U
40B
°
TE T T
M
HO
EXHAUSTE

COLUMNS

After users cycle through the series of bathing

FOOD SERVICE
OUTSIDE

experiences they are reintroduced to the city FIRE PIT

OUT DOOR
OUTDOOR EXPERICE
OUTSIDE

through a series of rest spaces offering a variety of

INTAKE

L
amazing views and returning them to the change

O
%
55
PO
:~
° RH

PEIR 21 + CONTAIINER
P:> E
28
TE RG
M
LA
rooms.

T
AN
AS
WATER BOILER PLANT WATER

LE
TP
IN
GEO THERMAL LOOPP GEO THERMAL LOOPP

PO
PILES PILES

PRECEDENCE

SUMMER SOLSTICE WINTER SOLSTICE SUMMER SOLSTICE

SUMMER SOLSTICE

LIFE SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY

W 2PM 68° E 10AM 68°
12PM

NATIVE VEGETATION
ENGINEERED SOIL
FILTER FABRIC
RESERVOIR LAYER
AIR-VAPOR-WATER BARRIER
6” CORRUGATED STEEL FLOOR

DUAL PANE ONE LOW-E COATING,

ARGON FILLED WINDOW WALL
SYSTEM
ARM FOLDS
DOWN AND CONNECTS
TO BACK OF CHAIR

American Copper Build-
ings, New York City,
by SHOP Architects
LOWERS
Linked Hybrid, Bejing, Building Proposal Concord CityPlace, Toronto, WINTER SOLSTICE WINTER SOLSTICE THE USER IN AND OUT OF
POOL
W 2PM 68° E 10AM 15°
China Portland, Oregon
by Steven Holl Architects by William Kaven by Kohn Pedersen Fox and Page +
40’> 30’ (REQUIRED)

REMOTE IN ARMREST DN
DN
CONTROLS SPEED AND
Steele/IBI Group FIRE RATED COORIDOR HEIGHT OF CHAIR

VIERENDEEL BOX TRUSS

REST HALL DRY SAUNA WHEELCHAIR USERS
TEMP: 22° RH: ~40% TEMP: >70° RH: <10% EGRESS STAIRS WILL BE GIVEN A
CHAIR

5” THICK UV RESISTANT SPECIALTY THAT IS DESIGNED TO

GET WET.

ACRYLIC PLEXIGLAS CHAIRS WILL BE

EQUIPED WITH A STEEL
BRACKET CAPABLE OF
CONNECTING TO THE

EGRESS STAIRS
WOOD FINISH FLOOR
3/4” PLYWOOD
DN

3” RIGID INSULATION DN

AIR-VAPOR-WATER BARRIER
6” CORRUGATED STEEL FLOOR
WITH SITE CAST CONCRETE DECK

VIEREENDEEL BOX TRUSS SYSTEM

COLD PLUNGE FIRE RATED COORIDOR
WATER TEMP: ~5°
STRUCTURAL WEATHERING STEEL DN

(SEE PROCESS PORTFOLIO) THERMAL SEPARATION

DN

AIR VAPOR WATER BARRIER THE SMALLER OUTDOOR

EXPERIENCE SPACES ARE NOT
FULLY WHEELCHAIR ACESSIBLE,
RAIN CONTROL HOWEVER THE LARGER
OUTDOOR SPACES ARE FULLY
NATURAL VENTILATION ACESSIBLE AND PROVIDE AN
EQUVALENT EXPERIENCE

VARIABLE AIR VOLUME REHEAT SYSTEM

INTEGRATED BUILDING SECTION

SECTION THROUGH SKYBRIDGE

A L E X D E S I G N
ALEX CASKEY
1:20
YO U T H M U S I C RO O M
Music Centre, Halifax Commons, NS
DESIGN TUTOR: JANE ABBOTT
B 3 ( S u m m e r 2 0 1 7 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t

The Halifax Commons is an urban park in down-

town Halifax that features public green space,
baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball
courts, a soccer field, a skate park, and a public
pool. Centrally located is “The Pavilion”, a graffiti
covered youth music facility adjacent to the public
pool that is in need of replacement.

Client meetings and site research identified the

new pavilion would need to have a space for large
performances, rehearsal space, recording studio,
public washrooms, administrative office, and a
small food establishment.

BASKETBALL
PLAYGROUND COURTS

SKATEPARK

PUBLIC POOL

BASEBALL
DIAMOND

GOOGLE IMAGERY OF SITE

A L E X D E S I G N
 ROOF TOP CAFE
DESIGN/ The roof top cafe gives a destination to the walkable green
REDESIGN roof. Seats overlook the wide variety of activities that take place
on the site

LEARNING COMMONS
Services to help young musicians develop their talents by
providing space for them to practice, learn and grow. Features:
TEST/ MODEL/ multi function space, rehearsal room, recording studio, admin
ASSESSMENT PROTOTYPE
WALKABLE GREEN ROOFS offices
Landscaped roof integrate the building’s mass into the land-

YO U T H M U S I C RO O M
scape. The building is set partially below grade to minimize YOUTH LOUNGE
building height A safe place for youth to hangout and interact with one anoth-
er. Features: pool tables, TVs, couches, video games, juice bar,
FOYE and computer work stations
Music Centre, Halifax Commons, NS Transparent lobby retains the thoroughfare connection while
DESIGN TUTOR: JANE ABBOTT providing a focal point for interacting between
B 3 ( S u m m e r 2 0 1 7 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t
building users

Integrated into the many activities and the land- GREAT ROOM
scape of the Halifax Commons, this new commu- Multifunction performance space for concerts, lectures,
dances, and other events. Features: 600 person capacity great
nity hub will provide a safe place for youth to call room, storage,dressing rooms, board room, washrooms
their own, a place to meet new people, take part
in a variety of fun activities and a place to host
events. Anchored on the exact site of the old pa-
vilion, the spaces and services are tucked under
walkable green roofs that emerge from the land-
scape to create a dramatic form.

Building program includes a large 600 person

flexible performance space, a learning commons
housing services for young musicians, a lounge
space for social interaction, a rooftop café over
looking the site and a new public pool.
POOL
Partially covered L-shaped pool replacing existing
public pool that is in need of an upgrade

CHANGE ROOMS
Change room and pool services separated from
music pavilion to allow it to operate independently

GREAT ROOM FOYE YOUTH LOUNGE

A L E X D E S I G N
YO U T H M U S I C RO O M
Music Centre, Halifax Commons, NS
DESIGN TUTOR: JANE ABBOTT
B 3 ( S u m m e r 2 0 1 7 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t
Render or
The building is oriented to maximize the southern
sun. Skylights let sunlight fill the Foye with light Model Image
while the Great Room is centrally placed with no
windows so light can be controlled manually.

A key feature in the Foye is the dual bridges and

grand staircase. The Great Room features a folded
wooden ceiling insert and a wrap around balcony
serving both aesthetic and acoustic functions.

The Great Room volume is designed to be con-

structed via tilt-up concrete panels poured on site.
The Learning Commons are supported above the
lounge area by a steel structure and anchored
by the rigid elevator core. This is all covered by a
cast in place reinforced concrete roof. The Learn-
ing Commons are clad in a bold red aluminum
cladding while curtain-wall creates an envelope
around the Lounge and Foye areas.

SITE PLAN

A L E X D E S I G N
WORK-LIVE
S i n g l e Fa m i l y M i x e d U s e , L u n e n b u rg , N S
D E S I G N T U T O R S : B R I A N M A C K AY- LY O N S , C R I S T I N A V E R I S S I M O
B 2 ( W i n t e r 2 0 1 7 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t

The Lunenburg design studio is focused around

increasing density in the town through developing
infill sites. Our group’s urban design strategy was
to amplify the marketplace fabric of Montague
street through street level shops.

This archetype utilizes the site’s steep topogra-

phy by nestling a shop front & necessary building
services into a partially underground monolithic
plinth. Sitting perched on the plinth with clear
sight lines to the harbor is a 4 bedroom gabled
roof home.

WOOD/TIMBER
FRAME
REINFORCED HARBOUR VIEW
CONCRETE
RESIDENTIAL

PA R K I N G COMMERCIAL

HARBOUR VIEW

M O N TA G U E S T.
BLUENOSE DR.
HARBOUR

A L E X D E S I G N
WORK LIVE
S i n g l e Fa m i l y M i x e d U s e , L u n e n b u rg , N S
D E S I G N T U T O R S : B R I A N M A C K AY- LY O N S , C R I S T I N A V E R I S S I M O
B 2 ( W i n t e r 2 0 1 7 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t

The lot size supported three residences. These

dwellings evolve from the same basic DNA but
orient themselves according to the view of the
Lunenburg harbour.

This design was driven by the user experience,

daylighting and providing quality views. Wall to
ceiling windows on the south elevation of the main
level light up the room and allow residence to ex-
perience the Lunenburg Harbour from the comfort
of their own living room.

The design also took into consideration passive

solar design. The monolithic plinth acts as thermal
mass that captures late day solar heat gain from
the southwest. Built up heat would be released at
night diminishing the load on the home’s heating
system.

HARBOUR VIEW

A L E X D E S I G N
 DESIGN/
REDESIGN

TEST/ MODEL/
ASSESSMENT PROTOTYPE

WORK LIVE
S i n g l e Fa m i l y M i x e d U s e , L u n e n b u rg , N S
D E S I G N T U T O R S : B R I A N M A C K AY- LY O N S , C R I S T I N A V E R I S S I M O
B 2 ( W i n t e r 2 0 1 7 ) S e m e s t e r Lo n g I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t

Public space and private space are expressed ex-

ternally through fenestration selection.

Public spaces are expressed through large voids

while private space is articulated through punched
holes that provide privacy while framing views.

In a historic town bold contemporary designing

could take away from the town fabric so the inten-
tion here was “traditional taste with modern inter-
vention”.

Many exterior materials were considered however,

the chosen exterior cladding fuses the traditional
form, materiality, and construction methods with
modern fenestration and contemporary structure.

SCALED MODEL

A L E X D E S I G N
T R E E TOW E R
L o o k o u t To w e r , I s e , J a p a n
DESIGN TUTOR: PETER BRAITHWAITE
B 1 ( Fa l l 2 0 1 6 ) 3 We e k I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t

The Naiku Shrine, Ise, Japan, is part of a larger

Shinto shrine complex that is known as Ise Jingu.
The Ise Jingu complex is set amongst a beautiful
mountain range and consists of Naiku (the inner
shrine) and Geku (the outer shrine).These two
spaces are 4km apart.

Over time the sprawl of Ise City has cut the two
sites off from one another. Traditionally when vis-
iting Ise Jingu, it is customary to visit the outer
shrine first and then travel through the city to the
Inner shrine. Visitors currently take a bus between
sites.

Objective: Find a way to better CONNECT the two

sites, and evoke excitement in making the journey
from Geku to Naiku.

Solution: TREE TOWER, a bold 96m look off tower

adjacent to the Geku site at the bus terminal.

MODEL OF NAIKU SHRINE

A L E X D E S I G N
 DESIGN/ STRUCTURAL SYSTEM COLUMNS RIGID CORES
REDESIGN The glulam columns The rigid CLT cores
To overcome lateral forces (wind
& seismic) Tree Tower uses a are responsible for the house the pavilion’s ver-
bundled tube structural system. gravity loads. Placing tical circulation systems.
Bundling allows towers to work the columns at the tower Structurally they transfer
together to resist lateral loads perimeters maximizes lateral loads from the
TEST/ MODEL/ the moment of inertia of platform slabs to the
ASSESSMENT PROTOTYPE the towers ground.

T R E E TOW E R
L o o k o u t To w e r , I s e , J a p a n PLATFORM SLABS EXTERIOR CROSS
DESIGN TUTOR: PETER BRAITHWAITE The CLT (Cross Lami- BRACING
B 1 ( Fa l l 2 0 1 6 ) 3 We e k I n d i v i d u a l D e s i g n Pro j e c t
nated Timber) platform The exterior cross brac-
slabs provide a place for ing adds lateral rigidity
Why a 96m tower? circulation. Structurally to the exterior columns
they transfer the lateral
loads from the exterior
The tower’s large size is based on an ancient Shin- columns to the rigid
to building that is believed to have existed long cores
ago. According to documents, the Izumo Shrine in
Shimane Prefecture once stood 96m tall and was
built entirely of wood. It was shortened to 48m and
then eventually 24m because of a tendency to col-
lapse unexpectedly. Archaeological remains of the
48m Izumo Shrine were discovered in 2002. The
heights of 96m, 48m, and 24m became the basis
of the design.

The future of tall building structure is engineered

wood. New innovations have made wood stron-
ger, more consistent and more reliable than ever
before. Tree Tower is an ambitious design that
explored structural systems and the use of engi-
neered wood products as structural material.
LOOK OFF PLATFORMS
Each tower provides a different view. The Geku
look off (24m) creates a connection with the Shin-
to Shrine located across the street. The Ise Bay/
City look off (48m)provides a view over the city to
the bay. The Naiku look off (96m) evokes curiosity
by providing a far out view of the inner shrine set
amongst the beautiful mountain range.

LZUMO SHRINE believe to have once stood 96m tall, shortened to 48m then 24m
h tt p : / / w w w. a rc h e o l o g - h o m e . c o m / p a g e s / c o n t e n t / i z u m o - j a p o n - t h e - g ra n d - s h r i n e - w a s - o n c e - a - c o l o s s a l - s ky s c ra p e r- o f - j a p a n

A L E X D E S I G N
PA R A D E O F L I G H TS
H o l i d a y Pa r a d e F l o a t , H a l i f a x , N S
STUDENT LEAD DESIGN GROUP
6-8 weeks

Each year a group of 8-16 Dalhousie Architecture

students represent the entire Dalhousie Univer-
sity student body at the Holiday Parade of lights
(POL), in downtown Halifax. The parade includes
marching bands, dancers, and festive floats usually
pulled by large trucks. I was part of the team for
2016 and 2017 entries.

Some of the objectives of our Dal parade entries

have been to promote sustainability, remain sec-
ular, and express our creativity and stay within a
tight budget. Sustainability has been promoted
by no conventional floats that avoid the need to
be pulled by a truck. In an effort to remain secu-
lar we have presented abstract pieces that do not
subscribe to any one holiday and our creativity
has been expressed through our ability to enter
unique eye catching entries. Our cost conscious
designs have included cost cutting measures such
as recycling materials from previous years.

A L E X D E S I G N
 “FLYING” BICYCLES
This fleet of winged bicycles used the human
power from pedaling riders to elegantly flap rear
mounted wings.

PA R A D E O F L I G H TS
H o l i d a y Pa r a d e F l o a t , H a l i f a x , N S
STUDENT LEAD DESIGN GROUP
6-8 weeks

Project Role: Mechanical Design Lead

The parade entry concepts have come from a se-

ries of group design charrettes. Developing the
project beyond the drawing board starts with pro-
totyping to figure out all the moving parts. This is
followed by simplifying to allow the same process
to be followed to produce 12-16 copies of the
same thing.

Being a part of the parade of lights team has 2 016

been a great learning experience and has allowed
for experimenting with material uses, design of
non-static objects, and improvement of construc-
tion skills at the 1:1 scale.
LIGHT CREATURES
This idea was sparked by a youtube video on
double pendulums and their rich dynamic be-
havior. This concept was adapted into a portable
dynamic display of lights that was held in cohe-
sive groups by glowing fabric installations

A L E X D E S I G N
2 017
BACKFISH ISLAND
Off-Grid Cottage, Shelburne, NS
TEAL ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS
C O - O P W o r k Te r m ( F a l l 2 0 1 7 )

TEAL Architects +Planners (Co-op Work Term)

The Backfish Island cottage project is a 880 square

foot off-grid house located in Shelburne, Nova
Scotia. This vacation home for a German family is
located on an un-serviced island in Back Lake that
can only be accessed by boat. The island does not
have any utilities and so the house must be entire-
ly self-sustaining. A large 10 panel solar array built
on a separate structure by the lakeside will bring
electricity to the house.

The clients requested room to sleep 8-10 so that

two families could stay there at once as well as a
full interior kitchen and bath with running water.
Other requests included a cathedral ceiling in the
main kitchen/living space and a deck that wraps
the south side of the house.

COTTAGE BACK FISH ISLAND

SOLAR PANEL ARRAY

BA
CK
LAK
E
 DESIGN/
REDESIGN

BEDROOM BATH.
TEST/ MODEL/
ASSESSMENT PROTOTYPE

BEDROOM BEDROOM

BACKFISH ISLAND
Off-Grid Cottage, Shelburne, NS
TEAL ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS ELEVATIONS
C O - O P W o r k Te r m ( F a l l 2 0 1 7 ) 2
LIVING KITCHEN
Project Involvement
Exterior Design: BOTTOM RAFTER TIE NO BOTTOM RAFTER TIE

Development of a roof that expresses contem-

porary style while providing shelter over the
doors
DECK
Structural Design:
Development of a roof truss system that would
allow an apparent cathedral ceiling in main liv- HELICAL PILES

ing space.
Maximization of floor joist spans to minimize FLOOR PLAN SECTIONS
helical piles requirement 1 3
3D Modeling & Rendering:
Creation of 3D photo realistic image of the
house for client
Product Research:
Research of composting toilets as a low cost
alternative to a septic field
Permit Drawings:
Preparation a set of orthographic drawings to
be submitted for building permit
S T. PATS A L E X A N D R A
Urban Master Plan,Halifax, NS
TEAL ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS ( CO-OP WORK TERM)
C O - O P W o r k Te r m ( F a l l 2 0 1 7 )

A master plan for a 4 acre lot in downtown Halifax.

The site is currently occupied by an abandoned
school that is in a state of disrepair. The site bor-
ders a large community garden to the north, a
YMCA to the west and a church to the south. The
developer who has purchased the lot is looking to
build 850, 000sf residential, commercial, and com-
munity space.

TEAL Architects+Planners have been tasked with

the development of a design strategy at the mas-
ter plan scale that meets the socio-economic
needs of all stakeholders. This will begin through a
series of community design charrettes.

At the design charrettes community members will

work in groups using scaled models to present
their vision for the future of the Saint Patrick’s Alex-
andra Site. These are set to begin in early 2018.
 NE
LA
S
VA
DI

COMMUNITY GARDEN

M BR
AI
TL UN
AN SW
D ICK
ST
RE ST
ET RE
ET
N

t
60f
S
M
IA
ILL
W

SITE CAPACITY STUDIES

CE
IN
PR

DI
VA
S
LA
NE
DESIGN/
REDESIGN
BR
UN
SW
ICK
ST
RE

12
ET

0f
t
M
AI
TL
AN
D
ST
Fitting 850,000sf on the Saint Patrick’s Alexandra site is a challenging task when attempting to keep building
heights to a minimum. We developed a preliminary concept based on the following urban design strategies:
RE NE
ET LA
S
N DI
VA

S
M
IA
ILL
W NE
CE LA
IN S
PR VA
DI

COMMUNITY GARDEN
M BR
AI

SHALLOW BUILDING DEPTHS

TL UN
AN SW
D ICK
ST CENTRAL
RE ST
ET URBAN RE
ET
N SPACE

For daylight penetration

M BR
AI

TEST/ MODEL/
S TL UN
M AN SW
IA
ILL D ICK
W ST
RE ST
CE ET RE
NE IN ET
S
LA PR
N

ASSESSMENT PROTOTYPE
VA

t
60f
DI

S
M
IA
ILL
W
CE
IN
PR

S T. PATS A L E X A N D R A
M NE
BR

ft
AI LA
UN S

60
TL
AN SW VA
D ICK DI
ST
RE ST BR
ET RE UN
ET SW
N ICK
ST
RE

12
ET

0f
S 2

t
M Sto
IA ries
ILL
W
CE
IN
PR M
AI
TL
AN
D

Urban Master Plan,Halifax, NS

ST NE
RE LA
ET S

CENTRAL PUBLIC SPACE

N DI
VA

S
M
IA
ILL
W

Lacking in the neighborhood

CE
IN
PR

TEAL ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS ( CO-OP WORK TERM) M

AI
TL
AN
BR
UN
SW

C O - O P W o r k Te r m ( F a l l 2 0 1 7 )
D ICK
ST CENTRAL
RE ST
ET URBAN RE
ET
N SPACE

S
M
IA
ILL
W
CE
NE IN

Project Involvement
LA PR
S
VA
DI

M BR

ft
AI
UN

60
TL
AN SW
D ICK
ST
RE ST NE
ET RE LA
ET S
N

CONNECTION TO GARDEN
VA
DI

Site Massing Studies:

COMMUNITY GARDEN
S 2
M Sto
IA ries
ILL
W
CE

Prevent community garden isolation

IN
PR

An iterative process that explored the challeng-

NE
M BR LA
AI S
TL UN VA
AN SW DI
D ICK
ST
RE ST COMMUNITY GARDEN
ET RE
ET
N

t
60f
S

ing placement of 850,000sf on the site.

M
IA
ILL
W
CE
IN
PR M BR
AI
TL UN
AN SW
D ICK
ST
RE ST
ET RE
NE ET
S
LA N

t
VA

60f
DI
BR S
UN M
SW IA
ICK ILL
W
ST CE
RE IN

12
ET PR

0f
t
Urban Design Strategies:
NE
M LA

THROUGH BLOCK CONNECTIVITY

AI S
TL VA
AN DI
D
ST NE BR
RE LA UN
ET S SW
N DI
VA ICK
ST
RE

Development of site specific urban design strat- Reconnect neighborhood

12
ET

0f
S

t
M
IA
ILL
W
CE
IN
PR M
AI
TL
AN
D
ST NE
RE
MET

egies.
AI BR LA
TL UN S
N AN
D
SW
ICK
DI
VA

ST CENTRAL
RE ST
ET URBAN RE
S ET
N IA
M SPACE
ILL
W
CE
IN S
PR M
IA
ILL
W
CE
NE IN
LA PR M BR
S AI
VA TL UN
DI AN SW
D ICK
ST CENTRAL
RE ST
ET URBAN RE
ET
N SPACE

Community Charrette Model:

S
M
IA
ILL
W
CE
NE IN
M BR LA PR

ft
AI S

GROCERY STORE
UN

60
TL VA
AN SW DI
D ICK
ST
RE ST
ET RE
ET
N

High demand for local grocery store

S 2
M Sto
IA ries
ILL
W
CE
IN
PR M BR

Objective: Create a low budget, large scale in-

ft
AI
UN

60
TL
AN SW
D ICK
ST
RE ST
ET RE
ET
N
S 2
M Sto
IA ries

teractive site and building model that can be

ILL
W
CE
IN
PR

produced 4-10 times with relative ease and be

dissembled for transport to meetings.

Solution: Model with laser cut modular card COMMUNITY CHARRETTE MODELS
A series of 1:300 scale models of the St. Patrick’s Alexandra site and
stock base, folding building boxes, and stack- surrounding context for use in community design charrettes.
able masonite floor plate blocks.

FLOOR-PLATE BLOCKS
The stackable masonite/MDF
floor plate blocks give users the
ability to arrange the site howev-
er they see fit.

FOLDED CARDSTOCK
BUILDING MASSES

EXCAVATED SITE WITH

UNRESTRICTED BUILD
PLATFORM

RIGID MODULAR CARD-

STOCK BASE
GRIDSHELL FREE LAB
Dal Coastal Studio, CB Highlands, NS
D e s i g n L e a d : Te d C a v a n a u g h
Fre e L a b ( S u m m e r 2 0 1 7 ) 2 w e e k d e s i g n - b u i l d

Dal Free Labs are a two week design-build course

that provide hands on experience with design and
construction at the 1:1 scale.

I was part of a group of 13 BEDS and Master stu-

dents that participated in the Dal Coastal Studio
Outdoor Theatre Gridshell Project. Throughout our
two weeks we learned how to develop process
and sequences to improve work flow efficiencies.
We learned construction and tooling techniques
and developed new techniques to meet the
unique demands of this complex project.

A L E X D E S I G N
ART WORKS
Collection of Select Drawings

Art has always been a passion of mine. My favorite

art mediums include:

Graphite portraits
Pencil Sketching
Ink Sketching
Ink & Markers
Color Pencil Rendering
Water Color Painting (Not Shown)
Acrylic Painting (Not Shown)

Sketching is one of the ways I observe the world

around me. It heightens my comprehension. I en-
joy sketching while traveling and have done so on
recent trips including: Thailand (2017), Malaysia
(2017) ,Singapore (2017), New York City (2016 &
2017), Vancouver (2016), Toronto (2016), France
(2015), and others.

A L E X D E S I G N