Ice Chitmeesilp

Zero Kilometre: Leith Urban Croft Food Hub

Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA)

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Project description

The project centres around the "zero kilometre" concept, which focuses on sourcing food and materials locally to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainability, and support local communities. Its main objectives include increasing access to locally produced food, reducing waste and transportation distances, supporting local farms and businesses, fostering community engagement, and promoting knowledge and skills related to sustainable practices.

In addition to food, the project also explores the application of zero kilometer principles in building construction. This involves using locally sourced materials and employing non-destructive joinery techniques to minimize environmental impact and enhance resource efficiency. By implementing these approaches, the project seeks to minimise environmental impact, enhance resource efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Exploring Timber and Forestry: A Site-Based Research Approach

To begin our first exercise, we decided to use our visit to Lockerbie Sawmill and Cardrona Forest as the foundational study for our investigation of timber and forestry. We sought to get practical insights and direct experiences that would enrich our comprehension of the subject topic by immersing ourselves in these locations.

As a team, we made the decision to center our research on the observations we gathered during our site visits. Specifically, we identified the themes that were common to both locations and decided to delve deeper into these areas of overlap. One such example was the notion of ‘carbon flows,’ which pertains to the movement of matter and energy within each site.

To visually represent and document our findings, we decided to create site drawings that would be layered upon one another, resulting in a rich and complex depiction of the site and our extensive research. This approach allowed us to capture the interconnected nature of the themes and create a comprehensive visual representation of our investigations.

Timber and Carbon Flows

Exploring Timber and Forestry

Flow of Labour

Reading Forest

Boundaries and Ownership

Commercially Sensitive

Precedent Study

A model study of A Room for Archaeologists and Kids by Studio Tom Emerson

Site Investigations

In order to address the task of site exploration, our group collectively engaged in observing various aspects of the site and creating drawings at different scales. We approached this exercise by utilising a similar lens as the previous exercise, allowing us to delve deeper into the site’s intricacies and capture its essence through our drawings.

Through this process, we aimed to capture the essence of the site and convey it through visual representations. Our drawings reflected the site’s unique qualities, such as its ground and roof textures, architectural elements, orfood cycle. By employing different scales, we were able to zoom in on specific details or zoom out to capture a broader context, providing a multi-dimensional understanding of the site.

To create our site model, we used a nearby timber piece that was standardised and brought back to our studio. This allowed us to establish a strong connection between the model and the actual site. The timber piece serves as a solid foundation for constructing the various elements of the model. Its use not only ensures structural integrity but also adds natural aesthetics that reflect the surrounding environment.

1:500 Site Model

Material Sourcing

The project embraces the philosophy of “zero kilometre” not only in the context of food production and consumption, but also in the building construction process. This means that the materials used for the building will be sourced locally and sustainably, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supporting the local economy. The project aims to prioritise the use of natural and sustainable materials in the construction process to reduce environmental impact and promote a healthier living environment. This approach aligns with the project’s goal of promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste in all aspects of the project, from food production to building construction.

Ground and First Floor Plan

Longitudinal Unfolded Section

Programmes

Cooking / Dining

Growing / Harvesting

Gathering / Selling

Delivery / Storage

Massing Development

In this project, historic structures constructed from robust materials like stone are a valuable resource and provide an important contextual background for repurposing. By completely gutting the interior of the building and adding a new structure within the existing shell, a unique opportunity is presented for creating a layered spatial environment that addresses specific functional or thermal requirements. This approach preserves the original exterior while introducing new internal elements that serve a distinct purpose.