Project Details
Project - K:Port EV Charging Hub
Technology - Timber
Company - Hewitt Studios
Project Overview
The construction of the first K:Port Electric Vehicle Charging Station provides the coastal town of Portishead with a glimpse of the future - a sustainable, high-quality mobility environment. The concept for K:port derives from the Japanese notion of “Komorebi”; the dappled light which occurs when sunlight shines through the leaves of a tree. The essence of the tree is apparent throughout the design, from the form of the canopy itself and the timbers which make up its structure, to the collection and use of solar energy and rainwater - this is photosynthetic architecture. The canopy of the charging station is made of long-lasting larch glulam timber of the highest visual quality. It consists of a central support ‘trunk’ with four cantilevered ‘branches’ and roof purlins resting on them. Hewitt Studios’ desire for a refined visual appearance with ‘invisible’ connections between supporting elements required special consideration in terms of design and structural engineering. Consequently, the extending ‘branches’ are connected to the central ‘trunk’ with a concealed slotted sheet metal and dowel detail. Special attention has been paid to the corrosion protection of the steel components due the location close to the Bristol Channel.
