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The Chai House

Part 1 Project 2008
Daniel Potts
 University of Lincoln Lincoln | UK

The starting point for my project was the exploration of a chocolate box, a seemingly mundane every-day object. The analysis I undertook revealed intrinsic qualities that surprised and intrigued me and when collated, the results of my investigations revealed a complexity and poetry to its manufacture. To the extent that the production and form of the box could be mapped, modified and mutated with mathematical codification.
Beyond the establishment of an architectonic language derived from examining the formal properties of a chocolate box, I began to reflect on the cultural phenomenon that is the consumption of chocolate. This became essential in the formulation of my project brief. In common with the rest of my Studio I was asked to select a site in Marrakech
I was influenced greatly by the cultural and spatial qualities of Marrakech, the program and narrative focused upon the Moroccan cultural equivalent of the producing, packaging and consuming of chocolate; drinking mint tea. This event had a cultural and social resonance on a par with the consumption of chocolate in Europe.
Hence the Chai [Tea] House is a culmination of all the elements integral to the formation of Moroccan Tea. From viewing the process of tea production, blending and packaging to tasting batches in the tasting gallery.
The building program attempts to engage fully with both the wider culture of tea and the local’s micro-culture of traditional customs and social preferences.





Daniel’s project is predicated in the idea that the guiltiest of pleasures are the smallest. In Daniels case this was chocolate, his project evolved into the study of its consumption, production, packaging and its historical and contemporary context. The unit then embarked on a field trip to Marrakech where the unit’s projects were sited. Daniel’s response was to seek a Moroccan equivalent. The closest was the consumption of Mint Tea, which has a sense of mythology akin to the consumption of chocolate in Western culture.
The project became a counterpoint between the two cultures. Programmatically it was routed in his studies of contemporary and historical Moroccan life, but visually and spatially driven by his initial investigations. The outcome is a highbred building, which responds absolutely to its location culturally and spatially, yet is realised in a manner which clearly resonating from a western perspective. The result is a design, which amplifies the qualities of its surroundings and yet has a true sense of self.

2008
Introduction _ This project was instigated through the in depth analysis of both the cultural and physical qualities of a simple chocolate box.
This matrix articulates, using a coded algorithm, every potential combination the folds of the chocolate box’s joints could take. Based on vector coordinates, it illustrates no less than 2500 possible derivatives.
Continuing the exploration of coded sequences the matrix was further refined. Coded series of vectors articulated through the use of facades, represent alternative sequences of folds to which the box could be potentially reformed; while those illustrated
Coding of sequences was further extended to the physical qualities of the box’s tray, using the coding system to manipulate the structure of the tray in a control way. Coded series of vectors articulated through the use of facades, represent alternative s
Site Analysis - Situated within the traditional quarter of Marrakech, a southern city of Morroco, the climatic conditions of the site greatly influenced the articulation of inside and outside; causing both internal and external spaces to frequently bleed
Ground Floor Plan _ Derived of two main areas. The first is a liner communal space for drinking tea and socialising, which freely links the front and back streets of the site. The second is a workshop which is open from above, allowing visitors to view th
First Floor Plan _ Again, the spatial layout of the upper floor is of two main area. The first is an enclosed cafe lounge, which gradually opens out onto the surrounding streets, with windowless apertures. The second is a more informative area in which vi
East Elevation _ The view from the main street side of the Chai House, illustrating the buildings relationship to the diversity of its surrounding context.
Southern Elevation _ Restricted by the height of surrounding buildings, the building utilises the longitudinal characteristics of the site. With the intensity of light present in Marrakech, large overhangs that protect occupants from direct sunlight, domi
Section B-B _This section illustrats clearly the vertical relationship between teh two floors, how the processes of each of the spaces harmoniously intergrate with each other, resonating with the surrounding context of the site
Section B-B - Taken along the longitudinal axis of the buildings structure, this reveals the construction methods employed; a monocoque structure used to easily produce the curvature of the hospitality lounge, which seamlessly integrates into the main ste
Internal render of cross culture cafe _ Incorporating a series of linear spaces, the cross culture cafe resonates with the intimacy of surrounding streets, while avoiding large vast spaces that encourage people to break of into isolated groups
Internal Render of Tea Production Workshop _ Open to the first floor and roof above, the workshop allows visitors to readily view the intricate processes involved in producing the tea they are drinking.
External view from adjacent street front, articulating the buildings relationship with its immediate context
The exterior view looking up into the trading space allows traders to glance upon the Chai Houses own repository of herbs, and teas. Utilising the outdoor culture of Marrakech, the entire area for trading is open to the outside, the building cantilevers o
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