IK studio: conics canopy

‘conics canopy’ by IK studio, lexington, massachusetts images © IK studio

cambridge-based practice IK studio has designed ‘conics canopy’, a free-standing structure for a single family residence in lexington, massachusetts. intended to shelter the front drive of a gabled home built by the 19th century american architect h. h. richardson, the addition’s curvaceous roof form allows the existing structure to retain it’s original prominence. conic sections were used to generate the pavilion’s parabolic, hyperbolic and ellipsoidal profiles.

(left) car under canopy (right) canopy adjacent to the residence

gently curving steel tubes are secured to the ground in four points, distributing compressive loads directly into a circular foundation. the canopy’s shallow height and open exterior maintain clear outward views and vantage points into the wooded landscape. the lightweight cladding of translucent polycarbonate panels introduces filtered sunlight into the protected open air space below.

model

lighting study

site plan

analysis of canopy with 3, 4 and 5 arches

symmetry study

project info:

project name: conics canopy location: lexington, massachusetts scope: design of a freestanding canopy principals: mariana ibañez and simon kim, aia design team: mark lewis, anthony dimari structural: hanif kara of adams kara taylor, uk