Market Proposal: Terraces

By using the natural slope of the landscape to form sloping terraces that carve through the site, we were able to create natural seating. The continuity of the terraces throughout the site emphasizes the connection between the green space and the market. The slope of the terraces inform the slope and levels of the roof.

Market Proposal: Folds

what are the best parts of life?
those that make sense.
what are the best rules in society?
those that make sense.
what are the best architectural designs?
those that make sense.


do we know completely why they make sense?

does it matter?

lose the reasons, keep the feeling.



the building folds,
like the mountains,
like the landscape.


it rises from the earth to shelter like a tree, and like a tree, it maintains structure while being unique.

it adds character, without ruining its surroundings.

Market Proposal: Layers

The project idea revolves around the idea of layers. By creating levels in the landscape, the market space, and pavilion, the entire space works as one cohesive area. Seating can be found in the same fashion as the screened walls. The levels are connected by ramps as well as steps. This allows for handicap access as well as another flow option for pedestrians.

Market Proposal Projects

While most of the posts so far have been about the deconstruction of the Tire Warehouse and what's been going on in and around Clifton Forge and Covington, design/build lab has been working continuously throughout the semester on ideas and designs for the market structure itself. None of these designs have been deemed "the one," but we've been using different aspects and ideas from the many different projects to incite important conversations about features of the market.

The next few posts will display some of the projects that we've been working on for Covington. Pictures of models and drawings will be accompanied by a couple of sentences with the basic concept behind the design.

The idea for the project is to create a gathering place in downtown Covington. A rectilinear form defines the sheltered area and creates an open space that can accommodate a variety of activities. The use of rustic materials in both the pavilion and park designs relates to the community’s historical context and will create visual continuity throughout the site.

Tire Warehouse Deconstruction, 11.17.10

Last Wednesday, November 17th, design/build lab made our final visit to the tire warehouse in Clifton Forge. We began to bundle up the pine from the roof for easier transportation back to Blacksburg.

We removed the trusses of the structure and took them apart to better be able to transport the wood to our workspace in Blacksburg.

By the end of the day, there was only a small section of the warehouse at the end that was still standing. Our professors returned the next day with help to take down the rest of the warehouse and transport some remaining wood to our workspace.

Tire Warehouse Deconstruction, 11.15.10

Last Monday, November 15th, design/build lab began its final phase of deconstruction on the tire warehouse.

We began to take apart pieces that were not necessary to the structure's integrity.

We removed the last bit of metal siding from the end of the warehouse to expose the wood structure of the building completely.

Clean up on the site began as pieces of tar paper that were removed from the roof were collected and moved to the dumpster.

By Monday's end, the wood boards from the roof had been completely removed, exposing the trusses of the structure.

Deconstruction of the Tire Warehouse, Phase II

This past weekend, design/build lab students completed phase 2 of the deconstruction of the tire warehouse behind the Masonic Theatre.

In order to reuse most of the wood, nails from the warehouse's original construction needed to be removed from each piece of lumber.

After removing nails and fasteners, all salvageable material was sorted and stored so it could be reused.

We will be returning to Clifton Forge this Wednesday to continue the deconstruction process. We will finish removing the roof in order to get the building ready for the removal of the interior trusses.

Virginian Review, Friday October 15th

This article appeared in the Virginian Review last Friday, October 15th. A town meeting was held to decide whether the fee for design/build LAB's construction debris from the warehouse in Clifton Forge would be waived.


The city council and Olde Towne Covington signed an agreement that dumping debris related to the Covington Farmers Market would be allowed at no cost.

D.D. Kerns Construction has donated the trash recepticles for the storage and removal of debris from the deconstruction site to the landfill.

This weekend, October 15th - 17th, we will continue our deconstruction of the tire warehouse.

Check back after this weekend for new photos and updates.

Deconstruction of the Tire Warehouse, Phase I

This past Wednesday, October 6th, the design build lab students went up to Clifton Forge for the day to begin deconstruction on the Tire Warehouse behind the Masonic Theatre. We began by cleaning out the debris and items left behind by the previous owners, and getting rid of any unusable material.

Once certain sections of the warehouse had been cleaned we began to power wash the interior of the space, including the timber framing. Any reusable or recyclable materials were set aside.

We also began to dismantle parts of the metal siding of the warehouse, which will be recycled and reused. On our next visit we will continue to take apart the metal siding and we will begin to dismantle the roof.

Surveying Clifton Forge Tire Warehouse

These are pictures of our group surveying the Clifton Forge Tire Warehouse donated to us by the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation. We will begin taking the building apart this week to reuse the materials in the Covington Farmers Market design.

Virginian Review, Wednesday September 29th

The students of Virginia Tech's design build lab are pleased to announce their collaboration with Olde Town Covington in the design and construction of the Covington Farmer's Market. In the Wednesday Sept. 29th edition of the Virginian Review, Keith and Marie Zawistowski, architecture professors at Virginia Tech, announced their plans for a study where students could get a taste of what it is really like to design a project, work with clients, and realize a final architectural product. The project will fulfill foundational objectives of Olde Town Covington: it will support education and learning, provide a benefit to the people of Covington and the Alleghany Highlands, and repurpose recycled building materials in the design. The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation from Clifton Forge has generously donated the timber-framed tire warehouse behind the theatre for the students to reuse in the construction of the farmer’s market. The market, which is anticipated to be completed by May 2011, will provide a venue for quality foods and locally grown produce to be available the public.