Architecture Portfolio

2018-2022
ACADEMIC I PROFESSIONAL
PORTFOLIO
MICHEL PEPIN
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MICHEL PEPIN
TU Delft
Cum Laude Graduate
2, rue de la Chapelle
L - 3392 Roedgen
0031 614 39 67 27
m.g.pepin@gmail.com
Cover picture taken from Jungle Hideout Project (slide 06-14)
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PROFESSIONAL
ACADEMIC
06-17 18-23 24-31 32-71 72-73 74-79
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EDUCATION
2022
2019 I 2022
2016 I 2019
2015 I 2016
2013 I 2015
2006 I 2013
ETH Zurich
Online Course in Worldviews - Moving from
Sustainability to Regeneration
Delft University of Technology
Master of Science (MSc) in
Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences
graduated with Cum Laude
Eindhoven University of Technology
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in
Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences
Université Libre de Bruxelles
Pharmacy
Université du Luxembourg
Pharmacy
Athénée de Luxembourg
Diplôme de fin d’etudes secondaires
LANGUAGES
SKILLS
Luxembourgish
French
German
English
Dutch
AutoCad
SketchUp
Enscape
Vray/twinmotion
Illustrator
Photoshop
Indesign
Physical Modelmaking
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EXPERIENCE
2022
2022
Apartment Renovation Leudelange, LU
Apartment
Conceptualisation
Design
Planning
Construction site overview
Small House Extension Bali, ID
Conceptualisation
Preliminary Design
2022 Holiday Studio Interior Sarafovo, BG
Apartment
Conceptualisation
2021
2020
Island Resort Conceptual Phase ID
two show homes, one community building
Conceptualisation
Design
Jungle Lookout Bali, ID
two housing units
Conceptualisation
Design
Planning
2017 I 2018
Holiday Retreat Bali, ID
masterplan, two housing units, natural pool
Conceptualisation
Design
Planning
Construction site overview
01-07 2016 Internship at Kaell Architecte Luxembourg, LU
3D modelling
Plan drafting
Construction site overview
Breeam
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01
JUNGLE HIDEOUT
Professional, 2018
Bali, Indonesia
In collaboration with V. Bacheva, M. Fricke
Built
Encouraging to reconnect with nature, away
from the busy areas of the island, the building
acts as an amplifier for the abundant natural
surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the
local building techniques and constructed
from local materials, the building is
referencing traditional Balinese architecture,
while maintaining a simpler expression.
With its interior reduced to a miminum, the
triangle opening becomes the main element
of the building, framing the vast views out of
the jungle onto the rice fields and the sea,
inducing the feeling of living outside.
Taking advantage of the constant tropical
weather conditions as well as the lush
vegetation acting as a living wall, the outside
shower blends the interior and the exteriro of
the building, creating a unique experience
for short-stay visitors.
The building is oriented towards the daily
seabreeze which improves the thermal
comfort by creating cross ventilation from the
triangular opening through multiple air vents
in the interior space.
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Built earthquake proof
Open Living Room
Elevated against termites and water
Higher Bedroom ensures a vast view
Shower surrounded by lush greenery
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Thatched Roof - 300 mm elephant grass
Secondary Battens - 100 x 30 mm Bangkirai
Primary Structure - 300 x 100 mm Bangkirai
Floor Planks - 200 x 30 mm Bangkirai
Foundation pillars - 400 x 500 Concrete
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Thatched roof
Secondary structure
Primary structure
Floor planks
Floor sructure
Foundation plate
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Jungle Lookout - ongoing
Jungle Hideout - built
Natural Pool - built
Tree House - built
Restaurant
Owner’s House
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02
JUNGLE LOOKOUT
Professional, 2020
Bali, Indonesia
In collaboration with V. Bacheva
Ongoing
With only a limited space available for an
additional short stay accommodation, there
was a need to reduce the building footprint to a
minimum. Built from local materials, a second
floor needed to be added in order to create
enough living space for 2 guests. Resembling
the verticality of the surrounding palm trees,
the building acts as a lookout encouraging the
guests to explore the place in a new way.
Open on every side, the living room becomes
part of the natural surroundings, while the
bedroom offers vast views over the rice fields
and more privacy thanks to the wooden façade.
The green layer wrapping around the entire
building, cools down the daily breeze, provides
shading and creates a potential food source for
local birds and insects.
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6m
4m
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Ulin Roof Shingles - from regional forests
Recycled Plastic Facade Panels - locally manufactured
Bangkirai Facade Planks
Bangkirai Interior
Bangkirai Structure - from regional forests
Concrete Foundation - termite, rain and earthquake-proof
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Facade Battens - 40 x 10 mm Bangkirai
Window Frame
Translucent Facade - 10 mm space between Battens
Primary Structure - 150 x 100 mm Bangkirai
Foundation plate - 400 mm Concrete
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03
APARTMENT
RENOVATION
Professional, 2022
Leudelange, Luxembourg
In collaboration with V. Bacheva
Under construction
Through the interioir design, the main goal
of the renovation was to improve the spatial
quality of the apartment.
Built in 1997 the apartment seemed dark and
uninviting. The client wanted a more inviting
space that would give a feeling of calmness
and clarity while still having a warm character.
With the goal to open up the space, the entire
apartment was stripped out and 2 walls were
removed. It was decided early on, to limit the
total number of materials/colors to 3. Local
oak wood, warm grey stone and white color.
Together these materials combine warmth and
cold both visually and tactilely.
The entrance hall, kitchen and living
room were transformed into one single
space, considerably increasing the
visually perceived size of the apartment.
In order to meet the budget limitations, a careful
mixture of custom solutions and storebought
furniture were selected.
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Old

New
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Oak Partition and Shelf - custom
Storebought Cabinet - BESTÅ from Ikea
Veneer Sitting Plate - BESTÅ from Ikea
Oak Partition - custom
Mr. Johnson
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04
INHABITING A
FINITE WORLD
TOWARDS A
REGENERATIVE
ARCHITECTURE
Academic, 2021
Master Thesis, Explore Lab
Remote Area, Indonesia
In collaboration with V. Bacheva
Current discourses within the built environment
increasingly underline the need for a shift in perception,
thinking and values as a prerequisite to moving from
sustainability to regeneration. Within architecture,
regeneration is defined as an act of building with an
active contribution toward the local ecosystem rather
than simply minimizing environmental impact.
While the theory of regenerative design offers a precise
understanding of what architecture should achieve
within the ecologies of a place to be regenerative,
it does not provide an understanding of how this
different perspective can be applied to the design
process, nor how precisely the building can enter an
active partnership with an ecosystem. To explore the
complexity of this question, this joined master thesis
draws upon two bodies of research as a prerequisite
to the design question.
The first one (M. Pepin) explores how biodiversity can
be addressed through architecture and the building
itself, while the second one (V. Bacheva) investigates
how the relationship between people and a local
ecosystem shapes their architecture and determines
its potential for regeneration.
The following design project explores the role of
ecology in the design process by experimenting with
design decision-making focused on architecture’s
impacts and potential to interact with the local
ecosystem, ultimately fostering the co-evolution of
both.
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As urban environments are commonly disconnected
from local ecosystems, intact biodiverse regions,
offer immense responsibility as well as opportunity
to study such impacts and understand the interaction
between ecosystems and architecture. The pristine
environment of an archipelago within a marine
protected area in the far east of Indonesia offers
a design environment to study such interactions.
The project location presents the opportunity to ask:
What does the act of building really mean from an
ecological perspective? And how can we design
for a positive impact on both people and the local
ecosystems?
The story of a place, as a central point of a regenerative
design, inspired a design approach based on a
thorough analysis of the local context and hence the
understanding of the interactions between the local
climate, ecosystems, people and their architecture.
The tropical climate, the mangrove and tropical
rainforest ecosystems and the vernacular building
techniques of the local fishermen were important
guidelines for the design program and its aim to create
conditions for the co-evolution between people and
the local ecosystems.
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The development as a whole becomes a Learning
Hub where biological and ecological research,
living and alternative methods of building addressing
biodiversity are combined with the aim to celebrate the
cultural traditions and the ecology of the place, while
incorporating them in a design with contemporary
energy demands and climatic requirements.
The typology of the development centers on the
importance of the path as a main element along
which different spaces are organized. It draws
inspiration from the original island village and the
traditional building methods of the local fishermen.
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RESEARCH
BUILDING
Serving both for terrestrial and marine research, the
research building is designed alongside the daily path
to the boat for explorations and research all around
the archipelago. Three programs are attached to this
route, a biological laboratory, an open workspace
and the expedition space.
By breaking up the building into smaller independent
volumes, the overall visual impact on the shoreline
is reduced and different spatial qualities can be
experienced by the researcher passing through the
building on his or her way from the land towards the
sea.
The building is a pure expression of the strict limitations
set in order to achieve the least impactful architecture.
Strategically placed on the water makes it the power
house of the bigger development.
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1. Towards the living units
2. Laboratory
3. Bathroom
4. Gathering space
5. Office space
6. Meeting Room
7. Expedition Preperation
8. Storage
9. Boat Dock
10. Boat Maintenance
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PVs, oriented towards the north,
cover the annual electricity demand.
119 000 kWh/year
The edge of the elevated floor is a
potential spot for local sea birds.
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Large roofs collect the
annual water demands.
547 000 l/year
Connected to the system, the research
center acts as the powerhouse of the
development.
The shadowy space in between the
foundation poles creates a potential
habitat for small fish.
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The details result from an in-depth study of
local building practices as well as the self-set
limitations on building element dimensions
and their origins.
The roofing material was chosen on the
basis of a thorough LCA analysis.
Older taller trees fulfilling a more important
and complex position within the ecosystem,
younger, smaller trees are chosen as the
main building resource. As a consequence
the maximal dimension for timber has been
set to 5 m.
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Corrugated Steel - only imported material
Rattan - shields from heat radiation
Double Hardwood Columns - allows the use of younger trees
Hardwood Pins - further reduces needed imports
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T e
= 30 °C
RH = 90%
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ΔT < 2 °C
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T i
= 18 °C
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3.
Hardwood Column
standardized element
Palm Wood wedge
fastening the facade planks
Palm Wood Wall Planks
replacable over time
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5.
6.
Vapor Barrier
only imported material
Seagrass Insulation
harvested and dried locally
Rattan
produced on the island
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LIVING UNITS
While the research lab is focused on collaboration
and stimulating the exchange of knowledge between
the researchers, the living units in contrast focus
on providing privacy and the space for rest for the
individual.
The living units are spread around the rainforest
providing the feeling of remoteness while still being
connected to each other by an elevated path in a
network. The path also integrates the water and the
energy infrastructure that starts from the research lab.
Built to cover the essential requirements of the user,
the building explores various ways in which biodiversity
enhancing elements can not only have a positive
effect on local wildlife, but at the same time improve
the user’s thermal comfort and well-being.
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Towards the research center
Veranda
Daybed
Work Desk
Bedroom
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The wall module is
constructed without glue,
nails or screws and is held
together entirely through
interlocking wooden
connections and hardwood
pins.
The pivoting louvres provide
daylight, rain protection,
shadow and cross ventilation
for the living space,
while leaving freedom to the
inhabitant to chose the degree
of opening.
The double columns,
allowing for a more efficient
wood use instead of solid
ones, are standing on a
solid hardwood piece to
ensure the durabilty in the
case of water exposure.
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The Green Roof although not being able to
make up for the space taken from the ground,
still creates the potential conditions for plants
and wildlife. For the inhabitant the green roof
will improve the thermal comfort by absorbing
part of the solar radiaton falling on the roof.
A dead Coral Stone foundation elevates the
building and protects it from floodings and
termites, while at the same time not sealing
the soil and allowing for natural ventilation
from underneath the house.The porosity of the
material further creates a habitat potential for
all sorts of insects.
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A Secondary Green Facade is placed on the
south side in order to cool down the daily breeze
before cross ventilating the house as well as the
east to protect from lower sun angles. Along
with the green roof, it creates potential habitat
for plant species and therefore also additional
food sources for insects and birds.
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1. Growing Medium - soil
2. Root Barrier - HDPE
3. Drainage Layer - gravel
4. Waterproofing Layer - epdm
5. Overflow Drain
6. Roof - corrugated steel
7. Rattan
8. Hardwood Pins
9. Beam - 30 x 100 mm Au. Pine
10. Rope - Coconut Fibre
11. Double Column - 30 x 100 mm Au. Pine
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YOUTH BUILDING
Tucked away in the dense tropical vegetation, the youth
center focuses on encouraging educational activities
for the youth of the region. The educational rooms
and the sleeping dormitories provide the space for the
younger generations who visit the island to connect with
and learn from the wonders of the local ecosystems and
the ongoing research projects within the development.
The rooms are organized under a long roof, creating
small social pockets of various sizes, dynamically
alternating between inside and outside spaces.
An elevated walkway leading to the community
building through the forest, expands the spaces for
the youth to play around and safely navigate their
way to the main gathering spaces.
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Towards the community center
Meeting space
Classroom
Access to Beach
Dormitory
Bathroom
Teachers Bedroom
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Using low-tech solutions,
thermal comfort is ensured.

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The project is designed and detailed for simple
tools that are available in this remote region.

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COMMUNITY
BUILDING
Inspired by the traditional living clusters in the region,
the community building reaches out into the lagoon,
allowing for an easy access by boat. The building
is organized in a large open arc, creating a natural
gathering space without the need of constructing and
therefore disturbing the land.
In order to reduce the visual weight of the building,
it is split up according to its program. This allows for
welcome breaks in between the curved roofs bringing
the nature back in and forming a soft green division
between the different spaces.
Serving as the meeting point for the entire development,
here locals, youth and researchers will come together
to eat while exchanging knowledge and ideas.
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Boat Dock
Kitchen
Eating Space
Library
Workshop
Sitting Space
Open courtyard
Bathroom
Connection to youth center
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1.
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Roof - Corrugated steel
Rain Gutter - Bent steel
Hardwood Pins
Birdhouse - 250 x 270 mm Rainbow Bee Eater
Rattan
Beam - 50 x 100 mm Au. Pine
Double Column - 50 x 100 mm Au. Pine
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The roof provides solar energy and
rainwater collection

Breaks in the building, creating
ecological passages for small
animals
Bird houses under the lower parts of
the roof serve as a potential habitat
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1
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4
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Corrugated Steel - imported and cut on island
Waterproof without glue - design for dissassembly
Steel Gutter - imported and bent on island
Double Column - 100 x 50 mm Au. Pine
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TOTAL TIMBER USE
The necessary timber can be harvested using
two different approaches :
Selective Logging - 35000m2
the final choice, with less impact on biodiversity
and faster regeneration time
Clear Cut - 12500m2
visualised through model, putting into
perspective the deforestation footprint in
comparioson to the buildings footprint
Visualizing the deforestation of the local
tropical forest based on material timber volume
and number of trees needed for constructing
the buildings aims to raise awareness among
designers about the impact of a rather small
developemt on an intact biodiverse area.
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05
RESEARCH
Academic, 2021
Master Thesis, Explore Lab
This research was conducted during the master thesis
and is informing the graduation project.
Fascinated by the theory of regenerative architecture, a
building approach that aims for a positive contribution
towards the health and prosperity of a place, this
paper is taking a closer look at the implementation
of these thoughts particularly focussing on the
biodiversity aspect.
What makes biodiversity so important is the essential
role it plays for the proper functioning of the
ecosystems which are sustaining all life on the planet.
These ecosystem services provide essential needs
such as clean water, air or food for example.
This research tries to clarify the role a single
building can have on the biodiversity of a
place and offers simple solutions one might
consider when designing a small scale project.
The research question therefore is :
It is important to acknowledge that a built
object has passive and direct repercussions on
biodiversity during its entire lifecycle. When looked
at closely biodiversity is connected with all the
sustainable building criteria ranging from energy
to water as well as the materials for example.
This means that the entire building approach has to
be thought of throughout all the lifecycle stages.
The essential steps when approaching a more than
sustainable project are :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Analyze and understand the area
Identify target species
Create specific habitat
Ensure a proper link between habitats
Design for co-living between humans,
plants & animals
Monitoring
Within regenerative architecture, how can
a small scale residential building address
and positively contribute to biodiversity ?
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In coherence with the graduation project, location specific building elements were selected.
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06
CIRCULAR
ACOUSTICS
Academic, 2020
Master 1, Bucky Lab Studio
In collaboration with ECOR, a leading
producer of circular high performance panels,
a fully circular acoustic ceiling tile has been
developed. We were tasked to create a useful
product for the market that is based on their
upcycled bio-based fiber panels.
While reducing the sound levels in a work
environment and therefore positively affecting
the health and productivity of the workforce,
the acoustic tiles also act as a space defining
architectural element.
The system is designed to be easily
integrated with current ceiling systems. With
3D printed connectors made out of recycled
plastic, the acoustic tiles can be mounted
to the standard T section aluminum ceiling
substructure found in most offices.
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Holes - disperse sound, increase reflection
Angles - increase reflection
High surface area - increses absorption
The incoming soundwaves are reduced through
2 mechanisms, by reflection and by absorbtion.
Through angles and openings, sound is
reflected and therefore decreased within while
the recycled fabric lowers the energy of the
incoming sound through absorption.
No additional color is applied, giving the
product a more honest and natural appearance.
Furthermore this ensures a seamless reuse of
the material after its use phase is over.
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1:1 scale model
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S
M
L
In order to offset the higher material costs of
the ECOR material, the acoustic tile has been
designed for an easy assembly and can be
delivered unassembled. Through folding and
interlocking the different elements, the tile can
be assembled in a short period of time.
The product being circular and simple to use,
no screws or glue are needed to put together
the individual acoustic tiles.
1 2
3 4
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1
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1. Standard Substructure
2. 3D printed Connectors
3. Screws
4. Lasercut ECOR Inside Box
5. Insert Tile of Choice
6. Recycled Felt Layer
7. Lasercut ECOR Exterior Box
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MICHEL PEPIN
0031 6 14396727
m.g.pepin@gmail.com
2022
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