Fragment to Graft

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Project type: Abstract Precedent & Wood Tectonic Study

Date: Fall 2026

Primary precedent: Senior Hall, Berkeley, CA

Course: ARCH 100C / Studio: Robert Scott & Casper Mork-Ulnes

Fragment to Graft is not a building, but instead, an exploration of log and lightwood frame construction derived from an analysis of UC Berkeley's Senior Hall. The first project, Fragment, takes a corner of Senior Hall and aims to emphasize the precedent's unique tectonic strategies through spatial abstractions. The following project, Graft, weaves the aforementioned strategies with lightwood construction, inspired by the 1906 SF Earthquake Shacks, to compose an accumulation of varying spaces that could inspire future projects.

Fragment to Graft's primary precedent: Senior Hall. Constructed in 1906 and designed by John Galen Howard. Photos taken by Joshua Tio.

Senior Hall's structure consists of saddle v-notch log joints, log carving to support floor joists, timber floor construction, engaged columns to hold up the lightwood framed gable roof, and small log trusses. Essentially, the large 18" logs form a box that conceals modern construction strategies and a log pavilion.

Fragment highlights three of Senior Hall's tectonic strategies: large massing of the 18" logs, engaged log truss system, and the timber frame flooring. To demonstrate the true independence of these systems, one wall is pushed forward to show the pavilion-like nature of the engaged log truss. Additionally, the timber frame flooring expands beyond the confines of the log box to show the formalistic potential of the contrasting wood construction methods.

Graft's secondary precedent: SF 1906 Earthquake Shacks. Photo by OpenSFHistory (link).

Taking the three elements of the Fragment, the Graft model identifies the timber framing as an externality, due to the juxtaposed log materiality, and aims to put the lumber on the forefront by integrating the 1906 SF Earthquake Shack's lightwood construction.