AA SED_Term 2 Team Projects

U R B A N . C A S E . S T U D I E S . : . L I V I N G . A N D . W O R K I N G . I N . L O N D O N AA Msc & MArch Sustainable Environmental Design / Phase I Design Research Studio / term 2

http://sed.aaschool.ac.uk

Architectural Association / Graduate School MArch & MSc Sustainable Environmental Design PHASE I : Design Research Studio term 2

URBAN CASE STUDIES : living & working in London Sustainable environmental design engages with real-life problems affecting buildings and cities throughout the world.

Providing alternatives to the global architecture and brute force engineering that are still the norm in most countries requires new knowledge on what makes a good environment for inhabitants and how architecture can contribute to this.

Over the past five years the AA School’s post-professional MSc and MArch programmes in Sustainable Environmental Design have pursued a research agenda on “Refurbishing the City”, initiating projects in some 70 cities across 40 countries and encompassing a wide range of building types and climates with proposals for both new and existing buildings and urban spaces. The 12-month MSc and 16-month MArch are structured in two consecutive phases. Phase I is organised around studio projects that are run in teams combining MSc and MArch students. Phase II is devoted to Dissertation Projects focusing on areas of design research that address the programme’s areas of concern as well as students own backgrounds, professional interests and special skills. Key objectives of all projects are to improve outdoor environmental conditions in cities, achieve independence from non-renewable energy sources in buildings and promote the development of an environmentally-sustainable architecture.

The excerpts included in this compilation are from recent Phase I team projects undertaken over ten weeks in Term 2 of the course illustrating the application of the principles and tools of sustainable environmental design to explore future visions of living and working in London.

Simos Yannas, Director MSc & MArch Sustainable Environmental Design

1.

4.

fitzrovia hybrid living

2. new

oxford street

3. regeneration

of robinhood gardens

May 2011

May 2012

May 2013

Herman Calleja Noah Czech Alexandre Hepner Anna Tziastoudi

Pedro Augspach Meital Ben Dayan Joao Cotta Nikhil Deotarase

Marina Breves Anastasia Gravani Juan Montoliu Danielle Severino

co-housing mixed used development in Brixton

5.

gabriel’s wharf project

6.outdoor

spaces in Vauxall

May 2013

May 2013

May 2013

Javier Guzman Jonathan Natanian Juan Vallejo

Sarah Arboleda Tommaso Rosso Polina Vorobyeva Zhenzhou Weng

Byron Mardas Megha Nanaiah Mileni Pamfili Shravan Pradeep

Architectural Association / Graduate School MArch & MSc Sustainable Environmental Design PHASE I : Design Research Studio term 2

URBAN CASE STUDIES : living & working in London table of contents

Architectural Association / Graduate School MArch & MSc Sustainable Environmental Design PHASE I : Design Research Studio term 2

URBAN CASE STUDIES : living & working in London fitzrovia hybrid living May 2011 Herman Calleja Noah Czech Alexandre Hepner Anna Tziastoudi

1.2 SITE PLAN AND SURROUNDINGS

The site lies in an area of mixed uses. The Central Activities Zone (CAZ) boundary, which runs along Riding House Street, reflects the general change from predominantly residential usage to the north, to a more mixed use character to the south.

Immediately to the north of the site lies the All Souls’ School and several buildings occupied by the Hospital. North of Foley Street lies the John Astor House nurses accommodation, which is surrounded on three sides by predominantly residential buildings, generally of a smaller scale. On the western side of Nassau Street the main uses are residential and commercial.

On the southern side of Mortimer Street the larger scale of buildings reflects the mixture of retail, office and showroom uses interspersed with residential accommodation. The block on the eastern side of Cleveland Street is again of a smaller residential scale and is somewhat dwarfed by the bulk of the existing Hospital building on the opposite side of the street. The terrace is principally in residential use but there are also some commercial uses and an annex of the hospital.

Figure 1.2.1: Aerial view of the site

Figure 1.2.2: Aerial view of the site

Figure 1.2.3: Uses around site

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FORM ‐ FINDING STRATEGIES FOR SOLAR ACCESS

For the process of form – finding, once again environmental principles based on solar angles were once again taken into consideration for the design of the buildings.

Figure 4.1.5: Step 1

The first step was to find the sun angle during spring equinox, with the given distance between the building masses and see to what height solar access could be unobstructed by the building in the front.

Figure 4.1.6: Step 2

In the second step, the higher levels of the buildings were moved slightly in the front in order to allow sun to reach lower levels of the building on the back, accordingly to the previous stepping / overhang study.

As a third step of the form‐finding process, the sun angles of winter solstice, indicates an angle cut on the tall building structure to permit better solar penetration during winter months.

Figure 4.1.7: Step 3

Figure 4.1.8: Step 3

And as a forth step of the procedure, the rough edges and corners created by the stepping before, become tilted surfaces to give a possible first idea about how a building type could look like in a 2D section probably..

Figure 4.1.9: Step 4

Figure 4.1.10: Step 4

24 6

4.1.3 MASTERPLAN

Fig. 4.1.18 The former Middlesex Hospital Site

Fig. 4.1.19 NOHO development

Fig. 4.1.20 Connection to the main roads, school and chapel

Fig. 4.1.21 Solar access over low lying building

Fig. 4.1.22 Insertion of a typical west facing block

Fig. 4.1.23 Shifting of massing to allow solar access.

Insertion of a block parallel to main line of flow which also takes advantage of the south facing orientation

Fig. 4.1.24 Insertion of a library facility next to the school

Fig. 4.1.25 Insertion of the east block

Fig. 4.1.26 Shifting of massing to allow solar access within the east block..

Insertion of a retail block next to the main square.

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4.2 THE VERTICAL TYPOLOGY 4.2.1 MORPHOLOGY The NOHO residential block on the west of the site comprises a floor area of approximately 17,600m². The highlighted volume in Fig. 4.2.1.comprises 15,100m². The massing creates a very dark internal square around the chapel. The massing of the highlighted section was shifted as shown in Fig. 4.2.2, thus creating 4 vertical towers.

Fig. 4.2.1 NOHO proposal

Fig. 4.2.2 Shifting of the massing

The area within the towers was further increased vertically and the resulting floor area at the stage illustrated in Fig. 4.2.3 is of 16,500 m².

The towers were then sculpted with 3 cuts as illustrated in Fig. 4.2.4. Cut 1 and Cut 3 allow solar access in the internal square. Cut 2 reduces the overshadowing effect on the internal linear building.

The floor area of the block following these cuts results into 16,000 m².

The major cut is the one through the podium of the towers which creates the terracing gardens illustrated in Fig. 4.2.6. This creates a visual and physical connection from the square to the upper gardens while allowing solar access to the main square early afternoon throughout spring autumn and most of the winter. The final floor area is 14,300 m².

Fig. 4.2.3 The shifted massing + additional volume

Fig. 4.2.4 Sculpted massing to allow solar access in the internal square

The resultant floor area for this part of the project is therefore only 5% lower than the one proposed in the NOHO project.

However the morphology proposed gives now more openness to internal square of the project and the existing chapel.

Subsequently the space has now more potential to become a successful break-out space even in winter.

Furthermore the thinner towers and fragmented podium reduce the effective depth of the floors thus providing more opportunities for daylight penetration and natural ventilation.

Fig. 4.2.5 The final morphology and initial massing

31

Fig. 4.2.6 Terraces spaces connecting the upper and lower open spaces

4.2.4 BUILDING SKIN The design of the building skin results from a series of alterations responding to the envisaged needs of the occupant. As it was indicated in the project report of Adelaide Wharf in Term 1 some occupants are very fond of having balconies in residential developments. (Garg, Mogali, Nath, Vagianou, 2011). Furthermore various successful housing projects in London feature balconies as a possible private outdoor space in a very dense city. Barking Central and the Greenwich Millennium Village are two examples.

Balconies offer also the potential of creating a rough surface façade that reduces the amount of heat loss due to the high speed movement of cold air in high-rise buildings. Studies of air movement against façade roughness where not incorporated during the design of this project however it may be an interesting field for further research in the future.

Fig.4.2.15 Building orientation

Fig.4.2.16Convetional protected balconies

Finally the balcony can serve as an overhang reducing the amount of incoming sun in winter. Figures 4.2.15 to 4.2.20 illustrate the design process of the final adopted façade.

The building was kept facing 30ºC off-south aligned with the existing wall at the lower levels. This was taken as an opportunity to allow solar access in the internal plaza below. Protected balconies were the starting point in order to create protected outdoor spaces. Since the towers are parallel to each other the view of each unit may be limited or of little interest. The façade was thus staggered facing south. This improves privacy while also optimises the orientation of the glazing for solar gains.

It has to be stated that the 30ºorientation shift had limited impact on the reduction on the amount of auxiliary heat required per year. The balconies were then shaped, without compromising privacy, in a manner to allow better access of the afternoon winter sun, warming the space, prior to the return of the occupants from their work/ school.

Fig.4.2.17 Views and privacy limitations

Fig.4.2.17 Façade staggering

The balconies are staggered by half a bay in every floor providing the widest width of the overhang in front of the glazing below. This created a very interesting pattern that may also improve the façade roughness.

Fig.4.2.17 Allowing the entrance of the afternoon winter sun

35

Fig.4.2.20 Final proposed building skin

CHAPTER 04

4.3.2. Environmental principles of the “L” unit

Fig. 4.3.5. Linear building form

The greatest advantage of the linear building morphology is that it generates less exposure

than the ‘tower’ type of building. With the longest side of the linear block in the east‐west direction, it is possible to orientate all units

towards south.

Ideally, to have as many units profiting from the optimal orientation as possible, it would be appropriate to subdivide the floor space into

several narrow units. Such lay‐out is consistent with the ‘L’ unit type discussed on the previous section.

Fig. 4.3.8. Environmental advantages of the ‘L’ unit

1

1) Deep solar penetration during winter

1 2

3) Opportunity for cross ventilation in all units

3

summer sun

winter sun

4) Reduced exposure to north

Fig. 4.3.6. Double height spaces The decision to have a double‐height living room on the south side of the apartment allows this space to be deeper than what is usual in rooms with typical ceiling height. With the south wall almost completely glazed, the flats also profit from great views towards wide public spaces (either Goodge St. or the internal plaza of the complex).

A room height of 5.8m allows sunlight to reach the deepest parts of the living room/kitchen during winter. However, it is advisable to provide solar protection during the summer, something achievable with a 2m horizontal overhang that can also be used as a balcony for the unit above.

2) Effective solar control during summer

4 5

5) Double‐height, south facing window provides good natural lighting and more openness to useful solar gains

Fig. 4.3.9. Unit size variation and overshadowing control One of the problems associated with linear buildings is the continuous overshadowing of open spaces around it, particularly in the north side of buildings. In order to reduce this problem, the northern wall of the building can be tilted. This also creates the opportunity to have units with different sizes in different floors.

1 bedroom unit

Fig. 4.3.7. Relation between units

Unit B Unit A

Unit D Unit C

Orienting all units towards south, while also keeping the overall building form parallel to the street, results in a staggered building shape. This staggering provides greater privacy to each unit, protecting it from views from the neighbours, while also creating an interesting formal effect. This effect is also reinforced by the alternation in the access level of neighbouring units, which is needed to accommodate the double‐height spaces in the front part of the flats.

2 bedrooms unit 3 bedroom unit

42

4.3.3 Building form

Fig. 4.3.12 Interlocking and juxtaposition of units

In order to respect the design criteria stipulated in the previous section, an intricate system of interlocking units was devised. This system of juxtaposition was needed mainly to accommodate three parameters:

3rd to 8th floors: Residential

1st and 2nd floors: Offices

Fig. 4.3.10. Functional Zoning

Ground floor: Retail

In contrast to the usual functional organization of most mixed‐use projects, in which activities are horizontally separated in different parts of the building or in different buildings at all, we propose a vertical layering of activities, based not only on their functional parameters but also on environmental principles.

Retail is concentrated on the ground floor to offer contiguity with the street, and also because it is the activity usually most dependant on artificial lighting, which is often used to highlight products in shelves and shop windows. That is not to say that shops preclude natural lighting, but offices and housing tend to be more dependable on it, and thus were prioritized.

The first and second floors are, in turn, occupied by office units. That way, they form a ‘buffer’ layer between noise from the street level and the residential floors above. In these levels the office units, which are usually prone to overheating, are also protected from direct solar radiation by overshadowing from surrounding buildings, while still receiving enough daylight.

The residential units occupy the third to the eighth floor, where they are far removed from disturbances from the street. In these levels, they also enjoy more favourable exposure to the sun, in order to profit from useful solar gains.

Office entrances

Residential entrances

Fig. 4.3.11. Access and vertical circulation Vertical circulation is organized in five building cores, two of which serving the office floors, and three serving the residential floors. Each core is comprised by two elevators and an emergency staircase, along with plumbing and electrical shafts. Office cores only extend up to the third floor, while the residential cores extend all the way through the building, but do not offer access to the office floors.

Access on the ground level is organized in order to separate residents from office workers, providing more privacy to residents and better access to shopping and eating facilities for the office workers. For this reason, entrance halls to the residential levels are located in Goodge St., while entrance to the office levels is oriented towards the central plaza of the complex.

43

a) the need to alternate the access level of neighbouring units, b) the need to directly connect all of the unit to the three residential cores, instead of adopting a ‘long corridor’ solution for horizontal circulation. c) the difference in size between units in lower and upper floors.

4.3.8. Dynamic façade and solar control

A double height glazed area facing south, such as the one proposed for the living rooms of all the units in the Linear Typology, is subject to several different intensities of daylight and solar radiation during the course of a day and over the whole year. To provide adaptability of the building skin in accordance to each occupant’s needs – which might change depending on times of day, seasons, occupancy and activities –, a dynamic façade component that can perform as louvers, light shelves and night shutter is proposed.

Fig. 4.3.22 Schematic detail of the dynamic façade component Section, scale 1:40

49

Fig. 4.3.23 Different configurations of the dynamic façade component Scale 1:40

Entrance portal in the corner of Goodge St. and Cleveland St.

53

Overview of Goodge St. front.

CHAPTER 04

5.1 Precedence Comparison Incident Solar Radiation + Sky-View Factor

The design proposition for the Fitzrovia Hybrid Living project at the site of the former Middlesex Hospital was compared to the NoHo proposition by Make Architects.

Specifically the conditions of the outdoor spaces were analyzed with incident solar radiation and sky-view factor.

The incident solar radiation on the NoHo proposal (Fig 5.1.1) shows peak levels of about 1260 Wh only in the southern most region of the designs proposed piazza.

The narrow connection spaces between the three buildings to the surrounding streets show low levels of about 360 Wh. The low levels of Wh in the incident are because of the consistent height of the proposed design.

The sky-view factor for the NoHo proposal (fig 5.1.3) was another important point of investigation. The skyview factor is in direct relation to the incident solar radiation, which determines the amount of heat stored in the open spaces created by the buildings and the rate at which that stored heat can be radiated back into the exposed night sky. Specifically in London, a low sky-view factor (as seen in the narrow corridors created between the buildings) will mean lower temperatures during the day, but potentially higher temperatures at night.

Figure 5.1.1 NoHo Incident Radiation Measurement taken on a horizontal plane at ground level.

Simulation completed with Ecotect.

Figure 5.1.3 NoHo Sky-View Factor Measurement taken at 1.5m above the ground plane.

Simulation completed with Envi-Met software.

Figure 5.1.2 Fitzrovia Hybrid Living Incident Radiation Measurement taken on a horizontal plane at ground level.

Simulation completed with Ecotect.

Figure 5.1.4 Fitzrovia Hybrid Living Sky-View Factor Measurement taken 1.5m above the ground plane.

Simulation completed with Envi-Met software.

The incident solar radiation on the Fitzrovia Hybrid Living proposal (fig 5.1.2) shows peak levels of about 1520 Wh in 3 distinct areas around the complex. The lowest areas of 180 Wh to 360 Wh are only seen in locations close to the base of the three southern towers and at some portions at the base of the linear building typology. The higher towers with intermittent spacing seem to have the same positive effect on the incident solar radiation potential surrounding urban space as the lower linear housing typology does.

The sky-view factor for the Fitzrovia Hybrid Living proposal (fig 5.1.4) has similar problems as the NoHo proposal did in the narrow connection spaces to the surrounding area, but shows much higher sky-view factor levels throughout the complex. A possible problem with the increase in sky-view factor and incident solar radiation is the potential for overheating during the hottest months of the year. However, in comparison to the NoHo proposal, the benefits of these two parameters will greatly increase the comfort of the spaces between buildings.

57

5.2 Urban Paths and Shelter Path 01 East to West

East to West Access- Winter

Mean Radiant Temp | wind | sky-view factor

svf (0-1) m/s 1.5

wind speed m/s

SVF

MRT 8:00 AM

MRT 1:00 PM

MRT 5:00 PM

C 50 45 40

Summer Path 01 Path 02 Met. Rate Clo.

2 B

3 C

4 D

5 E

6 F

G

2 0.8

1.5 0.8

1 0.8

1 0.8

1.5 0.8

2 0.8

2 0.8

1 A

2 B

3 C

4 D

5 E

6 F

G

2 1.5

2 1.5

1.5 1.5

1.5 1.5

2 1.5

2 1.5

2 1.5

30

6

25 20

0.5

15 10

Winter Path 01 Path 02 Met. Rate Clo.

35

1

1 A

5 0

5

Envi-Met was used to analyses the urban microclimates created from the design of Fitzrovia Hybrid Living. The design intention was to create both adaptable spaces and adaptable paths for the various occupants that would be using the public spaces within the development.

0 0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Site Location

Figure 5.2.4 Path 01 Winter Relation of MRT, wind, and sky-view factor East to West Access- Summer

4

Mean Radiant Temp | wind | sky-view factor

svf (0-1) m/s 1.5

D3

wind speed m/s

SVF

MRT 8:00 AM

MRT 1:00 PM

MRT 5:00 PM

45 40 35

1

Path 01 (fig 5.2.1) starts at the east corner of the site and moves through to the west.

The Summer PMV (fig 5.2.2) shows an overall comfort rating that decreases through the site to point (4) and then increases again to the street. This is largely because of the drop in wind speed across the site and the relatively high MRT (fig 5.2.5) due to exposure. This would easily be remedied with vegetation in the open space.

For the Winter PMV, comfort is higher and more consistent (fig 5.2.3). Here the low dry bulb temperature is the determining factor. The MRT (fig 5.2.4) is increasing comfort in the winter, as opposed to decreasing it in the summer.

5 0

2

4

5

6

7

East to West Access - Winter 8:00 AM

1:00 PM

5:00 PM

wind speed m/s

3 2

Warm

Figure 5.2.1 Path 01 (East to West) Showing 6 points of measurement

Neutral

1 0 -1

Cool -2

Cold

-3 0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Site Location

Figure 5.2.6 Path 01 Winter Relation of PMV throughout the day to average wind

1:00 PM

5:00 PM

70

70

60

60

50

50

40

40

30

30

20

20

10

10

0

0

5

6

East to West Access - Summer

East to West Access - Winter % Num. of People Comfortable (per 100)

80

59

3

PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) Hot

80

Figure 5.2.2 PMV Path 01 Summer Simulation data taken from Envi-Met

2

Figure 5.2.5 Path 01 Summer Relation of MRT, wind, and sky-view factor

1

90

Site

1

Site Location

100

4

0 0

8:00 AM

3

15 10

90

2

20

0.5

100

1

30 25

In should be noted that point (D3) has the most extreme difference between noon and early morning or late afternoon. This could simply be because of the higher wind speeds at this specific location.

East to West Access - Summer % Num. of People Comfortable (per 100)

C 50

8:00 AM

1:00 PM

PMV (Predicted Mean Vote)

5:00 PM

Hot

8:00 AM

1:00 PM

5:00 PM

wind speed m/s

3 2

Warm Neutral

1 0 -1

Cool Cold 1

2

3

Location

4

Site

Figure 5.2.3 PMV Path 01 Winter Simulation data taken from Envi-Met

Location

5

6

-2 -3 0

1

2

3

Site Location

Figure 5.2.7 Path 01 Summer Relation of PMV throughout the day to average wind

4

5

6

7

6.1 Conclusion and References Fitzrovia Hybrid Living The Fitzrovia Hybrid Living design is attempting to revitalize the empty site of the former Middlesex Hospital by keeping existing context and precedence as inspiration, while simultaneously pushing for cutting edge, environmental responsiveness. This new vision of an environmental city block focused on a symbiosis with its surroundings, dynamic response over diurnal and seasonal cycles, occupant comfort, and adaptability at both the micro and macro scale.

The essence of the project stemmed from the Gothic Chapel that even in its small stature, still dominates the site after surviving multiple site demolitions. The success of the plaza surrounding the chapel, and the need for density in urban living became the constant dialogue throughout the project. The activation of stepping in the buildings was the first action that responded directly to increasing solar access to both the lower pedestrian spaces and maximizing solar access to the adjacent facades. The ability to stagger and allow solar access quickly showed its limits. As a response, the program involved in the site (residential, office, retail) was layered according to internal heat gains, daylight requirements, and solar access to increase efficiency beyond just the stepping. The result was to keep retail at the lower levels, offices in the middle and residential at the higher sections.

The environmental requirements of the site could not be solved with one building typology. Both vertical and

References CIBSE (2006). Environmental Criteria for Design. CIBSE GUIDE A. Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, London.

Garg, R., P. Mogali, S. Nath and K. Vagianou (2011).

Adelaide Wharf Case Study, Term 1, E+E MSc M Arch Sustainable Environmental Design, Architectural association. Unpublished report.

Szokolay, S. (2003). Introduction to Architectural Science. Architectural Press.

Yannas, S. (1994). Solar Energy and Housing Design. Volume 1: Principles, Objectives, Guidelines, Architectural Association Publications.

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horizontal building typologies were organized to first let light into the site and second to absorb what was let in, with minimal effect on surrounding urban spaces. Each typology had a unique response to available climate and occupant requirements. The vertical tower typology showed that because smaller units have higher internal gains per square meter, they are still environmentally successful even with less than favorable orientation and a more exposed faรงade. The balconies of the towers also proved to be a powerful mediator between outside climate and visual comfort. These balconies provided outdoor living spaces, which are usually compromised in dense urban living, and reduced the effects of overheating during critical seasons of the year. The linear building typology was able to solve a complicated environmental triangle by synthesizing compactness, exposure, and light. The interlocking unit geometry and adaptive faรงade component allowed for both energy efficiency and high-end residential aesthetics.

The microclimates created around the building were systematically produced by the process explained above. It was only the effect of wind that was not totally understood until the final analysis. It is now clear that wind mitigation at all times of the year will benefit the comfort of the microclimates created around the site. Additionally, the adaptability of different paths and places of shelter or exposure throughout the site proved to respond specifically to height in the case of shelter and sky-view factor in the case of exposure.

Architectural Association / Graduate School MArch & MSc Sustainable Environmental Design PHASE I : Design Research Studio term 2

URBAN CASE STUDIES : living & working in London new oxford street May 2012 Pedro Augspach Meital Ben Dayan Joao Cotta Nikhil Deotarase

Other Council’s Camden Council

Figure 1: London Region with its respective council boundaries

Town Centre’s Neighbourhood Centres Central London Frontages Growth Areas Tottenham Court Road Growth Areas

Figure 2: The growth areas as per the Camden concil’s strategy

The Term 1 project, Central St. Giles, lies within the Camden Borough of London.

For this term’s project, the team aimed to choose a site within the vicinity of Central St. Giles in order to have the opportunity to work on a proposal in the same context and implement the lessons learned from the previous term.

Camden Borough is situated in central London (figure 1). And hence it plays a prominent role in London’s future growth. This is indicated in the proposed London Plan. For the years 2010-2026, the council predicts an increase in the residents population of 18% (approximately 36,000 inhabitants). In order to meet the increasing population requirements, Camden aims to provide 815 new homes per year as part of its plan.

The council identified five growth areas for intensification (figure 2).

Within them 60% of the future residential demand is to be met. As part of the objectives for the development of the growth areas the council aims to minimise social polarisation and secure a mixed and inclusive community by providing a range of housing in different sizes.

ord St f x O w e N

The chosen site for this project (21 New Oxford St) is a part of the same growth area as Central St Giles; Tottenham Court Road Growth area (figure 3) and is situated in a strategic location within walking distance from cultural, retail and leisure centres as shown in figure 3.

Figure 3: The Tottenham Court Road growth area amongst prominent and thriving destinations.

8

mS

seu Mu t

n

gh i H

r bo l Ho

St

seu Mu t mS

rn

gh Hi

bo l Ho

St

Figure 5: Satellite view of the chosen site Source: Googlearth Listed Buildings Conservation Areas

British Museum

Site Camden Boundary

Council

Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Crossrail Station

Covent Garden Seven Dials

Figure 6: Plan showing the listed buildings and conservation areas.

Figure 7: Plan showing the pedestrian routes to prominent destinations.

00

00

0

12:

13:0

14:

Together with sun availability, protection from the wind was identified as a main factor in the London climate in order to achieve comfortable conditions outdoors for a longer span of time.

N

Figure 35: Sun availability in the site in spring equinox at lunchtime

nalysis om the

nchtime aged to oposed me has ditions March 21 9:00

March 21 13:00

March 21 16:00

June 21 9:00

June 21 13:00

June 21 16:00

Dec 21 9:00

Dec 21 13:00

Dec 21 15:00

ied out etween tructed

00 am, d future ces and m) were cussed

t of the by the

Figure 36: Sun availability in the site throughout the year without the existing building

New Oxford

St

m seu Mu St

tel

Ho

Outdoor Studies - Wind Analysis

t

nS

or olb

hH

Hig

Figure 37: Air velocity spot measurements on Jan 15 between 12.00 and 12.30 pm

Together with sun availability, protection from the wind was identified as a main factor in the London climate in order to achieve comfortable conditions outdoors for a longer span of time.

Figure 39: North wind Simulation using C.F.D Source: Ecotect Analysis 2011 + Winair

The team carried out field studies and measured the air velocity in the site on Jan 15 between 12.00 and 12.30 pm. During this time the wind directions were North and North-North West at 6 m/s according to weather underground data for Kensington weather station. Figure 37 shows the measurement results.

High air velocities were measured in New Oxford St and High Holborn St. In addition turbulences were observed in Museum St as a result of downdraft wind from the Hotel building.

As the prevailing wind in London is from the southwest a computer fluid dynamic simulation was carried out using Ecotect Analysys + Winair for Southwest wind (figure 38). It can be seen that with the existing building, Museum St is protected from the wind. The team estimated that this is due to the location of the hotel and parking building to the west of the site and the south elevation of the existing building blocking the wind from this direction.

In order to verify the results of the simulation, simulations for North and North - Northwest winds were carried out as well and compared to the field studies measurements. (Figures 39 and 40). It can be seen that the simulations are showing similar results to the field studies.

The team concluded that it is important to keep the protection from the south in the proposed building shape. A second conclusion is that some protection from downdraft winds caused by the hotel building should be provided as part of the proposal.

Figure 38: South - West wind Simulation using C.F.D Source: Ecotect Analysis 2011 + Winair

Figure 40: North - West wind Simulation using C.F.D Source: Ecotect Analysis 2011 + Winair 21

4 – DESIGN PROPOSAL

The aim of the formal design process was to create a building that could be naturally ventilated and lit while retaining as much as possible from the existing structure

Figure 58: Existing building

Design Proposal - Formal exploration The aim of the formal design process was to create a building that could be naturally ventilated and lit while retaining as much as possible from the existing structure as explained in the previous chapter. It was equally important to create a ‘room in the city’, an outdoor space that is comfortable most of the year and that can be used as a place to stay as well as to pass through. Finally it was important that the building and the outdoor space together will enhance the urban fabric and urban connections in this area according to the urban analysis and strategy (as detailed in the predesign studies).

83%

Figure 59: Existing building without the top floors

N

Figure 58 shows the volume of the existing building. The first step was to remove the top floors as shown in figures 59 and 60. The top floors have in the opinion of the team little architectonic potential, their volume is relatively small (17% of the building) and furthermore without removing them it will become difficult to make a significant intervention that will achieve the goals stated above. In the following images, to the left is a bar showing the floor area of the proposed building as a percentage of the original building floor area. The percentage of floor area that will be demolished is shown in red.

In response to the urban strategies that were identified, an open outdoor area was created following the view lines from the British Museum (figures 61, 62).

British Museum Existing Building Proposed Square

63%

Figure 61: Carving through view lines upon the British Museum 28

Figure 60: Existing Building. Source: After Google Earth

View lines

Figure 62: Views and connections to the British Museum and Covent Garden

24m N

Sun availability at lunchtime

12m

52%

Figure 63: March 21 Shadow range 12:00-14:00

Figure 64: Passive zone depth

13900 m² 13900 m²

To be demolished Proposed building

29000 m² 15100 m² Existing Building

Figure 63 Option

21500 m²

Figure 66 Option

The location of the cut was determined according to the pre design studies of solar availability in the square (See outdoor studies - Comfort). As shown in figure 63 this shape allows for direct sun in most of the outdoor area during lunchtime in March. Deriving again from the pre design studies this allows for sun availability throughout most of the year. (See appendix for yearly sunpath).

The edge of the south wing was cut further to allow for more sun in while the south elevation remained the same length in order to maintain the protection from the wind.

13900 m²

18000 m²

Final Proposal

Figure 65: Density analysis

74%

Figure 66: Top level Addition

62%

Figure 67: Proposed building south elevation. Computer Generated Image

According to the passive zone areas that were established in the pre design studies the building was further carved in order to achieve naturally ventilated and lit spaces (figure 64). The north wing is intended for using the existing 6m floor height and the south wing is intended to combine mezzanine floors of 3m height and therefore it is narrower in plan. This carve was also done in order to create a more enclosed outdoor space but one that is still open and connects with the urban context so different types of outdoor spaces are created within the site allowing for different activities to happen.

As shown in figure 65 the area of the proposed building with this form is 15,100 sq m. This area was considered too low in relation to the density level that the team considered appropriate for such a central urban location and as defined in the design brief. Therefore additional five top floors were added of 3m height and with a narrow plan of 12 m (figure 66). These floors are positioned to the north and therefore do not affect the sun availability in the square. In terms of the urban impact the effect on the building and New Oxford St to the north is minimal as the extension is not significantly higher then the existing building.

Furthermore the function of these buildings is offices which are less sensitive to reduction in the direct sun.

The impact on the street to the east of the site is more significant (Dunnes passage) as it is very narrow. Therefore as shown in figure 68 the upper floors extension was sloped towards the east and south and the building was carved slightly more on the east side to widen it, creating a place that is more usable and better lit. The sloping responded as well to the scale of the urban block and to the overall urban context and height of adjacent buildings as shown in figure 67 .

Figure 68: Sloping of the top floors 29

Figure 69: Retail. Ground Floor

Figure 70: Offices. 1st -3rd Floors

Figure 71: Residential. 1st -8th Floors

FORD ST

NEW OX

Overall Building Retail

8%

Residential Units

1400 m ² 3 Bed 28% 90 m ²

esidential, offices and requirements

h lower tolerance e 6m original floor and larger area of ffice where higher larger volume of s through a lower on.

of the north wing plan of the offices and single sided ustic requirement, gn robust to future

Residential

53%

9300 m ² 2 Bed 32% 80 m ²

Residential

Offices

18% 3100 m ²

Offices Cores External space

OR

T NS

B OL

H GH

HI

Figure 72: Programme distribution

N

Circulation & Services

8%

1400 m ²

Basement

13% 2300 m ²

Total

18000 m ²

Figure 73: Floor area distribution

1 Bed

24% 45 m ²

Studio

5% 30 m ²

Figure 74: Residential area distribution

3m

The residential units are wing and the upper four facades and most of the lower internal gains The residential units are located in the south wing, the westby part of the north wing and the upper four floors (figure 71). As shown they occupy all of the south acceptable light levels facades and most of the west facades. The residential units are characterised bedrooms according to C by lower internal gains (in comparison to office space), by a wider range of forinadaptive o acceptable light levels (a minimum of 1% DF in bedroomspotential is acceptable bedrooms according to CIBSE Daylighting and Window Design) and by a higher unit and flexibility of m potential for adaptive opportunities (due to a lower number of occupants per 3m asis an amenit unit and flexibility of moving within the space). Furthermoreperceived the direct sun perceived as an amenity especially in colder days in London.

This makes the residential units more su residential units more suitable to be positioned to the south and west facades.

3m

6m

6m

3m

A combination of A combination of 6m and 3m height spaces are provided in the apartments using the existing building structure to create quality spaces that are well and using thelitexisting buildi ventilated in the living areas.

ventilated in the living a

6m The 12m height external space that is provided in the north wing is located between the offices and residential units and could be accessed by both.

The 12m height As offices and residents have typically inverted occupancy times the external the offic shared space could be used for a larger amount of time. Thelocated roof of thebetween south wing (figure 74) also offers an external space that could be As accessed by both offices and residents functions.

shared space could be u wing (figure The ground floor is occupied by retail which has typical higher internal74) also off It is recessed and thus protected from the sun. Similarly to the offices, functions.

6m

6m

Figure 75: Building Section

Figure 75: Building Section

gains. the double height of the existing building allows for higher daylight levels and larger air volume thus reducing the ventilation rate required. The retail functions The ground floor can use the external spaces in the square for outdoor eating and other activities as well as the prominent position on New Oxford St and Highgains.

Holborn St. It is recessed an

6m

the double height of the larger air volume thus re can use the external spa as well as the prominen 31

Cafes / Restaurants Retail Residential lobbies

New

Office lobby

Oxfo rd S t

Services

Museum St

es Dunn ge passa

of cafes, restaurants,

vided to accommodate the successful uses o attract people from potential to intensify eating permeability and access, as seen

are providing a more om New Oxford St to gh the adjacent cafe ion was observed by sitioning the security to be used as a retail ing a mix of activities

orn b l o hH

Hig

Figure 76: Ground Floor and Landscape design

St

Figure 84: Circulation Areas

Private Residential Office / Private Residential Affordable Residential

ulation areas of pologies in order into affordable, consecuence of

outdoors, except ight levels, this s, it is used as a

in order to allow ors area for the

Figure 85: Different cores divided into

Figure 86: First level floor plan

0

5

10

Spring 17:00 hours. (figure 97) External Conditions:

Shaded, protected areas: Wind Speed Global Radiation P.E.T.

: 0.5 m/s : 23 W/m² : 8.7°C

Shaded, less protected areas: Wind Speed Global Radiation P.E.T.

: 1 m/s : 23 W/m² : 8.1

Sunny, protected areas: Wind Speed Global Radiation P.E.T.

: 0.5 m/s : 142 W/m² : 12°C

Sunny, less protected areas: Wind Speed Global Radiation P.E.T.

: 1 m/s : 142 W/m² : 10.7°C

Dry bulb temperature: Relative Humidity: Octas: Clo:

13.6 48% 2/8 1.2

Given that the day became courtyard, and although t are still going to try and sit areas, which will be furthe (see wind simulations).

Summer

17:00 hour

External C Shaded, protected areas: Wind Speed Global Radiation P.E.T.

: 0.5 m/s : 62 W/m² : 15.4°C

Shaded, less protected areas: Wind Speed Global Radiation P.E.T.

: 1 m/s : 62 W/m² : 14.6°C

Sunny, protected areas: Wind Speed Global Radiation P.E.T.

: 0.5 m/s : 251 W/m² : 20.5°C

Sunny, less protected areas: Wind Speed Global Radiation P.E.T.

: 1 m/s : 251 W/m² : 18.6°C

Dry bulb te Relative H Octas:

As windy area is quite hi almost 2°k

5 – DESIGN VERIFICATION

Figure 100: Office plan view in a overcast sky day and daylight factor analysis.

Indoor Design Verification - Offices Daylight Studies Following the findings from the predesign analysis of the shoe box, the offices are located in an area of the building which is obstructed most of the year, having one of the main facades oriented due north, towards New oxford Street and the other main facade facing Duns Passage. In order to take advantage of the double height, a mezzanine was created to house the common and more flexible areas such as the hot desks and the Cafe (figure 100). The garden which receives direct sun light from March to October has the potential of being a succesful transitional space, which could be used as a working area for meetings, etc. The garden can also be accessed from the corridor of the adjacent residential block and can be used by them during the weekends or after the working hours. This garden also ventilates the core for these dwellings.

As seen in the figure 101, the tall windows provide good daylight distribution with a uniformity ratio (DFmax/DFmin) of around 4 on the workplane (700mm above the ground), which stays well below the suggested threshold of 10 ( Baker, N 2002). In addition, an average Daylight factor of 5% is found in most of the working areas (figure 101), which guarantee a minimum of 300 lux at 80% of the working hours. This way, artificial light is assumed to be used only for a few hours during the winter (early in the morning and evening), when it is unavoidable.

46

Figure 101: Office plan daylight factor distribution.

Sky Conditions: 6000 Lux Source: Radiance

5 – DESIGN VERIFICATION

Figure 104: Office plan view for a typical summer sunny day.

Indoor Design Verification - Offices Ventilation Strategies In the summer, the garden plays an important role in the ventilation strategy.

During daytime the area facing New Oxford Street, which is a heavy traffic road, can be ventilated just through the garden which faces the courtyard while having the north facing windows shut (figure 104), avoiding this way noise and pollution. In addition the windows facing duns passage which is a quieter and more protected area can be opened, allowing cross ventilation. During night time, the lower level windows facing the garden are shut for security purposes, however the cross ventilation can be achieved by opening the window of the mezzanine (figure 105)..

Figure 105: Office plan view for a typical summer night.

48

CH 5 – DESIGN VERIFICATION

Indoor Design Verification - Residential

Figure 112: Apartments view for a typical winter sunny day.

Thermal Studies As shown previously in the daylight analyses, the one bedroom and three bedroom apartments are the typologies chosen to be simulated thermally in order to predict the performance of the units with different occupancy conditions and orientations. The one bedroom flat faces northwest and the three bedroom one faces southeast. Both typologies have a window to floor ratio below 30%.

The same internal gains and construction materials as the shoe box were used in the simulations (see predesign studies chapter), apart from the glass of the northwest facing apartment which has its U-value improved from 1,77 W/m2K to 1,28 W/m2K (Double Glazing, Argon Filled) in order to offset the low heating loads found in the pre design simulations.

An additional change from the shoe box was the addition of a heat recovery system, with the purpose of reducing the heat loss. In this case the fresh air required will be provided in the same temperature as the internal air.

Based on the research done for Central St. Giles the team defined different occupancy patterns for each kind of typology. This way, the one bedroom apartment is meant to be occupied by a young professional, which usually stays at home only between 19:00 - 09:00. On the other hand, the three bedroom apartment is assumed to be occupied by a 4 people family with 2 children, where the high occupancy hours are between 19:00 – 08:00 (4 people), and after 15:00 when the kids come back from school (3 people), Figure 113: Apartments view for a typical winter night.

52

5 – DESIGN VERIFICATION

Figure 116: Apartments view for a typical summer sunny day.

Indoor Design Verification - Residential Ventilation Strategies During the summer different strategies of ventilation were adopted with the intention of increasing the occupant’s range of opportunities to deal with noise pollution, and thermal comfort. The most challenging situation was concerning the apartments facing High Holborn Street which is a road characterized by its heavy traffic. In this case, it was assumed that the bedroom would have low occupancy during day time, being ventilated during those hours (figure 116), allowing this way the windows to be shut during night time (figure 117). On the other hand the kitchen and the living room area which are considered to be occupied for at least one person during day time, could take advantage of the thermal mass (concrete slab) and be ventilated only during night time (22:00 – 08:00).

Figure 117: Apartments view for a typical summer night.

54

rick is used in a smaller part of the facade as it has a higher embodied han concrete. This is due to its higher embodied energy value and to the architectural character and texture of the building. The external block wall will be finished with paint containing natural resin emulsions. nts appear as conventional petrochemical emulsions but are free from nt and are biodegradable (Smith, P. 2005). The shutters on the facade made of timber since it has a lower embodied energy of 10 MJ/kg as to aluminium (155 MJ/kg) and steel (20 MJ/kg) shutters (Hammond, G. e particular type of timber selected is Sweet Chestnut and belongs to wood species of timber that are locally grown in the UK. They have a exture, good durability and are extremely resistant (Wooley, T. and S. 2000).

Figure 120: Facade materials.

Volume of existing concrete Volume of demolished concrete

Area of Basement not to be used Area of Building

Figure 121: Graph comparing the amount of concrete demolished. Figure 122: Plan showing unused basement area left from existing building.

Renewable energy sources

The need for offsetting any residu objectives for the team. The residua required for the electrical appliance hot water for domestic purposes. Th Thermal Panels, a combined assem electrical energy and a high efficien of thermal energy.

Figure 124 illustrates a PV photovoltaic module to convert light i the back to capture the remaining so based on a situation for a typical ap lighting equipment available in the

The roof of the building wo m2/y obtained from the Satel-Light w 30째 from the horizontal. Since the ro the roof was the ideal location to af the roof was demarcated for placing with an area of 1500m2(figure 123) calculated with a panel efficiency o Partners 1999) as follows:

Annual Energy Production = Global radiation x panel efficiency x accounting loss factor at 90%

PV-T Panels on the roof of the building Roof of the building

With this area, panel efficie production was calculated to give 2 energy production calculated, as se the electrical load for the residence present scenario while the hot wate energy generated from the panels. be met with the current scenario ho enough progress would be made to and more energy efficient applianc loads for the offices and residences

Figure 123: Roof plan with the position of the PV-T panels

Figure 124: Arrangement of a PV-T Panel (Source: Smith, P. 2005)

Table 1: Estimated electric loads for a typical residential unit.

1 Calculated by the addition of the yearly e appartment multiplied by the number of ap 2 Calculated by the addition of the yearly e typical appartment multiplied by the numb

6 – CONCLUSIONS

Architectural Association / Graduate School MArch & MSc Sustainable Environmental Design PHASE I : Design Research Studio term 2

URBAN CASE STUDIES : living & working in London regeneration of robinhood gardens May 2013 Marina Breves Anastasia Gravani Juan Montoliu Danniele Severino

Architectural Association / Graduate School MArch & MSc Sustainable Environmental Design PHASE I : Design Research Studio term 2

URBAN CASE STUDIES : living & working in London co-housing mixed used development in Brixton May 2013 Javier Guzman Dominguez Jonathan Natanian Juan Vallejo

3_URBAN STUDIES 3.1 Introduction

3.1 Introduction The initial challenge of the Southwyck site urban design was derived from the desire to supply the existing community with the open spaces, different uses, improved urban connectivity and city scape it desperately needs, while achieving good outdoor comfort levels and insure adequate thermal and visual conditions throughout the project.

This was achieved by constantly balancing between different tools that helped us shape our masses and ideas on this site; firstly different urban strategies and forms were tested i.e. typologies of densification, various proportions of public open spaces and connections to the existing fabric, secondly came the architectural expression – sketches that investigated the interaction between the idea of urban gardens and communal spaces with the urban plan and masses on the site The environmental agenda and analysis constantly complimented each one of the development stages and helped generate the urban development by defining the distance, shapes and orientations of the masses with careful considerations to their effect of the outdoor areas.

URBAN LEVEL

BUILDING LEVEL

FLAT LEVEL

6

Figure 3.1.1: Urban design process sequence

DENSITY STUDIES

Southwick House:

As the notio agenda, de conclusion t which were expand som

179 Properties

Figure 3.2.3: Solar Diagram

260 Dwellings

216 Dwellings

162 Dwellings

386 Dwellings

Further rota access for th and in additi the double l

Figures 3.2.8: Urban density Studies ENERGY INDEX CALCULATIONS Window to Floor Ratio: 20 %

15 %

10 %

Floor Area: 80 m² External Walls U-Value: 0.2 W/m²K Glass U-Value: 1.8 W/m²K

16

15

Heat Load kWh/m²

14

13

12

11

10

Figure 3.2.9: Energy Index Calculation for double loaded typologies

7

By introduci flats facing MINT calcul performanc improve the The rotation buildings to climatic con

Figure 3.4.1: Conceptual section through the site

Figure 3.4.2: Communal level Plan

March, 21st Noon

March,st21st Noon October, 21 Noon June, 21st Noon

st stst October, 21 Noon

June, 21 Noon December, 21 Noon

December, 21st Noon

Figure 3.4.5: Shadow analysis diagrams

October, 21st Noon Figure 3.4.5: Shadow analysis diagrams

Figure 3.4.4: Solar access section through the site for winter and summer sun December, angles

21st Noon

T s th b le e

3_URBAN STUDIES 150

3.5 Urban Agriculture

The plan also shows the possibility of allotments to be combined between members of the community to allow growths that require more ground floor areas or to create higher production of a specific growth.

Figure 3.5.8 (opposite page) demonstrates this diversity, and how for example Fruit trees can be planted on the ground floor, herbs on the balconies, and other crops which require more sun hours could be located inside roof greenhouse gardens.

Plant Radish Turnip Carrots Beets Celery Onions Peppers Cauliflower Kale Artichoke Lettuce Tomato Spinach

14

Min. Temperature (째C) 10 4 15 4 15 7 21 15 7 10 4 16 4

Max. Temperature (째C)

Hours of Sunlight

18 29 21 32 23 35 35 23 29 23 29 35 24

Full Sun Partial Shade Full Sun Partial Shade Min. 6 hours Full Sun Full Sun Min. 6 hours Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun Min. 6 hours Partial Shade

Figure 3.5.5: Vegetables Production

100 50 0

Whole WholeMilk milk

Stimulants Stimulants

Alcoholic Breverages Alcoholic Beverages

Cheese Cheese

Fruits Fruits

Vegetables Vegetables

Cereals Cereals

Figure 3.5.1: Consumption of major food and drink categories in Europe (Source: http://europa.eu) Surface Required (m2)

4m 2.6 m

0.6 0.6 1.5 1.1 0.3 2.0 1.2 1.7 1.1 0.8 1.4 1.7 0.8

8m

10 10 7 5 23 10 7 5 6 10 7 9 5

Average Annual Consumption (kg/peerson) 6 6 10 6 6 20 8 8 6 8 10 16 4

6m

Radish Turnip Carrots Beets Celery Onions Peppers Cauliflower Kale Artichoke Lettuce Tomato Spinach

Yield (kg/m2)

3m

Plant

Bringing together the solar access calculation on the communal level (Figure 3.5.6) with information regarding different hours of sunlight required for different crops (Figure 3.5.5) has helped to develop the plan further, and more detailed plan was conceived (Figure 3.5.7) that demonstrates how different allotments would be positioned accordingly.

Potatoes Potatoes

As a starting point a research was conducted regarding the yearly consumption of different crops and food categories (Figure 3.5.1); then, by crossing this information with data regarding the yield values of different growths (Figure 3.5.2), the possibility to supply these needs in our site was considered. Consequently, different allotment proportions were calculated for each household to grow these different crops in our site (Figure 3.5.3). Different allotment dimensions and positions were applied to the plan (Figure 3.5.4) that shows the possibility to have different growths in different layouts both indoor, outdoors and on the rooftops of buildings.

50

Fish Fish andandSeafood seafood

Urban agriculture has been used as a core idea in the project; it defines the communal activity that unites the residents in the Southwyck co-Housing around the positive principals of productivity, collaboration and sustainability. Urban agriculture was found to introduce great advantages to the design from the social to the economic and ecological levels and works very well with the local market culture and food production history of Brixton.

100

Meat Meat

3.5 urban Agriculture

kg/l per person per year

150

2m 1.3 m

1m

Figure 3.5.3: Different allotment sizes used

Figure 3.5.4: Communal level plan with Allotments phase 1

Figure 3.5.2: Vegetables production data (Source: http://europa.eu)

hours 10+ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Figure 3.5.6 Solar access frequency diagram on the communal level

Figure 3.5.7: Communal level plan with Allotments phase 2

3_URBAN STUDIES 3.6 Urban Uses

3.6 Urban Uses Looking at the uses on the ground floor (Figure 3.6.1), the vertical idea of the transition from the public domain through the community to the private spaces is achieved not only vertically with the communal level but also horizontally; From north to south the public and more intense urban functions are giving way to more communal activities towards the heart of the site: The market was designed facing Coldharbour lane to the north, community facilities such as school, kindergarten towards the depth of the site and offices were positioned towards the north east bordering street.

The typical floor plan (Figure 3.6.2) is dedicated to the residential uses combined with different communal spaces and greenhouse gardens inside the buildings.

3.7 Urban Level Conclusions

Commercial

Offices

Communal Services

Residential

Figure 3.6.1: Ground floor uses

Adopting an outside-in approach, the urban study has begun with the understanding that the shape and distribution of the building units on the site will eventually create a microclimate in and around them. From one stage to the other, urban design intentions which were inspired by the needs of Brixton were constantly measures through the environmental point of view; that generated a question how can we balance between them when these two conflict each other. The main challenging task was to prioritize and underline the tolerance level we have for each urban or environmental consideration without forgetting the overall design picture.

Moreover, the design decisions that were taken in the urban level could dictate different aspects in the building and flat levels. Thus certain open ended and flexible approach must be adopted in order to proceed for one level to another and updating the design accordingly.

16

Figure 3.6.3: Cross section through the project

Educational

Figure 3.6.2: Typical floor plan

Figure 3.6.4: Existing site bird-eye view

Figure 3.6.6: Inner courtyard view showing communal level above public square

Figure 3.6.5: Proporsed layout bird-eye view

17

4_BUILDING STUDIES 4.1 Introduction

4.1 Introduction – Atrium Typology During the design work on the building level, different phases (Figure 4.1.1), demonstrate the process for which the same inspiration from Brixton’s needs and the idea of generating communal housing on our site echoed on and has driven the process from one phase to another; parallel to our environmental strategies that helped shape up the building.

18

Figure 4.1.1: Building design process sequence

The idea of the communal space continued to serve as central one in the building design level – the idea was to create an extension of the outdoor communal garden level vertically through the buildings; a vertical communal space which will be protected from the outdoor temperature and will serve as meeting and activity place for the community. The Atrium was a natural typology that seemed to best to feet these criteria as well as London climatic conditions. The atrium introduced the potential to direct the communal spaces towards it and use it as an extension of the idea which was previously developed in the urban level regarding communal buffering between the individuals and the city through our site.

URBAN LEVEL

BUILDING LEVEL

The environmental benefits of the atrium typology were studied by the group on last term’s study; The Atrium ability to serve as a good buffer zone, to supply double sided natural daylight to the flats facing it and also cross ventilation through it both in heating and cooling periods, can substantially reduce energy consumption on the flats (Figure 4.1.3). These environmental benefits were adjoined by the amenity of an atrium to create a well-lit and pleasant open space between the flats in difference from the problematic continuous dark corridor that commonly exists in double loaded building typologies (Figure 4.1.4).

FLAT LEVEL

URBAN LEVEL

BUILDING LEVEL

Figure 4.1.2: Communal space concepts

SUMMER

WINTER

Figure 4.1.3: Conclusions regarding Atrium Ventilation Strategies from Evelyn Grace Academy Study

Figure 4.1.4 Grosvenor Waterside Corridor Ventilation Strategy

19

4_BUILDING STUDIES 4.1 Introduction

The idea of interactions through the communal spaces and the flats in the building has continued to be developed, and affected the activity and the form of the atriums in the building blocks; the concept of shared facilities was applied in the atriums and was correlated with the different type of flats and their occupants further on.

The typical plan (Figure 4.1.6), demonstrates the idea of shared facilities and small allotments in both the double and single loaded atriums that together create a welcoming place in which people can grow play and meet each other within a protected atmosphere.

An interesting precedent of a residential building with an atrium in London has been studied and visited (Bennett’s Courtyard, by Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects, Figure 4.1.5), and has served as a reference for the potential the atrium could have in upgrading the typical narrow corridor between the flats and even affect positively on the market values of the flats in the building.

20

Figure 4.1.5: Bennett’s Courtyard, Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects

Figure 4.1.6: Atrium Plan & Communal Spaces

4_BUILDING STUDIES 4.2 Ventilation Strategy

4.2 Ventilation Strategy

COOL PERIOD

The design of the atrium has been developed according to the environmental aim to achieve both thermal and visual comfort in it and through it to the flats; considering the critical importance of ventilation to the thermal comfort, the ventilation strategy has been developed to work adaptively between warm and cold periods in order to supply thermal comfort to the atrium and the flats while avoiding the use of any mechanical ventilation. Consequently, the atrium was designed to be constantly ventilated through trickle ventilation which supplies the total amount of air needed for the flats and the atrium (Figure 4.2.3).

In cold periods, the ventilation strategy for the flats is based on preheated air intake from the atrium through trickle ventilation (Figure 4.2.1); by using preheated air the interior temperature in these flats would rise and heat loads for the flats would be reduced. During these cold periods minimal trickle vents openings were calculated in the atrium’s envelope, facing towards the prevailing wind direction to provide the minimal adequate air quality (Figure 4.2.2) in order to reduce the potential heat losses.

Figure 4.2.1: Atrium cool period ventilation strategy

0.4 ach

0.4 ach

Figure 4.2.2: Minimum Required Ventilation Supply

SINGLE LOADED Volume:2815 m³ 50 people living Minimum Fresh Air Required: 1500 m³/h (0.53 ach) DOUBLE LOADED Volume:8620 m³ 64 people living Minimum Fresh Air Required: 1920 m³/h (0.22 ach)

22

Figure 4.2.3: Atrium Plan & Air supply calculations

WARM PERIOD

The warm period strategy is drawing air from outside through trickle ventilation both in the flats and atrium, and by using the stack and “Venturi� effects the air is warming up and circulating across the space. To allow this process the upper windows of the atrium will be opened sucking the exhausted air outward (Figure 4.2.4).

The idea of planting in the atrium generated a study on the effect of plants on the interior air quality. The ability of plants to absorb pollutants is well discussed; however, a NASA research shows further features of certain plants and discussed the ability of certain species to reduce the amount of air supply needed for a certain space by 15% (figure 4.2.6). That showed the amount of air required in the atrium could be less if certain plants are to be located within the atrium gardens.

Figure 4.2.4: Atrium warm period ventilation Strategy

5 ach

2.8 ach 1.7 ach Figure 4.2.5: Warm Period Air Supply

Figure 4.2.6: NASA research regarding plants and Indoor Air Quality

23

As the building envelope was also tilted towards the south to allow PV panel application (see page 27), a reduction in daylight level was calculated due to the reduction of glazing area towards the south. Consequently, daylight levels were compensated by skylight openings on the tilted rooftop. Daylight factor analysis on the section of the atrium (Figures 4.3.5-6), helped determine the size and proportion of this roof skylight and showed the improved distribution of daylight throughout the atrium by the skylight application.

It is important to make the differentiation between the sufficient natural daylight required for planting and the one required for any other activities and aims to replace the use of artificial lighting in the atrium; Looking back on the calculations in (Figures 4.3.5-6), while keeping that differentiation in mind, together with the fact that at least 1000 lux is required for planting, it was clear that planting crops in the atrium should be restricted to mostly the southern part of the atrium or the upper levels.

Figure 4.3.5: Dayligh Factor levels plotted on a section of the atrium without skylight (Source: Radiance)

% DF 5.00+ 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00

The shadow pattern calculation (Figure 4.3.7-8) which was created using the final envelope design helped visualizing the different sensations and the changing atmosphere in the atrium in different times of day and year. These simulations supported previous findings from the daylight studies had helped develop the plan further.

Figure 4.3.6: Dayligh Factor levels plotted on a section of the atrium with skylight (Source: Radiance)

Figure 4.3.7: Sun Access, December 21st, 9.00 am (Source:Ecotect)

Figure 4.3.8: Sun Access, December 21st, Noon (Source:Ecotect)

25

5_FLAT DESIGN STUDIES 5.1 Starting Points

5.1 Starting Points - Adaptive Flat Layout The design process of the flats had started by combining all the knowledge from term 1 and good precedents which were learned this second term, with the idea of the community and comfort which were also implemented in the urban and building level.

As a result, the flat layout responded to a balance between private and communal spaces (Figure 5.1.1).

From Grosvenor Waterside (Figure 5.1.2), the concept of “compactness� was learned and applied to the flat; so as the correlation between improved thermal performance and the reduction of exposed wall surfaces and window sizes according to the uses inside the room.

URBAN LEVEL

BUILDING LEVEL

FLAT LEVEL

Figure 5.1.1: Flat Level Concept

Spinney Gardens by PCKO and BedZed by Bill Dunster (Figure 5.1.3-4), presented the duplex typology with the buffer zone as a strategy to deal with solar shading and to improve the thermal performance of the flat.

Brunnenhof House (Figure 5.1.5) introduces the idea of sharing facilities in communal spaces, which was used in order to further develop the concept of compactness by moving some of the appliances from the flat to the atrium, utilizing these communal spaces as an extension of the flats (Figure 5.1.6) Another important element which had defined the flat layout was its adaptability, not only to reach better comfort along the year but also to respond to different life styles and users. This also works together with the environmental performance of the flat, allowing cross ventilation during the day (Figure 5.1.8) and implementing other strategies such as creating a buffer space to prevent heat loss from the bedroom when closing the living room during the night (Figure 5.1.9).

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Figure 5.1.3: Spinney Gardens

Figure 5.1.5: Brunnenhof House

Figure 5.1.2: Grosvenor Waterside

Figure 5.1.4: BedZed, London

Figure 5.1.6: Sharing Facilities

Figure 5.1.7: Relocating Appliances towards shared facilities

Figure 5.1.8: Ventilation Strategy

Figure 5.1.9: Nigh Strategy

9m

11 m

7m

5.2 Flat Typologies

6m 7m

Getting to learn more about the local population was crucial for the generation of the flat typologies. Researches regarding the population in Brixton and fieldwork around the site were conducted in order to define the profile of the different future flat users.

The flats layout responded to the information acquired regarding the future users, in addition the knowledge from the previous process regarding sizes, proportions and orientations and new ideas related to the flexibility and community were combined; by that three main typologies were generated : Small flats of 42 m2 for single and older people facing East and South-West in the double loaded section, and 77 m2 flat designed for two, and duplex flats of 80 m2 for small families facing South-East in the single loaded section (Figure 5.2.1-2).

5m

Figure 5.2.1: Flat typologies

Figure 5.2.2: Typical residential floor level plan

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5_FLAT DESIGN STUDIES 5.3 Flats Thermal Studies

(A) April 21st 9:00

(B) April 21st 12:00

(C) April 21st 17:00

(D) April 21st 23:00

(E) WINTER Nov 21st 13:30

(F) SUMMER June 21st 13:30

5.3 Flats Thermal Studies The flat layout, together with the ideas of flexibility and adaptability according to the user and life styles can be demonstrated through this sequence showing a perspective of the 77 m2 flat facing South East in the single loaded section (Figure 5.3.1): (A-B) During mid-season, the occupants can enjoy the morning sun in the terrace (Figure x), and benefit from the flexibility of the flat by transforming the northern room into a small office directly connected to the atrium.

(C) During evening hours, the flat could be opened up to allow the possibility of communal activities within it, so as the possibility to share the communal areas around the atrium and gardens with the other occupants.

(D) At night, the occupants can enclose the living room with movable partitions emulating the effect of a night shutter inside the flat in order to keep a temperature within the comfort band in the bedroom.

(E-F) The flat design was also informed by other environmental aspects such as natural ventilation through the atrium; the flat is naturally ventilated by getting preheated air from the atrium through trickle ventilation in the cold period s (figure x) and air from the exterior during the warm period.

Figure 5.3.1: Sequence of scenarios for 77m2 flat typology

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Architectural Association / Graduate School MArch & MSc Sustainable Environmental Design PHASE I : Design Research Studio term 2

URBAN CASE STUDIES : living & working in London gabriel’s wharf May 2013 Sarah Arboleda Tommaso Rosso Polina Vorobyeva Zhenzhou Weng

Facilities and neighbourhood Being located in the central area of the south bank, Gabriel`s Wharf has good access to several tube stations, TFL bus network within minutes of walking (Figure 2.3). The local cycle network also bypass the north and south end of the site. UPP Unitary Development Plan 2007 and DPВ Development Plan Document give information about local conservation areas and major area for potential development, where the site is located (Lambeth Local Development Framework, 2009). Neighborhood of Gabriel`s Wharf are basically low density residential area with a big patch of green area on the east (Bernie Spain Gardens, referred to as ‘the park’ afterwards). The ITV studios are the only but major office building near the site on the west. There is a leisure area where Royal International theatre is situated.

Also, close to the site locate the London City and King`s colleges.

PUBLIC SPACES AND ICONS

CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT Mayor development potential

Conservation area

TRANSPORT Subway Station

Site of metropolitan importance

Park

Conservation area

USES OF THE SURROUNDINGS Lambeth cycle network

TFL road network

Leisure

Shops

Figure 2.3: Surrounding area and transport.

Source: after www.lambeth.gov.uk, UPP Unitari Development Plan 2007, DPD Delelopment Plan Document.

6

City Icon

Offices

Residential

N

PROGRAMME AND MASSING 4.1 Views

Connetion with the surrounding Being aware of the diverse context surrounding the site, the team started this phase of design study from identifying the adjacent connections to the site by putting ourselves inside the site.

First, the north part of the site is exposed to a magnificent river view that includes a panoramic image of the central London, including Saint Paul’s Cathedral and some iconic tall buildings of the City (Figure 4.1). This view is regarded as one major characteristic of the site as well as the project; therefore a more detailed investigation on the variation of availability of the view is considered necessary and will be discussed in section 4.3.

Second, to the east of the site is the nice green park. Several big trees in-between identify the site boundary while they themselves form part of the view to the park from the site. Visual and physical connection with the park and the potential shading and wind barrier effect of the trees are main factors influencing the project from this side

Figure 4.1 : Conceptual views of the site surrounding

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09:00

April

It has been indicated that the square needs wind control on South borders. A shelter is therefore added on the top of the south part of the market and office block. The aims of this device are not only to protect the area from wind and rain, but also to improve noise control from the market for the shared flats, which are located above the shelter. Wind simulations show that wind at the corner becomes much milder with SW and SE prevailing wind compared to the current market (Figure 5.5). As the South part of the square is also less solar exposed during the cold period, the shelter will be made of glazing to allow the remaining available sun to penetrate and help make the space warmer as similar to Covent Garden. Having the more open north entrance to the river, the pillars as structural supporting elements, also help weaken the local wind flow as shown on Figure 5.5.

January

Keeping solar access and wind protection are also issues raised in the site-analysis. As shown on Figure 5.4, in January sun could enter the northeast corner of the site and during the midday the north open ground under the residence block is exposed to direct sun, though compared to the empty site the central area has less solar access in the morning. In April similar condition presents and the north open ground remains solar exposed longer in the afternoon. In both periods the residence block only casts shading on the river and does not influence much the queens’ river walk. In July, more shaded area presents compared to the open site including shadow from the residence block. The pillars create a dynamic pattern of shading over a day and vary over the year.

15:00

July

Solar and wind conditions on the new ground

12:00

Figure 5.4: Simulations showing shadow range. Source: Ecotect South-West

South-East

m/s 1.10+ 0.99 0.88 0.77 0.66 0.55 0.44 0.33 0.22 0.11 0

Figure 5.3: View of the market and the iconic wall.

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Figure 5.5: Wind simulations with the new design. Source: after Ecotect

West

6 - WORKING SPACES 6.1 Pre-design

Orientation According to the Lifestyle trends for new office spaces described on Chapter 4, two main kinds of spaces were defined for the co-working spaces (Figure. 6.1). Firstly, as in co-working networking and social interactions are fundamental, it was given main importance to the shared spaces, which also have higher occupancy. For this space an open plan without divisions was defined to enhance social and professional exchanges, and double height to allow more uniform daylight access and better ventilation.

For preliminary studies, an area of 100 m2 was defined for the open plan for 30 people, resulting in a more stable occupancy and as a consequence more stable internal gains. Secondly, for the more private spaces, cellular offices for 1 to 2 people with an area of approximately 10 m2 and 3 meters height was defined.

Because each cellular office is for 1 to 2 people, their occupancy can be more irregular.

CELLULAR OFFICES 1-2 PEOPLE

OPEN PLAN SHARED SPACE

IRREGULAR OCCUPANCY

MORE STABLE INTERNAL GAINS

Figure 6.1: Occupancy pattern for office spaces and diagram showing the different work spaces according to occupancy

Coupling these two spaces, a unit volume with a mezzanine was defined.(Figure 6.1).

Further on, a study regarding the best orientation for the office unit was made with the MinT spread sheet to define which orientation allow the most homogeneous temperatures between the open plan and the cellular offices. The graphs on Figure 6.2 illustrates that for an occupancy of 100 % and 70 % the two best orientations to achieve this are South West for cellular and North East for Open plan, and South for cellular and North for Open Plan.

N

90 0

N

80 0

Figure 6.3: Daily solar patch diagram for Figure 6.2: Graphs showing the predicted indoor temperature for different orientation of cellular January and July showing the refining of the and open plan offices with 100 % and 70 % occupancy (calculated with MInT).

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orientation of the office.

Layout As mentioned on Chapter 4, the site provides different amazing views; it was defined that for the office spaces the most appropriate was the view to the park, because the calm that nature can provide to the people working, and because it is a view that can only be enjoyed during the day, which corresponds with the occupancy patterns of the working spaces (Figure 6.1).

Figure 6.6 shows the location (in orange) of the workspaces on the building, where the best view to the park is achieved. Also, it is connected with the market services, coffee shops and restaurants for the young professionals.

N

Figure 6.5: Picture of the park located on the west of the workspaces showing the view from the open plan space (taken on February).

Further on, the refining on the orientation was made. As it can be seen on Figure 6.4 the open plan office is open to the park allowing also the cellular offices to enjoy the view. Combining these objectives with the design intention to bring more solar access to the cellular offices because of their more unstable internal gains, a refining of the orientation was made, and the unit of the office was rotated 10° from North to West as shown on Figure 6.3 (previous page).

Figure 6.4: Work spaces Layout: Plan (up) and section (down) of the work spaces.

N

Figure 6.6: Plan of the second oor of the building showing the location of the workspaces on the project.

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W

Cold season strategies During the cold season minimum ventilation for fresh air is provided through the SAV as shown in Figure 6.17.

Figure 6.18 shows that the temperatures in the open plan and cellular office is within the comfort band when 100 % occupied, for the occupancy period (in orange). However, when 40 % occupied the temperature drops; this is due to the fact that the internal gains are lower. Considering that the demand for co-working spaces are increasing and that the area where the project is located is very well connected to central London, it is assumed that the occupancy levels will remain above 40 % for most of the year.

F t o ( b c c t 6

Occupancy hours Comfort band Figure 6.15: Graph showing the indoor temperature of the cellular ofďŹ ce with 100% and 40 % occupancy during the warm period. Simulated with TAS.

Occupancy hours

Figure 6.17: Section of the work spaces showing the ventilation strategy for cool period.

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Comfort band

Graphsofshowing indoorshowing temperature of the cellular (up) and open planperiod (down)with ofďŹ ce withside 100% and 40 %(up) occupancy Figure Sections the workthe spaces the ventilation strategies for the warm single ventilation and crossed Figure6.18: 6.16:The

for the cool (down). period. Simulated with TAS. ventilation

6- WORK SPACES 6.4 Lighting Analysis

Illuminance

indoor illuminance. Jan 10:00 Sky condition: Cloudy Outside illuminance: 4100 lux

300 lux N

Further on, illuminance was tested for the open plan and cellular office.

Figure 6.19 Show that on the open plan office during the cold season, for a cloudy sky the minimum of 300 lux (CIBSE) required for offices can be achieved.

Also, Figure 6.20, shows for the cellular offices high illuminance levels during July could occur in a sunny day, which could cause glare; To control the latter, a horizontal shading device was located above the window in order to manually control direct sun to the desk (Figure 6.21).

Finally, Figure 6.22 shows that during winter afternoons, the desk never gets direct sun, which always projects on the sidewall.

Indoor illuminance. Jan 10:00 Sky condition: Sunny Outside illuminance: 12000 lux

Figure 6.19: Illuminance on the open plan ofďŹ ce for two different sky conditions during the cool period. With Ecotect and Radiance.

Lux 800+ 720 640 560 480 400 320 240 160 80 0

Figure 6.20: Indoor Illuminance without shading device on July 15:00.

Sky condition: sunny . 76160 lux . With Ecotect and Radiance.

Lux 800+ 720 640 560 480 400 320 240 160 80 0

Figure 6.21: Indoor Illuminance with shading device on July 15:00. Sky condition: sunny . 76160 lux . With Ecotect and Radiance.

Figure 6.22: . Section of the cellular ofďŹ ce showing the Solar patch on the wall during the afternoon of a typical day of december.

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Figure 23: View from the open plan ofďŹ ce.

7 - COUPLE FLATS 7.1 Concept

SITE BONDARIES

General Layout and Orientation The couple flats are designed for two people and the orientation basically considers the occupancy pattern of the couple and the view towards the river. For the occupancy pattern of young couples the team recognized two main scenarios, that both people working outside during the day or one of the person working at home, implying the design to focus on early morning and early evening environment condition in the living space as well as day-time condition in the in-house working space.

Starting from the double-side exposed plan, the living space is put to the northeast, where morning sun penetrates into and river view presents, with the rotation shown on Figure 7.1. The combination of this rotation and allocation of living space take the opportunity of being able to achieve the two main targets (morning sun in living space and river view). The sleeping area is put directly linked to the living space and the working space is located to the southwest to have more continuous solar access during the day.

As shown on Figure 7.2, the sun path study confirms that the living space have access to direct sun during 8:00 – 10:00 am throughout the year.

A flexible buffer space is added which physically identify this area of direct sun. It can be easily open and integrated with the living space while the operation of open/close can bring adaptive opportunities, which will be described afterwards.

Figure 7.1 : Flat sizing and orientation strategies

DECEMBER 8am-10am

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Figure 7.2 : Morning sun penetration in december-march-july

MARCH 8am-10am

JULY 8am-10am

8 - FAMILY FLATS 8.3 Daylight analysis

Daylight Finally, because the Adaptable working area for the Best Case is fully glazed, a sliding shading panel was added to the south faรงade. This device can be moved according to the hour of the day and season. Figure 8.14 show the influence of the sliding panel on the illuminance on the desk, for three different hours and seasons of the year, which illustrates the adaptability of the space. The shading device allows to have appropriate illuminance levels on the desk without blocking the solar access to the rest of the space and to the baby bedroom.

900 lux

February 10:00 sky illuminance: 5500 lux

February 10:00

650 lux

February 16:00 sky illuminance: 3800

February 16:00

650 lux

March 17:00 sky illuminance: 3600 lux

March 17:00

Figure 8.14: Illuminance and view of the adaptable workspace in different hours and periods of the year.

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Figure 8.15: View to the river from the kitchen and living room.

Figure 8.16: View of the baby bedroom and the adjacent buffer balcony, adaptable workspace.

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N Figure 10.1: Ground oor: market.

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N 50

Figure 10.2: First floor: offices.

11 - CONSTRUCTIONS AND RENEWABLES

Ceramic cladding and green roof Red ceramic is used for the cladding covering the buildings (Figure 11.2). One concern of having the cladding is to assign to the project a consistent image with the surroundings, that most of the buildings close to the project are cover by red bricks and in particular the iconic wall in our site. The intention is to create a connection with the surrounding not just visually but also materially to respect the area in terms of its typical British context.

Finally on the roof of the office building, which is accessible from the vertical circulation connecting the residential and office block, a green roof is applied (Figure 11.2), which takes advantage of this area to add visual pleasure and also absorbs and releases slowly the rain water to mitigate on-site water run-off.

Light soil small tanks

Anti-root protection

Insulation thickness 6cm

Vapor barrier

Predalles Slab thickness 25cm

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Figure 11.2: Construction Details of the ceramic cladding and green roof (Leiyuan Building Material, 2013)

Figure 10.5: East elevation

Figure 10.6: North elevation

53

Architectural Association / Graduate School MArch & MSc Sustainable Environmental Design PHASE I : Design Research Studio term 2

URBAN CASE STUDIES : living & working in London outdoor spaces in Vauxhall May 2013 Byron Mardas Megha Nanaiah Mileni Pamfili Shravan Pradeep

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