andrea botti portfolio
portfolio
work St Andrew's house - glasgow, uk
grow leith fruition - edinburgh, UK
heal izsler laboratories - forli, italy
work argyle house, edinburgh, uk
learn adam ferguson building - edinburgh, uk
play beach pavilion - ravenna, italy
St Andrew's house retrofit Glasgow, UK St Andrew House is a mixed use mid-rise skyscraper located in the heart of Glasgow. Completed in 1964, it was at the time one of the first high-rise buildings in the city centre; its location as well as its massing made it a prominent landmark ever since. The building consists of two distinct parts: a 3-storey podium and the 14-storey tower. It features a high ratio between volume and envelope surface, concrete floor and ceilings and large perimeter glazed areas. Ventilation rates together with elevated heat losses through the fabric add on the heating requirements. Moreover the deep plan precludes a satisfactory daylight penetration, increasing the reliance on artificial lighting. The typical tower floor plan has three zones: a central services core, an outer corridor and offices all around. The office space is mostly cellular. Daylight analysis show an acceptable average DF, although daylight distribution is not really satisfactory. There is a large area of the floorplan where the medium illuminance level (300 lux) is not reached. Standard requirements in terms of quality, flexibility and size of a modern office space are not met. The location of toilets at a mezzanine level is highly nonfunctional and makes it hard to comply with current regulations of disabled access. The building fabric is in very poor condition: the external prefabricated concrete cladding is “failing”, presenting a critical health and safety issue.
site section
Retrofitting scenarios: passive systems and techniques External shading devices effectively reduce solar gains on summer day, and consequently the cooling loads. Their geometry allows for solar gains during winter.
Insolation analysis on south facade - 21st dec
Insolation analysis on south facade - 21st june
Solar gain comparison: with and without shading devices
Retrofitting scenarios: building envelope
KEY
Updating the value of air-tightness to meet best-practice standards would reduce the heating loads significantly. Performed thermal analyses show that the cladding annual thermal consumption can be reduced by 60%. Great reduction of heat losses isexternal achieved through replacement of the existing glazing with low-emissive insulation double glazing. As for opaque partitions, dry-wall construction systems offer a range of solution to improve U-values. internal finishing
Exterior wall construction between floors.
Exterior wall construction between floors with exterior thermal insulation.
Exterior wall construction in front of floors.
Ventilated construction, existing structure exterior wall between floors behind cladding.
KEY external cladding 1
2
3
4
insulation internal finishing existing structure
0.28-0.80 W/m²K
0.33-0.35 W/m²K
0.18-0.20 W/m²K
0.26-0.28 W/m²K
introduction of atrium to improve ventilation Single-sided ventilation is generally not very effective. Although it can normally meet the basic requirements for office occupancy, it heavily relies on external weather conditions. Stack ventilation, with thermal buoyancy generating pressure differences that drive the air up along the atrium and out of the stacks on top of it. If the top of the atrium is glazed and carefully designed to maximise solar gains, the stack effect can be enhanced by what is called ‘solar chimney effect’.
Glazing ratio and daylight distribution existing
The progressive reduction of glazed surfaces in size and number while going up in height can increment the reflectance of the upper atrium. Surface properties for external walls, internal ceilings and floors can be improved for the purpose of enhancing daylight distribution.
proposed
ROOF L17 L16 L15 L14 L13 L12 L11 L10 L9 L8 L7 L6 L5 L4 L3
section showing retrofitting strategies
Argyle House retrofit Edinburgh, UK Argyle House is an office block located in the heart of Edinburgh. Its massing and proximity to the Edinburgh’s Castle made it a prominent landmark since the 1960s. The building comprises two 11-storey blocks (7 of which over ground) similar in plan and with specular orientation. The plan has a quite articulated structure, which is inconsistent from floor to floor, as a result of patterns of use overlaid for over 40 years. The two main blocks of office space are connected via a central core of services (or ‘Link’). Like many buildings of the same era and typology, the floor-to-floor height is very problematic for Argyle House. This issue prevents from a good daylight penetration and it originates constraints to natural ventilation strategies. External cladding also performs very poorly. The lack of insulation is as prejudicial for winter performance as the deficient air tightness.
Retrofitting scenarios: recladding ROOF
L6
FLOOR M
L5
FLOOR L
L4
FLOOR K
L3
FLOOR J
L2
FLOOR H
L1
FLOOR F
L0
FLOOR E
W R1
R2
L-1 FLOOR D
L-2 FLOOR C
L-3 FLOOR B
R1
R2 P3 P1
key R1 ribs hide cladding joint P1 P2 P3
R2 ribs hide false joints B 3” breeze block
cladding panel’s components
P2
W two pane windows
Retrofitting scenarios: thermal mass
25 15
suspended ceiling + carpet floor on screed
25 15
Fc
The effects of thermal mass were analysed for the three different constructions here displayed. The results show that removing the false ceilings (FC) and exposing the concrete slab (XC) results in a moderate subtraction of heat from the room, that does not affect the air temperatures notably when the workplace is occupied. It has been found that it is only when night ventilation is introduced that the benign effect of thermal mass (represented as heat losses from the room to the ceiling) becomes relevant. As a matter of fact, the benefits of using an increased slab thickness are not great. The addition of underfloor insulation results in a reduction of the heat sink capacity for the floor and a corresponding increase of that of the ceiling (much more pronounced after the introduction of night ventilation).
xc Exposed concrete ceiling + raised access floor
xci Exposed concrete ceiling + raised access floor + underfloor insulation
P2 W
P1
Retrofitting scenarios: natural ventilation baseline conditions On the existing scenario daytime ventilation is provided by opening the perimeter windows. Those comprise two panes, of which the lower is fixed and the upper opens top-hung. Ventilation happens just above the working plane, likely causing papers to blow and fading towards the centre of the floor plate as it meets obstacles on the way.
0 0
0
existing elevation - north and south
3
Proposed north elevation
adapting the internal office layout By gathering common office appliances or common areas (e.g. areas for small meetings, coffee tables, hot drinks machine) some small-scale environmental zoning can be implemented. By freeing up the areas from partitions and thus minimising resistance, corridors for cross ventilation can be created.
1 2
1. Typical window - upper pane Automatically controlled by a BMS (activated by temperature or CO2 concentration), it opens bottom-hung, to provide a continuous flow of air that does not interfere with office work. They are operated to provide night ventilation.
3 1 2
2. Typical window - central pane Side-hung, it can be operated by the occupants, who can thus exert a high level of control on their indoor thermal conditions.
3
3. Window on NV corridors The lower pane opens both sidehung and bottom-hung and it can be operated either manually or automatically (for night ventilation), providing a stronger flow of air without hitting occupants and blowing papers. This diversification would bring the benefits of a much more efficient natural ventilation strategy.
1 3
2
Proposed south elevation
Leith fruition Edinburgh, UK The proposal is to help agriculture make the transition to a sustainable and organic system of farming that is ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just, through information, education, research, and integrating the broader community into this effort. Fruition will help urban residents and the community, develop skills, resources, and leadership capacity to grow food and build local food systems offering public workshops in the city on urban growing topics. The building design considers the main winds and optimises the solar orientation. Horizontal closed-loop geothermal will cover the main energy demands for the built-up area. Heat pumps will be fed by thin film photovoltaics, placed on top of the sheltered space. Passive solar gains will contribute to the demand of the greenhouse and the enclosed community space, through active and passive ventilation. Anaerobic composting heat will be captured, providing extra energy for the site.
LEITH FRUITION
Reinforcing the social network
1
Leith Fruition
2 3
access - public transport
KEY social network 1. Citadel youth center 2. St Mary Primary School 3. Leith Links Children Orchards
ACCESS Ocean Terminal Bus Hub Proposed stop for Edinburgh Tram
pedestrian access - walking isochrones
access - Cycle network
15MIN 5MIN
10MIN
gardening facilities 5
gardens
greenhouse 1
sheltered outdoor area
3
6 community space 2
N
4
1
2
3
4
5
6
3
sustainable strategies
view of the entrance
Conceptual site section greenhouse
community space rainwater collection
sheltered outdoor area
gardening facilities
gardens
Adam ferguson building Edinburgh, UK An academic project explored the The overall building programme does not change from the existing. Five light shafts are introduced in the core strip of the building and services (service ducts and toilets) are moved out to the north facade, to form a thermal buffer zone. Rooms subject to prolonged occupancy, i.e. offices and academic study rooms are kept mostly facing south, to benefit from passive heat gains. Syndicate rooms and some offices have an occasional occupancy; thus they are located on the north side of the floorplan, working as a thermal buffer and allowing a better visual interaction with George Square. A cafeteria and a relax area are introduced at ground floor, with a doubleheight space that maximises daylight levels on the floor.
OPAQUE
GLAZED
existing south elevation
existing north elevation
rendering from george square
programme rearrangement
daylight enhancement
double height space @ gF corridor with light shelves @L2
winter scenario The central light shafts receive and distribute natural light to the lower floors, with the help of light shaft. They also contribute to pre-warm the air that is distributed at the floors. The horizontal brise-soleil on south facade allow for low-angle sunlight penetration, increasing direct solar gain. Internal blinds are used to prevent glare. The double skin allows passive heat gains: fresh air is taken in from the bottom, purified and humidified through a layer of vegetation, and pre-warmed as it goes up, distributing to the upper floors. Air is taken in from top-lights at the north elevation and cooled down by radiant panels on the ceiling.
summer scenario Fresh air is taken is at the bottom of south-facade and passed through a layer of vegetation to cool it down. Solar radiation triggers a stack effect both on the double skin and on the light shafts: hot air is drew up and expelled from the chimneys (top skylights for the light shafts). The brise-soleil are adjusted to maximise shading and reject direct sunlight.
sun angle 11째
KEY winter scenario low angle sunlight warm exhaust air
summer scenario high angle sunlight fresh incoming air hot exhaust air
sun angle 58째
i.s.z.l.e.r. laboratories forli, italy Due to a growing demand from both public and private sectors I.S.Z.L.E.R. (Experimental institute of Zooprophylaxis for Lombardia and Emilia Romagna) has decided to relocate to a new, larger facility. The new headquarters in ForlĂŹ, Italy are a state-of-the-art facility, technologically equipped to carry on bestpractice research for birds diseases. With over 3750 sqm, the compound comprises of laboratories biosafety levels 1-2 (provision for L3) and offices within the main 3-storey building, animal facilities and autopsy rooms in a detached block. A z-shapes entrance block allocates a large reception, offices for head doctors, a small library, a 110 seats conference room with foyer, also available for public use and the new seat for the veterinary association. The interrelation of mixed and very different activities required a careful management of the design process, to meet the very stringent requirements in terms of functions, access and biosafety. Much attention was given to project specifications, to ensure that best-practice levels of acoustic and thermal insulation were met.
WEST elevation
view of south entrance
view of internal courtyard
section - scale 1:25 Double waterproof coating Light weight concrete / screed for slope Thermal brick :: 300 mm
roof
External Alucobond cladding
second floor
Polystyrene ins. ::120mm Vapour barrier +26.85
Mineral wool insulation on battens :: 120mm Solar shading in Alucobond (fastened on window frame)
Ceramic tiles finishing
Aluminium windows , low-e glazing ext 55.2 with acoustic PVB 20mm air cavity int 44.2 with acoustic PVB
Concrete screed :: 40mm Light concrete screed :: 100mm first floor +22.50
+22.35
Pre-fabricated concrete element Exterior plaster on mineral wool insulation (on battens) :: 120mm
first floor
N
Interlocking pavers on sand ground floor
Stabilized aggregate :: 150mm
+18.00
+17.85
Infill with aggregate 8mm HDPE waterproof barrier 3mm Bituminous waterproof coating
Basement +14.70 +14.35
ground floor
c.a.s.e. project L’aquila, Italy On April 6, 2009 an earthquake of 5.9 magnitude hit mostly the city of L’Aquila, Abruzzo and caused huge damages to public and private structures and to the artistic and cultural heritage of the area. As a consequence 67,000 people were made homeless. A design competition called the C.A.S.E. project (Anti-Seismic and Eco-Friendly housing) was launched by the Italian Government, comprising dwellings for 15,000 people and located in 19 different areas within the municipality of L’Aquila. Submissions to the design competition were required to embed the criteria of quickness, low environmental impact and flexibility. The use of innovative constructive technologies, such as MMC and particularly dry construction, is intended to maximise the speed of construction, to meet the tight deadlines. The proposed design is aimed at providing a variety in terms of typology and size. Additionally, it accommodates change, providing some high flexibility and adaptability to suite different users in the future (i.e. collective residences for students, elderly people, etc).
TYPOLOGIES SCHEME
A
townhouses
A 6
2 units
B
A
C 3 units
B
C
C 4 units
section - perspective view
5
9
11
7 4
8 1 3
B
key
10
FIRST FLOOR FLAT 8. Entrance 9. Bedroom 10. Master bedroom 11. Bathroom
2
GROUND FLOOR
GROUND FLOOR FLAT 1. Entrance 2. Living room 3. Bedroom 4. Bathroom 5. Bedroom 6. Master bedroom 7. Bathroom.
FIRST FLOOR
Housing block section
TYPOLOGIES SCHEME key
A. OUTER WALL
T1 _33 sqm 1 bedroom flat
GF
_external render _natural cork panel + vapour permeable membrane _cellulose fibre insulation _OSB panel _cellulose fibre insulation _gypsum-fibre panel
T2 _33 sqm 1 bedroom flat T3 _ 47 sqm 2 bedroom flat
L1
T4 _ 56 sqm 2 bedroom flat T5 _ 64 sqm 3 bedroom flat
L2
A
B. INTERNAL SLAB _flooring in laminate boards _screed _thermo-acoustic insulation _load-bearing cross-laminated timber _gypsum suspended ceiling
T6 _ 74 sqm 3 bedroom flat
Structural scheme
B
SUPER-STRUCTURE
PROGETTAZIONE E REALIZZAZIONE DI EDIFICI RESIDENZIALI AL DI SOPRA DELLE PIASTRE SISMICAMEN SUB-STRUCTURE SEISMIC ISOLATORS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Piano primo
PIANTA PIANO TERRA - Scala 1:100
10
title of project title of project Located on the coastline comprised between rivers Bevano and Savio, the site is part of Parco del Delta del Po, an area of great naturalistic and landscape importance. The design of a beach pavilion is intended to complete the main University sports centre in Lido di Classe (Ravenna), as the seat for nautical activities and beach sports; it is connected to the latter via a cyclist and pedestrian path. Prefabricated cabins are employed to host toilets, changing rooms and small depots; they define the edge between spoiled beach and natural reserve. The evolution of design concepts shows the intention to minimize the impact on the natural landscape by adopting a mimetic shape. The final ‘facade’ is made up of both natural and technological texture that aims to a reconciliation between natural and anthropic.
conceptual section
sea breeze
pine trees forest
sand dunes
pavilion
1. SAILS PATCHWORK
free beach
sea
2. rcb system Roofing sails are moved with a RCB system, located inside the bamboo culms.
Roofing canvas are made with a patchwork of re-used sails
3. bamboo culms Framework made from Guadua Angustifolia bamboo culms (diameter up to 14cm).
4. HEMP KNOTs Knot strings are hemp based (with hemp is grown locally) with nylon reinforcements.
5. driftwood External cladding made with fine driftwood collected along river Bevano.
1
2
3
+
=
evolution of design concept
Lodge a
100 sqm
small refreshments & relax area promoting area
Lodge B
74 sqm
C.U.S.B. sailing school & events area
other facilities Men changing rooms Women changing rooms Keeper’s shack Deposit /repair shop
16 sqm 16 sqm 16 sqm 50 sqm
N
floor plan
view from the beach
+44 (0) 779 0507402 andrea.botti@gmail.com www.andreabotti.com