CERAMIC TILE GLAZE Provides protective coating to outer tile layer that repels water and insulates. Colour to match that of tiles below.
DSIT B: CONSTRUCTION
80MM CATALAN THIN-TILE VAULT Composed of 3x layers of tile (200x120x20mm), each course rotated 45 degrees, the first filler layer of 10mm layer gypsum mortar (plaster of paris), and the second layer a 10mm cement mortar layer (sets slower than the gypsum mortar). Formed using flexible pneumatic formwork. (More in DSIT C).
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS: Approved Document Part A: Structure Approved Document E: Resistance to the passage of Sound
SHUFFLE FIT DOUBLE GLAZING 2x layers of 8mm glass with 15mm cavity. 140MM COLUMBIDAE PIGEON (to shoulder) The most common bird in Granada, found throughout the World Heritage Site (attracted by tourists). The deep window reveals allow perches, adding to the noise and atmosphere of the area, but the cant brickwork prevents nesting.
GENERAL My personal ethic is to investigate sustainability early on in the design stage, and use systems that will have major benefits for the occupants rather than just using them for the sake of it.
65MM SANDSTONE PARAPET COPING With falls down to gutter tray, via drip detail. Full parapet height is 225mm in accordance with Approved Document B. STAINLESS STEEL GUTTER TRAY Concealed (behind parapet). Trays around roof form a network around roof vaults for rainwater collection (more on page 3). Gutter tray rests on 25mm Insulation Board to provide a thermal base. Cut to fit on site. To meet Approved Document L
For instance, I highlighted the quality of light in the workshop space as a clear design priority at the start of the design process. The system had to let as much light into workshop spaces as possible (to minimise electric lighting - saving costs & energy) without direct glare to restoration workers. The other major workshop constraint, a column free space, worked in parallel with the environmental constraint and the site/vernacular constraints to present itself as the best solution.
WALL TYPE 1: FULL HEIGHT GLAZING
Essentially my building is constructed using techniques taught at the restoration school that will ensure the future of Spanish architectural heritage, supporting the tourism industry and the jobs /income created by it. The school teaches skills that will reduce youth unemployment in the region, increasing the social sustainability of the building.
TRIPLE COURSE CATENARY BRICK ARCH Using handmade Byland style bricks 65 x 102.5 x 215mm with soft lime mortar joints that allow for subtle movement over time. Catenary timber formwork based on the inverse of a hanging chain - this process done in-situ to teach restoration school workers the formwork technique, using a simple chain, a pen, a saw and approval from a structural engineer before bricks are laid. DOUBLE GLAZING 2x layers of 8mm glass with 15mm cavity. The recessed glazing also slightly reduces solar gain.
Environmentally, my focus was on maximising low-tech environmental strategies such as natural ventilation and passive solar shading (see next page). These combat the ever increasing temperatures in Granada. ‘Active’ systems such as geothermal heat pumps, heat recovery systems, rainwater harvesting, and grey water recovery systems tackle the ever decreasing rainfall in the city.
5MM MOVEMENT JOINT Between PTG floorboards and brickwork inner leaf. RECESSED TIMBER FRAME Minimal glazing frame highlights the brickwork catenary structure around it, so the timber frame is recessed to be flush with the base of the brickwork (and carpet surface). Shuffle fit timber frame allows tolerances on site.
ANALYSIS
CANT BRICK SPECIAL 315mm triple course brick, angled for rainwater run off and to prevent pigeons nesting permanently. All bricks in the structure are handmade Byland style bricks 65 x 102.5 x 215mm with soft lime mortar joints that allow for subtle movement over time. These are vernacular and their rough aesthetic helps them pre-age to fit in contextually.
STRUCTURE The primary structure consists of a series of vernacular catenary brick arches that support a timbrel vaulted roof, innovative in that it uses inflated cushions as form-finding and formwork. These two structural systems were developed because of the constraints of 1) using local materials & skills, and 2) they allow large span (column-free) spaces for the main restoration workshop.
WALL TYPE 2: RECESSED BRICK COURSE
WEATHER-PROOFING The timbrel vaulted roof is designed with concealed drainage for rainwater collection and recycling. Although designed to keep rain out, the low-tech nature of the building means that high level windows and balcony doors would be left open to encourage natural ventilation. The main tourist entrance doors would be left open to let workshop sounds spill out into the gorge and encourage tourists inside, promoting the restoration school.
CATENARY BRICK ARCH Structurally these support roof loads; aesthetically they reflect the activities and techniques taught inside the school. Laid using the same techniques and brick types as triple course (see storey above)
CAVITY WALL TIES (throughout) 12.5 MM PLASTERBOARD (ON DABS) Recessed into brickwork much like the external stretcher course in the catenary arch. This helps pronounce the brick arches internally, and it is a technique taught at the school. Tough white emulsion paint allows more light to reflect around the space. 7MM CARPET TILES Nylon carpet fibres rest on vinyl backing, which can be separated and recycled (into new vinyl carpet tile backing) independently 25MM PTG FLOOR BOARDS 25x125mm (plane tongue and groove) softwood pine floorboards. ENGINEERED TIMBER FLOOR JOISTS At 600mm centres with service openings cut where required (in-situ). 100mm recycled mineral wool insulation between joists. SERVICE VOID Pipework, electric & data cabling, fixtures and fittings (lighting, smoke alarms etc)
DURABILITY The vernacular catenary brick and tile work has stood strong in the region for hundreds of years, with maintenance from the restoration school when required. Even though some bricks may be reclaimed they still retain their durability these would need to be tested for robustness by structural engineers when used with newly sourced bricks.
GLU-LAM FLOOR BEAM 350 x 150 x 7500mm. To align flush with inner leaf brickwork at floor and ceiling level. On 2.5mm pre-galvanised mild steel hangers
WALL TYPE 3: DOUBLE BRICK COURSE
SUSTAINABILITY Despite the UNESCO heritage site constraint of no visible renewable energy sources (the building sits in a prominent location in the city), I have utilised various passive and active systems. These focus on utilising natural ventilation, natural lighting, rainwater harvesting; all explained in more detail on the following pages
ENGLISH BOND Provides resting for the catenary brick arches and stretcher course above (due to the bricks being laid perpendicular to each other). Visually this pronounced course helps distinguish the floor levels externally (3 storeys was a contextual design priority). 12.5MM PLASTERBOARD CEILING With 10mm shadow gap detail where it meets either brickwork inner leaf (ground floor) or the plasterboard wall (first floor) 50MM CAVITY WALL INSULATION BOARD Glass mineral wool insulation board composed of sand, recycled glass, limestone and soda ash. With composite foil facing (air barrier) to meet Approved Documents B and L. FLEMISH INNER LEAF Flemish bond is used here so restoration workers can practice different brick bonds (stretcher and English bonds used elsewhere on the facade, as well as the brick catenaries). The double course is no frills / undecorated for the workshop storage space.
OTHER SYSTEMS
ELDERLY RESIDENT The majority of the population in the Albaicin area are elderly so the floor levels have been designed to be level with the outside paving to aid access, and the building in general designed to use local materials & techniques to reflect the city’s heritage.
SECURITY The juvenile therapy centre just north of the site houses vulnerable young teenagers, some orphans. As my building provides a link to this building (albeit externally) the reception desk (and staff) is designed as a bottleneck - staff authorise access between the existing centre and the new therapy workshop. Fob access is used on the administration offices to secure them from the workshop / mental health assess areas.
VAPOUR CONTROL BARRIER CANT BRICK + WEEP HOLE Cant bricks to all window to prevent pooling on recessed sill. Weep hole minimum 150mm above external ground level. EXTERNAL GROUND CONDITION Indicative - varies between paving, asphalt, cobbles and soil (planters). Transition from inside to outside is level to aid access.
COMMUNICATION Granada hasn’t got high-speed broadband, so the building is simply fitted with a basic broadband Internet connection. This will enable administration teams to promote the restoration school online, arrange events such as open-days and skills classes, and encourage investment in the centre.
ALEX WARREN, 33193582
BRICK ARCH ‘KEY STONES’ All the bricks in the catenary arches are under the same loading, but the section cut is taken through the key stones for clarity.
RECESSED STRETCHER COURSE The change in brick bond recessed from the catenary arch creates shadows that help distinguish the arch externally. The simple stretcher bond would be used to teach new bricklaying students the restoration school techniques.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE The main thermal priority is keeping the Spanish heat out. Passive systems such as a set-back facade creates a colonnade in front that shades the main workshop space. In winter a low-tech vernacular textile screen prevents workshop glare through the front facade. The roof is designed around the sun path of Granada, controlling sunlight intensity. Thermal massing under the site is utilised for geothermal heating.
FURNITURE The only built in joinery is the reception desk between the existing therapy centre and the new administration block to the right of the workshops. Workshop benches, although heavy (robust) is movable to allow for rearrangement based on the workshop activities taking place. Office tables and storage cabinets are also movable to allow for re configuration or replacement if required.
RUBBER RESTING PADS The Catalan vault rests on rubber pads (not the glu-lam beam directly) to protect damage to both the beam and the vault.
80MM FLOOR SCREED Forming the durable floor surface finish in the workshop storage and main construction spaces. Painted with tough emulsion layer for durability. 25mm insulation between edge of floor screed and inner brickwork leaf. 125MM RIGID FLOOR INSULATION High performance rigid thermoset PIR (polyisocyanurate) with composite foil facing to meet Approved Document L
1:20 FACADE SECTION The facade study is taken through the eastern edge of the building, showing three different wall build ups: 1) full height glazing inside brickwork arch; 2) infill section with exposed brickwork arch; and 3) double brick course (no frills). The general principles of the facade are to promote the techniques taught at the school by recessing internal and external sections to pronounce the contextual brick catenaries. Vernacular Byland bricks are used with raked lime mortar joints that help highlight the materiality, further revealing the internal building function.
DPM Recycled content polyethylene sheeting WEAK CONCRETE MIX CAVITY BASE INFILL 200MM CONCRETE GROUND FLOOR SLAB Resting on 5mm soft sand, and levelled compact subsoil containing existing hardcore. 1300 x 600MM STRIP FOUNDATION Running the length of the facade, acting as pile cap for reinforced pile foundations below
ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS: Approved Documents Part F: Ventilation (Section 6) Approved Documents Part N: Glazing
(MAXIMUM SUMMER SUN ANGLE 76.3°) WORKSHOP SPACES ARE NATURALLY LIT BUT ROOFS ARE DESIGNED TO NOT LET DAMAGING & DISTRACTING DIRECT SUNLIGHT INSIDE
A
B B
DIRECT SUNLIGHT DOES NOT ENTER WORKSHOP SPACE OPEN SPANDRELS IN BRICK ARCHES ALLOW MAXIMUM LIGHT THROUGH AND INCREASE VENTILATION
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ROOF CURVATURE FOLLOWS SUN PATH
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NATURAL VENTILATION: OFFICES ARE LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE COOL BREEZE THAT SINKS DOWN THE GORGE NATURAL CROSS VENTILATION INTO WORKSHOP SPACES
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SECTION AA @ 1:200 1 - Coach Drop-off 2 - Tourist Restaurant Area 3 - Deliveries & Storage 4 - Office Spaces
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COOL BREEZE ALONG RIVER DARRO GORGE 1 - Main Workshop 2 - Support Workshop 3 - Therapy Workshop
SECTION (PERSPECTIVE) BB (NTS)
4 - Workshop Storage 5 - Office/Computer Rooms 6 - Staff Cafe Prevailing Wind -
MAXIMUM SUMMER SUN ANGLE 76.3°
ALHAMBRA VIEWS
PASSIVE NATURAL VENTILATION
Granada is a hot city in Southern Spain. With The Sahara Desert bringing desertification ever further north, the main priorities are designing to keep heat and direct sunlight out of the building to allow comfortable working conditions. My site is south facing with no shading from surrounding buildings so these priorities are even more important in this location.
Because the building lies in such a visible location in the heart of a UNESCO world heritage site, renewable electricity sources such as solar panels & wind turbines would never be appropriate/accepted by planners.
The building is vernacular: generally low budget, low-tech; so relies primarily on passive systems. Natural ventilation is provided at low level (rather than high level ventilation towers) to utilise the cool, breezy air that is funnelled down the gorge from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east.
The building, like its neighbours, simply plugs into Granada’s main electric grid - cables of which run below pavement level. I have located the two support buildings at either side of the site to make connections to these services easier.
NO DIRECT SUNLIGHT IN WORKSHOP SPACE (ALL YEAR)
Optimum workshop conditions: light, airy, no direct sunlight
EXTERNAL COLONNADE (SHADING)
WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT HEAT RECOVERY (WINTER) SHADED PUBLIC COLONNADE
Vernacular solar shading textile screens
ENERGY SOURCES
NATURAL VENTILATION IN REAR VOID
MINIMUM WINTER SUN ANGLE 29.4°
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MESO SCALE: PRIORITIES
ACTIVE HEATING & COOLING
NATURAL LIGHT & VENTILATION
13
All offices (including those on the 2nd floor) are naturally ventilated from the front and sides of the building, cooling computers and creating a more pleasant working environment for people who will spend long periods of their lives inside them. Break-out spaces offer fresh air without leaving the building, with views to the Alhambra.
HUNG WORKSHOP LIGHTING (adjustable)
5 - Outdoor Break-out 6 - Workshop Showers 7 - Entrance Walkway 8 - Therapy Entrance
The original plan was to install a geothermal heat pump at the back of the site behind the retaining wall but this would not be possible because it would conflict with the existing juvenile therapy centre building’s foundations. The heat pump therefore is installed (traditionally) into the ground below, utilising the thermal mass of the earth to heat up cool air in winter and cool down warm waste air in winter , aided by a heat recovery system..
Ecotect Analysis Night
Prevailing Wind -
This air is utilised to cool spaces at the front and sides of the building (eg office spaces)
(summer)
Ecotect Analysis Day
Day
Cool Night air funnels down the River Darro gorge
(winter)
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MICRO SCALE: MAIN WORKSHOP
PASSIVE LIGHT & SOLAR SHADING
The appropriate environmental conditions for architectural restoration work currently carried out at the existing restoration school are well lit spaces without direct sunlight. My solution of roof lights maximises these conditions as well as increasing the structural spans of these spaces. Workshop equipment gives off a lot of heat which is recovered for winter.
Once inflated, the tiles are laid over the formwork so the roofs are angled at 76.3°. This ensures even in mid-summer, workshop spaces are well lit but receive no direct sunlight. Pushing back the front facade into the main workshop space offers more public space (a vernacular colonnade) for tourists outside the coach stop;creating an overhang that blocks
OFFICE LIGHTING (non-adjustable)
HUNG TEXTILE SOLAR SCREEN DAY, NIGHT & SIESTAS direct sunlight from entering the main workshop space. This means no louvres are required on the south facade - which would not tie in with the architectural vocabulary of the area. Instead, to combat sun glare in mid-winter, a vernacular (lowtech) textile fabric is simply hung in front of the workshop space above the tourist entrance.
The workshop space (nor any areas of the building) are used at night - this is to coincide with the opening hours (8am12pm & 3pm-7pm of the adjacent therpay centre. However, natural ventilation is still used at night to be sure the workshop spaces are cool the next morning. The Spanish have a break from work (siesta) during the hottest hours of the day.
teenagers, who will be encouraged to start up restoration businesses. This in turn will ensure the architectural heritage of Granada and the wider region, supporting the tourism industry upon which the city so heavily relies. Tourists are drawn by this vernacular architecture so my structure should help encourage engagement/promotion for the industry.
The construction method of catenary arches and timbrel vaulting is very durable: examples from Gaudi and other Catalan architects have stood strong for hundreds of years with very little maintenance. They can also be recycled: reclaimed bricks and tiles are often used by the existing restoration school as a way of fitting into an existing building.
QUARRIES
6km 7km
SITE
ACOUSTICS - EXTERNAL
ACOUSTICS - INTERNAL
Rather than trying to keep the noise of the workshop inside the building, my desire was to tap into Granada’s acoustic heritage (Flamenco, carnivals, live music, workshops) by adding to the sounds of the gorge. Simply opening the main entrance doors allows the workshop sounds to escape, enticing tourists down the gorge into the building.
Internally however, the building contains spaces that need to be quiet. Walls (including glazing) between the offices and the workshop space are soundproofed to allow office workers some peace from the tools, machinery and noise of people below. If they find the sounds of buskers and tourists enjoyable, they can open the doors out on to the naturally ventilated external break-out spaces.
LIGHTING - NATURAL
LIGHTING - ARTIFICIAL
Granada sees an average of over 10 hours of sunlight in summer and 5 hours in winter. The roof lights of the workshop are designed to let as much of this light in as possible without the glare from direct sunlight (above). Office and cafe spaces benefit from full height windows (recessed to prevent heat gain) that also make the most of this sunlight.
The centre isn’t used at night, but at dawn/dusk and in the winter months the workshop spaces are illuminated by lights suspended from the voids in the arches above. These would be adjustable so they can be angled at restoration work. Enclosed spaces such as WCs and showers are used infrequently so use low energy lighting on auto-sensors to save running costs.
SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS: ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL All the major materials (clay brick & tile) are locally sourced from quarries north east of Granada. These materials have been used by Granada’s existing restoration school (the facilities of which I am expanding for large scale conservation/ preservation works), and traditional construction techniques using those materials are taught by them.
All the major techniques used in construction of my structure are local, using local workers. The building encourages a social sustainability too: the workers involved in construction are from the juvenile therapy centre adjacent to the site. With a staggering 40% youth unemployment in Spain, the construction of my centre will create life skills for these
SERVICES & INTEGRATION
Annual Rainfall
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS: Approved Document B: Fire Safety (non-dwellings) Approved Document G: Sanitation & Water Efficiency Approved Document H: Drainage & Waste Disposal Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings
AERATED TAPS & SHOWERS
SINKS & SHOWERS (hot water)
Predicted Change in Rainfall
These mix water with air to slow the rate of water flow, but it still covers the same surface area
WCs (greywater) PLANT ROOM
RIVER DARRO GORGE
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These systems recycle waste shower water to use for toilet flushing
N GROUND FLOOR 1:100
HOTELS SHARE BIN STORE
GREY WATER RECOVERY
KITCHEN (drinking water)
ROOF PLAN @ 1:500
As Granada’s climate becomes more arid, rainfall will drop considerably. In winter months rainfall could fall by about 50%, meaning water preservation is very important to the city.
EXPANDED BIN STORE
SECOND FLOOR 1:100
SMALL WASTE TRUCK ROUTE
WATER SERVICES
HYDRONICS: FUTURE RAINFALL
NATURAL SITE DRAINAGE
WATER STRATEGY
As Granada’s climate becomes more arid, rainfall is expected to drop considerably. In winter months, meteorologists predict that rainfall could fall by up to 50%, meaning water preservation (rainwater harvesting, grey-water recycling etc) is very important to my proposal.
The steep hill of the Albiacin means rainwater naturally drains south into the River Darro gorge. Existing drainage sits at the front of the site, where rainwater flows under the street and into the gorge.
The curved forms of my roof structures allow for rainwater collection. A gradual decline (1 in 40) across the entire roof makes sure that all rainwater that lands on the roof is collected in rainwater recycling tanks located externally at second floor
level. These tanks are adjacent to the second floor plant room, where rainwater recycling equipment is located that distributes the greywater for toilets and sinks (for workers to clean workshop equipment).
Water is mostly required in the ground floor at the rear of the building for the sinks and workshop showers. Greywater is used for toilet flushes in the WC areas (located in each fire compartment). Drinking water is only required for the small kitchen on the second floor cafe.
APPLIANCE SPECIFICATION
CONNECTION TO MAINS
RECYCLING
As well as rainwater harvesting, a grey water recovery system recycles water from showers and sinks for toilet flushes, reducing consumption by (usually) half. Additionally, all appliances should be specified with water preservation in mind such as aerated taps and shower fixings.
Mains water pipes lie at either side of the site, one of the reasons why I have located the two support buildings in this location. Metering equipment (red circle) is located at the rear of the site next to the plant room and rainwater storage tanks (proximity for maintenance engineers).
Waste collection currently occurs at the side of the site. The small hotels to the west put their bins out in a fenced off collection area which I will expand for refuse collection. This will also contain recycling bins (glass, cans, paper but no garden waste), which (belatedly) the Albaicin region is starting to adopt. Material off-cuts are reused within the workshop.
13m
6m
6m
PA
GINE S
FIRE EN
AD & CE (RO
T)
9m
EN PAVEM
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FIRE MEETING POINT
7m
12m
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9m
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UTILISING SLOPED SITE FOR FIRE ESCAPES
FIRE STRATEGY (Designed in accordance with Building Regulations Part B). The Albaicin hill steepness (1 in 8) allows me to design fire exits at first floor level to avoid people trying to escape down through the workshop space. The side entrance is also the workers entrance to the restoration school.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN @ 1:500
FIRST FLOOR PLAN @ 1:500
SECOND FLOOR PLAN @ 1:500
Fire engines can access the site from the front where coaches drop off visitors (tourists) to the centre. The site is wide enough so that coaches do not have to move for fire engines (adding time/fire damage/injuries). Fire extinguishers (red dots) are placed in key (highly visible) locations in the cores, storage rooms, and in the main workshop spaces.
GROUND FLOOR FIRE STRATEGY (The two fire compartments are indicated in green and escape routes in a dashed line). On ground floor level, workers and tourists in the workshop areas can escape through the main entrance at the front (centre) of the site. Workers in the shower
FIRST FLOOR FIRE STRATEGY I started designing the fire strategy from the first floor, as this is the floor that allows escapes at either side of the building. Fire proof cores are shown in the centre to meet Part B regulations - if the cores were to be placed at either end of
SECOND FLOOR FIRE STRATEGY At second floor level the office layout on the right side is identical, but the second floor entrance linking the existing juvenile therapy centre into the construction therapy centre will also provide a means of escape. As this is the entrance
rooms at the rear of the site or in the changing areas would evacuate through the cores, exiting at first floor level on to the Albaicin hill either side. There are also additional escape routes through the two delivery entrances.
the two blocks, travel distances would exceed regulations (18m in one direction). Two cores for the supporting buildings either side would seem irrational - and it also allows the cores to be entered from either side for the second floor entrance.
WATER SUPPLY
Wheelchair Refuge (2 per floor, 6 in total) Twin 60-minute rated fire doors open in the direction of escape allow faster evacuation 10x 1100mm wide stairs with 175 rise & 280 going to meet Parts B, K and M regulations
MACHINERY DUCTWORK
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS The fire stairs in my structure are designed in accordance with Part B (Fire Safety: non-dwellings), Part K (Protection from Falling) and Part M (Access). This means they are suitably proportioned (not shallow/steep), allow firefighter access and provide a refuge for wheelchair users.
most people will have used on the way in, this is the exit they would be most comfortable escaping from in the event of a fire if they are in the reception/waiting area; rather than going into the protected core and escaping on the first floor below.
VENTILATION DUCTWORK
The geometry of the roof makes rainwater collection quite straightforward (see above). Greywater is used for toilet flushes and workshop sinks (on the ground floor).
As already mentioned, I have designed an 1100mm void at the rear of the workshop space which at ground level contains large machinery (lathes, drills, bandsaws etc).
The water mains (as with all the services) run parallel to the building under pavement level either side, so in summer when the recycled rainwater may be exhausted, this system is used.
This is full height to allow for the ventilation/extraction ductwork, which ventilates at the north-west corner of the site above the rainwater collection tanks.
SUSPENDED MAINTENANCE WALKWAYS DOUBLE UP AS RAISED CONSTRUCTION VIEWING PLATFORMS
The void is large enough for maintance access via elevated walkways and allows for future expansion / replacement of equipment; and visually it creates a feature of what would otherwise be a 3 storey retaining wall.
Hot waters for showers is provided by a basic hot water boiler, located in the plant room on the second floor.
OPEN SPANDRELS ALLOW DUCTWORK MAINTENANC E
N (the two supporting blocks are nearly identical so each layout would be mirrored)
SECOND FLOOR PLAN @ 1:500
(Regulations suggest maximum 12x stairs, minimum 1100mm wide, maximum rise of 180mm and max. going of 280mm)
TYPICAL ESCAPE STAIR @ 1:100
12m
TYPICAL FIRE EQUIPMENT LAYOUT
MAINTENANCE ACCESS WELL ILLUMINATED SUSPENDED MAINTENANCE WALKWAYS
SOIL PIPES
RISER LOCATIONS Each of the two support buildings (workshop facilities and juvenile therapy administration) have a small (1625x1225mm) service riser located behind the lift shaft (not in a central location and next to below-pavement runs). The plant room is shown in light purple, located adjacent to one of these risers, making maintenance simpler.
In addition to these is a long service run at the rear of the site. This is for mechanical equipment such as extraction and air supply for the workshop equipment. I have designed this space to be open, which visually helps break up the three storey concrete retaining wall behind, and practically to allow for easy maintenance or fitting of new workshop equipment.
Soil pipes from WCs, sinks and showers run through the floor joists, into the risers and down to meet the sewage pipes located under pavement level. Grey water recovery systems allow the waste water from showers to be used for toilet flushing (approx. one shower can flush two toilets).
r de n u l er eve w l se nt y e ar ut em ir b pav T
CABLE RUNS Cable runs for computer desks, sockets and wall mounted M&E equipment (eg heating controls) are distributed from the service riser which connects adjacently to the mains cables running under the site. No energy can come from solar panels/turbines because the site is located in the centre of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
r de n u el le lev b t Ca en s m n ai e M pav
STRUCTURAL TACTICS
ENVIRONMENT
This plan oblique exploded axonometric drawing shows the basic arrangement of building components - more detailed descriptions can be found on page 1. All materials were chosen because they can be locally sourced or are part of techniques taught at the restoration school. Major exceptions include the glazing, foundations and concrete floor slab - these techniques are not taught at the school so a groundworks contractor would be appointed for the foundations, retaining wall and ground floor slab; and glazing manufacturers to deliver glazed elements to site.
TIMBREL VAULTED ROOF STRUCTURE (Described in more detail above) 3 sizes of timbrel vault are controlled by 3 unique pneumatic formworks that can be reused for each individual roof element. The thin layers of tiles have an extremely strong geometric strength despite weighing relatively little. They allow large spans without having to use non-vernacular steel trusses.
STAIRCASES There are two types of stair in my design: 1) basic fire escape stairs in the cores of the support areas and 2) timbrel vaulted catenary staircases that celebrate the construction methods the school teaches as they lead into the workshop spaces.
GLAZING, DOORWAY & BALUSTRADE ELEMENTS Glazing (including doorways and glazed balustrades) on upper levels is supported by the catenary brickwork. All windows are openable to utilise the cool breeze along the River Darro gorge in front of the site.
LOCAL, RECLAIMED MATERIALS The existing Centro Albaicin restoration school uses bricks sourced from a local quarry just 5km from the site. Water for the mortar mix can be collected from rainwater storage tanks. Once brick arches and timbrel vaults are constructed, they require very little maintenance. The restoration school will nearly always use reclaimed bricks to help authenticity.
DURABILITY The brick arches of The Alhambra and the nearby catenary arches of Catalonia have stood strong for over a hundred years. I intend for the similar brick and timbrel vaulting of the new restoration school to stand strong for a similar amount of time, and to specify either aged or reclaimed bricks to make it more contextual in the world heritage site.
VERNACULAR & FUTURE PROOF TECHNIQUES Granada receives 5 million tourists each year who visit the city for its cultural and architectural heritage. By using traditional construction techniques (enhanced by computational form finding software) to train students and craftspeople, the future of the city and its tourism industry (which it relies heavily on for income) is guaranteed.
SECURITY & FIRE Both brick arches and timbrel vaulting have good resistance to fire ignition and fire spread, one of the reasons they have been standing in Granada and other Moorish architecture in the surrounding regions for hundreds of years. Their durability makes them secure and difficult to sabotage.
MAXIMUM SUMMER SUN ANGLE 76.3°
INTEGRATION
TIMBER STUD WALLING
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS Structural components were not designed in isolation. Although the timbrel vaulted roofs are favourable for their large spanning/low weight potential, I also chose them because they allow for optimised daylighting conditions in the workshops (the most important spaces).
Simple studwork and plaster walls are used as partitions, where there is no need for design flair - and this construction method is also taught at the restoration school. The design (and cost) priority has been given to the arches and roofs in the workshop spaces to inspire the students and to engage the tourists; so the supporting areas cannot be too elaborate/ over-complicated.
The catenary brick arches are designed to cover large spans and take the compressive loads and floors; but I have also designed them with open spandrels so they allow natural ventilation from the River Darro gorge (in front of the site). When glazed, these openings in the brickwork allow natural light inside spaces such as the cafe and offices, creating more pleasant working/social environments.
CATENARY BRICKWORK ARCHES Forming the primary structure of the building, these catenary brick arches are generated computationally, mimicking the traditional chain hanging form finding technique used by Catalan architects. Their job is to support roof and floob slab loads, and to span the workshop spaces.
GLULAM FLOOR
VIEWS TO THE ALHAMBRA
NATURAL LIGHT & VENTILATION
DEAD LOAD PATHS
BUILDING ENVELOPE The brickwork defines the building envelope - rather than hiding it away (as I would if I had used steel) I have chosen to express the brickwork by recessing the secondary brickwork structure on the east and west facades.
EXTERNAL COLONNADE (SHADING)
VERTICAL CIRCULATION SYSTEMS My cores are not structural - roof loads are supported by the brickwork either side, so the cores only need to be fire rated.
They also step back to create a shaded colonnade for tourists exiting coaches directly in front of the site, creating a pleasant environment for the tourists about to enter the building.
The glulam floor joists are the largest deliveries to site, chosen for their strength and because I feel they would visually compliment the adjacent construction methods (simple bricks & tiles) much more than concrete floor slabs or a steel framed floor structure would for these small floor plates.
FLOOR SLAB & EXTERNAL PAVING
RETAINING WALL
A reinforced concrete floor slab is the logical choice for the main ground floor slab because of its strength.
This reinforced concrete piling wall is anchored in to the retained earth behind the site.
Paving is chosen to match the stone paving at the front of the site, where an existing coach stop is greeted with a new recessed shaded area at the front of the building that encourages tourists inside to see restoration projects.
This hybrid system uses a typical piling wall construction and drives piles in to the earth that expand and act as anchors. This method is suitable for my site because piles can be driven into the earth to stabilise the site before the main construction of the restoration school commences.
RETAIN ENTRANCE
DELIVERIES & STORAGE SITE
STRIP FOUNDATIONS Strip foundations support the line of point loads from the brick arches, and forces are then distributed into the clay soils through pile foundations.
ASSEMBLY SITE ACCESS Roads suitable for site deliveries (lorries) Roads for smaller vehicles (too narrow for lorries)
PILE FOUNDATIONS Bore hole data shows that the site sits on primarily clay soils, under a thin layer of surface soil. Although compacted under the weight of the earth above, clay soils are susceptible to movement. To maintain structural integrity on these soils, deep pile foundations will be required. I propose drilling pile foundations to ensure the structure can reach through the soft soils and anchor to this solid base.
WHY TIMBREL VAULTING?
EXTERNAL WALLS The catenary brickwork arches are filled in with a recessed layer of brickwork to create a weatherproof facade on the east and west external walls.
IN-SITU CONSTRUCTION The unfavourable site conditions do not make it easy for large prefabricated components to be delivered to site; and neither does the type of vernacular construction. The restoration school teaches vernacular brick and tile techniques to its students - techniques I am utilising to construct the building - not prefabrication methods. A ‘just in time’ approach is not required because once the workshop concrete floor slab is laid there is ample space for material storage.
DELIVERIES & MATERIAL STORAGE The entrance to the therpay centre on the west of the site must be retained so deliveries should be made to the east of the site, where there is space for material storage and lorries to unload. Once the retaining wall is in place, the site cleared and the ground floor slab laid, the central workshop spaces can be used for storage, with the brick arches under construction above. Deliveries can then be made at the (more convenient) front of the site.
DISASSEMBLY The catenary brickwork and timbrel vaulted construction methods are built to last - examples date back to Moorish and early Catalan architecture. However, if the building reaches the end of its life cycle the brickwork can be reclaimed (as it was for my building) by future demolition contractors. The major issues would be the non-modular large span tile and brick arches - these are self supporting so if one central section removed, the entire structure would collapse. Care should be taken to demolish the building so it collapses inwards.
DEAD LOADS: ROOF LOADS
RETAINED EARTH LOAD
CLOSED ARCH STRUCTURES
OPEN ARCH STRUCTURES
These are the loads from the weight of the structure itself, regardless of any live roof loads such as wind, snow or rain. The main loads are taken by the foundations, the large catenary arches that span the 3 workshop spaces, and the structural brick columns that these connect to.
The retained earth is the most substantial load on the structure, so a reinforced concrete retaining wall is required to hold back this pressing force (above). The catenary brick arches’ role is only to support the timbrel vaulted roof, not to the load from the earth weight, as catenary arches are not designed to be under horizontal pressures.
PURPOSE Better structural performance for areas not requiring light
PURPOSE To allow more light, views and/or ventilation
LOADS Loads pass vertically through the in-filled brickwork into the catenary brickwork, then pass into structural columns.
LOADS Loads travel horizontally until they meet either an arch or column. Loads pass down catenary brickwork into columns.
Although the site can be reached by road, it involves using very steep, narrow roads; so any large deliveries (e.g. steel beams) would not be practical. The only suitable road for future delivery lorries runs along the east and south of the site. The site is also steep and quite busy with traffic due to it being the only major road in the area.
WHY CATENARY BRICKWORK? SNOW / RAIN
STRENGTH The catenary curves are self-supporting because of their geometric strength (not just simply their material strength as with concrete / steel structures).
STRENGTH Just like timbrel vaults, catenary curves are self-supporting because of their geometric strength; which is optimised using computational form finding techniques.
SPAN Timbrel vaults can span 20-30m, ideal over workshop spaces where large, column free spans are required.
SPAN These arches can span up to 20m, so are ideal over the large, column free workshop spaces.
MATERIALS Tiles can be sourced cheaply and locally, and are vernacular - having been used in the region for hundreds of years (e.g. Moorish and early Catalan architecture).
MATERIALS As with the tiles for the roof structures, bricks can be sourced cheaply and locally, and are vernacular (so appropriate for a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Although not before used together, I feel the two techniques compliment each other.
LABOUR The technique is low-tech and surprisingly straightforward to construct so can be quickly taught and learnt in the restoration school that teaches the same techniques to its students.
ALEX WARREN, 33193582
LABOUR Brick arches are low-tech and easy to construct, so can be quickly learnt by students in the restoration school.
WIND (SHEAR) PEOPLE FURNITURE WORK BENCHES
RESTORATION PIECES
DEAD LOAD TOURISTS
LIVE LOADS SNOW, RAIN & WIND Loads are distributed by the timbrel vaults then catenary brick arches. (Snow build-up is rare in Granada - every 10 years). Wind loads are absorbed by the facade and find their way to the nearest structural arch, then column, then foundations.
PEOPLE, FURNITURE, RESTORATION PIECES Loads pass horizontally along the floor slab until they meet either the nearest column or pad then pile foundation. The concrete floor slabs are strong enough that it doesn’t matter exactly where heavy workshop machinery is placed.
LIVE LOAD