proto-typology
[first,foremost,original] - [classification according to general type]
CONTENTS
[01] Project & Context Outline of the project brief, explaining the key concepts. [02] Building & Environment Investigations into thermal mass within the building utilising coastal forces and the use of solar dewatering facade elements [03] Structure Exploring the different structural optional applicable to the programme and the architectural design [04] Facade & Assemblage Investigation into how a building goes together studying varying scales of the architecture to produce technical drawings [05] Evidence of Integration Critical reflection on the process development report and the integration of IDA into my studio project. [06] Appendix List of sources used within the project
process development report
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manifesto
the overview effect - a cognitive shift Society has become disconnected from our world, we all live hyper-individualistic lives cut off from the complex network of driving forces behind our world. Living space is living space; no one is able to see how that environment is created, power comes out of the socket but in reality power doesn’t come from a socket at all. These boundaries of world are not natural they a created by our societies. We see daily examples where rational self-interest is used to justify wholesale destruction of community and environment, where short-term profit override considerations for long-term consequences, where isolation seize our hearts despite being surrounded by more people than any time in history. People have begun to accept this thinking and rationale of the world presented to us in society. The overview effect is a bracket of philosophy developed by David Loy, it translates an ancient philosophy “videre quæ vos videtis, eos” you see things as you see things. This phrase suggests we see things we know but don’t experience them therefore we cannot truly understand them. The overview effect conveys the necessity of considering the big picture if we are to forge a sustainable future. “We can easily traverse the surface of the world and remain unchanged. But stand on the top of a hill looking out, and things begin to look different. We begin to notice patterns on the landscape that were previously invisible. We find ourselves much more ready to think on grander scales and longer terms of our living recognising the fragility of our world” (Loy, 2012). Proto-typology suggests a new grand narrative, an understanding of our relationship with personal experience and the landscape. It recognises the interconnectivity between our world, we our not separate to the driving forces behind our environment. A shift in perspective is required and new way of looking at our world, a thinking against isolation, a new thinking for the future, seamlessly integrating nature, our resources, technology and our personal lives, a cognitive shift.
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Project Summary
Canvey Island has been plagued by the influence of industry over its history. This industrial typology is associated with degrading the landscape rendering an undesirable architecture visually, culturally and socially. The resultant gap between the public-landscape-industry is the one “A Heterotropic View� aims to bridge. The prototypology reinvents the industrial typology, through the creation of an industry prototype focused around solving one of the greatest problems in contemporary society, water shortage. The reinvention of the typology proposes the integration of explored Heterotropic elements and a naturally formed desalination solution. A large civic beachscape is seamlessly integrated with the industry as our connection between resources & leisure are strengthened in this imagination of future space. The new typology aims to create an architecture, which can stimulate the re-generation of Canvey Island whilst mentally transposing nostalgia of
the once bustling coastline. Holding a strong connection with London proto-typology analyses the future water shortage, existing as a scalable prototype towards London. The project explores a new method of desalination using forward osmosis addressing the problem at this scaled down process. Importantly the architecture addresses key social and cultural issues associated with industry. The industrial process becomes the imagined dreamland as a by-product forms a crystallised landscape, (known as Halite’s). The imagined image changes and adapts relative to the explored processes within the architecture, bridging the connection between the landscape and the architecture. This heterotropic view imagines a naturally driven industry, as an Utopian exploration of the future, simultaneously proposing a physical and mental imagination of space through the visual projection of the sustainable industry itself.
Situated at the mouth of the Thames Estuary Canvey Island provides the ideal site for the industrial prototype. The large tidal range and dynamic mud flats are utilised to shape a new landscape for re-imagining connection between industry and leisure.
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The experiential desalination industry provides exists as a scalable prototype to solve the London Water Crisis.
• • • • • •
process development report
New Technology New Architecture - new supermaterials shape the future of the industry Experiential Desalination - the process of desalination becomes a narrative which evokes atmosphere & form. Naturally Driven Industry - powered by the tides looking at different ways utilise membrane systems Crystallised Landscape - byproduct of halites shape the landscape as a leisure attraction Re-interpreting Beachscape - beachscape attraction is created, revitalising the connection beyond the seawall Heterotropic Experience - incorporating explored heterotropic elements evokes a stimulating architecture
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project & context
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Site Introduction Site Location: Canvey Point, The Thames Estuary, 51.5160 N 0.5830 E
Canvey Island is a reclaimed island at the mouth of the Thames Estuary in England. The island is separated from the mainland of South Essex by a network of creeks. Lying only just above sea level the island is prone to flooding and its very existence is dependent on a complex water network. The island itself was mainly agricultural land until the 20th century when it became the fastest growing seaside resort in Britain between 1911 and 1951. As the leisure industry declined a relationship began to develop with the petrochemical industry due to the islands proximity to the North Sea and estuary connection with London. The island is surrounded by a large concrete sea wall, up to 3m tall in high tidal areas such as my site. This form of hard engineering blocks the line of site with the coast. Inhabitants and visitors of Canvey are required to move up and over this sea wall in order to reach the sea. Following the form of the south sea wall lies the main promenade with a range of outdated and mostly abandoned leisure attractions. As the island lyes at or only slightly above sea level Canvey is protected by a complex water control network. Twenty two pumping stations are located around the island linking the water infrastructure. My site (A) is situated at Canvey point next to one of the large pumping stations. Beyond the sea wall Canvey has lost its connection with its once thriving beachscape. The tidal processes on site allow for a clear distinction between sea water flow areas systematically depositing material and creating a new landscape in which proto-typology can sit.
process development report
Lookout at Canvey Point
Canvey Island Yacht Club
East Industrial Area
Canvey High Street Recreational Space Behind Sea-wall
A
Site Infrastructure Pump Station
Series of Abandoned beaches The Coastal Promenade Road General Water Pumping Station Tidal Sand Deposits
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Map linking Canvey Island and London water crisis, highlighting areas of water stress in red.
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Site Programming
The complex nature of the desalination prototype requires very detailed site programming approach. The initial positioning of the site sits between a large gap in the naturally forming spit. Coastal analysis of this gap illustrates a smooth flow of water with minimal sediment deposition. Marked as [A], the prototype will be able to absorb the tidal waters and form the new beaches of Canvey Island. Timing is essential in the desalination process. Water is absorbed into the system during receding tide periods where the salt content will be lower than in an oncoming tide. The form of the site therefore is positioned in a direction which can channel receding tides into the filters and disperse oncoming tides around the system. The concept is illustrated in the tidal maps to the right with the main form axis marked by the dashed line. [A] the panoramic photo below highlights more levels of site programming. Most notable of these issues is the extension of the promenade axis cutting the boundary between the sea wall and the enclosed Canvey Landscape. This aims to link the public, industry and the beachcape in a newly imagined site.
process development report
Tidal Flow - Receding Tide
Tidal Flow - Oncoming tide
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B
A
A
B
Section A-A 1:500
High Tide Low Tide
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Site Constraints & Opportunities
The initial site appraisal approach looks into the inherent conditions of the site. Understanding both the constraints and opportunities of the site allows them to become fully integrated into the design process acting as design generators. The positioning of proto-typology in the tidal mudflats of Canvey Point provides a large range of considered factors outlined to the right.
Source: Canvey Council, lifeboat association
[01] Topography - The tidal zone on site has a range of 4m with the current path surrounding Canvey being located 5m above the mudflats at Canvey Point. The variance will support aspects of the building above the tide and provide a interesting view of the site during high tide periods. [02] Water Transport - The pumping house located on the interior of Canvey Island becomes the anchor connection for the clean water. [03] Tidal Variance - Diurnal tide variance shapes the atmosphere of the project. The full pressure of the tides must be understood and utilised on structure & materials. [04] Access - access to the project is by foot only entering off the sea wall, during construction period access through the yacht club provides roads beyond the sea wall boundary. [05] Groundwork - The fragile mix of tidal mudflats and clay beds. The groundwork is volatile and in constant motion shaped by the influence of the Thames estuary. Understanding coastal management strategies such as groynes to control long shore drift movement becomes a key part in securing the building safely into the site.
[06] Power - Solar power strategies will be adopted to utilise the south facing aspect of the project. Connection to the main power grid happens via the existing pump house transport alongside the water taken from the project. [07] Seawater - The corrosive nature of salt takes a toll on machinery and materiality. All process machinery must have easily accessible and replaceable parts to it. Materiality salt exposure weathers the architecture in a distinct manner understanding the life-cycle of this is important. [08] Sediment deposition - coastal processes deposit sediment on the site, the site however exists in a gap where only small material deposits are made, these will be collected to form the new beachscape. How the building influences coastal deposition much be considered. [09] Solar potential - South facing aspect and harnessing solar energy to use in the de-watering process. The effect this will have on thermal comfort within the building. [10] Open terrain - Exposed nature of the site with no wind breaks or protection from the coast.
Section B-B 1:500
High Tide Low Tide
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project & context
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Tidal Patterns
Tidal patterns hold a very significant influence in the project, they influence both the desalination process and key recreational spaces. Salt water is absorbed into the prototype at periods of high receding tide, a process occurring daily. The membranes in the process go through this cycle of submergence and emergence creating atmosphere and variations in form. This cyclic principle is further reflected in the recreational beachscape created by the membrane filters. Here the atmosphere is shaped by the tides along with the spatial configuration, as the tide moves in and out creating and dissolving space.
HIGH TIDE
The tidal data explored here is taken from South-End Marina predicted tide table for 2013 less than a mile away from my site at Canvey Point. The graph marks out the diurnal cycles of the tides. The diurnal cycle is based on a lunar cycle between new-half-full moon, this cycle on average takes around 14 days. The peaks marked on the high tide line by the red dots are known as spring tide whilst those marked on the low tide line are neap tides. The data illustrates the high tidal variance of the site. My site is located at a shallower section than that of Southend therefore the sea level height starts at +1m above sea level which is calculated from the LAT (lowest astronomical tide). This tidal range means that throughout the year at periods of low tide land will be exposed. Key tidal information which heavily influences the design is outlined below. Highest Spring Tide-
21/08/2013 = 5.9m
Highest Neap Tide-
19/03/13 = 1.5 m
Average High Tide -
245m / 45 = 5.4 m
Average Low Tide -
39.4/45 = 0.8m
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LOW TIDE
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Daylight & Overshadowing The below data highlights the significant peaks of daylight analysis shown in the varying solstices & equinox’s.
Sunrise Time
Azimuth Angle
Sunset Time
Azimuth Angle
Spring Equinox March - 20th
07:02
89.47o
19:06
270.3o
Summer Solstice June - 21st
04:46
50.04o
21:13
310.03o
Autumn Equinox September - 23rd
06:46
89.33o
18:50
269.84o
Winter Solstice December - 21st
9:01
128.41o
16:50
231.51o
Source: Solar topo
Daylight exposure is an important aspect of my studio project. Two zones of the building require very different approaches towards sunlight. The large facade on a south-west facing aspect is required to be exposed to the maximum amount of sunlight possible in order to create heat energy for the solar de-watering process. In contrast the remaining aspect of the building requires reduced exposure to natural sunlight in order to create a comfortable environment within the spaces. Through studying the equinox and solstice azimith angles the design is able to be informed by the natural exposure to sunlight. One zone of the building can utilise strategies such as roof overhangs and louvers in a low lying level, whilst a larger tower like structure can be used to optimise surface area for daylight exposure. Located on the mudflats of the tidal estuary the is no overshadowing considerations. There are no dominate structures of natural obstacles nearby which will effect the exposure to natural sunlight within the architecture. Shadowing as a principle can be explored though when investigating thermal mass control within the building, adopting concepts of architecture to block and direct natural sunlight away from the building mass at peaks times temperature times such as summer.
project & context
Source: Ecotect Sunrose
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Site Elevations - Solar Exposure The diagrams below taken from ecotect software illustrate the solar exposure on each elevation of the site. The siting of the building focuses on a south facing aspect to optimise natural sunlight exposure aiding the industrial process of solar de-watering. Measured in Wh/m2 the site shows large variances throughout the year peaking in summer months may-august. When designing these exposures much be considered in order to optimise the architecture surface area exposure to natural daylight where possible.
North The elevation on the north aspect shows a minimal exposure natural sunlight. Almost no spaces within the architecture will be solely north facing, in order to minimise unnatural heating.
South The south elevation shows a large amount of solar exposure on site. Peaking at 3000 Wh/m2 in summer months, careful thermal mass control is required.
West The west elevation shows a average amount of natural daylight exposure. The South-West facing aspect requiring lots of sunlight will therefore have to maximize it’s surface area.
East The elevation below shows a more concentrated volume of solar exposure, illustrating larger quantities but for smaller periods of time.
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Minimum Weekly Temperature °C
Seasonal Climate Variations - Temperature Climate variations effect the internal environment within the architecture, understanding how climate conditions are will allow me naturally located appropriate spaces. The exposed nature of Canvey Island creates a low average temperature as the North Sea pushes harsh cold weather through the mouth of the Thames Estuary. The gap between the desired internal comfort temperature and the average temperature is large therefore the architecture must respond correctly by ensuring a good thermal envelope. The graph below shows similar winter temperatures but a much larger range in temperatures between summer and winter, suggesting the importance of controllable ventilation system within the architecture. Average Maximum Temperature = 14.89 °C Average Minimum Temperature = 7.2 °C
Average Weekly Temperature °C
Average Temperature = 11.1 °C
Maximum Weekly Temperature °C Month
Max.Temp °C
Min Temp °C
JAN
7.5
2.4
FEB
7.6
1.9
MAR
10.3
3.5
APR
12.8
5.1
MAY
16.0
8.0
JUN
19.3
10.9
JUL
22.0
13.3
AUG
22.0
13.4
SEP
19.1
11.4
OCT
15.1
8.7
NOV
10.7
5.2
DEC
7.9
2.9 Source: The Met Office
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Seasonal Climate Variations - Degree Days
Month
HDD
% Estimate
Apr
320
0.2
May
200
0.4
Jun
129
3
Jul
88
2
Aug
56
0
Sep
146
0
Oct
251
0
Nov
340
0
Dec
414
4
Jan
457
0.06
Feb
441
0
Mar
493
0.1
www.degreedays.net
Degree days are the amount of days per year where a building doesn’t need to be heated to maintain its desired comfort temperature. The estimation studies the relationship between climate and desired internal temperature. The degree days studied here are Heating degree days (HDD) taken from a weather station location at Southend-On-Sea (0.70E,51.57N). The stats given are a measure of energy needs to heat a building assuming a base internal temperature of 18 °C. From these figures a rough estimation of annual energy consumption be calculated once the building is designed. Q(kWh) = Pspecific x 24 x Degree Days/1000 Q(kWh) = Pspecific x 24 x 3940/1000 Q(kWh) = Pspecific x 94.56
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Seasonal Climate Variations - Rainfall & Cloud Cover Rainfall & Cloud cover have a very important relationship within an architectural design. High rainfalls discourage the use of certain design features such as flat roofs and open facades. In relation to this studying the direct solar radiation and average cloud cover can ensure the architecture receives the correct amount of natural daylight throughout the year.
Direct Solar Radiation (W/m2)
Average Cloud Cover %
Month
Rainfall (mm)
>=1mm days
Jan
42.3
9.5
Feb
32.1
8.0
Mar
34.4
8.6
Apr
38.0
8.4
May
42.8
8.0
Jun
41.0
6.9
Jul
39.1
6.9
Aug
44.5
6.6
Sep
42.8
7.6
Oct
59.9
10.0
Nov
52.3
10.0
Dec
45.8
9.4
The direct solar radiation graph shows a steady proportion of solar radiation throughout the year, peak months are seen in May and June but in general the solar direct solar radiation levels are consistent throughout the year. In direct relationship with solar radiation cloud cover levels maintain a generally consistent percentage throughout the year . The large dips and peaks seen within the graph are created
due to the coastal siting where weather moves into the estuary very quickly powered by the North Sea. The rainfall statistics taken from met office climate data, illustrate reasonably high levels of rainfall on site. Peaking in the autumn months of October rainfall doesn’t vary in large amounts. A rainfall range of 27.8mm is seen between the highest a lowest figure.
Average Rainfall per Annum - 514.9mm Average Rainfall per month - 42.9mm
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Prevailing Winds The prevailing winds come from a south-west direction. Although this is not the prevailing air mass this aspect does bring the highest wind speeds on site. The south westerlies are driven across the Atlantic bringing a tropical air mass characterised by warm moist conditions with higher wind levels. In contrast to this polar continental and Artic Maritime air masses can be seen in the North & East of the charts below. Powering across the North Sea these large air masses provide the majority of the weather on the island, bringing slower average wind speeds, colder wet conditions. The table below taken from windfinder showing the average wind speeds for each month on the site, shown in km per hour. Average Wind Speed- 9.67 km per hour
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
7
11
11
13
9
11
9
9
9
9
9
9
Source: www.windfinder.com
Autumn Wind Frequency (Hrs)
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Winter Wind Frequency (Hrs)
Spring Wind Frequency (Hrs)
Summer Wind Frequency (Hrs)
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[02]
/ BUILDING & ENVIRONMENT
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Sketch of Solar Facade
Programmatic Design Issues The programme of proto-typology creates a number of programmatic design issues in relation to building and environment. Each of the identified issues requires a specific line of inquiry in order to create the appropriate architectural solutions for the spaces. The main issues discussed below are investigated in two categories. The first investigates creating a sustainable water industry utilising principles of solar dewatering to desalinate water. Here solar facade technology is investigated alongside its integration with a new typological aesthetic and industrial process. As a result of this programmatic application a detailed investigation into thermal mass is required. This line of investigation follows a number of applicable strategies to naturally ventilate space and create a desired thermal comfort within the space with minimal energy use.
Sketch of Membrane Beach Perspective
Solar De-Watering Facade The programmatic aspect of releasing the water from the hydrogels, requires concentrated heat energy on a facade element. Energy Intensive Industry Creating a natural industry to promote sustainable values towards the public. Spatial Cooling High heat spaces are created during the industrial processes, how are these managed to create the correct environment. South Facing Spaces Utilising south facing aspects to naturally heat the building whilst preventing overheating issues. Distinct usage Zones. Two distinct zones within the building require and create very different atmospheric conditions. Typological machine aesthetic How to encompass new technology in a new typological aesthetic, translating industry into an architectural experience.
process development report
Sketch of Natural Ventilation in Solar tower
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© Aj building library
© Aj building library
The Modern Coastal Environment Our engagement with the coastline has changed, coastal architecture now exists as a extension of the landscape where the architecture itself forms coastal space in the form of landscaping and public spaces such as cafe’s. Proto-typology aims to achieve this modern coastal environment within a industrial process of desalination. The plan featured left is of the new cultural centre at South-end on sea,
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California Academy of Sciences / Renzo Piano © Aj building library
• • • • •
Over 90% of the demolition waste from the old Academy was recycled. 9,000 tons of concrete were reused in Richmond roadway construction, 12,000 tons of steel were recycled and went to Schnitzer Steel, and 120 tons of greenwaste were recycled on site. At least 50% of the wood in the new Academy was sustainably harvested and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Recycled steel will be used for 100% of the building’s structural steel. The insulation that will be installed in the building’s walls is made from recycled blue jeans. The product contains 85% post-industrial recycled content and uses cotton, a rapidly renewable resource, as one of its main ingredients. All concrete contains 30% fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants. It also contains 20% slag, a waste product from metal smelting.
Source: Arch Daily
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Calculating the Solar De-Watering Facade The below calculation runs through the desalination programme in order to determine the design of the Solar Facade used to dewater the hydrogels. The calculations below are based on existing silicon photo-voltaic cells in order to create an accurate figure. However the actual architecture adopts newly prototyped cells using graphene membranes to absorb and diffuse light more effectively. Initial prototypes produced by MIT are yielding an increase in efficiency by 30%. Quantity of Water to Solar Dewater Proto-typology addresses the water problem as a scalable system prototype towards London. The initial aim of the prototype is to provide enough freshwater for the residents of Canvey Island. Canvey Island Residents = 37,000 (0.004% of the London Population) Average Person in the UK consumes 130 litres of water per day. (Source: Thames Water) Proto-typology therefore must provide = (37,000 x 130) = 4,810,000 litres of water per day to meet demand = 4.81 Megalitres of water per day 1 Megalitre of Water requires 50,000 watts of energy to dewater the hydrogels. Therefore Canvey Island needs 50,000 x 4.81 = 240,500 watts per day = 240.5 KW per day.
Assumed Technology Specification • • • •
PV technology - Crystalline Silicon, with heat exchangers for water release Peak PV power 1 kWp Orientation = 10o Mirrored incidence ray reflection on an inclined axis
PV Energy Calculations To calculate the size of the facade required for this stage of the water desalination process the energy production for a m2 cell is calculated. From this figure the size of the facade can be determined. Inclined axis tracking system inclination=0° Month
Ed
Em
Hm
Jan
0.84
25.9
1.04
32.3
Mar
2.61
80.8
3.31
102
Feb
Apr
May Jun Jul
Aug Sep Oct
Nov Dec
Yearly average
Total for year
1.52
42.5
4.32
130
4.75
147
4.95
149
4.66
144
4.03
125
3.25
97.4
1.15
34.6
2.05
63.5
0.71
22.1
2.91
88.5 1060
source: http://www.cmsaf.eu
building & environment
Hd
1.88
52.7
5.70 6.49
171
Ed = 2.91 kWh per day
206
Data from Ecotect natural daylight exposure graphs (pg.17) illustrates an average of 5 hours of usable daylight hours.
173
These figures are then converted into watts per metre squared per day in order to calculate the required size of the facade.
201
6.87 6.49
201
5.57 4.33
130
2.64
81.7
0.90
27.9
1.45
43.5
3.90
119
1420
Ed: Average daily electricity production from the given system (kWh) Em: Average monthly electricity production from the given system (kWh) Hd: Average daily sum of global irradiation per square meter received by the modules of the given system (kWh/m2) Hm: Average sum of global irradiation per square meter received by the modules of the given system (kWh/m2)
Where, P(W) = 1000 × E(kWh) / t(hr) = 582 Watts per m2 per day Therefore desired surface area of the Solar facade = 413 m2 A final estimate is calculated to adjust for the increase in efficiency through the use of graphene based cell technology; lab estimates 30% more efficient. (Source:MIT) Approximately 30% less cells required = 289.1 m2 Design of the facade will therefore be based on a 300 m2 surface area of solar cells in order to meet the programmatic requirements. (See chapter 4 facade design) / 28
Graphene Based Solar Facade As calculated to the left the graphene base solar facade is an integral component of the project, there have been numerous design specification proposed for graphene. My design adopts the standard solar cell shown below however the placement of this cell has room for design. Currently the cell holder is the same size as the timber cladding beams to ensure even geometry however due to the graphene they are transparent. The graphene cell construction is as follows: [01] Transparent Conductor [02] Polycrystalline graphene (n-) [03] Polycrystalline graphene (p=) [ [04] Transparent Conductor [05] Substrate
[01] [02] [03] [04] [05]
[06]
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Heat Gain Analysis The design identifies two key sections as problem zones for environmental control which will require the integration of ventilation strategies. To adhere to the natural processes within the programme a series of natural ventilation options are explored and then subsequently integrated within the design. The drawings below (section A-A and B-B) illustrate the potential for failure in the architecture assuming a ventilation strategy isn’t integrated. From here key target zones marked by dash boxes are targeted in the aim to finding the appropriate solution.
Section A-A [1] Incoming Solar radiation is absorbed into the solar cells discussed before. [2] Solar radiation is dissipated but carried through as heat into the building fabric [3] Large amounts of hot air rises within the tower becoming stuck in roof spaces. [4] Tides create a cold thermal buoyancy against the foundations of the building. .
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Section B-B [1] Full frontal glass window at south facing aspect large amounts of gain [2] The one storey nature only slightly alters winds pressures between elevations [3] Internal equipment such as kitchen is enclosed. [4] Tides create a cold thermal buoyancy against the foundations of the building.
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Section A-A Ventilation Investigation The outlined investigation explores the use of coastal forces to create natural ventilation strategies within the building. Section A-A has a very specific programmatic design feature of the solar dewatering facade discussed earlier. The sketches below explore some ventilation ideas within the space. Through splitting the solar facade from the closed envelope a ‘pressurised coastal chimney’ is created, coastal winds create a high pressure variance between these two boundaries. Internally the spaces are connected to a central void in which stack ventilation draws air towards vents connected directly to the ‘pressurised coastal chimney facade’. Further ventilation is created by a design feature marked as A, a ventilation inlet directly feeding coastal wind into the main internal space, helping to control the heat gains through the fully glazed wall.
Ventilation Driven by Coastal Forces
Key Features: [A] Air Inlet Ventilation Detail [B] Pressurised coastal chimney vents [C] Interior ventilation vents
A
Coastal Forces drive the wind through the external facade creating a extremely high draw pressure for ventilating the interior
[B]
[4]
The tall tower with a central void creates stack ventilation drawing air towards the higher pressure of the chimney.
[5]
[C]
[1]
[3]
[8]
[A] [2] [7] [6]
building & environment
Notes [1] Height of tower used to utilise stack ventilation [2] Wind is drawn up the chimney structure [3] Air Inlet increase air flow within the internal space [4] Upper processing space is treated as a separate envelope [5] Windows on the north elevation induce cross ventilation [6] Seawater temperature conduction onto the concrete [7] Air Inlet Ventilation strategy [8] Concept sketch for air inlet detail
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Section B-B Ventilation Investigation Section B-B investigates a very different ventilation strategy to the tower in A-A. The low lying nature of the facade requires the use of cross ventilation to create the right internal environment. A simple option may have been to add windows onto the windward glass, however the frameless nature of this design element means windows which require a frame will ruin the overall composition of the space. The investigated option adds roof ventilation cut into the large concrete wall marking the site geometries. This air flow feeds in the main restaurant space, from here a series of high line window control the remaining requirements for ventilation.
A
Key Features: [A] Roof Air Vents [B] High interior windows [C] Ground air inlet behind window
In order to prevent frames for windows on the bolted glass wall of the restaurant a roof ventilation strategy adopted.
Using cross ventilation strategy the spaces in the negative pressure areas are ventilated through windows high on the interior walls.
[1]
[4] [2]
[3]
[5]
process development report
[7]
[6]
Notes [1] Roof vent roof inlet into retaining wall [2] Window entry for top level of south elevation [3] Windows vents feeding rear spaces [4] Cross ventilation through the whole building [5] Air inlet bring airflow into the building [6] Roof ventilation draws in coastal wind [7] Air filtered into the interior space.
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Final Ventilation Strategy The final ventilation strategies involve two different approaches depending on the building. Each strategies forms a naturally ventilated spaces which is predominately driven by the sites coastal forces. Section A-A adopts a mix of stack and cross ventilation. A large thermal buoyancy is created between the pressure of the external facade and interior space. Along with this air inlets draw a strong air flow directly into the space further aiding ventilation air flow. Section B-B utilises a solely cross ventilation strategy, a roof vent system is incorporated into the design of the roof to aid the passage of air flow into all the spaces. A- Air Inlet Ventilation B- ‘Ventilation Chimney’ vents C- Roof Ventilation System Section A-A Notes [1] Solar Radiation absorbed onto the Facade [2] Pressure difference drawing air [3] Air Inlet increase air flow within the internal space [4] Windows on the north elevation induce cross ventilation [5] Hot air rises through the central core of the building [6] Frame-less restaurant windows revealing views [7] Cross ventilation through deeper interior spaces
[B]
[4]
[1]
Section B-B
[2]
[C]
[3] [7]
[A]
[6] [5]
building & environment
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Air Inlet Design Sketch The technical sketch of the air inlet to the right looks at how the proposed ventilation strategy can be placed into the architecture at a more detailed scale. The prevailing coastal winds drive air into a small inlet across the full length of the building. The ventilation inlet is mechanically powered opening at peak times of possible overheating in the summer month. Once in the building the air passes through a steel mesh to help the stack ventilation within the space, running parallel with the glass wall the strategy focuses on controlling these solar gains as best possible.
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To w er
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Coastal construction
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Structural Investigation Issues.
Materiality - The coastal siting environment requires research into the best possible solution for the architecture. Research is required into strong structural materials, potential limitations of the materials and there desired finishes. Foundations - Securing the buildings into the site requires deep foundation drilled into the bedrock of the site, the aim to spread the load evenly across a large surface area. Structural Loads - Small cantilevers within the project are embedded into the structural foundations, the limitations and effectiveness of these needs to be calculated, along with potential movement. Joints & Connections - The structural system requires investigation into the best connection solutions to achieve the desired strength and aesthetic appeal within the architecture. Primary & Secondary Structure - Identifying the relationship between the structural system, determining the load bearing walls aiming to present a strong structural system. Structural Composition - The final issue creates a 3d model of the proposed structure helping to identify any potential issues within the design.
View from Shell Haven - Site in far distance
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Materiality Investigation- Concrete
Advantages • Ability to handle high Compression stress • Speed of construction • Strength • Rigid brittle nature • Surface finish options • Life-cycle
Disadvantages • Weak at handling tension • Lower shear strength • Environmental attributes • Weathering exposure • Reinfornment for shear and tension • Lack of waterproofing
Polystrene Formwork
Varying Specification
building structure
Water
Influence of water
Treated seal concrete
Concrete is used for the main load bearing walls and tower, the concrete will be directly bolted into the deep concrete piles. The majority of the concrete on site is constructed in situ using polystyrene formwork. One of the major consideration in concrete design is the casting method. traditional approaches adopt wood formwork. The in-situ concrete in proto-typology is cast using a polystyrene and steel form work system which is prefabricated off site. The cast concrete is then covered to create the desired surface finish.
Waterproofing layer
Concrete Waterproofing Concrete The concrete is exposed to daily tidal cycles therefore a high level of waterproofing is required to repel seawater on the foundations and basement level. To ensure the efficiency in construction the basement level is considered a cold space with a very thick waterproofing layer
Tactile Quality
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Water Piping
Water is transported through the building via a piping network. The piping as drawn below is made out of steel, and varies in thickness peaking at 500mm wide. The piping is bolted to the concrete floor slab supported via the foundations or suspended at each joint via a steel structure.
Materiality Investigation - Steel
Steel Steel provides elements of structure where concrete isn’t applicable. Different steel structure options are explored. The tower utilises steel to attach bolted glass work to steel column mullions and provide support for elements in high tension. Through the majority of the construction process steel is bolted into the in situ concrete. The bolting bracket are cast into the concrete as it sets to ensure the overall strength of the element. The restaurant and process line adopted a lightweight steel structure bolted to retaining walls.
Advantages • Large spans across spaces • Speed of construction • Prefabricated off site Disadvantages • Corrosive with salt • Energy intensive to produce • Expensive
Steel Industrial Aesthetic on Canvey
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Pier Construction Brighton
Coastal Construction Successful coastal construction must understand the influences on the site. A number lines of investigation are required in order to create an appropriate response. The placement of foundations must understand the coastline both in plan and section, embedding themselves in the deep bedrock of site and reducing lateral movement from the tide. Below shows a site plan identifying the key design axes to control and work in harmony with key coastal pressures. The construction aim of the architectures is to gradually embed itself within the landscape naturally rather than fighting coastal pressures.
Concrete Pile Foundations
C B
Understanding coastal patterns in construction
A
Understanding Structural Influences A- The process of long shore drift moves sediment down the site as tide rises and falls on a daily basis. The construction therefore must work in harmony to not create undesired pressure as construction anchors. B - Marked as B is the site sediment channel flow. This axis is integrated to encourage sediment to naturally flow through the site preventing undesired structural influence C- Adopted site mark B creates a slow flow zone behind the architecture, large amounts of slower flowing water will begin to exists slowly creating a salt-marsh and securing the building in the site. building structure
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Baseplate connection
Structural Foundations Foundations are perhaps the most important construction aspect when building in coastal environment. They must provide a stable base for the building to attach mitigating the effects of coastal movement and a unstable ground. Proto-typology adopts large prefabricated concrete piles. These piles are driven into the ground bedrock via a pressurised drill. The phases of the process are outlined to the right.
Prefabricated pile
As investigated the foundations of the building must work in harmony with the coastal movements, as a result the programme adopts circular pipe foundations to evenly dissipate pressure and sediment flow around the structure, minimising the influence of lateral movement
Coastal Geology Diagram
Reinforced Steel Structure
Concrete slab Sea water
Tidal Mudflats
30 m
[01] Clay Beds
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Concrete driven piles
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Bedrock
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Stepped concrete drop rings to prevent large falling distance for the concrete
Non Load Bearing Deposits
Load Bearing Bedrock Coastal bedrock connection [01] Placement
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[02] Pile Driving
[03] Reinforcement
[04] Concrete in-situ [06] Secure Foundation
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Structure Specification - Concrete Concrete provides the defining geometries within the project representing approximately 50% of the material and structural finish. Cast in-situ a very detailed specification is required. Engineered concrete has a great specification range in order to reach a desired design aesthetic and performance. The programme requires a gently coloured concrete with a very high strength to support cantilevers, industrial machinery and protect the space from coastal forces.
The Sainsbury Laboratory
The specification overview is as follows: • In-Situ cast with a polystyrene and aluminum form-work. • Reinforced with steel rods • Texture exterior finish • Thickness range - 400-1000mm • Salt water protection finish • Thick waterproofing layer
The Hepworth Gallery
Convention High Strength Concrete Mix Conventional high strength Concrete, the mix requires very delicate balance in the mix and placement. High Strength aggregate with a suitable particle surface and reduced particle size (< 32mm) A highly impermeable and therefore high strength cement matrix due to a substantial reduction in the water condent Special binder with high strength development and good adhesion to the aggregate (Silicafume) use of a soft concrete consistence using concrete admixtures to ensure maximum de-aeration Sample Mix: CEM | 52.5
450 kg/m3
Aggregates
Crushed Silliceous Limestone 0-16mm
Silicafume
Eq. W/C ratio
Strength after 7 days
Strength after 28 days Strength after 90 days
45 kg/m3
0.28
95 MPa
110 MPa 115 MPa
Source: Sika Concrete
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Structure Specification -Steel In conjunction with the in-situ concrete structure is a steel frame structure. The frame is bolted to retaining concrete walls as well as providing the core structural elements in certain spaces. The specification of the steel depends on numerous factors within the design including, spans, structural loading, void requirements and joinery. The final scheme adopts a cellular beam strategy for the spanning walls. Composite trusses were also applicable however the light sections and distinct service voids suggest cellular beams as the most appropriate solution. A mixture hot rolled steel sections are used through the design to meet the requirements of each space.
Composite Trusses Trusses connected to the floor slab using weld studs. Maximum Span: 30m Beam depth: Span/15
Square Hollow Sections Utilised for membrane subject to torsion force, Fixing details limited and exposed. Columns
Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS) Utilised for membrane subject to torsion force, Fixing details limited and exposed. Columns Tapered Beams Tapered sections provide service zones Maximum Span: 30m Beam depth: Span/20 Universal Beams (UB) Standard I beams used for primary and secondary beam structure
Cellular Beams Perforation lighten sections and provide Maximum Span: 15m Beam depth: Span/2
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Universal Columns (UC) Standard I columns used for primary and secondary column structure
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Structure - Joints & Connections
Concrete to steel beam baseplate connection
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Fin Plate Connection [01] Square section column [02] Fin Plate welding to column [03] Universal Beam [04] Fixing Bolts [04]
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Floor Slab Base-plate [01] Embedded foundation bolt [02] Baseplate [03] Bolt [04] Hollow Section beam
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Cantilevered External Facade The external facade of the building houses the solar cells and timber cladding in a small cantilevered steel structure. The system adopts very common principals used in external louvers construction and more commonly balcony construction. The main loads of the buildings are transferred through the large foundations as shown to the right. The rigidity of the structure is provided via thick integral structure spanning across the width of the tower. The external facade construction embeds the joins deep in the structural concrete [A]. This provides support and load transfer down the concrete foundations. To further strengthen the structure a large terrace is added to the right [B] of the section to act as counterweight to the desired building movement. Lightweight steel fixing frames connect the two elements within a small span radius to further strengthen the construction of the project
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Public Space Structure The public space structure is divided and formed by strong geometries of the sites movement marked as thick concrete wall, attached to these walls is the steel framework which provides a light and open framework for the space created and further emphasises the landscape lines.
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[04]
/ FACADE & ASSEMBLAGE
Assemblage Programme
Tidal Barrier placed around the site area A small tidal barrier is places on the outlined axes in chapter 2 building and environment to create suitable conditions for casting concrete Reinforced concrete piles in structure Concrete piles a drilled into the bedrock below the fragile sands, these are then reinforced with steel and set. Reinforced Concrete Supporting Ground Slab A precast reinforced concrete slab is bolted into the foundations to create the groundwork for the structure above tide level Main Geometry Defining Reinforced Concrete Walls The main geometry defining walls are cast using polystyrene formwork, the convention high strength mix is cast in situ. Steel Structure The steel structure is bolted to the concrete building outline via a series of fixing plates and embedded Facade, Roof and Glazing Prefabricated elements are attached to the structure skeleton now on site, making the building watertight in a small space of time
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Building Materiality
Timber Cladding The building is exposed to the full force of the coastal environment. A Western Red Cedar clad is adopted for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s durability to the coast and tactile finish. The cladding changes to a grey tone over time.
Bolted Glass To optimise views through the estuary and the minimise the impact of framework a bolted glass solution is adopted. Spider connection attach to a steel framework of upright mullions. Horizontal support is provided by steel cables.
Steel Beams Attached to the geometry defining concrete walls is a steel structure providing facade and roof support for the majority of the structure. The finish of the beams is refined to reduce the suggestion of a hard industry.
Concrete The concrete walls provide the main defining lines within the architecture, the concrete is coloured to a light brown/grey hue in order to match the timber cladding. All concrete is treated to protect it from coastal forces.
New Cedar
Weathered Cedar process development report
Halite Crystal / 53
Mudflat Crustation found on site
Embedded Halites
Fibre Glass
Embedded Halites with copper FACADE & ASSEMBLAGE
Pigment dye
Close up of salt crystal imprint
Salt crystal imprint and mix
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Experiments of Materiality - Concrete
Concrete as a material has a lot of scope for experimentation. The experiments featured in the pictures left explore ideas of translated design concepts into materiality. The main themes of the experiment followed: Halites crystals in the concrete to directly translate from the membrane beach spaces; Geometrical motion aiming to create motion similar to water on the concrete. The third theme looked into the erosive properties of the site exploring creating textures in the material which replicated this concept. The photographs pictured to the left show close up images of the concrete block experiments i conducted, the full frame photo pictured bottom right is my personal favourite. The texture was created used a salt crystal imprint and bolted salt mix.
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* N.B -1:50 Plan extends full length of the tower
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Bay Plan - 1:50 FACADE & ASSEMBLAGE
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Bay Elevation - 1:50 FACADE & ASSEMBLAGE
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Air Inlet Precedents
Air Inlet Detail 1:5 The air inlet is an adopted detail to aid ventilation within the architecture. The mechanically operated vent draws the powerful coastal winds into the buidling behind the large south west facing glass wall. The sectional deatil highlights the key features of this element and the nearby context of the detail. [01] Double glazed window fixing [02] Concrete retaining wall [03] Concrete embedded steel facade balcony [04] 200mm polystyrene rigid foam insulation [05] Column I beam baseplate connection- (bolted into retaining wall) [06] Cylindrical air Convector [07] Air inlet fixing [08] Air Inlet mechanically adjusted vent [09] Base plate connection for bolted glass wall [10] Insulated triple glazed bolted glass wall [11] Integral steel Column supporting glass wall [12] Galvanised steel mesh grilles.
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External Facade Ventilation 1:20 [08]
The roof detail here shows the environmental strategy adopted in chapter 2 (building and the environment). The mechanical roof vents draw air from the interior utilising pressure variances with a stack ventilation strategy. The cantilevered external facade is embedded deep into the retaining concrete wall. Lining up with the predominate retaining wall and foundations the cantilever transfers weight down the structure allowing the external facade to sit as a light industrial skin of the building. [01] Timber Cladding & Solar Dewatering Cells [02] Cladding fixing bracket [03] Triple glazed insulated glass wall [04] Glass fixing [05] Structural concrete wall [06] Steel facade support bracket [07] Load bearing steel column and baseplate connection [08] Mechanically operated vents
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Bolted Glazing System 1:10 To reduce the impact of structure on the interior spaces a strategy was adopted which would aim to mitigate the influence lighting and shadows from the closed envelope. Therefore maximizing the influence of the external facade of vertical timber cladding and solar dewatering cells on the interior space. To achieve this a bolted glazing system is adopted. The glass panels are attached directly to the structural steelwork column without the use of any intermediate framing. Spider bolts attach the glass to brackets on the steel through pre drilled holes in the glass panes. The bolting system provides 4 points of support for the glass instead of a continuous edge support seen in normal glazing systems.
3d visualisation of the spider bolt design for the glazing system
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Fabric Loss U-Value Calculation The fabric wall U-Value is calculated using: U= 1/RTotal The facade detail pictured left identifies two heat transfer paths through wall. As Follows; 1. Rso - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6a - 7 Rg 2. Rso - 1 - 2- 3 - 4 - 5 - 6b - 7 Rg Upper Resistance Limit - 1/ (Fractional Area / Resistance) Path 1 = 0.021125894 Path 2 = 0.098574573 Rupper = 8.354186319 U-Value Conclusion The low U-Value of 1.2 W/m2oc shows the building fabric design performs to the high level required by UK standards. A performance U-Value of 2 W/m2oc was suggested by the brief this design therefore exceeds the recommendations.
Lower Resistance Limit - Parallel Resistance Calculation R6 = 0.020338983 RLower = 8.299637229 Total Resistance = (RUpper + RLower ) / 2
However considerations in the calculation must be taken for geometric thermal bridging within the facade, and the large glazed envelope featured in my building.
RTotal = 8.326911774 U-Value = 0.120092542 W/m2oc Layer
Proportion
Thickness
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Resistance
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0.4
0.9
Rso 2 3 4 5
6a 6a 7
Rsi
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na 1
na 1 1
0.175 0.825 1
na
na
10 30
150 260 70 70 50 na
na
0.19 na
0.025 0.4 16 na
0.12 na
0.04
0.052631579 0.09 6
0.65
0.004375 0.09
0.416666
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BIBLIOGRAPHY Sun,Wind & Light, Architectural Design strategies, G.Z Brown, 2001 John Wiley & Sons AJ building library - South End Pier The Sainsbury Laboratory, Stephen Day, 2001, Black Dog Publishing Tata Steel Studio Teaching Guide, Second Edition In Detail Small Structures, Compact Dwellings, Temporary Structures, Room Modules, C. Schittich (Ed.) DTP: Roswitha Siegler Facades Architectural Details, M. S. Braun. 2008. Verlagshaus Braun Daylighting Architecture and Lighting Design. P. Tregenza and M. Wilson, 2011 Routledge, Oxon. Introduction to architectural science, the basis of sustainable design, Sv Szokolay, 2008, Elsevier Limited www.sikaconcrete.com www.archdaily.com
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/ cameron worboys