Constructing Environments Week 9 - In Detail Part 2
Daniel Kellett 635876
Week 8 - In Detail Drawing Partners: Gabby Lewis, Kathryn Randall-Dzerdz, Matt Tibballs Building: Oval Pavilion Redevelopment Site Over the last few weeks, our groups have been observing case study buildings and analysing the structures and designs that have been implemented into their creation. This week was part 2 of the task and asked us to look at 3D side of the sections provided in part 1, analysing the details further after preliminary discussions. Unfortunately out case study building, The Eastern Resource Centre, was a much larger task than time permitted, and so staff instructed us to base our details off the Oval Pavilion site that we visited in previous weeks. Of this site, our group, consisting of 4 members, was given the task to produce 4 3D details from sections of the building and present them - following on from part 1. This particular detail is of the Service area roof.
Figure 1. Oval Pavilion redevelopment construction site as seen 6 weeks ago.
Figure 2. 3D ‘Pull Out’ of section provided during part 1 of this task.
01_ Detailing Decisions The metal paneling that encases the top right hand side of the gutter and wall, both acting to encase the roof as well as provide a vertical panel for the gutter, does not extend down the wall as discussed with other parts of the building. In this area of the roof, the choice to use bricks from ground to roof top, is a detailing choice made for aesthetic reasons, possibly, due to the service area nature of this section of building, costing less to construct and so saving money as there is not as much aesthetic appeal needed in this region of the site.
02_ Waterproofing elements The composition of this space uses are large amount of small, complex pieces, that come together to produce the edges of the walls and roofing sections of the site. This detail includes, metal, wood, insulation, brick, grout (aggregate) and various other metals for joints and fixings. This section is dominated heavily by waterproofing elements in order to maintain a sealed point where water cannot enter the building. The use of sealants, Weep Holes, panels and flashing help to protect the interior from leakage. The paneling is double layered and hinged at either end in order to provide points where water may not enter, even if large amounts of water are present in the space. The sloping nature of the roof also helps to drain and prevent the pooling of water. In the event that water does enter the space, flashing and weep holes are present in cavities in the wall in order to drain the water away. Sealants are also used to close off any areas where holes or connections between materials are found.
03_ Economical Implications of Decisions As discussed during the tutorial last week, the choices made on this detail, and that of the rest of the building are ultimately due to cost and the desires of the client. More expensive materials, such as specific woods, or finishes in internal spaces, last longer, however have a much more expensive start cost, yet do not cost as much to maintain, whereas with cheaper materials, they are cheap to construct, however they cost most to maintain over time and generally do not last as long. This ultimately means that material choices come down to the budget during construction and amount of flexibility in the project. If desire for materials is high, then there can exist periods in which construction may halt in order to generate enough income to acquire the materials. This can mean even greater costs to the client as workers must be paid, equipment hired for longer, etc.
04_ Sustainability and Environmental Analysis This section of the site does not use concrete, however there are parts of the site that do and this is one of the worst materials to use when it comes to recycling and sustainability as it is not a sustainable material, having to be dumped in waste fills. Metals used in this structure can be melted down or used elsewhere for other purposes and so they are generally good for multiple uses, however there is still a large amount of pollution made in the production process for the metal in the first place and the addition of many chemicals that treat the metal for construction. Similarly, wood can be broken down and turned into paper or garden additions and so their recyclability is very good. The issue with the environmental side, is not so much the recycability of the materials being used, but the embodied energy and emissions used and caused by the final production of these materials, in the form of transport, manufacture, collection, distribution and finally addition into a project.
05_ Pros and Cons Pros: 1. Use of strong materials such as metal and sheeting (wooden rafters, support this, however not part of actual detail) 2. Insulation from the exterior space protects the internal environments 2.1. Waterproofing elements are a key factor in insulating the interior from water 3. Materials chosen are long lasting and so repair and replacement are less likely, meaning less ongoing costs and savings for the club and university 4. Guttering located within the wall line allows for more water to be caught and possibly stored into tanks when rainfall occurs 4.1. Use of extensive water proofing elements allows for both less leakages - less maintenance cost, and also more water collection. Cons: 1. The sustainability of the materials is harmful to the environment due to the massive amounts of emissions caused in the long, complex line that must be undertaken in order to produce and construct the final product. 2. Leakages are a real threat to the space and can cost the owners large amounts of money and time (and loss of space for repairs) if continual upkeep and monitoring is undertaken.
06_ Where and Why Things Go Wrong Gaps and holes are the biggest concern for this detail, not just for this detail, but for all buildings as they can lead to leaking and weakening of the structure, which can cause damage to the building, sometimes long lasting if not dealt with or known about early enough, or even destruction of the building, due to weakening of key structural areas. Unseen damage is worst of all, as it can remain unknown, while causing damage, for long periods of time and so when discovered, structures can sometimes be required to be deconstructed for safety reasons. This means that leaking is one of the most important issues that needs addressing in a building. Weathering, not just from water, can damage key sections of the structure, such as insulation or the paneling and joints of the structure. Continual checking of these areas must be undertaken to ensure corrosion or damage to structural elements is not endured and safety maintained.
References: Ching, F. 2008, “Moisture and Thermal Protection� in Building Constructed Illustrated, ed. F. Ching, 4th Edn, John Wiley and Sons Incorporated, Hoboken, New Jersey Vassigh, Shahin, Interactive Structures Version 2.0, Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2008 DVD-ROM and Software Compilation