RATIONALE FOR SELECTION AND CHOICE OF MATERIALS The Hive in the Cliff is a rich natural environment which is currently under-utilised. This is partly due to the absence of adequate attractions that could potentially draw visitors closer to nature and provide opportunities to experience the wildlife. Improving the picturesque of the environment through functional and aesthetic designs is therefore a responsible decision as this will benefits the local residents and visitors alike. My initial material research focussed on New Materials during which I considered making my model from Alphamesh, Dichrolam or Carbon Fibre. After thorough considerations in my design process (sketches), I found the materials not as appealing as they initially were. I visualized my model to be appealing (like a sculpture) and functional (like a seat). So I opted for weathering Steel and Teak (hardwood) as I found them more suitable for my model. The Design Weathering steel is very strong steel mainly used for bridges, external fixtures in buildings, and sculptures. Teak on the other hand is hardwood mainly used for furniture, boatbuilding and indoor flooring. The combination of these two materials seems perfect for my model, hence, my choice. While designing my model, Richard Serra crossed my mind as I could see characteristics of his work in mine. The design (which I called ‘Steel bench’) contains two high arc-shaped weathering steel joined together at the back [like :)(] and supported at the base with concrete floor. The Teak bench (also arc-shaped) fits in place easily and rest on two rods a few distances apart that are connected to the steel. The design will utilise about 85-90% steel, 7.5-10% wood, and 2.5-5% concrete. (See model for the design). Design flexibility Teak is a low grain hardwood. It is possible to cut accurately and can be used for carving which is what I need for my seat. Weathering steel on the other hand allows designers to achieve their intended design because of its ability to be framed into the simplest, functional and complex structure.
Weathering / Corrosion resistance As the name suggests, weathering steels exhibit increased resistance to atmospheric corrosion compared to other steels and metals mainly due to formation of protective layer on its surface under the influence of the weather. This characteristic enables it to be used without paint for many applications (SteelConstruction.info). Teak on the other hand is high in natural oil and rubber content which helps protect the wood against effect of wet, cold and hot weather. These make it suitable for outdoor use.
Cost and Value Although weathering steel is slightly more expensive than structural steel, steel generally remains the most cost-effective materials in projects (AISC, ?). Also the start up savings from no protective coatings / paints should offset the incremental material cost. Thus, the initial cost of a weathering steel is very similar to that of a traditional painted steel alternative, which is considered as one of the most cost-effective materials available. In addition, weathering steel have the added benefit of much lower life costs as minimum maintenance operations is required. Teak is expensive due to very high demand. However the recent surge in growth of sustainable teak plantation means that the price is falling and may soon be more widely available. Aesthetic It is important to acknowledge aesthetics as an important part of Park development and the combine effect of steel and hardwood ensure this requirement is adequately satisfied. The natural beauty of steel has received appreciation by architects and designers over the years. Its slenderness and strength allows for ambitious and practical possibilities in designs. Weathering steel in particular offer this value in abundance and its appearance does get better with age. Teak hardwood has a reddish brown colour and can resist rotting thereby retaining its natural beauty. Sustainability Sustainability issues are of paramount importance in material selection especially in projects with strong bias in conservation. This was strongly considered in this proposal. Teak is renewable natural raw material and it is fully biodegradable. Steel is equally manufactured from natural resource and can be re-used and recycled, lowering the total cost to the environment. Use of weathering steel also eliminates the need for volatile organic compounds (VOC) laden paints in the environment.
Conclusion Given the project location, the inherent potential in the natural environment, sustainability appeal, cost-effectiveness and the serenity/aesthetic value, the choice of weathering steel and teak hardwood is therefore a natural one. Thus, I will encourage you to consider the implementation of this proposal as this will not only benefit the neighbourhood but also put the park in its right place as a destination to behold in the Northwest region of the United Kingdom. Â Â
Bibliography Online Resources American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), Structural Steel Solutions URL://http://www.aisc.org/content.aspx?id=3792 [Last assessed 6th February, 2013] Central Steel Service, Inc., Weathering steel URL://http://www.centralsteelservice.com/weatheringsteel.htm [Last assessed 6th February, 2013] SteelConstruction.info. Weathering steel URL://http://www.steelconstruction.info/Weathering_steel [Last assessed 6th February, 2013] Steel Shed Systems, Why Steel Construction? URL://http://www.steelshedsystems.co.nz/steel-construction.html [Last assessed 6th February, 2013] Camberwell material Library: Hardwoods, URL://http://cltad.arts.ac.uk/groups/camberwellmateriallibrary/ [Last assessed 6th February, 2013] MovingCost.com: Water Resistant Hardwood is revolutionizing the Design Industry URL://http://movingservicecenter.com/?p=2508 [Last assessed 6th February, 2013] http://www.design-technology.org/teak.htm