Survival of Knowledge & Ideas: Comprehensive Technical Studies by Esther Cheung

SURVIVAL OF KNOWLEDGE & IDEAS

Cheung Hoi Ling Esther BArch Architecture 2018-19

COMPREHENSIVE TECHNICAL STUDIES

CONTENT Preface: Project Brief 01 Environmental Testing

Structure Study

p13

Envelope Study

p63

Environmental Strategy

p87

Fire Safety

p103

06 Accessibility

p115

p130

Performance Testing

Appendix

p139

PREFACE P ROJ ECT B R I E F

SITE The site of the building is located the Arsenale area in Venice, Italy. The Arsenale is historically important to Venice as a naval base that housed plenty shipyards, they are currently left unused or renovated to use as offices and exhibition venue. However, it is also a quiet and private region in Venice as there are restriction on access. The site is one of the abandoned site that along the perimeter wall that currently are not able to get into. There is trace of previous construction as the wall still exist in the site with evidence of different bricks.

The library that saves the restricted, neglected & vanished.

D ES IG N S TAT E M E N T To survive is to escape and exist under a dominant

Venice, advantaging in book publishing in the past

power that controls, confines and eliminates threats

made it a destination of book printing and crafting.

and dangers. It seeks to command knowledge

By having the studio for book printing and binding

through the acts of censorship and restriction.

apprenticeship, the library rescues not only the lost knowledge, but also the craftsmanship of books,

Survival of knowledge and ideas under dominant

sustaining the vanishing art of publication through

powers is determined through selection and

public recognition and education. Besides reading

choosing. Both activities draw the line of restriction,

and absorbing passively through texts and writing,

hence limiting the existence of opposition and

learning in this library can by means of the actual

resistance. Survival of knowledge and ideas,

practice of making.

therefore, is the evidence that reveals the silent truth of oppressive regimes, freeing unlimited knowledge,

The library celebrates the existing and historical

intelligence and imagination.

traces of the site by introducing and building the new. It draws attention on the structure that survive from

The library seeks to break the wall of historical

the history, bringing the past alive and binding it with

control and opening the door to suppressed

the present. Standing in the Arsenale area, a vibrant

knowledge, as well as retrieving forgotten knowledge

historical naval base in Venice, it is contained by walls

in order to expand the boundary of ideas and

that previously served for shipyard. The library strives

connect them with the city, the country and the

to break through the site boundary, freeing from

world.

spatial control and proclaiming its existence to the lagoon.

Surviving implies conserving found historical literature and the idea of saving and uncovering vanishing knowledge. Therefore, the library consists area that preserves books and incorporates the element of bookmaking. The programme of bookmaking starts from rediscovering lost literatures over the globe, then goes into reprinting binding process. The circulation is completed by feeding the freshly made book into the library collection. This programme gives opportunity to reveal undermined knowledge.

01 ENVIRONMENTA L T ES T ING

SUMMER

1.1 LIGHT & SHADE ON SITE: SUMMER SOLSTICE 06:00

08:00

12:00 noon

ANALYSIS Direct sunlight starts coming into the site from the east at around 6am that part of the site is light up by the light reflected by the walls. As the site is surrounded by walls in all 4 orientation, the site is partly covered by shadow on the east in the morning and west in the afternoon, in which the ground area that has immediate contact with the standing wall. Overall, between noon time to 14:00, the site is flood with sunlight as the sun is straight over the head that is not blocked by the walls.

14:00

16:00

18:00

It is noticeable that although the wall blocks sunlight and create shadows to the site, it can also reflects lights to the ground area. Even the reflected light does not span a long distance, it provides mild sunlight that suit to the eyes.

WINTER

WINTER SOLSTICE 08:00

10:00

12:00 noon

ANALYSIS Compare Summer time, the light condition in Winter is much more in shade. Light starts coming to the area in 8am, but as the sun is low, direct sunlights are blocked by the tall surrounding walls, only very little light is allowed to penetrate into the site until 10am.

14:00

16:00

17:00

Similar situation happens in 12:00. Although normally noon time is the period that most light is able to come into the site as the Sun is position tallest over a day, it is not in this site. As the walls height over 11m and are also positioned south to the site, they are tall enough to block most of the lights coming from a low sun in the South. Only part of the area near the north are free from the shade. The site is back into shade when it reaches the afternoon and is covered with shadow completely when it reaches 17:00 as sunset occurred nearly at that time. This indicates the wall casts quite a lot of shadows to the site in winter time. Therefore, it might need other ways to obtain sufficient direct sunlight or find ways to bring in indirect sunlights.

ANALYSIS CONCLUSION ANALYSIS & POSSIBILITIES

SUMMER

As shown in the diagram, the surrounding walls immediately affect direct light condition of the of the site as they cast shadows in all directions depending on the time. This might influence the decision on the spatial arrangement in term of demand of direct natural light on human activities. It also implies, to capture more lights, it might be possible to build taller than the 11m walls and create a central atrium space. As the span of shadow casted on the site is has certain distance, as the model illustrated, the center area are brighter than the edges in overall, it suggests that the center space,can capture more direct sunlight. Therefore, it might be a good choice to create a central courtyard to gather people in an outdoor space to enjoy the sunlight.

1 .2 LIGHT & SHADE ON DESIGN 1ST MASSING ITERATION

COMBINED SUMMER TIME SHADOWS

ANALYSIS Based on the massing model made in the process of design and the previous site analysis light and shadow analysis. This will be focus talking disturbing the situation of courtyard. This iteration has a narrow space for courtyard which seems like a open corridor instead of spacious outdoor area. Even in summer time it is mostly covered by shadow due to the relatively tall adjacent proposed mass of the building. Other time of the year, sunlight is only able to give light to the upper parts of the building. The situation might improve if there is the courtyard is much more open up.

Summer Autumn/ Spring Winter

Condition at 14:00

2ND MASSING ITERATION

COMBINED SUMMER TIME SHADOWS

ANALYSIS This iteration is based on another model that I found interesting to further explore in terms of environmental response. Its for is similar to that of the first iteration, but the internal courtyard has been opened up and the roofs of different buildings has been modified in angle, sloping in different directions. As shown in the section, there are much more space in between the building that it is now more convincing as a courtyard, However, there are still not much light enjoyed as the building on the south is taller than the existing wall. Other than summer time, the space is still under shade. This shows the height of building has a huge impact on the light and shade performance as they cast shadows to the ground. Therefore, more attention should be paid on this while designing.

Summer Autumn/ Spring Winter

Condition at 14:00

3RD MASSING ITERATION

COMBINED SUMMER TIME SHADOWS

ANALYSIS There are further different spatial arrangement when the design stage progress. The large block on the east is the main library hall that only affects the light condition of the courtyard during morning. The key space that affects and cast shadow is the space in eh south, near the existing wall. The block on the south is used as the studio space for binding and printing workshop therefore require much space to perform their task. The result shows it is quite wide in distance which reduce the opportunity for the sunlight to penetrate into the courtyard rather than casting shadow. The courtyard manage to get more light in the area near north as shades is not able to reach that area . However this attempt also demonstrated That the width the block spans also influence the light situation. Therefore the idea form of building near the existing south wall should be short in height and does not cover excess ground areas for the lights to come into the central open area,

Summer Autumn/ Spring Winter

Condition at 14:00

COMBINED SUMMER TIME SHADOWS

ANALYSIS By extending some part of the building beyond another layer of the wall, it leaves more space for the internal courtyard and from the diagram in plan, it certainly gets more sunlights -comparing to the previous iterations. As the building height on the south that serve as the studios has been lowered so that when the Sun is lower in Autumn and Winter it is not blocked and the area can receive sufficient lights. The existing wall on the south becomes the primary source of creating shadows instead of the building. The result is satisfying as the space truly perform as what it meant to be, a spacious lit up open area for gathering and relaxing under natural sunlight.

Summer Autumn/ Spring Winter

02 S T RUCT URE S T UD IES

2.1

I NI T I A L F OCUS: BUILDING BETWEEN THE OLD & NEW Several existing walls remain standing in chosen site as the trace of past shipyard. As the concept of the library is about survival, it also celebrate the existence of walls, which is considered the element that survive in the site. As the image and diagram shown, the walls are the standing layers in the site and the design strategy include penetrating the walls through some of its openings as well as making use as divider of space. The design will take well consideration in incorporating with the existing walls. As a result, it is necessary to look into some precedent to understand how new built are integrated with the old or existing structure. The section starts from looking into different precedents on how the old and new are built together, then it goes into the focusing part of the project design and finalize a scheme of it.

2.2

P R EC ED EN T S T U D IES PRECEDENT

ASTLEY CASTLE TIMBER FRAME & BRICKS LOCATION: Astley, UK ARCHITECTS: Witherford Watson Mann Architects YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2012 The idea of this project is th retain a feeling of incompleteness, rather than restoring from the relic. Therefore, the building is not totally enclosed, but allow part of it exposed to the environment. The architects' idea is to add to the many layers of construction and destruction such that the castle can be inhabited, without changing its fundamental character. It is made to address the old and celebrating the ruins left behind. Therefore the key design objective is to prevent further disintegration and make use of new structures of brick, timber and glass to work in among the old stone making the space habitable.

15 (Witherford Watson Mann Architects, 2012)

(Witherford Watson Mann Architects, 2012)

LAYERS In terms of construction, the new renovation introduces new materials to fill the gaps left by ruins. Bricks, indicated in red , is the fundamental solid elements infill gaps in the structure to have a minor contrast between different kind of bricks. Transparency is archived by having timber frame glazing. The frame structure, illustrated in blue, by laminated wooden beams is continued to form a new system of floors and ceilings, The model from the architect clearly distinguished these 3 layers to compose the whole scheme. Different materials work well with each other without overpowering one another in terms of visual and functional aspect.

As the castle brings different materials together, the junctions and connection between them becomes critical and essential. The dotted area are identified the key connections when 2 different materials meet. For example how the new timber ceiling is attached on the brick wall, and the insertion of ceiling to floor glazing, as well as the how the new bricks sit on top or stick to the old. (Witherford Watson Mann Architects, 2012)

The detailing of these junctions enhance the completeness and concept of the whole design and building intention.

These are some of the detail apart of the construction that worth looking into as they represents the feasibility of the whole scheme and also suggest the collaboration of new and old materials that complement each other in different ways practically. Timber structure is used in roof while bricks are applied on wall. The change between old and new brick walls is sometimes identified by a stone lintel. The stone lintel also help setting the size of openings and supporting the rest of the wall. It is made visible to the exterior.

PRECEDENT

CHURCH CONVERSION IN CATALONIA BRICKS & STEEL FRAME LOCATION: Lleida, Spain ARCHITECTS: AleaOlea architecture YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2017 The architect choose to use a light and airy structure by laying a staggered arrangement of white bricks, which appears as a delicate veil over old ashlar walls. The difference in bricks properties creates contrast between rough and smooth, dark and light, heavy and light. The effect is clearly demonstrated on the facade of the church, layers of white and tidily arranged bricks are behind the falling ruins The renovation preserves the original spirit of the place while providing the Spanish community a new space for collective activities.

STEEL FRAME

Schnitte • Grundriss Maßstab 1:250 1 Saal 2 Lager / Technik 3 WC 4 ehemaliger Haupt eingang 5 neuer Haupteinga

Sections • Floor pla scale From the exterior courtyard that prepares1:250 entering the church does not hind 1theHall 2 Store / services structural elements by using secondary or 3 WC finalized covering . Steel beams are4 observed Former main from the photo that it partly hold by the top entrance of load-bearig wall. They are the exposed 5 New main entran structural element that extended from the interior

Grundriss Floor plan

The steel members are layout in the plan evenly to ensure a equal spread of the roof components so as handling the same amount of weight in each section.

The diagram show the new insertion of the structure and envelope of the church in red lines, contrasting the black and grey existing elements. As shown, the red new construction, are appear lighter than the heavy weight brickwork originally. The remarkable solution of this architecture is that although the renovation keep using brick as the key material of the new, it incorporates innovative layout options that remove the heaviness characteristic carry by bricks . In

addition joining with steel beams that spread between walls and forming roof, the church is able to give a different feeling and a playful way in materials. Steel frame successfully support the roof cladding exteriorly and give ways to apply white interior which agree with the paleness of the new brick wall. It also allow interior lightings insert and hand over its roof.

PRECEDENT

CAIXAFORUM MADRID CONCRETE & STEEL FRAME LOCATION: Madrid, Spain ARCHITECTS: Herzog & de Meuron YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2007 The building is an arts centre that incorporates walls previously served for a power station. It includes galleries, administrative offices, restaurant and auditorium in the building. It aimed to have innovative and iconic aesthetic to attract people coming to the venue of arts and exhibitions. Therefore, the design of it new skin is corten steel, which has a huge contrast to the existing. By playing with the volumes on its roof, the building is able to have a distinct appearance to the city. The construction of it is complex and structurally involved a great attention to the existing wall.

LAYERS The design involves several layers of composition which is clearly visible from its facade. The base continue from underground to first floor, the existing wall skin, the new roof structure and its skin. Instead of adding loads to the existing load bearing wall, levels above the top edge of the wall and its roof is supported by steel frame that potentially spread loads to individual elements and allow a light construction on top on the existing structure. This also enable the design to sculpt the roof accordingly, creating voids freely by adjusting the form of steel frame.

The building is supported differently across in different parts. The red is the existing wall skin , while the blue and brown are the concrete infill and steel frame respectively.

Brick Concrete Steel

It is noticeable that the concrete structures are mostly the interior support of the building which is not visible from the outside. It also incorporates with the existing wall to add support to it when these elements meets, This will be further explained in page.

The steel structure only applies on the space able the wall and that potentially has less load than solid materials and therefore a much more suitable option in supporting higher space.

CONSTRUCTION These are some photos of its construction process. As shown in the photo, the steel structure is located in side the wall boundary that does not add further load on top of the wall. Railings were places outside the layer of water vapor barrier and the structural steel frame. They hold the corten panels and form the outermost skin of cladding. To build underground the wall is held by temporary supporting to allow construction starts below ground surface. Steel reinforcement are laid out for concrete to pour on site. As concrete can carry quite a lot loads , it is suitable to use them as the base of the building.

SECTION This is part of the section of the building that illustrate how the materials and structural systems were connected and. As shown on the wall layer, the inner side of the skin is concrete while the outer is the original brick layer. The construction of wall incorporate 2 materials to strengthen its ability in support. Also as the wall thickness is increased, the design of window plays with the depth of wall by angling its glazing, creating a different experience of views.

PRECEDENT

LOUGHLOUGHAN BARN STEEL FRAME LOCATION: Broughshane, UK ARCHITECTS: McGarry-Moon Architects YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2013 existing stone barn The aim of the architecture is to allow the old and new complemented each other. The fundamental approach becomes preserving and consolidating of the stone structure at the same time introducing new structure. The new building uses the foundations and outer walls of the old barn, but new metal framework is inserted in the interior and part of the space is cantilevered on the upper level, creating an interesting form and aesthetic in a remote and rural space.

As the plan show, the existing wall (in red) is rather thick compare to the new proposed structure (in brown). Unlike some of the previous precedents, the house sis bot complete the existing wall by adding in new materials, but allow the existing structure set constrain to the new built that the new built sits inside the boundary of the stone wall. By keeping the original openings of the stone wall and incorporating the new wall layers, the openings are now recessed on the wall by about a meter, creating depth for the window insertion and possibly has effects on light penetration to the interior. The dotted region is the part that cantilevers over the stone wall. It will be discussed on the page following.

These are the construction process of the house. It is clear that the house applies a steel frame structure and beams are extended over the edge of the stone wall. As pointed out previously, the house is free from the wall as the wall only act as the layer setting the boundary and skin that the construction and structural elements are separated from it. The cantilever part is therefore supported by the steel frame structure withing. It is only aesthetically, the house is sitting on top of the wall. This method potentially remove and avoid the heavy load issue act on the ancient wall. From the photo, a secondary structure is added in timber to hold the roof claddings.

2.3

AA Library to studios

S T R U C T U R AL IS S U E STRUCTURAL SUPPORT

BB View capturing space to studio

Although design have been developed, it is not structurally related, which causes problem in construction as they have been design separately. Like the section show, some parts of the building is floating instead of supporting by other elements below. Therefore, here is to address the importance in structural system to not only justify its possibility of being built but also help in design process.

CC Main Library hall

Ground Floor Plan

+/- 0.0m

2nd Floor Plan

+6.0m

No extra support to the existing wall

Uneven distribution of spacing

2.4 STRUCTURAL GRID 1ST AT TEMPT Explained

More columns but supporting fewer floors

Less columns but supporting more floors

1. Loads on the existing This solution assume the existing walls are able to support the weight of the proposed building. However, several research has identified the structural instability and deterioration on shipyard in Arsenale area with similar construction method and period (). Therefore, its structural stability is undefined and it is best not to assume it can withhold the weight of new built.

The first attempt of forming the structure grid is based on the underground archive which has individual rooms to secure and protect the fragile documentations. They form a tartan grid in which 2 columns are spaces near to each other in parallel.

Problems & Issues

The grid forms the guideline and the base supporting elements of the above levels, which determines the size of the each areas. For example, on the second floor, the columns are used to support the balcony and corridor (area in brown) and its width is the spacing between columns, while the area of working studios (area in yellow) are identical, also guided by the column spacing. Space other that does not lay on top of the archive area are mostly supported by solid wall incorporating with the existing wall. However the void of atrium are also supported by columns to spread vertical loads. They spaced slightly wider than those of the archive.

A secondary structural support as framework or as load-bearing walls are better alternatives to ensure the building can stand on itself without imposing too much loads on the existing. 2. Columns Spacing The spacing between columns in the main library hall area is not even that the central core void is not located in the middle of the space. This also varies the dimensions of floor slabs. Amendment on spacing might be needed to improve the situation.

3. Number of columns It is also arguable that whether the archive area need close spaced columns and large amount of columns as they are only supporting 1 to 2 storeys in which part of the floors are open spaces. There are not much heavy loads on it compare to those supporting 4 floors in the main library atrium.

2.5 IDENTIFYING TARGET AREAS DIFFERENT ZONES The structural foundation might varies according to the function and physical context of the areas.

1. General space in the building In general, the buildings stand on the ground surface of the site along with the existing wall structure. Therefore, it is essential to know how do the existing walls stands on the land, especially the Arsenale area was likely a reclaimed land.

2. North Entrance The north entrance however, is not standing on any ground surface as it projected from the walls. Therefore, it might need other measure to ensure it stands in place without reclaiming land by adding soil to the lagoon to create a bed for it to secure on. A floating solution might be a better option. 3. Basement Archive The archive is another typical zone that required attentions, as it sink below ground that have risk of facing flooding when the water level rises in Venice. The area needs to avoid the penetration of water as it contains precious documentation that need to avoid any damages. Therefore, it might need other measures to secure the area against high water level.

Ground Floor Plan

+/- 0.0m

2.6

H O W B U IL D IN GS IN V EN IC E WER E B U ILT

The ground was composed by different layers that the first layers of were soft and loose that cannot with hold the weight of building. Therefore, wooden pile with about 18m were driven into deep mud layer. They even reached to the harder caranto layer composed by clay and sand.

FOUNDATION

Why wooden foundation can resist water without rotting? Wood only root when exposed to water and oxygen. As the poles are driven very deep underwater, they hardly exposed to oxygen and therefore degradation of wood does not happen.

Above the wooden piles are the beams that hold the actual stone foundation that stays underground and the brick walls or columns on top.

Also, the water carried an extremely large amount of silt. The wood absorbed the sediment and quickly petrified into basically stone at an accelerated pace.

While the wooden beams and poles stay in the mud layer and "caranto" layer, only the stones have contact with the water and air. The property of stone reacts with the water and air and goes into mineralization process that further harder the stone, and therefore the support of the building. This foundation is usually construction to hold heavy brick masonry.

Problems Rising tide due to global warming was a big issue to Venice as it has been sinking over years and increases the possibility of flooding. Based on the understanding on how traditionally buildings were built on water in Venice and the current environmental issue it faces that affects the stability and durability of building structure, measures on how construction were built against flooding will be proceeded to research to have a stronger awareness on the structural solution of my proposed building.

(mitchtestone)

PILED RAF T FOUNDATION

SUPERSTRUCTURE

RAFTER The Venetian building foundation is similar to a piled raft foundation as it involves piles to hold the structure deeply underground.

PILES

Weak compressible layers

The piled raft foundation is a deep foundation that helps transferring loads through weak, compressible layers or water onto stronger, more compact, less compressible and stiffer soil or rock at depth. The material of piles in contemporary construction are normally reinforced concrete or steel.

Stronger compressible layers

The raft is actually a formed by a reinforced concrete slab of uniform thickness (typically 150-300 mm) covering a wide area, often the entire footprint of a building. It spreads the load imposed by a number of columns or walls over the area of foundation.

40mm

10mm

60mm

2.7

BUIL DIN G ON WATE R AMPHIBIOUS ARCHITECTURE Amphibious architecture is a kind is sustainable flood mitigation strategy that allows a structure float on the surface of rising flood water rather than surrendering to flood. https://www.baca.uk.com/amphibious-house.html

PRECEDENT

AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE Foundation allows floating LOCATION: Buckinghamshire, UK ARCHITECT: Baca Architects YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2015 It is located adjacent to the River Thames in Marlow. It is considered an innovative approach to tackle extreme flooding. The 250 tonne house sit on a purpose made dock which is able to rise up to 2.7m when a flood occurs, while remaining connected to all utilities through flexible servicing.

https://www.construction21.org/case-studies/h/the-thames-amphibious-house.html The diagrams show how initially the house is sit on the basement in normal situation, then due to the rising water level, the house is raised when water fills into the hollow gap between the house and the base. While the water is continue raised, the house is fixed by guide pipe that maintain the vertical relationship between the house and the base.

HOUSE

FLOATING POSITION

The height of water level and land level is the key of the design, so as the weight of the house, they determined the calculation of floating device and the depth of the foundation base. The measurements affect the effectiveness of amphibious housing solution. Therefore it is essential to keep in mind with the actual height of water level in relation to the adjacent land surface.

1% AEP WITH CLIMATE CHANGE ALLOWANCE (+20% ON RIVERFLOWS: +28.42)

GROUND LEVEL (+26.2) BUOYANCY LEVEL (+25.7)) RIVER WATER LEVEL (+24.8)

STATIC POSITION

Buoyant Foundation The building apply a solution similar to the Buoyant foundation, which proposed by the Buoyant foundation Project. It is a type of amphibious foundation to allow the building to float as high as necessary during floods while remaining on the ground in normal conditions. The system requires 3 basic elements: 1. Buoyancy blocks underneath the house: provide flotation 2. Vertical guideposts: prevent the house from going anywhere except straight up and down 3. A structural sub-frame: ties everything together

(amphibious-architecture-foundations)

In additional, the system can strength by having basements that acts like a retaining wall to removed the weight of the soil imposed on the structure, similar to what the precedent shows. The concrete base that retain the surrounding soil to allow the house stands on its foundation freely. Also, connection to the utilities (water, power) need to be considered whether they are expandable or detached.

PRECEDENT

FLOATING HOUSE STEEL PONTOON LOCATION: Canada ARCHITECT: MOS Architects YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2005 It is a house that located at an island on Lake Huron which is a unique site that posed environmental constrain but gives spectacular views to the site. As the water level of Lake Huron varies drastically from month-tomonth, year-to-year, the house floats atop a structure of steel pontoons, allowing it to fluctuate along with the lake.

It is an airtight hollow structure that also designed to provide buoyancy in water and held in place by vertical poles. Steel frame brace are designed to contain the pontoon as well as forming the structural base for the structure above. As the site is remote, the house is prefabricated and built on site by securing the main structure to the floating base.

Pontoon

Steel frame brace

PONTOON APPLICATIONS The application of pontoon is used in a lot of water docks that allow walking on a water surface pathway. These are some of the different ways that they are installed anchored to the bed of the sea. There are also different types of pontoons: steel/ plastic tube and modular. One of the key element is the frame and bracing of pontoon, they are normally timber of steel members, but is essential to hold separate pontoons in place. Also the structure and claddings need to be lightweight as heavyweight material or structure impose more loads which is not desirable for surface that are floating. The water bus station in Venice also apply the usage of pontoon to create an "island" for the water bus to park and allow people to get on them. It is noticeable that the application involves 3 giant wooden poles on each side of the pontoon to secure its position in relation to the coast. The bridge linking between them is flexible in height, making the station accessible even the water level varies.

Ground

Bridge Wooden poles

Station (box on pontoon)

SUSTAINABILITY As the main purpose of the pontoon is to float on water, there are other substitute that perform the same effect but in a more sustainable way as it remove the process of manufacturing steel/ plastic pontoons, instead , replaced by using recycle materials. The Jellyfish Barge built by H&P Architects in Vieman uses recycled plastic drums as the foundation to support the structure on top. It reduce the cost of construction as well and maintaining its environmental friendly scheme. It has a octagon timber framework to hold the plastic drums in position, while forming the base supporting structure for laying covering of the green house. Timber frame is a lightweight structure aid the performance of a floating device. However, it is suspected that the bed of river is rather shallow to allow the drums float on the river stably.

As it depends on the natural supply of sunlight and water, it does not rely on services and other supplies. Its minimal reliance on human services gives ways for a more innovative and sustainable solution that maintain its simplicity. This inspires to consider a detached or self- sustain element in the building.

2.8

A P PL ICATION Based on the research on the foundations solutions that target the coastal area, dealing with both support, distributing loads and solving the issue of flooding, the proposed library involves some of the approaches and tries to integrate different solution according to the identified areas. As small and individual part of the library will affects the rest of the structure, the following proposal about the solution of how does the building stand will be discussed in order of North entrance, then the archive area, the rest of the space in the library and conclude by an overall integrated plan.

AREA

NORTH ENTRANCE Make use of recycled material which possess the concept of survival that those materials are not useless or become trash, instead they are able to sustain its properties and serve as one of the element of the library.

AREA

ARCHIVE To secure the books and avoid damages caused by flooding and water, the buoyant foundation is suitable to tackle the problem to keep the area float on water instead roof sinking into it. However, the archive is supporting the book binding and printing workshop on top which occupies2 levels (about 6m)as well as an extra balcony corridor on the 2nd floor.

If the whole ground footprint is using the buoyant foundation, it might have issues regarding to the vertical and relationship to the first floor and the horizontal circulation on the first and second floor. Therefore, the space arrangement might need to change based on the supports the archive area offers.

Original Scheme

2nd Floor Area

1st Floor Area

Make use of recycled material which possess the concept of survival that those materials are not useless or become trash, instead they are able to sustain its properties and serve as one of the element of the library.

SOLUTION The idea is applied in the building scheme that the archive is composed by layers of wall. The outermost layer is the layer that secure and support the level above, and middle layer is to frame the archive space, in which it is divided into 2 areas. The innermost layer is the partitions of different archive rooms that allows different storage conditions. The archive foundation happens in the middle layer which allows them free from the general building supporting system and stands on their own structure that copes with water and flooding.

ARCHIVE SPACE 1

ARCHIVE SPACE 2

AREA

03 Original Scheme

GENERAL SPACE OF THE BUILDING Wrong thickness of existing wall as ancient walls are composed by layers of bricks that create depth unlike modern wall construction that only contain 2 layers of wall with cavity and insulation in between. Therefore it is necessary to get the measurement correct in order to fit the proposed building in to the site as well as creates more comprehensive design. Total thickness: (102.5 x 5) +(215 x 4) + (10 x 8) = 1452.5mm The above calculation is based on UK standard brick dimension. As the dimension of Venetian bricks are slightly larger, the approximate thickness of the wall would be 1500mm. 102.5mm 215mm Mortar: 10mm

Resolution

The new scheme correct the issue of existing wall thickness, as well as solve the irregular spacing of the grid. Slabs are spaced either 6000mm or 9000mmor 12000mm in length. However, their width might different depends on the position they stand as part of them are angled instead of regular rectangle shape.

As the archive area uses a different foundation approach, the plan show their difference by leaving the space white. Their incorporation will be discussed on next part of this section.

This is a section cutting at G,but not in scale, it is a brief idea of how those columns and thick wall will be related and distributed in the scheme,

SKETCH OF OVERALL IDEA

2.9 OVERALL FOUNDATIONS SCHEME 4 different foundations can be seen in the building scheme based on their functionality and material properties. They corporate with each other to support different part of the building that allows the building work as a whole.

PONTOON

EXISTING PILED FOUNDATION

BUOYANT FOUNDATION

PIL ED R AFT F OUND ATION

2 .1 0 SLOPING ROOF & CEILINGS

The current condition of the site can trace the existence of the rafters , - Possible number of rafters originally: 30 - Span: 28 m - The space of main library space, which lies under possibly 12 rafters

Form of roof: Different kind of sloping roof of surrounding buildings is presented around the site, therefore it is suitable to design with sloped roof instead of flat, but to find ways to differentiate it from the surrounding. Some incorporating roof light and windows after in modern adaption to capture more lights as they have been remodel to serve different purposes like office which require certain degree of light. The main construction type id Steel and timber trusses. This could be some inspiration of how the roof will be constructed. In order to merge with the concept and initial response to the site, the building will be angled in 2 different ways that it spread and break through the wall in 2 directions. The rafters will be exposed to show continuity and suggest infinite. The model shows a updated draft version of how the building will look like, especially the formation of roof.

2.11 GENERAL CONCEPT TO TECHNICAL ISSUES

Separate structural system, columns

Exposed rafters extending the indoor roof

Floating on top of water and appear

placed away from the existing wall to

line to the exterior, continuing externally

leaving it position compare to the

support the new built itself. This avoid

which suggest a feeling of infinite

secured archive.

adding more loads to the old walls as

expansion, that matches with the concept

its structural condition is unknown. It

of spreading and distributing.

also bound to the concept of breaking through controls

03 ENVELOP E S T UD IES

3.1

INTRODUCTION This section will study the how the skin layers of the building is composed and incorporating with the structural system and complete a 1.20 detailed section drawing to explain its composition. Some precedent studies have been done before deciding the building material, they are record in the Appendix as they are not very relevant to the project scheme, but as a process of my research.

3.2

FOCUS ENVELOPE DESIGN NORTH ENTRANCE CHARACTERISTIC As the building sits within the wall and as identified previously, the focus is on the connection between the old and new, the envelope study is about the new construction layers.

AREAS TO INVESTIGATE 1. Property of material choice

As the entrance area is floating on the water, it takes a lot of moisture which will influence the life span and functionality of the building, it is necessary to use material that stays long without huge damage. May check on water resistant and sustainability

The reason of choosing the north entrance as the main envelope study is that it is the most exposed area to the lagoon, which is the striking and immediate building layer any users encounter when approaching the building.

2. How the building is floated on the water

It also has level changes as it stands on the water and float along it, therefore it will be interesting to make decision on how the floating is connected to the static.

(has discussed in the structural study)

3. How to attached the entrance to the existing wall? As the entrance floats, its height changes according to time, but the interior of the building has a stable rigid floor. Therefore it needs devices to joint 2 different characteristics together

4. Curtain wall connection to the exiting structure

Through combining the solution of these focus study areas, as well as it structural solution, a detail envelope drawings can draw the conclusion

3.3

BUILDING MATERIALS : TIMBER CL ADDING

INSE

MATERIAL 100% Solid Accoya® wood

ACCOYA WOOD PROPERTIES

DURABILITY

BENEFITS

EN 113 Class 1 (the highest rating). It is an effective barrier against a broad spectrum of fungi including cellar, wet rot, dry rot, soft rot, white, brown and pore fungi.

EQUILIBRIUM MOISTURE CONTENT

It is claimed to have outstanding durability that lasting 50 years above ground 25 years in-ground or freshwater contact naturally insulated, better thermal performance than commonly used softwood / hardwood consistent quality on every panels From sustainable sources, FSC,and regionally certificated renewable

Fibre cement is a vapour permeable material and in marine areas or areas with high humidity and moisture, it can significantly reduce the risk of condensation It is naturally non-combustible and will not support the spread of flame - most products are Class 0 to BS 476 and Class A2 (noncombustible) to BS EN 13501 Wide range of option in colours and form and textures Life expectancy is in excess of 50 years in normal atmosphere and can is recyclable. It is a long term, low maintenance, weather resistant and durable solution Lightweight compare to masonry, especially when it is used as rainscreen claddings. When it is used as rainscreen system, it achieve excellent thermal performance with little thermal bridging

3 – 5 % at 65% relative humidity, 20°C

DENSITY AND SPREAD 65% RH, 20°C, Average 512 kg/m³, Range 432 to 592 kg/m³

WET – 65% RH, 20°C

WET – OVEN DRY

Radial 0.4%

Radial 0.7%

Tangential 0.8%

Tangential 1.5%

FIRE RATING Class C (ASTM E84) and D (EN14915). Accoya® wood can be firetreated to meet higher requirements.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY = 0.12 W/m∙K

BENDING STRENGTH EN 408, 40 N/mm²

BENDING STIFFNESS EN 408, 8800 N/mm²

JANKA HARDNESS ASTM D143, Side 4100 N, End grain 6600 N

https://www.accoya.com/

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APPLICATION TECHNICAL DETAILS

The external cladding of this building is timber shiplap claddings. They are slotted in with each other to create a larger surface, and they were supported by 2 layer of timber battens that cross over with each other. Timber claddings are normally clad horizontally, but it application of how they are installed are quite similar even their orientation are different. The area uses a rainscreen system that cavity between layers will drain the water The area colored in blue indicates the spot where water are drained out from the wall. It incorporates a 1.5 mm aluminum drip edge and it was painted in black to match with the wall claddings.

Timspec

PRECEDENT

RESIDENTIAL AND OFFICE BUILDING IN STRASBOURG Location: Strasbourg, France Architect:Dominique Coulon & AssociĂŠs

RELATION TO PROJECT As the design process of the project is further developed, materiality becomes a key factor that influence and aid the design stage. By identifying the site as a context that is more suitable to hold light weight construction, it limits some of the heavy weight options like concrete and stone. Timber and steel frame structure are more suitable. This precedent has a vertical timber cladding facade incorporating with different sizes of openings which is similar to what I would like to achieve in the building envelope, as the contrast between the horizontal brick layers of the existing wall and the vertical wooden strips would appear as intervening with each visually. Therefore this precedent is chosen to understand how the envelope is composed.

Wall construction (from out to in) • 36 mm charred larchwood boarding w. shiplap joints • 40/40 mm horizontal battens • 30/30 mm vertical battens • diffusion-open breather membrane • 2× 120 mm mineral wool thermal insulation • 200 mm reinforced concrete wall

DETAILS PROPERTIES The area uses a rainscreen system that cavity between layers will drain the water the area coloured in blue indicates the spot where water are drained out from the wall. It incorporates a 1.5 mm aluminum drip edge and it was painted in black to match with the wall claddings. The external cladding of this building is timber shiplap claddings. They are slotted in with each other to create a larger surface, and they were supported by 2 layer of timber battens that cross over with each other.

It is noticeable that the wall layer is rather thick as both concrete load bearing structure and timber frame presence, which expands the wall thickness to about 500mm. Another interesting fact is the different approach to the window glazing. In construction and wall layout, part of the wall can create a temporary shading devoice.

Timber claddings are normally clad horizontally, but it application of how they are installed are quite similar even their orientation are different.

PRECEDENT

GRĂ&#x201A;NDOL A MEETING CENTER Location: GrĂ˘ndola, Portugual Architect: Aires Mateus

RELATION TO PROJECT The architecture has a minimalistic appearance that appear to have solid carving out to create void for each entrances and openings. The interior is slightly more complex as it involves series of filter form ceiling as the surfaces that guide and soften the light in to the interior. Some connect to the roof window that allow daylight going in, some has light fittings along the sloped ceiling. Based on the previous inspiration on layered wall and openings, it might be intriguing to have some exaggeration on wall absence. Imposing void especially for the entrance similar to this precedent might have the effect of welcoming people and mark the start of the spatial experience. Although the building is possibly build in concrete, it is not ideal to have bulky and overthick walls to present void as it might imposed too much weight that the land cannot bear, especially the Arsenale area is a reclaimed land. This precedent shows how the idea is achieved without imposing thick concrete ceiling and walls.

2 2

ROOF CONSTRUCTION

2 2

3 3

FORM DIFFERENCE The red line illustrates the difference in level and form of the ceiling and rooftop. There might be gap between the elements raises the concern of the performance of air trapped in between and how it was structurally sealed to compose a light but sculptural roof instead of a thick heavy roof.

Another focus will based on its draining system, it will be discussed in Analysis 02 of precedent.

4 4

The following will be focusing on the entrance of the building as it consists of the junction where the roof and wall meets and as well as the connection to the glazed door.

5 5

SECTION THROUGH ENTRANCE

Roof construction: • Liquid plastic seal • 20 mm levelling mortar • 100 mm reinforced concrete • 50 mm thermal insulation • Double layer bitumen membrane • 20 mm lightweight concrete to falls • 160 mm reinforced concrete slab The liquid plastic seal applying to the concrete is to give roof construction additional stability and to minimize temperature related stresses in the roof skin.

Inner ceiling construction: • Gypsum plaster • 30mm mineral wool insulation • 12.5 mm plasterboard acoustic ceiling • Substructure 60/27 mm sheet steel channel

Wall construction: • 10 mm acrylic resin smooth render • 60 mm EPS thermal insulation • 200mm Concrete 8

OUT Ground floor construction: • Resin coating • 50 mm reinforced screed • Separation layer • 60 mm EPS thermal insulation • 100mm reinforced concrete slab • Plastic void formers max. 200 mm • 100 mm reinforced concrete slab • PE film • 50 mm concrete levelling layer, not

reinforced

• • It is noticeable that floor slab consists of 2

layers pf reinforced concrete with plastic void former in between. Although it is an expensive measure, the architect claimed it is effective against rising damp from the earth.

3.4

BUILDING MATERIALS : GL AZINGS CURTAIN WALL The other side of the entrance, is the curtain wall facing the courtyard which gives views to the exterior. As is it fully glazed up to 8m, the glazing should be planned to Therefore this section explores relevant structural system to support the glazed layer. There are mainly 2 types of curtain wall system: Unitised construction and Stick construction, in which the former one is laying prefabricated glass panels on railings while the latter one is installing pieces by piece on site and the building is going to be installed by stick construction.

3.5

CONNECTION: MOVABLE DEVICE AT TACH THE FLOATING IDENTIFYING THE ISSUE As the entrance is on a floating pontoon, its level changes according to the water level that varies over the day and year. This brings in the issue of how the floating entrance can be securely attached to the wall instead of floating away. Another issue is the connection for floor levels since there is a difference in floor level between the entrance and the building interior, as well as the mesh pathway along the wall. It is also essential to know the height of the water level difference in Venice throughout the year to work out the size of the openings on the wall and the entrance so that it allows access throughout the year no matter how the water level changes. Normal water level

When high tide occurs

Diagram are not in scale

TRICA

COMPONENTI VERT-MOVE VERT-MOVE COMPONENTS

cod. 304564100

E AUTOMATION

cod. 30450....

MECCANISMO VERT-MOVE / VERT-MOVE MECHANISM

Guida DX Right guide

cod. 304564100

Guida SX Left guide

Centro ricerche sviluppo laboratorio prove settore legno/arredo

TESTATO PER 50.000 CICLI TESTED FOR 50.000 CYCLES

APERTURA MANUALE MANUAL OPENING

BARRA DI COLLEGAMENTO 15x15 / CONNECTION BAR 15x15

CARATTERISTICHE / CHARACTERISTICS

MECCANISMO VERT-MOVE / VERT-MOVE MECHANISM

cod. 619....14

Anta / Door

S 95.5

95.5 + S

Vano interno Internal space

Furniture of a vertical sliding cupboard is 740 therefore foundweigth and use as inspiration.HThe Peso anta / Door cod. 304564000 system railings and bars. max. 18 consists Kg P of a pair of Prof. Interno vano - min. 100 mm Altezza / Height space depth - min. 100 mm H. 740 mm This is the Internal example mechanism of the product VERT- MOVE, which is has a hidden installation of the siding device. The sliding mechanism is Max. 13 Kg archived by the guides and motor. This inspire the design as water is the force of pushing the building up which act similarly to the kinetic force to open the sliding screen of teh cupboard

H 740 P Prof. Interno vano - min. 100 mm Internal space depth - min. 100 mm VERT- MOVE

Altezza / Height

Peso anta / Door weigth max. 13 Kg

H. 740 mm

Tutte le dimensioni si riferiscono alla misura del VAN All dimensions refer to the size of the IN

As there area no to the solution of how the floating Max.building 18 Kg can move up and down 440 following to the water level at the sameH 460 time 560 680 maintaining connection with a another fixed part of a building,LI choose to find similar Altezza / Height H. 440 mm - 460 mm vano - Lunghezza a piacere applicationInterno asspace inspiration to suggest how H. 560 mm - 680 mm Inside - Width to pleasure can the entrance slide along the wall that maintaining its connection no matter what condition.

All dimensions refer to the size of the INSIDE SPACE cod. 619....14

Altezza / Height

TESTATO PER 50.000 CICL TESTED FOR 50.000 CYCLES

CARATTERISTICHE / CHARACTERISTICS

100 KIT MOTORIZZAZIONE radiocomando) H. 440 (comprensivo mm - 460 mmdi min. 560remote mm - 680 mm ENGINE TYPE KITH.(with control)

Interno vano - Lunghezza a piacere Inside space - Width to pleasure

Centro ricerche sviluppo laboratorio prove settore legno/arredo

cod. 30450....

Top

H.440/460 560/680/760

RAILING

IDEA OF INTERNO POSSIBLE SOLUTION Tutte le dimensioni si riferiscono alla misura del VANO

BARRA DI COLLEGAMENTO 15x15 / CONNECTION BAR 15x15

440 460 H 560 680

RP 94842

Max. 1

Peso anta / D max. 18 Kg

Max. 1

Peso anta / D max. 13 Kg

3.6 APPLICATIONS

APPLICATION

2500

2760 2400

In order to secure the connection between the space on ground and the entrance that floats on water, it is possible to apply a similar railing device to guide the entrance move vertically influenced by the water level so that it would not float away from the building. The key is to know the difference in water level of Venice so as to work out the length of the railing track and the ramp between 2 walking surfaces.

2500

2760 2400

THE IN BETWEEN 1 IN & OUT

BALCONY

ROOM

This is the section illustrating the transition spaces from indoor to external and show how vertically these elements are related and supported by the ground foundational and framing Drawing in scale of 1:50

COURTYARD

CORRIDOR

PRINTING STUDIO

THE IN BETWEEN 2 STRUCTURE This section shows the structure in between 2 existing walls. The columns partly stand away from the wall and leave a gap in between. The wall also house the steps progression to the entrance hall. It is a dynamic space as the space in between is quite narrow which makes that part looks like a tower and the connection between the 2 is important in the scheme. Drawing in scale of 1:50

NORTH ENTRANCE ENVELOPE OUTSIDE THE WALL Based on the relevant researches on structural supports and envelope design, this is a detail scheme of how the floating entrance is constructed and attached to the existing wall surfaces to serve as the main access of from the lagoon. *The 3D drawing is not is scale, it is adjusted to fit in the page, a 1:20 version is presented on panel and attached at the end of the document

Highest tide (Approximate +0.8m) Slope gradient: minimal level change Normal water level (Assumed as +/-0.0m) Slope gradient: 1: 15 Lowest tide (Approximate -0.3m) Slope gradient: 1: 12

Roof

Wall construction

Foundation: Floating platform

EPDM roof membrane (adhered)

19mm Vertical Timber Shiplap cladding

Timber decking: 25 x 200mm

200mm insulation

36mm Horizontal Timber Battens

Square Battens: 60 x 60mm

Water proof membrane

23mm Vertical Counter battens

Timber framing

100 mm concrete on trapezoidal profiled

Damp Proof membrane

Plastic Pontoon: diameter 600 mm

sheeting

200mm Mineral wool insulation

**Platform partly secured by timber piles

25mm Plaster board

45mm mineral wool Insulation 25mm Plaster board

SCALE: 1:5 How it works with tides and connects to the building and existing elements . Issuing the new on the old

• 19mm Timber Shiplap cladding • 36mm battens • 23mm Counter battens • Cavity in between battens • DPM • 200mm Mineral wool insulation • 45mm mineral wool Insulation • 25mm Plaster board • 1.5 mm aluminium drip edge • Timber lintel

• Metal clipping

• Timber blocks

• Timber blocks at 1:20 fall

• Angled timber fillet

• EPDM roof membrane

• 200mm Insulation

• Railing

• Concrete roof slab • Interior plaster lining

ENTRANCE HALL Scale: 1:50

CORRIDOR

ENTRANCE HALL ENVELOPE BEYOND THE WALL

After the entry from lagoon and walking up the steps, is the entrance hall that welcomes people by revealing courtyard view through curtain glazing. It is a space of first impression and have immediate contact with the existing. The drawings explore the construction of this space in different scale to show the details of connections.

1 ROOF TO EXISTING WALL

2 CURTAIN WALL TO ROOF

Metal clipping

Timber block

Transom

Angle fillet

Mullion

EPDM sheet

Double Glazing

Insulation

White painted steel column

DPM

3 CURTAIN WALL TO FLOOR

Concrete slab Suspended ceiling Footing Concrete slab Insulation Steel beam

All Scaled in 1:10

04 ENVIRONMENTA L S T RAT EGY: HEATING, COOLING & VENTILATION

U-VALUES CURRENT SITUATION Researches on the material properties and in relation to climate and environmental characteristics of the Arsenale area were done by the. The research investigated the Tezone 105 in Arsenale, which is an near the site. As the building were constructed in similar masonry approaches, it can be speculated that they possess similar condition in terms of the effects of building materials. Therefore, the research paper is referenced to have a brief understanding of the current situation of the existing wall layers to make suitable design approach in response. From the research, it concluded that ... The thermal conductivity of the existing wall can be calculate as... Design indications: - Pay attention to the strengthen the thermal - Humidity control - Should aim to achieve correct U-value accordingly

(Approved Document L2A, 2013 edition, pp. 34)

4.2

S T RATE GIES 4

INITIAL CL ASSIFICATION The building need to incorporate different ventilation approaches in different area of the building in order to create better performances throughout the whole building.

2 3

1/F

The design include an enclose archive area on the ground floor, studios and workshops on the first and second floor, and an open main library hall throughout the first to forth floor. They each need different ventilation system to aid their operation. 3 types of ventilation system are identified accordingly to serve their purpose:

1. Temperature controlled mechanical 2. 3. 4.

ventilation Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) Natural ventilation Courtyard impact

The following sections will explain the applied ventilation system according to the 3 targeted spaces in the library.

G/F 89

TEMPERATURE & RELATIVE HUMIDITY

AREA

The rate of decay reaction is affected by temperature and humidity levels. Warm and damp conditions increase the speed of decay. Temperature

ARCHIVE ISSUES

Books damage from dampness

As the library is about preserving and reissuing forgotten and rare books, there is a high possibility that they include historical books and books with limited or rare copies that require well preservation and handling with care. Strong and direct sunlight on books can lead to deterioration in quality of paper and text on books while unstable degree of moisture and temperature can also lead to book. Therefore, the environment that store precious books should be highly controlled in terms of moisture and temperature, which lead to the consideration on the ventilation strategy of that particular space, that is the archive area.

Relative Humidity (RH) is a percentage of the amount of water vapour held in a specific amount of air in actual environment compare to that in a potential situation with the same temperature and pressure. Therefore, temperature and RH are closely related, raising the temperature will decrease the RH and vice versa. It is essential to monitor the temperature. Hot dry conditions can result in collections cracking and splitting. Paper may turn yellow and break, especially when handled.

Documents destroyed by extreme weather conditions and insect infestations (photo by Dr. Kyle Jackson)

Damp conditions will lead to paper absorbing moisture and as a result it will expand. Books can be badly damaged by this process as individual leaves will warp and the book will swell.

From the information, the temperature of Venice varies over the year in Winter and Summer 20 degree, it is not a stable factor to the archive storage and it demand stability. While Venice is humid that its average humidity is over 70% all over the year, this posts threats to the books as well, as the condition of paper is affected by condensation of the air causes by humidity. Therefore, based on these climate information, it is essential to have a system to control these variable factors to ensure an ideal condition to store fragile and important books.

(Venice, Weather Atlas)

SOLUTION:

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED VENTIL ATION PRECEDENTS The British library control and monitor their archive collection regularly that its Preservation Advisory Centre collected data from the library and produce a guide, Managing the library and archive environment, explaining their measures to their archive. Temperature is being monitored in the library environment, for controlled or restricted access space with valuable collections, the temperature is lower, controlled between 13 and 18Â°C. Complying to the British standard of maintaining the whole library between 35 to 60% in relative humidity, the library achieve RH around 50%.

British Library Archive

According to the report form Wall Street Journal, the renovation of Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library applies a similar temperature and humidity controlled approach over its archive. The tower of rare books is completely sealed with glass and controlled at around 18 Â°C and 45% humidity. This ensure the protection on fragile manuscripts, but still allow activities within the tower in a cooler environment.

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Archive

RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS A book, Air quality criteria for storage of paper-based archival records, also gives detail guidelines on how to create a good condition for archival storage. The table mainly show the suggested temperature and RH, while there are other guidelines given :

1. Recommended air circulation rate:

6 air changes per hour (ACH), to provide proper air distribution in the records

2. Pressurization control should be applied

so that the storage facility operates under a slight positive pressure with respect to adjacent indoor areas and to the outdoors.

3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dry-bulb temperatures should be

maintained at the lowest acceptable temperature in archival storage facilities to reduce the rates of deterioration of paper-based material.â&#x20AC;?

4. Relative humidity should be maintained

within limits of 35 to 45 percent to control paper flexibility and microbial growth.

5. Stability of temperature and relative

humidity control within narrow limits is needed to reduce fatigue cycles and minimize deterioration rates of paperbased material.

6. As a general rule it is best to ensure that

air circulation is possible behind and around stacks and shelves. PD5454:2012 recommends an air gap of at least 150mm between collections and the building fabric, and 50mm between collections and the shelf above.

(Air quality criteria for storage of paper-based archival records)

CONDITION

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

Summer

23°c (average high temperature: 27°c)

72%

Winter

5°c (average low temperature: 0°c)

79%

Target

18-24°c

Relative Humidity: 45%

APPLICATION To control the environment of the archive, temperature controlled ventilation system is applied in form of air conditioning system. This allows the area free from the influence of variable factors on temperature and humidity. As indicated in blue lines in the plan, it is the first layer that secure the archive and the controlled ventilation system is applied within the area. It will be controlled between 1824°c, and 45% in relative humidity. The red rectangle are the second layer of the archive that further manage the environmental condition. They allow individual rooms to have slightly different condition on temperature and relative humidity control (might be a difference between 5°c allowance) as books from different regions of the world and different historical period might require separate treatment. Books with similar conditions and storage requirement can be stored in the same room and control under the same condition. Ducts and electric that assist the system and supply to the 3 rooms in each container can be held in the grey L-shape gap.

AREA

PRINTING STUDIO

(COSHH essentials for printers: Digital (ink-jet) printing P39, HSE)

ISSUE

SOLUTION:

MECHANICAL EXTRACT VENTIL ATION (MEV)

As the partner element of the library is publishing books, it involves workshop and studio space for printing, both traditional movable type press printing and digital printing. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified the activity of printing involve chemical handing process and digital printing, which also named as ink-jet printing involves: Chemical substance: Methyl ethyl ketone Propanol

Room

Extract rate

Rooms containing printers and photocopiers in substantial use (greater than 30 minutes per hour)

Air extract rate of 20l/s per machine during use.

Office sanitary accommodation and washrooms

Intermittent air extract rate of 15l/s per shower/bath 6l/s per WC urinal

Note that, if the operators are in the room continuously, use the greater of the extract and whole building ventilation rates

GUIDELINES

Leading to potential health effects of : • Abnormal heart rhythm and rate(high concentration) • Affects liver and kidneys on long-term exposure • Dizziness, drowsiness and other effects on the central nervous system

The work space need to comply with the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation 2002 (COSHH) to control exposure to chemicals and protecting worker’s health. The COSHH Essentials sets out basic advice on what to do to control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace and targeted printing industry as section P.

Therefore, there is an urge of ventilate the space properly to prevent hazard to health issues.

These are some of the guidelines listed for printing activities:

• “Provide good facilities for washing, skin care and for taking refreshments”

• “Provide a good standard of general

ventilation. Use powered wall or window mounted fans to supply fresh air – 5 to 10 air changes per hour, with a through draught”

The printer’s guide to health and safety, issued by HSE also draws some guidelines on the workspace for printing. The Building Regulation Approved Document F: Ventilation has drawn some guidelines on workspace Extract ventilators should be located as high as practicable and preferably less than 400 mm below the ceiling. This will tend to remove pollutants from the breathing zone of the occupants as well as increase the effectiveness of extracting buoyant pollutants and water vapour

1/F

APPLICATION Calculation of air change per hour

Section!

AREA

MAIN LIBRARY HALL REQUIREMENT Other than the previous mentioned area that require mechanical ventilation to regulate the environment of the space for books and people, the library has a dominant open plan for the book collection area which appears similarly as an atrium space from the first to the forth floor. In terms The atrium space therefore require suitable amount of sunlight as well as a well ventilation system to incorporate with the deep hight between spaces. Natural ventilation strategy is applied in this space to create fresh and between the lower and upper part of the building.

SOLUTION:

ATRIUM STACK VENTILATION The atrium is another method that tried to capture lights within the site which influences the building's thermal and ventilation at the same time . The main reason of incorporating atrium to the space is to catch sunlight in a higher level that would not affect by the existing wall as the main site constrain. The atrium make use of roof lights that capture light all the time throughout the day. As lights also contain heat energy, this might potentially over heat up the space if accumulating. Therefore, the atrium incorporate a mechanical system partly opening up its roof window to ventilate the air.

Light is brought into the space by the atrium and diffused by means of the balustrade surrounding the atrium to potentially reflects and spreads lights more into each levels, as the side of each level is quite deep and the building can hardly catch light from the south without breaking the existing wall. It therefore diverse some of the heat in to levels,instead of absorbing and transferring them all. Hot air accumulates and rises to the top level and escape through the openings which appear as a stack ventilation system.

Also as hot air rises to the highest point of a building and leave accordingly on that specific spot, some air might not escape from the roof window as it is not at the highest point of the whole building. The 2 end of the roof line are the highest instead. Therefore, openings should be added on these two areas to make the design effective in ventilation.

AREA

D AYLIGHT & S HADING

COURTYARD DAY In day time , cool air is pulled from the lagoon to the building while the Sunlight gives heat to the courtyard and while providing natural daylight at the same time. Part of the heat gained further heat up the cool air within the building gradually throughout the day and the heat received by the courtyard will release in the same spots after absorbing some heat to the floor. The private space of the however has single way ventilation as it is cantilevered on the wall that only the door opening is connected to the studio, so it is not effective in transmitting cool air through ventilation. As mentioned, ground level of the building partly goes underground and include the archive where precious books are stored, it has a separate system of heating and cooling. This will be mentioned at in section ().

NIGHT According to the form of roof that sloping inward to the courtyard and cool air sinks, in night time, the cool air will follow the direction of roof and sink into the courtyard. The cool air radiation will enter the interior space through low level openings and escape through higher level openings. Most of the warm air will release and radiant to back to the sky, even the heat trapped by different massing materials. The whole process of letting the courtyard cooling air ensure the heat would not stay overnight. It keeps its building capable to perform its ability to deal with heating and cooling.

4.3

L I G H T & H EAT SHADING DEVICES CURRENT SITUATION The building does not require a huge amount of shading device as the main daylight strategy of it is not trying to capture sunlight through south orientation. This decision is due to the respect and adaption to the existing site features, which is the thick wall. The wall blocks sunlight up to 12 m above ground level. However, the private space for studio space to rest not contain within the wall, but cantilevered on the wall surface, that it can catches south light by applying glazing and in which shading devices can be applied there as it should be a space that comfortable in resting for people to stay long. Another apparent shading device is the extended roof structure which block some direct sunlight from the South through the facade. As the new entrance part is closely situated with the existing wall, excess solar gain through openings will make the narrow space hot and not desirable. Therefore the openings and roof structures overhang prevent such situation and add depth to the facade aesthetically.

PRIVATE SPACE FOR STUDIO

ENTRANCE TOWER

100

101

102

05 FIR E S AFETY

103

5.2

MEANS OF ESCAPE

OCCUPANT CAPACITY The total occupant capacity will determine the number of fire exit needed and the minimum width of escape routes/exits in the scheme. The floor space factor varies among different functions of space, therefore it needs to follow the suggested Floor space factor to calculate the total occupant of the whole building. Occupant capacity = Floor area/ Floor space factor See table for the calculation. The total approximate number of occupant is 553. The first floor of the building has the most occupants as it consist of a library hall, receptions, studio spaces and offices. Therefore it is the storey that determine the requirements for escape route as their dimensions should be unified throughout the building. As the total number of occupant is 203 on the first floor, the building needs to have 2 escape exits and the minimum width needs to be 1050mm (see table on adjacent page). Height of escape routes: clear headroom of not less then 2m

Type of space

Area (m2)

Floor Space Factor (m2/ person)

Capacity (person)

40 (20 x 2)

1.0

Workshop/ Studio

440

1.5

34b

Office

278

6.0

Library

1118

7.0

445

Storage/ archive

674

30.0

Staff room (reception)

Total occupants

553

Remarks: The capacity of receptions, book binding and printing studio are not calculated according to the given floor space factor as the number of occupants is set according to the design scheme. There is a reception serving with 3 staffs at each entrance Calculation: 3 x 2= 6 person a

Type of space

Area (m2)

Floor Space Factor (m2/ person)

Capacity (person)

40 (20 x 2)

1.0

Workshop/ Studio

440

1.5

34b

Office

278

6.0

Library

820

7.0

117

30.0

Staff room (reception)

Storage/ archive

104

Total occupants on first floor

203

Studios work under Apprentice system with 2 master + 5 students each and occasionally, there are tours visiting the workspace with a limit of 10 people each. Calculation: (2+5+10) x 2 = 17 b

ESCAPE ROUTES GUIDELINES The library building falls into the category of recreation use of premises, therefore according to the given table, the maximum travel distance for: One direction: 18m More than one direction: 45m Alternative routes should be in direction 45 degree or more apart or separated from each other by fire -resisting construction if they are less than 45 Open spatial planning exits should me remote from one another for escaping Width of escape stairs not less than the width required for any exits affording access to them meet the minimum requirement enclosed staircases

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TRAVEL DISTANCES GUIDELINES The library building falls into the category of recreation use of premises, therefore according to the given table, the maximum travel distance for: One direction: 18m More than one direction: 45m Alternative routes should be in direction 45 degree or more apart or separated from each other by fire -resisting construction if they are less than 45 Open spatial planning exits should me remote from one another for escaping

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PL AN AND DIMENSIONS

ESCAPE FOR DISABLED

1200

PROVISION OF REFUGES Provision of refuges: refuges are relatively safe waiting area for short periods Disabled people can stay and wait for rescue should be provided for each protected stairway Dimension if area accessible to a wheelchair of at least: 900mm x 1400mm Can be achieved in an enclosure of compartment This should not reduce the width of the escape route nor obstructing the flow of person escape

1400

ELEVATION Fire resistant glazing on building facade, allowing people to locate the disable for immediate rescue

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1400 x 900mm

G/F

1/F

2/F Courtyard: open space, free from fire

Wet Facilities

** Check distance to the fire stair, need to be within 45m.

Archive area Need special fire safety strategy complying with ventilation strategy?

Check on relevant fire strategies in archive area to preserve books in a fire-proof environment

Beinecke rare books and manuscript library

3/F

4/F

APPLICATION

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Routes of fire escape strategy is drafted based on the research on Approved Document B to guide further detail amendments on the strategy. Several areas are pointed out to be aware when further developing.

ARCHIVE: FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM (Please see Section 5.3 for details)

G/F

109

2/F

Courtyard

(Open area)

1/F 110

4/F

3/F 111

5.3

OTHER FIRE RESISTING STRATEGY

FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM: HALON 1301 Extinguishing System As identified, the archive is very essential to the library and needs special attention. Due to the character of the space that it stores important documentations, it is not suitable to use water sprinkle system as to damage the books and paper by water. The space need to be fully resisting fire in any case to avoid any damages.

(Aspect Fire Solutions Limited)

The archive can apply the same system as the Beinecke Rare books and manuscripts library, which is a fire suppressant system. When fire is detected, a combination of halon and Inergen gases would be pumped into the stacks to stop the combustion process, and thus the spread of fire. Halon is a liquefied gas that has been said as a clean fire extinguishing agent. It does not put out fire by removing any of element from the fire triangle (Oxygen, heat and fuel) like how it is solved traditionally. Its extinguishing technique lies in its capacity to chemically react with the fire's components. It interrupts the chain reaction of fire and put out fire without the production of residues that could damage the assets being protected.

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Archive

M&E Room

Halon fire extinguisher installed in part of the M&E room, supplying gas and detecting fire by connecting to the archive rooms

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06 ACCES S IB IL I T Y

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6.2 ACCESS 1: SOUTH ENTRANCE

STEPS External Steps and stairs: Key dimension

DOCUMENT GUIDELINES Top and bottom of each flight: Landing with no less than 1200mm Corduroy hazard warning surface (see diagram for detail dimensions) Corduroy hazard warning tells people with visual impairment that there is potential danger on the following few steps. Rise: 150-170mm Goings: 280-425mm ** Consistent riser and going Continuous handrail each side of a flight and landings. No doors swings across landings Applications to own design must follow the dimension illustrated in the document diagram to achieve accessible entrance to all users.

Corduroy hazard warning tile

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Stepped access: Key dimensions and use of hazard warning surface

RAMPS DOCUMENT GUIDELINES Gradient of ramp should be as shallow as possible. As the lower level of the building goes below ground level at -0.5m, according to the guideline, it is suggested to have: • Gradient in 1:20 • Going of ramp flight in 10m

•

Surface width between walls should be at least 1.5m Slip resistant ramp surface Landing at the foot and head of ramp at least 1.2m long and clear of any door swings

Relationship of ramp gradient to the going of a flight

Intermediate landings at least 1800mm wide visual contrast between landing and ramp

1:20 500mm 10m

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(Town Entrance in Chatenay Malabry)

INSPIRATION & IDEA Ramp

Instead of having a direct ramp running through 10m , intermediate landings can be incorporate to create a more interesting access. Ramps can also blend in with steps and even landscape to create an interesting scheme for pre-entering the building. This might serves as another public area that not only allow access and transition to space, but also a space to stay.

Requirements on that need to bear in mind while designing are: • Length of goings of ramp • Unified gradient and rising of steps • Dimension of landing • Transition zones that share with steps/ stairs • Handrails height and spacings • Hazard warning sign • Connection to the entrance118

Steps Landings Hazard warning

APPLICATION: SOUTH ENTRANCE

STEP DIMENSIONS

-670mm

+/- 0mm

Steps

Ramps Landings

2 Ramp

Landing

Ramp

Landing

119 Landing

Ramp

Landing

Ramp

TACTILE PAVING

Tactile paving is to warn and remind surface danger or hazardous zones for people who is visual impaired. Different patterns indicates different level and type of dangers. It is used to hint on level change, therefore it locates on the flight before the step and after the last step of the stair, as well as that of ramps.

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ACCESS 2: NORTH ENTRANCE

STEPS

As there is limited space between the walls and on the lagoon, the staircase is not fully complies with the guidelines from the document as there is no space and support for intermediate flights. There are 15 risers all together between 2 flights which connects the lagoon and the first level.

1100 300 150

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LIF TING PL ATFORM DOCUMENT GUIDELINES The north entrance does not have enough space for ramping up to the next level as the level difference is 2100mm, which needs more than 4000mm going to achieve gradient of 1: 20. Therefore, alternatively, the disable access to the building will be through lifting platform. It only serves from +/- 0.00m to +2.1m.

• Provide opposing doors to allow a • • • •

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wheelchair user to leave without reversing out For vertical travel distance of more than 2m, there should be a liftway enclosure. Landing controls and calls located between 900 to 1100mm Minimum clear dimensions: 900mm x 1400mm for enclosed lifting platform Doors: at least 800mm wide

INTERIOR CIRCUL ATION STAIRS DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES Risers per flight for general access stairs in public building: 12 Risers between landings : 12-16 Minimum stair width between enclosing walls , strings or upstands: 1200mm Minimum width between handrails: 1000mm Flights that more than 2m wide need to be divided to minimum 1000mm wide Minimum height for headroom: 2m Maximum number of risers for: Utility stairs (fire escape): 16 General access stair: 12 Landings Width and length at least as great as the smallest width of the flight Minimum unobstructed length of 1200mm Handrail For stairs more than 1000mm wide, handrails are needed for both sides Height: 900-1100 (see diagram)

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LIF TS DOCUMENT GUIDELINES Disable users are not able to use stairs to traveling the building vertically, lifts are the most suitable alternative. Therefore it is necessary to the right dimension to make sure they are accessible to them.

• 1500mm x 1500mm unobstructed • • •

Key dimensions on Passenger lift

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maneuvering space in front of lifting device Landing buttons located between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor of landing With tactile readings on each buttons handrail is provided on at least 1 wall of the lifting device

SECTION

Number of risers: 10

1900

Number of risers: 10

Glass glazing on wall allow view to courtyard when on the lift

3200

2500

1100 Rising: 160

Landing: Going: 300 1400

400

COURTYARD

ATRIUM

APPLICATION: LIBRARY ATRIUM

PL AN 1900

1800

125

BALCONIES Provide guarding to prevent people from falling Wall, parapet, balustrades can be used as guarding

1100

1000

126

CORRIDORS Corridors should be wide enough to allow wheelchair users to access and turn through 180 degree

1400

Any door opening toward a corridor which is a major access route or escape route should be recessed so that it does not project into the corridor space

1300 1500

Minimum unobstructed width: 1200mm Unobstructed

2/F

127

Unisex wheelchair- accessible toilet with corner WC

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TOILET DOCUMENT GUIDELINES The arrangement of the facilities within toilet should provide enough space for the users to adopt various transfer techniques

• Wall mounted railing in both horizontal

and vertical should be provided to assist

• Emergency assistance call system should • WC cubicle for ambulant disable people

128

•

be provided and the pull cord should be easily identifiable Locate son accessible route that are direct and obstruction free Allow 1500 x 1500mm turning space

AMBUL ANT DISABLED ACCESSIBLE TOILET • Different from wheelchair users

• •

ambulant disable people should have the opportunity to use a WC compartment in separate - sex toilet. However, they should be have more space than a normal sized cubic as they include railings and grab bars for assistance. The enlarged compartment should be 1200mm wide with door ideally open outward Despite ambulant disable people, enlarged cubicle are needed for parents with children and babies

1800

1500 600

Normal cubicle

850

Toilets on the ground level include 3 types of cubicles/toilets for different accessibility.

800 1000

860

They are dimensioned according to their usage.

Ambulant disable accessible toilet

500

G/F

900 1200 Wheelchair Turning 150

1550

690 2200

129

Wheelchair accessible toilet

07 P ERFORM A N C E T ES T IN G

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6.1

F O CUSE D A REA READIN G ROOM LOCATION AND CHARACTERISTICS Reading room is an essential space in the library as it is the space that people stay for a period of time to undergo the activity of reading and Daylight quality need to be analysis as the activity of reading depends hugely on the light condition. Over lit space will cause undesirable glaring in effect that to reading while insufficient daylight lower the quality of space as a generous area for reading. The reading space is designed at the top level of the library while facing the lagoon to give opportunity of views. The space is mainly facing the north with connected with the main library hall on its south. Therefore, the potential iterations on openings might depend on the north wall and the roof. The analysis will focus on how to obtain diffuse or indirect sunlight that would not cause glaring.

4/F

131

TESTING The model of the reading space is created in Sketch up and put under the Sefaira to test its daylight performance and use to make further adjustments according to each result analysis.

Iteration 1 Add large and long windows on the north side of the window as well as roof glazings. As the analysis shows, the 2 yellow spots illustrate the roof glazings will cause over lighting the space while the back of the space are under shade. Resizing the roof windows to cover a smaller area and relocating them at the toward the back might improve the issue.

Iteration 2 In this iteration, the roof windows changed into a long strip form near the south of the space to light up the space. However, they allow too much sunlight entering the space. This shows that roof lights directing facing the sky has strong impact on light penetration. It might be better to angle the window facing north to obtain moderate sunlight, and move the position slightly to the north to reduce the underlit area in the middle. Although the long window works effectively in iteration 1, I would like to test whether smaller separated windows will also work in the scheme as it might be great to create a variation of ways to peek into the lagoon. The result shows some of the area will be underlit, as north light is not strong to light up area with wall.

132

Iteration 3 An extension add to the roof for putting glazing to facing the north to catch sunlight to the space. However, as the space is rather deep and light from north are diffuse sunlight, it is not sufficient to provide light to the whole space, which left the area toward south under shade as the south side of the space is fully sealed.

Iteration 4 As the south of the reading room is connect to the main library space its roof, some contextual elements which possibly shade the space were added to give a more accurate analysis, especially their effect to the south of the space.

n ai

lib

y ar

It might be good to have glazing glancing into the reading room from the library space while long and separate form is a better option to maintain its privacy than fully glazed curtain wall. Therefore, some long strip windows and the opening as access to the reading room was created on the south wall. The long strip glazings are effective in minimizing the underlit area without making further amendments on the roof window while providing visual connection to the library. Although the access point might have issue of over lighting, it is acceptable as it is an entrance space that people would not stay for a long period of time.

133

Iteration 5 As there are some irregular spot of underlit area near the corner and the entrance along the south side of the wall in the previous iteration, this iteration move the array of long strip glazing toward the entrance and one of that near the corner is enlarged. This further solve the issue. Glazing on the west of the entrance however give allow too much light entering the space. Unlike that on the south, there are no potential shading elements reducing the amount of light it receives. As the design of building has glass lift going through all the levels, it is further added to the model, and it show it might have positive effect in providing some diffuse light from the north.

Iteration 6 Same form of long strip windows are inserted on the wall to test whether their performance is better than the previous option. The result was not very desirable, as it shows underlit and overlit areas are in between of each other alternatively. They area has extreme light condition. It needs alternative way to allow light penetrating the area.

134

Iteration 7 The openings on the west of the entrance were removed as the daylight performance is not preferable, nor there are special view to the exterior. Alternatively, openings are allocated on the roof. By noticing the over lighting effect it causes previously, the glazings are small. As north facing windows have no huge effect on lighting up the space excessively, their forms are free to change. Glazings are changed into the same form as those on the south wall and the result of the analysis confirms that the reshaping does not cause a problematic difference on daylight performance.

Iteration 8 Although there are roof light, there are still some under-shade areas which receive insufficient daylight. This iteration move the roof lights toward the target shade areas and slightly enlarged their size from 700 x 700mm to 700 x 1000mm, this successfully solve the under-lit problem. The roof light near the entrance is also removed as the opening of entrance allow sufficient daylight coming into the space, it is not necessary to add another device for lighting. The reading room now has good quality of light with sDA 98 % and ASE 3%, which assist the activity of reading.

135

Design Looking back to the design of the whole library, the main storage space is on the ground level and the reading room is at the top floor. This might have certain degree of inconvenience, although the lift might aid logistics. Adding in a small storage area in the reading room might give immediate support to the reading space, such as storing chairs and stationaries. A storage area does not require a lot of light and might perform better under shade as there are not much human activities happening within the space, instead, unlit space reduce the opportunity of damaging stored objects caused by sunlight. The final iteration takes away the roof window and north facing glazing of the west end area and turn the space into a shade area. Its light condition can be controlled by artificial lightings. Eventually the whole reading room space achieve 94% in sDA and 3% in ASE, which is still considered as a good daylight quality as it maximizes sufficient lighting and minimizes glaring level. The model is illustrated in the x-ray mode to show the spatial relationship and form of openings in the reading space.

136

As the design progress, the design of the reading room has changed , to check whether it is still under good condition of daylighting, it has been tested under the software again. This time there is no extra amendment on the model as the first attempt is already satisfying. Simply adding large glazings on the North facade provide sufficient ling to the interior, with only minor spot of darkness in the corner, which can be improved by having artificial lights. The space achieve 91% in sDA and 0% in ASE, which is a rather good result as this means the space will less likely to over heated by sunlight even it has large glazings as the sun does not directly transmit light to spaces facing North. The fast result might also due to becoming familiar with the environmental characteristic of that specific spot and understand what measure will be favorable to the daylighting scheme in that area.

137

138

AP P END I X

139

APPENDIX A PRECEDENT

PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE Location: Pamplona, Spain Architect: Vaillo+Irigaray Architects

CONCRETE FORMWORK As it has a special scheme on creating layers on wall and openings, concrete is molded in a special and careful way by creating different formwork. The work is sophisticate in dealing with a rather rough material, concrete. At the same time the building is coping with existing stone wall and possess a huge extend on referencing the surrounding. Therefore, this work appear interesting to me.

PLYWOOD SHEET FORMWORK & STEEL REINFORCEMENT

MOULDERED CONCRETE WALL

140

Formwork joints As the building has exposed concrete as its exterior facade that there is no further treatment on top of it, the formwork joints are visible on the building skin. The red dotted lines mark their trace. Along with the void carved for placing openings, the spacing of marking are not very uniformed, this might due to the usage of different sizes of plywood panels, especially where the openings are created. From the facade photos, wall without the intervention of openings (photo on the left), has a more uniformed pattern of concrete trace, and the creation of openings affects the aesthetics of the exposed concrete wall. Therefore, planning might be required to decide the size of formwork panels and the way dealing with void when an exposed concrete skin is chosen.

141 (Detail magazine)

Facade: Trace of the existing One of the significant use aesthetic formation and the making of concrete wall is decided in response to the existing context. Instead of contrasting materials to differentiate or trying to blend in between the old and new, the building reference the positions of openings of the surrounding building and use it as the aesthetic patten base of the new.

From the photos, it is able to tell the change and inspiration form the existing wall. Not only it uses layer of concrete, but it also use a combination of different materials From the facade, it is clear that the facade and the rectangular glazing overlapping each other and make a unique pattern for that response to the past but also impose the new.

142

Colours Respond to the site and its original moderate the colour between but at the same time contrast with its context minimal, monolithic colour make it stand out from its surrounding. Sandstone colour light colour that reflect light to the interior

Concrete Mixture Concrete mix: Self-compacting concrete HA 30 Portland cement, Valderribas CEM II A L 42.5 R Waterproof through use of Sika T 120 L coloured yellow with synthetic iron-oxide, Chromafer 9535, G&C Colors

• • • • • • •

Concrete Additive: (increase the durability of concrete, to fix concrete behavior and to control setting or hardening) • Master Pozzolith 488N, BASF • ViscoCrete 5920, SIKA Coating: • Aquashield Ultimate, Tecnan • Navarre Technology of nanoproductos

* Why it is not chosen? * After further investigating in the characteristic of Venice and the Arsenal, I understand that concrete is not the best material to solely build with as it is a heavy weight material that add loads to the ground and the foundation. This might further harm reclaimed land that the building will be standing on. Also, as masonry is already heavy weight material, it might be good that the new intervention contrast with the existing. Therefore a light weight structure and materials for the building is more suitable in terms of contextual characteristic and the project concept.

143

This casting concrete way is however an intriguing way to reference the existing, although the study might not fully useful in terms of material, the idea of how the new possess some characteristic of the old might be an inspiration when detailing the design.

APPENDIX B PRECEDENT

CHURCH OF THE BLESSED FAT HER RUPERT MAYER Location: Poing, Germany Architect: meck architekten

RELATION TO PROJECT Although the most significant of this church is its unique cladding of ceramic tiles, the sculptural form of this church also stands out. The such has geometrical roof that angle in different directions and heights. Along with its glazings and windows the building form has a strong atmospheric effect to the interior. The proposed library has a similar and according to the process massing models, its consists of roofs in different levels and slope. Therefore this precedent might be useful to understand how the roof is constructed especially at the junction between different sections. Also the it as its form has strong impact on giving moderate daylight to the interior, it will be useful to analysis how it aid light penetration.

144

(Detail magazine)

ROOF COMPOSITION CONSTRUCTION It is identifiable that the roof has 4 sections and each has different height and sloping angles. The following will focused on the construction the roof. The most crucial part is the middle joint of the sections as there is no columns in the middle to support it. It is only held by concrete beam that span all across the building. Another focus will be its insertion of roof window which effectively affect the amount and quality of light enjoyed in the interior.

145

Element that colored in red are the steel components, including I-beams and other steel frame components. Elements in blue are the translucent components that allow light to penetrate into the space

ROOF COMPOSITION Sequencing from outer most to inner most

Covering: • Molded ceramic tiles on 40 + 40 mm • • • •

horizontal + vertical stainless-steel 146 mm ventilating space Plastic sealing layer 60 mm foam-glass insulation Bituminous coating (Water-proof layer)

Structure: • 140 mm per-cast concrete roof slab • Steel frame Inner soffit lining : • 10 mm sound-absorbing plaster • 60 mm porous mineral-fiber slab • 2× 12.5 mm gypsum plasterboard

ROOF LIGHT • Double glazing roof light: 8 mm safety • •

glass + 16 mm cavity + 12 mm laminated safety glass LED strip-lighting grid 6 seamlessly welded stretch film over illuminated ceiling

Potentially diffuse strong light directly from the sky

146

STRUCTURE: Concrete & Steel Although the main structural element of this building is solid concrete wall, from sections of its roof, it clearly showed that the steel frame structure support the load on roof level and the concrete slab lies on the structure to form gutters and the platform for roof cladding. It is noticeable that there is also a concrete t shaped beam (indicated in red dotted line) in the middle when 2 roof sections meet. It is the core support element within the scheme that also give support to the formation of steel frame above. Its form and load bearing capacity is calculated by the engineers. It is possible that this combination reduce the weight needed for concrete roof slab. As the roof is in an unusual geometrical shape that each section angles differently and one of it has height differently, simply using concrete might cause the problem of load distribution affecting the stability of the roof.

GUTTER Water is drained to the lowest point of the roof, which in this building is the connection of the 4 sections. Roof cladding are attached on the roof layer by steel members, there is a cavity for ventilation and water can reach that inner layer and dry out there. It is therefore reasonable to connect to the gutter as they both have the function of stopping water going into internal roof layers. DPM and water-proof sealing further protect the inner structural elements. Along with the cladding, the gutter is nearly invisible.

147

STRUCTURE: Steel Frame The photo below is the objective from the architect proposal document of the building. The middle image show that the roof is possibly built in a similar format and cover by plaster interiorly. It can be speculated that the real construction apply a similar frame. On the left is the mass of the church that applied possible grid of how the steel frame is composed.

148

DAYLIGHT As mentioned previous in the roof construction that the layered roof light has an effect on blurring the unwanted strong direct sunlight. There are other means that aid its potential in daylight strategy. Wall angles The form of roof has impact on how daylight comes into the space, especially on giving diffuse light through reflection. The diagram shows... Wall colour and material Its effectiveness is further enhanced by the usage of colour, as the colour white has a strong reflective property, the space is much more easily to be lit up than space with darker colour that absorb lights. Therefore walls near the roof are rendered in white lining can potentially reflects and distribute light to the rest of the area. The material in the lower level

149

APPENDIX C Ex t ra an alysis on G rĂ˘ n d o l a M e eting C e nte r

FALL

GUT TER The red dotted line is the gutter of the building. Instead of running near the edge of the roof. From the top view of the building, it. Therefore, 2 side near the edge of the gutter are angled to channel water to it. Fall is created by the reinforeced concrete. This approach make its draining system invisible as it drains water internally. From street view as there is no trace of pipes or gutter which further enhance its minimal aesthetic form. Moreover, the roof is applied with water proof seal to aid the ability of roof surface draining water away and maintaining it durability.

150