Technologies Unit: Technical Detail Study

BA3 Technologies Part C: Technical Detail Study BA3 Technologies Part C: Technical Detail Study

Architectural Design Position

Architectural Design Position + Technical Detail Study Purpose

Atelier Project Name Location Project Summary

PRAXXIS Feminist Factory FOR Women’s Health Manchester, UK

A facility for research into women’s health conditions; educating the public; and providing support for women.

Research Question: Design Position:

What is the required technical detail necessary to design a suspended balcony?

This design aims to use the balcony to create dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces. The natural landscape is just as important here, creating an atmospheric yet calming sense of healing.

Technologies Response Technologies Artefacts CLIMATE CHANGE

PROCESSES

DESIGN PROPOSITION:

The balcony hopes to explore the strategies required in the life cycle of a timber framed building, prioritising reuse, recycling and the climate emergency.

OPPORTUNITIES:

ENVIRONMENTAL

Many materials here can be reused recycled and live on as a new adaptation in future building projects.

CHALLENGES:

COST AND EFFICIENCY

How does this method affect the circular economy? Is it more expensive to consider the environment?

Also, if the balcony has elements of glazing, this cannot be fully recycled as it uses adhesive to protect the glass - therefore are there any alternative methods?

MATERIALS

DESIGN PROPOSITION:

This balcony will explore how material properties (i.e. natural vs non-natural) can influence the atmosphere of spaces. Also to consider: structural properties to support a cantilever; sustainable materials (climate emergency).

CHALLENGES:

CANTILEVER = THERMAL BRIDGING?

Material choices: e.g. thermal AND load baring insulation may be one strategy to avoid thermal bridging.

TOOLS

DESIGN PROPOSITION:

OPPORTUNITIES:

ATMOSPHERIC QUALITIES

A colour theory study of materials could create specific emotions when in spaces on and below the balcony.

port onto site.

Properties: Paintable + Versatile Opportunities: More opportunities to be creative with the spaces - incorporating colour theory study. Also is affordable and cost efficient.

DESIGN PROPOSITION:

The balcony hopes to achieve interaction with the landscape from a higher level: encouraging people to look out over to the adjacent canal, or perhaps down at the central tree, creating a multitude of different perspectives.

OPPORTUNITIES:

SOLAR GAINS

The balcony curves around the garden below, orientating itself with the sun path for peak solar access in the afternoon. The balcony also provides additional, comforting areas of shading to the floor below.

CHALLENGES:

DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE

This building has attempted to create comforting spaces for today’s climate. However, as the climate is expected to continue increasing, will it be as comforting in 50 years?

How Much Worse Will Emissions Get? 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100 0 50 100 150 Gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent If countries don’t act 4.1-4.8°C Following current policies 2.8-3.2°C Following current pledges 2.5-2.8°C Source: Climate Action Tracker

BUILDING & LIFE STRATEGY

DESIGN PROPOSITION:

Structural Stability: Ensuring the balcony is safely suspended using the most appropriate tools (highlighted on left).

Fire Safety: Following UK Building Document B and carefully selecting materials from left hand side of page.

OPPORTUNITIES:

STAIRS

The balcony provides an opportunity for an additional staircase, creating an external evacuation route.

-

CHALLENGES:

STRUCTURAL STABILITY

Additional materials and technological study is required to ensure the balcony is safely suspended.

The construction of this balcony aims to source materials using tools and technology in the most sustainable way possible.

CHALLENGES:

Ensuring timber is ethically sourced. Even though timber is sustainable, I will aim to use other types of materials where appropriate (e.g. recycled materials). Aim to reduce noise pollution on site where possible, using minimal amounts of heavy machinery

OPPORTUNITIES:

Using prefabricated materials where appropriate for more durable results and more efficient delivery of timber to the site. This also reduces amounts of disruption and noise pollution on the site.

-Additional

CONSTRUCTABILITY

DESIGN PROPOSITION:

I have decided to construct the balcony with timber framing as it doesn’t necessarily need any load bearing walls below - this will help to achieve the suspended element to the balcony.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Timber is a versatile material, which can be used for the framing as well as cladding of the balcony wall. This may be an element I hope to experiment on page 02.

CHALLENGES:

Directional Felling: Managing where trees fall when using them for timber to limit the damage to surrounding trees in the area.

Cranes are needed to manoevre materials around the site. Need to ensure not to overload and must be cautious of falling materials (safety).

Ensuring to schedule scaffolding work for quiet times - reduces the affects to nearby residents and wildlife.

Timber framing: can be expensive however is also up to 30% quicker than building with other materials (e.g. masonry) therefore saves money.

Adverse weather doesn’t disrupt or delay timber construction process as much as other materials (e.g. concrete moulds that need time to dry).

Timber can be more prone to heat fluctuations than other materials, therefore must ensure the structure is well insulated.

BA3 Technologies Part C: Technical Detail Study

BA3 Technologies Part C: Technical Detail Study

Prototyping

Iterative Testing + Record of Process

CLIMATE PERFORMANCE CONSTRUCTABILITY + BUILDING LIFE

Aim:

By iteratively testing the way the balcony is anchored to the building, I have discovered the best way to reduce thermal bridging is to contruct the elemental build up with load-bearing insulation. This construction method should achieve the suspended element, resisting uplift and preventing excessive movement.

Key Points:

E.g.

ITERATION 01: Fully Suspended Balcony

Thermal Performance Study:

https://sika.scene7.com/is/image/sika/glo-resistance-to-fire-integrity?wid=1280

Safe: no toxic smoke; limits fire spread; minimal damage to structure.

Alternative: Foma glass/ cellular glass - heavy load baring resulting in no compression or distortion, especially at weak points of the structure.

Aim:

Main Construction Elements:

1 - Self-climbing plants are attached to the column using adhesive pad climbers. This helps plants to withstand lateral forces (wind + rain).

2 - At the foundation of the column, the system requires good quality natural soil and a soil moisture supply.

This provides the opportunity for water to be collected underground and to infiltrate to nearby plants and grass areas.

3 - Primary Attachment: brackets/bracing (e.g. cables) to attach the vegetation to the column.

Secondary Attachment: lattice structure (e.g. netting) to support the plants as they grow in different directions and attach themselves to the lattice, improving the stability of the plants.

Key Points:

The benefit of this iteration provides opportunity for an irrigation system as well as improving the stability of the balcony, making the construction easier and quicker.

Steel fixtures: durable, afforable and helps to achieve lateral stability.

Decision: Using natural materials (e.g. stone, timber) to line the exterior of the columns encourages the plants to grow on this surface.

Key Points of Iteration:

In iteration 02, I believe the irrigation system is an interesting addition to the design. It has inspired this iteration, by researching more into the construction of green roofs and water harvesting. I believe this is the most appropriate option to achieve a sustainable water cycle as this iteration no longer has a suspended balcony.

Aspects to consider in the construction:

- Ensure the primary structure can account for the full weight (eg. wet soil).

- Insulation should have strength (similar to iteration 01) to withstand all applied loads - Include water proofing layer; moisture control later in the soil and rainwater outlets in the design - 10 degrees maximum roof pitch to allow surface run-off - consider durable plants, or include a mesh screen to filter any strong lateral forces (wind) to protect the garden areas.

- If the function is also going to be a recreational balcony area, ensure the plant areas have extra pretection (i.e. clearly separated zones on the plan).

Elemental Build Up:

Vegetation/Planting

Geo Textile

Engineered Natural Soil

Moisture Retention Layer

Aeration Layer

Reflections on Constructability

ITERATION 01:

Expected:

Observed Results:

ITERATION 02:

Expected:

Observed Results:

ITERATION 03:

Expected:

Observed Results:

Timber Cladding - providing a natural facade to the balcony inspired by precedent study of the Maggie’s Centre Oldham. As well as the junction detail, I would like to do an iteration on the handle/ guarding of the balcony to conclude what are the best materials.

Suspended Balcony

Precedent: Maggie’s Centre Oldham dRMM Architects

https://inspiration.detail.de/Download/document-download/id/5a4b8b53cff54

After experimenting with the suspended balcony on a 3D model, I have discovered an extra benefit of including a balcony is the opportunity to provide solar shading on the ground floor to improve the experience for users.

Alternative Elemental Build Ups:

^^Timber structure in line with my design approach using natural materials.

In terms of my design position, I believe this design provides users the best experience when wanting to interact with the surrounding landscape. However, I have discovered this iteration proves the highest risk of thermal bridging, which would be detrimental to the interior experiences.

ITERATION 02: Balcony with Structural Support

Precedent:

Adelaide Wharf, 2007 Hackney, London Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

Fixtures to internal layers:

= Higher risk of thermal bridging

How to solve this?

- Use load baring insulation so the fixtures don’t break through the entire wall build-up

Conclusion: Moving forward, if necessary, I will use structural insulation to reduce the risk of thermal bridging. On page 3, I will research and include sustainable materials in this elemental build up.

Water Harvesting Study:

Opportunity: Rainwater can irrigate nearby plants and grass.

The benefit of this iteration provides opportunity for an irrigation system as well as improving the stability of the balcony, making the construction easier and quicker.

Thermal Performance Study:

https://architizer.com/projects/adelaide-wharf/

^^Metal Columns to improve structural stability where balcony floor is weakest.

I believe this iteration is successful as it also considers sustainability features (incorporating irrigation systems and planting) thus achieving an experience in this space that is more interesting for the user and is still in line with my design position. Thus, improving the overall design.

ITERATION 03: Roof Terrace

I have decided to consider using a roof terrace instead of a balcony as it increases the floor space below, whilst maintaining the same functionalities as the balconies in iterations 01 and 02.

Precedent:

RATB Habitat Paris Atelier du Pont

Vegetation can become a natural form of solar shading, improving the interior quality of spaces.

RIBA Sustainability Outcomes:

This systems helps to reduce the environmental impact of demands for water.

Water Harvesting:

The additional benefits to rainwater harvesting improve my overall design as it decreases the water demand to the building and reduces risks of flooding to the site as additional water can be stored here.

Thermal Performance Study

https://inspiration.detail.de/office-building-ratp-habitat-in-paris-115338.html

^^Roof terraced combining green areas with recreational areas.

I believe this iteration is successful as it provides larger areas for water harvesting (green roof) and is straightforward to construct. However this design is perhaps at a detriment to the experience of the ground floor space as there is no longer solar shading that used to be provided by the balcony.

Expected the idea of a suspended balcony to be extremely difficult to construct on a timber structure compared to stronger materials such as steel.

After researching precedents, found this to be possible and straightforward on a timber structure, however thermal bridging is a significant risk.

Expected the introduction of more materials to be detrimental to the overall sustainability of the design.

However, found the vertical elements allowed for a simple irrigation system, therefore improving the water sustainable cycle of the building - something I had not initially considered.

I expected the construction of this to be more straightforward as it created a space similar to a balcony, fully supported by the floor below, heavily reducing the risk of thermal bridging. Found that the combination of the water harvesting element and a recreational area on the same floor would be more complex to manage and therefore perhaps not the best solution.

RIBA Sustainability Outcomes:

Reflections on Climate Performance

ITERATION 01:

Expected:

Observed Results:

ITERATION 02:

Expected:

Observed Results:

ITERATION 03:

Expected:

Observed Results:

As mentioned in iteration 01, my 3D model helped me to discover that a balcony provides solar shading below. Unfortunately there is significantly less solar shading on the model now I have removed the balcony.

Ability to store water for domestic use. Timber - one of the most efficient materials as it traps carbon.

Expected the biggest challenge to be with justifying and illustrating how this particular balcony design was the most in line my design approach and position.

However, after researching the thermal performance, I noted there was a high risk of thermal bridging therefore I designed an alternative elemental build up with load baring insulation.

Expected the vertical elements to interfere too much with the ground floor spaces. Found the columns can delicately interact with the ground floor and also found an opportunity to incoporate an irrigation system into this design and to include more foliage and planting which is much more in line with the ethos of my design.

Expected the thermal performance of the building to improve as there are now no fixtures anchoring through significant layers of the elemental build-up of the external walls. This design eliminates external solar shading below, completely changing the experience of this space. However, the water harvesting is a positive sustainable idea that I will apply to the roof.

BA3 Technologies Part C: Technical Detail Study BA3 Technologies Part C: Technical Detail Study

Integrative Systems + Design Conclusions

BALCONY FLOOR to WALL 1:5 DETAIL:

WHERE? WHAT?

WHY?

Control Layer (VCL)

Insulation

Timber Floor Joists

Secondary Insulation

Timber Ceiling Finish

Vapour Control Layer (VCL)

Insulation

OSB

Steel Anchors

Timber Cladding

Timber Batons

Load Bearing Insulation

Steel Anchors

Structural Glazing System

Timber Finish

Acoustic Control Layer

Vapour Control Layer (VCL)

Insulation

Timber Floor Joists

Timber Finish

BALCONY FLOOR to EXTERNAL WALL 1:5 JUNCTION DETAIL:

What is it made of and how does it perform?

Stained Pine: To visually differentiate the indoor from outdoor spaces. Opportunity for underfloor heating.

Water based - free from chemicals/plastics.

With reflective outer layer to improve the U-Value.

Cedar: Low bending qualities suitable for floor joists.

Wood Fibre: used from timber construction byproducts (highlighted on sheet 01).

Stained Pine: To visually differentiate the indoor from outdoor spaces.

Water based - free from chemicals/plastics.

Wood Fibre: (used from the byproducts of the timber construction).

Sourcing the wood strands from the byproducts of the construction.

Most tensile strength (e.g. compared to aluminium).

Cedar: When rained on will be more fragrant, matching the floor).

Cedar: Low bending qualities suitable for main primary structure.

Celular Glass (as researched and explained on page 02.)

Most tensile strength (e.g. compared to aluminium).

Black tinted windows inspired by the Maggie’s Centre Oldham.

Cedar: When rained on will be more fragrant.

Necessary as lots of the materials are hard surfaces (echoing).

Water based - free from chemicals/plastics.

Wood Fibre: (used from byproducts of timber construction).

Cedar: Low bending qualities suitable for floor joists.

Cedar: When rained on will be more fragrant (improving the sensory experience on the balcony).

ISOMETRIC ELEMENTAL BUILD-UP:

Timber finishes made of cedar: rain will bring out the fragrance - in line with my design ethos, blending the lines between building and the surrounding landscape.

IRRIGATION SYSTEM 1:5 SECTION:

Section of the irrigation system on the top floor of the building (not shown on 3d model).

Balcony provides solar shading

New irrigation system = opportunity to naturally water and maintain nearby plants.

Timber exterior (natural material) rather than steel to encourage the growth of vegetation.

Exterior Floor Build Up

(in order from top to bottom):

Paving / Grass

Backing layer with weep holes for breathability

Levelling Layer

Drainage pipe and stones to transport water to nearby plants

Water Storage area to reduce flooding risks

Geotextile to protect the foundation from water erosion

Concrete Foundation

Reflections on Technologies Position + Design Insights

How is this design a more responsible building?

Overall, I believe I have achieved a more responsible building as what was once just a balcony, has now become an ecological and technological system that meets an additional RIBA Sustainable Outcome (Sustainable Water Cycle).

I believe this building is much more in line with my design approach (explained on page 01) as it has encouraged me to consider how the building and landscape can function together - no longer existing mutually exclusively.

When initially designing a suspended balcony, I hadn’t considered the impact on the spaces below. After performing a solar/shadow experiment on the 3D model, I discovered in the summer months, the central area receives a lot more direct sunlight than anticipated, therefore I believe this project has helped me to improve the quality of these spaces, thus making a more responsible building.

Angled shape funnel to maximise amount of rainfall being infiltrated down the vertical columns.

How has the building improved in response to the criteria experimented?

When performing studies on the thermal performance of my design, the most significant problem I identified in the construction of a suspended balcony was the risk of thermal bridging. I believe I have now thoroughly researched and designed an appropriate solution to reduce this risk by including load bearing insulation made from natural and sustainable materials (timber byproducts/sawdust).

How have I addressed the challenges and gaps identified in the initial appraisals?

When researching the process and constructability of timber extraction, I am pleased that I have been able to address the issue of waste by recycling and using any wood byproducts inside the building’s insulation and OSB board wood chips.

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