Arc3013: Integrating Construction
Contents Abstract
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Section A: Analysis of Urban Context and Site / Studio Specific
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Section B: Programmatic Summary
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Section C: Structural Strategy and Construction Sequencing
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Section D: Environmental Strategy
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Section E: Fire Compliance
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Section F: Accessibility (Access for All)
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Critical Reflection
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Bibliography- Illustrations
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Bibliography- Literature
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Arc3013: Integrating Construction
Integrating Construction Essay
Project Brief and Context In cities around the world, the elderly and the younger generation often live in separate areas away from one another, this is due to many factors of their contrasting lifestyles, different hobbies, interests in their day to day lives. Whilst at university, students often live with like-minded individuals of a similar age, and all in the same, the elderly often live isolated or in care homes where they are surrounded by those of the same age. Focussing on generational integration and inclusion, my project aims to break this social mould by providing accommodation for both the elderly and students. Coventry has become and is constantly becoming more and more well known for its educational facilities, this means new student housing schemes are being built across the city every year due to large numbers of students embracing the city and choosing it as a place for to study. The downside to this, however, is that what comes with this form of generational segregation through purpose-built student housing, is little to no designated housing for the elderly in what is a rich and historical part of Coventry city centre, a place where the elderly would have grown up. The name of my project is the Coventry Generational Housing Project(CGHP) and the scheme is my answer to the need for more student housing, and also a form of housing for the elderly in the east side of the town centre, offering a housing scheme for residents of both age groups in an attempt to remove the stigma that contrasting age groups cannot live together in an environment which is beneficial to both.
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My site sits 15m x 170m long occupying the site where the James Starley Building has stood previous, what’s unique about my project is that there is only a handful of projects similar to it around the world (Example, Humanitas, Netherlands). I believe my project can be a pioneering scheme in terms of showing that two contrasting age groups can live together and live healthy and active lifestyles through a residential building that also has areas for the public and encourages interaction. My project has 24 bedrooms of different sizes aimed at both couples and individuals. There are two balconies on each floor of 4 bedrooms to encourage interaction, the scheme also includes a cafe, gym space, gallery and the entire roof is a garden terrace. There is also a ground floor car-park which is designed into the topography.
Integrating Construction Essay
A
Spacial Design Summary: Analysis of Urban Context & Site / Studio Specific
Wider Site Context
Name: Coventry Generational Housing Project Area: Cox Street/ Jordan Well Category: Residential Site: 27,447.97 ft² The Site for the Coventry Generational Housing Project occupies the site where the James Starley building had previously stood since its inception in 1968. The methodology of my design and chosen site comes from the versatile and vibrant location and what it offers to both students and the general public whilst neighbouring and replicating the contemporary feel of the pioneering multi-purpose students union building ‘the hub’ by Hawkins/Brown architects, which sits adjacent to my site.
Key Educational Entertainment Eatery/Takeaway Residential
I also focussed on the daily movements of Coventry university students in order to analyze popular routes, loud spots, and areas with less public flow. As ‘Ghost in the machine’ focuses on systems in everyday life, and my project in particular focuses on social integration, I understood from the start of the design process that my building needed to have both separate amenities as well as conjoined characteristics in its realm, and most importantly, my project had to adopt the site and embrace the culture of both the students and the general public. Strategic Positioning of Structure With mya connection to nature and surroundings being an important aspect of my project, it was crucial that my site did not interrupt any green space and/or surrounding structures, my design adds a 27,000ft2 rooftop terrace filled with natural surroundings, areas for relaxation, intense activity/exercise, play and naturally-grown food and plantation. Careful consideration was taken according to the positioning of the site, but as my building occupies the same space as the recently demolished James Starley building, my project doesn't impact on any previously unused space.
Other... Fig 1: Site Context Diagram (Author, 2020)
Approach to Site
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Fig 2: Site Approaches (Author, 2020)
My site sits on Cox Street, common approaches to my site are (approach 1) from the south (Whitefriars Street), which is where the Coventry University Science and Health Building is located, approaching from the North-West from the Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre or Maurice Foss university building which can be shown in approach 2, and approach number 3 shows the most common student approach from ‘Jordan Well’ which shows the courtyard space in between the Coventry University Student Union and my site (James Starley Building). By looking at the most popular approaches to my site, I could use the daily ‘systems’ of the Coventry University students to to determine where to place both the main public entrance, and where to include the private residential entrances to maximise social integration and not change or obstruct how users interact with my site, but to build around these ‘systems’ within the university realm. With this taken into consideration I decided that the main public entrance should be along Jordan Well as I concluded that approaches 1 and 3 were the most feasible for the public entrance.
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Key Principle Section Details
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Fig 3: Principle Section showing Threshold between cafe/entrance and gym space (Author, 2020)
Fig 4: Principle Section showing balcony detail (Author, 2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
Floor Plans (Relative Scale)
Ground Floor Plan (With Context & Scale)
First Floor Plan (With Context & Scale)
Third Floor Plan (With Context & Scale)
Fig 5: Floor Plans with Context (Authors Work)
Second Floor Plan (With Context & Scale)
Fourth Floor Plan (With Context & Scale)
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Integrating Construction Essay
Fig 6: Site Analysis, showing sound around site based on more and less busy spots. (Authors, 2020)
Summer Sun Path Winter Sun Path
Fig 7: Site Analysis, showing sunlight direction during both summer and winter seasons. (Authors, 2020)
Massing Options/Volumetric Programme The massing phase of my design process was important to determine the shape, size and form of my structure and its relationship to site/topography, the massing of my structure was crucial to how the structure adapts to the site and the effect that it has on my target audience. At the beginning of my massing process, I started with a range of forms to create a ‘transition’ between my site, and the adjacent university ‘hub’ student union building. I wanted my design to create a visual impact with the existing site and I started thinking about creating an open space where students could cut through my structure to get from Cox street to the student union building without my structure blocking them and forcing them to take a much longer route. The mistake I made with the massing phase was trying to come up with a form of massing for my structure, which was more complicated than it had to be, I also wasn't using the full length of my site (Which can be seen in Diagram 1) and I was adding on too many floors, turning what could be a special design, into your average block of flats, ultimately I decided to stretch the structure out the full 170m length, which meant my structure could still accommodate the same amount of residents without stretching too high and ultimately overpowering the student union building, which also meant I could add a low-ish rise rooftop terrace space. I then added a cut-through point in the middle of the structure to act as the sheltered exterior passage point for students which later adopted the ‘grand staircase’ name and this really gave my design the visual impact I was looking for.
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Fig 8: Site Analysis showing green spaces surrounding my site for context of contrast with my own design. (Author, 2020)
Fig 9: Average Wind Speed in Coventry (Monthly) Table
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Fig 10: Massing Diagrams (Author, 2020)
Fig 11: Site Context Building Heights and Purposes Diagram (Author, 2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
B
Programme Summary The Coventry Generational Housing Project has four main priorities, one of the main priorities of the CGHP is to provide varied accommodation for residents of both younger and older age groups, the second priority of the CGHP is encouraging exercise, activity, and healthy living, this is portrayed through the buildings exercise-based features such as an accessible rooftop garden and an indoor gym space. Thirdly, the project aims to encourage as much outdoor activity as possibly through its state of the art rooftop terrace, specifically through growth of plants and organic food through rooftop garden space, outdoor exercise space as previously stated, and also general outdoor relaxation spots. Last but certainly not least, the CGHP aims to open up to more citizens of Coventry than just those who reside in it’s apartment, specifically through its ground floor cafe, which opts as a general meeting place, where the general public, young and elderly, can come and enjoy the facilities. In accordance to this, the functions/programs of the CGHP are understandably varied, which has taken careful consideration. An immediate connection diagrams has been created to roughly show how some relationships between programs are both created and sustained.
Fig 12: Conceptual Immediate Connections Diagram (Author, 2020)
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Fig 13: Function Strategy with square footage & Surface Areas (Author, 2020)
Main Entrance/Cafe area: 4,843.76 ft² Surface Area = 2×(30×15 + 30×6 + 15×6) = 1440 meters 2
Integrating Construction Essay
Hallway/Staircase: 968.75 ft² Surface Area = 2×(6×15 + 6×9.9 + 15×9.9) = 595.8 meters2
Gym: 4,843.76 ft² Surface Area = 2×(30×15 + 30×3 + 15×3) = 1170 meters2
Exterior Passage/’Grand’ Staircase: 1,550 ft² Surface Area = 2×(9.6×15 + 9.6×12.9 + 15×12.9) = 922.68 meters2
Private Vehicle/Bicycle Parking: 12,916.69 ft² Surface Area = 2×(80×15 + 80×3 + 15×3) = 2970 meters2
Elderly Housing: 6,942.72 ft² Surface Area = 2×(43×15 + 43×13.2 + 15×13.2) = 2821.2 meters2
Student Accommodation: 6,942.72 ft² Surface Area = 2×(43×15 + 43×9.9 + 15×9.9) = 2438.4 meters2
Hallway/Staircase: 1,017.19 ft² Surface Area = 2×(6.3×15 + 6.3×12.9 + 15×12.9) = 738.54 meters2
Note: Diagrams may be slightly behind current design as design process in ongoing.
Gallery: 4,359.38 ft² Surface Area = 2×(27×15 + 27×3 + 15×3) = 1062 meters2
Accomodation: 4,359.38 ft² Surface Area = 2×(27×15 + 27×3 + 15×3) = 1062 meters2
Accomodation: 4,359.38 ft² Surface Area = 2×(27×15 + 27×3 + 15×3) = 1062 meters2
Study Space (Attrium): 4,359.38 ft² Surface Area = 2×(27×15 + 27×3 + 15×3) = 1062 meters2
Integrating Construction Essay Fig 14: Function Strategy specifics(Author, 2020)
Floor 0 (Ground Level)
First Floor
Third Floor
Section A: Exterior Bike Lock/Underpass This section is specifically designated to students who may use bicycles as transportation.
Section A: Dead Space Double Height ceiling from cafe/entrance space.
Section A: Gym space with additional ventilation duct Section B: Male & Female changing room facilities w/ M&F W/C facilities.
Second Floor
Third Floor/ Rooftop Terrace
Section A: Dead Space, double height ceiling in the cafe/entrance area below.
Section A: Gym skylight with ventilation Section B: Ribbed Aluminium Cladding Shelter Section C: Solar Panel roof with Rooftop Windows
Section B: Plant Room A The Ground Level plant room is dedicated to the mechanical and electrical equipment for the first building (Student Housing Building). Section C: Car Charging Station By including just a two car-charging station it is my idea that residents will not necessarily need on site parking as it is unlikely that they will drive, however if two cars could be shared between residents for any transportation necessities when a vehicle may be needed. Section D: Exterior Walkthrough (Grand Staircase) The exterior walkthrough has adopted the name of the ‘grand staircase’ as it is very much the centrepiece of my design, and joins together the two structures whilst allowing an exterior walkway ideally for students as a shortcut to get to university buildings for example The Hub or the George Eliot Building. Section E: Studio Apartment (Average) An average size of our studio apartments is 13.5 x 7 meters in diameter, all apartments are roughly the same size allowing for a singular resident or a couple. All apartments have a living space, conveniently sized kitchen space, en-suite bathroom and a double size bedroom. Section F: Balcony Balcony x2 for 4 Apartments. Section G: Ground Floor Gallery Ground Floor Gallery, for reading, family visitations and for relaxing in general. Natural light fills the gallery, with 12 individual beams raising the above structure.
Integrating Construction Essay
Function
Description
Requirements
Entrance/Foyer/Café
The part of the building will act as the main entrance for the public,the café will be accessible for University students and the general public alike, encouraging new interactions between the two groups.
Double height roof (6m). Revolving Door (3m) accompanied by a wheelchair accessible front door (32 inch).
Plant rooms discretely located on the ground floor behind car charging space, and there is also a plant room located on the rooftop terrace. Used to house commerciant plant systems, likely to find the following…
Noise isolation will be implemented but isn't crucial as the plant rooms are located in discrete areas which do not directly contrast with residencies. Access will be restricted by a locked door.
4,843.76 ft²
Plant Rooms 705.25 ft² 349.83 ft²
- Air handlers - Boilers - Chillers - Heat exchangers - Water heaters and tanks - Water pumps (for domestic, heating/cooling, and firefighting water). - Main distribution piping and valves - Sprinkler distribution piping and pumps - Backup electrical generators - Elevator machinery - Other HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) equipment.
Studio Flat 923.97 ft² (Average)
Comfortable, state of the art studio flats for all residents, ranging from size, with shared access to balcony (2 balconies between 4 flats on each floor) which encourages interaction between residents.
Double Bedroom with en-suite in each flat, kitchen space, study space and living room area, with shared balconies
Integrating Construction Essay
Function
Description
Requirements
Gym
The gym space is included for all residents, encouraging the elderly residents to try and keep active and for students to have as an escape from their lives of studying.
To put it simply, healthy air is essential for a health facility, measurements taken to ensure that the gym space is cool enough and has a consistent supply of fresh air , as it will get hot easily. There are a number of ways in which this can be done, for example windows which can be opened by residents allowing natural ventilation, but also the roof of the gym has been raised by 3m (double height and further mechanical ventilation has been included.
Top floor atrium is a designated study/reading space, the inclined glass roof offers plenty of natural light to flourish the atrium room allowing for maximum concentration and a healthy mindset.
Study space requires lots of natural light and fresh air entering, natural cross ventilation throughout allows air to stay fresh, for a refreshing studying environment.
The bottom floor atrium is is a designated gallery space, this space is open to multiple functions, for example residential dining and residential social functions/gatherings, lunchroom etc.
As much natural light as possible to fill the gallery, also natural ventilation is required and windows should be placed that residents can open at their own will if fresh air supply is needed.
The kitchen space is located on the 1st floor (higher level ground floor) next to the entrance/cafeteria space, and provides basic lunchtime/cafeteria food for the general public and university students.
The kitchen space requires minimalist equipment and additional air ducts to keep fresh air coming in and dirty air being extracted.
As well as private residential bathrooms in each apartment, shared W/C facilities are required in the public realms within my structure, for example on the first floor entrance there will need to be W/C facilities that are available for those in the cafeteria, and also there will need to be the same facilities on the third floor for those using the gym space.
Private and Public facilities, minimum of 3 cubical stalls in each public restroom.
4,843.76 ft²
Study Space 4,359.38 ft²
Gallery 4,359.38 ft²
Kitchen 1,054.86 ft²
W/C 215.28 ft² (Average)
Integrating Construction Essay
C
Structural Strategy and Construction Sequencing
Precedent Research
Structure/Program Cost competitiveness, environmental properties and technical capabilities gave mass timber construction the edge as for my choice for structure. The exposing of timber, through its use of colour, texture, grain and figure are all factors to what makes wood unique and so aesthetically pleasing. Where needed, for example balconies and wider openings, glulam beams offer superior strength and sturdiness, the raw material is renewable, meaning Glulam can be reused or recycled, and the resistant material also withstands combative environments better than many other alternatives. Materiality/Exterior Cladding Aluminium cladding Cost: £15 to £32 per m2 (plus installation)*
The pioneering ‘Heating infrastructure Project’ by Levitt Bernstein incorporates a fine finish of anodised aluminum cladding. The popularity of aluminium cladding comes from its sustainability, allowing for a long lasting facade, the flexibility of aluminium for cladding allows me to create a my diamond shaped mesh cladding exterior facade and rooftop canopy. Also, weighting a third of steel, aluminium is easy to pre-construct and then transport to site for on-site construction. What makes aluminium all the more feasible for cladding is that due to a protective oxide coating, the material is not affected by corrosion meaning aluminium can last several decades without noticeable rusting. However, producing an aluminium cladding with an anodised finishing requires a better grade of aluminium than a PPC finish (Polyester Powder Coated).
Fig 15: Brock Commons Tallwood House during Construction (Cao, 2019)
Fig 16: Anodised Aluminium Cladding / HIP Levitt Bernstein
Fig 17: Library of Birmingham by Mecanoo Architects
Facade Connection I used this project as a precedent for its use of exterior cladding to enhance shadows and allow pass-through lighting to the interior which changes from summer to winter, the programs use of wind restraints and dead load brackets to extrude the silver powder coated 5400 mm diameter aluminium box section ring cladding. For the Coventry Generational Housing Project I also wanted to have extension brackets to suspend the cladding from the structure.
Fig 18: Illustration of exterior connected anodised aluminium cladding (Author, 2020)
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Fig 19: Illustration of exterior connected anodised aluminium cladding (Author, 2020)
Fig 20: Anodised Aluminium Cladding Render (Author,2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
Structural Strategy
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(PRIMARY)Core enclosed structural fire escapes
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(SECONDARY )Anodised Aluminium Cladding Exterior
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(SECONDARY) Expanded Mesh Cladding on Ground Floor
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(PRIMARY)300x300mm Timber pillars tos raise (6m) roof of entrance/Cafe area.
15 Fig 21: Structural Strategy Diagram 1 (Author, 2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
Structural Strategy Continued
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(PRIMARY)Exterior Fire Escape (With Rooftop Access
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(PRIMARY) Prefab aluminium canopy
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(PRIMARY) 300x300mm Timber pillars raise (3m) in Gallery/Atrium.
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(PRIMARY) Timber Frame Structure with Brick Cladding
16 Fig 22: Structural Strategy Diagram 2 (Author, 2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
Construction Sequencing 1
Sequence 1- Foundation and Site Preparation The demolition of the sites current occupant the James Starley Building is already well underway, post-demolition of the Starley building, the site preparation can take place. Any broken rubble can be crushed and re-used for compacted hardcore for the new foundation development. A safety wall will have to be erected as well as temporary facilities for construction workers such as toilets and offices as well as security measures such as lights and temporary CCTV.
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Fig 23: Construction Sequencing (Author, 2020)
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Sequence 2- Excavation Work/Sourced Heat Pump Approximately a metre of ground soil is removed during preparation for foundations, with ground source heat pump being added in this stage before ground floor flamework.
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Sequence 3- Core Frames Constructed
Sequence 4- Framework
Cores of the frame/smokeproof fire escapes are erected initially, before the frame is built, this will provide further stability to the ‘skeleton’ timber framing.
Building primary structure/framework is erected around the smokeproof cores.
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Sequence 5- Waterproofing/ Secondary Structure Added
Sequence 6- Exterior Aluminium Cladding Added / Tertiary
Sequence 7- Prefab Rooftop Canopy is Erected
Secondary structure is erected, installation of insulation between load-bearing timber, brick cladding, and waterproofing/windows are introduced.
Tertiary structure is erected, installation of exterior anodised aluminium cladding, and expanded mesh cladding with steel bracing support to expand the cladding from the structure.
Once primary structure is erected, prefab aluminium rooftop canopy is transported to the site and is built on-site.
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Sequence 8- Internal Finishings Finishings to Walls/ Ceilings and Floors are applied,
Integrating Construction Essay
Constructional Cladding Types
Fig 25: Exterior Expanded Mesh Cladding Detail (Author, 2020)
Fig 26: Anodised Aluminium Cladding Isometric Detail (Author, 2020) Fig 24: Exterior Expanded Mesh Cladding ISO (Author, 2020)
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Fig 27: Principle Threshold/ Detail Design of Staircase (Author, 2020)
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Integrating Construction Essay
D
Environmental Strategy Heating Ground Source Heat pump My structure is heated via a ground source heat pump, which offers a much safer source of heating rather than systems that are based on combustion. In addition to this, using a heat pump within my structure requires less maintenance for residents, whilst also being cheaper to run than alternatives, and having lower running costs. Ground Source Heat Pumps in particular, will extract heat from the ground below the structure, ultimately this will provide temperatures which will be warmer than the air in winter, and cooler than the air in summer. Originally my design included an air source heat pump which was placed on the roof of the structure, however I ultimately decided against this as I didnt feel it was necessary, especially as ground source heat pumps are more efficient than air source heat pumps in colder climates and also generate much less noise, and as the air source heat pump would be placed on a rooftop terrace where people would like to sit and relax, I thought an air source heat pump wouldn't be necessary, as you can see from Fig 30, the ground source heat pump can easily transfer heat through to the second structure under the exterior staircase.
Jan ‘19 Average = 4°C
May ‘19 Average = 13°C
Sep ‘19 Average = 15°C
Fig 28: Coventry Average Temperatures (Authors Visualisation)
Fig 30: Ground Level Plant Room with Ground Source Heat Pump & Boiler System (Author, 2020)
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Fig 29: Ground Source Heat Pump Distribution Diagram (Author, 2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
Summer Day 24//06/2020 12:00pm Sunrise: 04:43:53 Daylight Duration: 16h49m14s Sunlight Distance(KM): 152.057.948 Altitude: 58.18°
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External shading from anodised Aluminium cladding and by the centrepiece walkthrough/grand staircase, and bicycle lock walkthrough.
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Natural Light achieved in both Gallery and third floor study space and balcony space, and also interior staircase/hallway space.
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The natural acoustic properties of light timber reduces transmission of sound vibrations, good acoustic performance.
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Heat Recovery System required to pump hot air to exterior and cold fresh air to interior
Fig 31: Illustration Summer Daytime (Author, 2020)
Summer Night 24//06/2020 22:00 Sunset: 21:33:07 Moonrise: 7:50:35 Moon Altitude: 17.29° Moon Shadow Length: 3.21m
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Thermal efficiency of Brick exterior will absorb heat during the day, and radiates it during hours after sunset in darker hours.
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To release heat stored in thermal mass, windows can be opened by inhabitants when needed
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Heat source from plant rooms spread passive heating into the building. Fig 32: Illustration Summer Night Time (Author, 2020)
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Integrating Construction Essay
Winter Day 21/12/2020 12:00 Sunrise: 08:13:34 Daylight Duration: 7h41m15s Sunlight Distance(KM): 147.166.260 Altitude: 14.22° Azimuth: 180.43°
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Timber frame structure heated by low winter sun.
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Dense brick facade absorb and store significant amounts of heat.
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Ground and Air heat sources both allow passive heating
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Mineral Wool Insulation to trap and retain heat, whilst also providing a fire barrier.
Fig 33: Illustration Winter Daytime (Author, 2020)
Winter Night 21/12/2020 22:00 Sunset: 15:54:57 Moonrise: 07:32:42 Moon Altitude: 42.06° Shadow Length: 1.11m
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Timber frame structure heated by low winter sun.
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Both Ground/Air heat pumps used for passive heating
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Mineral Wool Insulation to trap and retain heat, whilst also providing a fire barrier.
Fig 34: Illustration Winter Night Time (Author, 2020)
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Integrating Construction Essay
Rainwater Harvesting The process of rainwater harvesting can help the Coventry Generational Housing Program to significantly reduce the amount of money spent on water bills, which residents can use to cover other bills. The design will make full use of the sloped site which is roughly a storey height slope, which will have drainage on each side to store rainwater, the diamond shaped prefab rooftop canopies are also slanted in such a ways to flow the rainwater into the guttering, forcing it into collection tanks on the ground. Collected rainwater can be used by residents for needs such as flushing toilets, laundry, watering gardens etc. Fig 35: Rainwater Collection Diagram (Author, 2020)
Fig 36: Coventry Average Monthly Rainfall Diagram (Authors Visualisation, 2020)
Solar Roofing The angled timber roof of the study 3rd floor study space makes an ideal location to place solar panels, as the roof has good exposure to sunlight. The energy generated from these solar panels could be used to fuel accommodation and or gallery/study space.Using solar energy will give the atrium guaranteed and stable power throughout the day when the sun is shining, and post-installation, solar panels need little to no maintenance, simply occasional cleaning to clear off dirt and debris, which would be a job for an external contractor. Fig 37: Solar Energy Distribution Diagram (Author, 2020)
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Integrating Construction Essay
Fig 39: Wind through exterior facade cladding (Author, 2020)
Fig 40: Wind through exterior facade cladding (Author, 2020)
Natural Cross Ventilation Consistent windows throughout the structure allow for natural cross ventilation to cool the interior, with anodised aluminium cladding acting as an exterior louvre. By including natural ventilation wherever possible, this reduces energy consumption through openings, which can be opened/closed by residents at their own will without mechanical means. A mixture of both single sided ventilation and Wind Driven Cross Ventilation is used in the structure.
38: Natural Ventilation Diagram (Author, 2020)
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â—?
Single Sided Ventilation occurs in apartments, where multiple openings come from the same facade of a closed room, as multiple openings are coming from the same facade, limited pressure gradient is developed. Single-Sided ventilation is still popular for apartments, due to various factors such as side constraints and number of housing units in wider context.
â—?
Cross Flow Ventilation occurs when two or more openings exist on multiple facades, with this type of ventilation, there is a potential for a much higher pressure gradient, ultimately proving a greater ventilation performance, therefore generally Cross Flow Ventilation has a greater .
Sustainability Strategy
Primary / Timber Frame As a Commercial Building Method, timber construction has the lowest CO2 cost, and has the least detrimental effect environmentally when it comes to harvesting, producing and transporting the material. Timber frame as a constructional method also ensures a high level of thermal insulation is provided. My thought process for using timber frame construction is also that fewer fossil fuels will be consumed and emissions will be reduced as the building in most instances will not rely as heavily on central heating. Fig 41: Sustainability Strategy Diagram (Author, 2020)
Secondary / Aluminium Cladding Opting as one of the most sustainable building materials in the world, aluminium provides a light weight and high strength material and is a great option for contemporary design, enhancing the feel and
Easily handled and transported to reduce environmental impact/ minimal cost for transportation
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Integrating Construction Essay
E FIRE COMPLIANCE In accordance with HSG168 – Fire safety in construction, (Second edition, 2010) ‘The protection of a timber frame from fire is provided by the materials which cover the frame eg plasterboards’ however, treatment would also be used on the timber to further eliminate the risk of fire. With this in mind, in the unlikely circumstance of a fire, escape routes and fire exits are placed throughout my design. Mineral Wool Insulation The superior fire-resistant properties that Mineral wool insulation offers a naturally non-combustible insulation option with a high melting temperature, making it a great fit for thermal insulation. Being naturally moisture-resistant, the materials thermal properties are maintained even when exposed to moisture. ●
Fig 42: Interior Fire Escapes Diagram (Author, 2020)
Mineral wool does not burn until temperatures reach beyond 1,000°C making it an ideal insulation choice.
Other Fire Safety Features ●
Water Sprinklers in residential hallways and public areas.
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Smoke seals on ALL interior doors.
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Automatic Smoke Ventilation.
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Smoke dampers on air conditioning and ventilation ductwork.
Fig 43: Exterior Fire Escapes Diagram (Author, 2020)
Fig 45: Screenshots taken from ‘The Building Regulations 2010’ Approved Document B ‘Fire Safety’
Sprinkler System in Hallway
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Fire Break Walls with Fire Door Fire Staircase
Fig 44: Interior Hallway showing Fire Break Walls, Fire Sealed Door, Fire Escape and Sprinkler System (Author, 2020)
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1400x1500 refuge area (With emergency button/signposting. This area does not block staircase escape route.
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All exit route doors orientated to push to allow easier exit strategy/fastest escape route.
Fig 46: Interior Fire Escape showing Wheelchair Refuge Point (Author, 2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
Fig 47: Distance (M) from residential entrances to nearest fire escape
Alternative Route Nearest Fire Exit Route
Fig 48: Nearest and Alternative Route to Interior Fire Escape (Author, 2020)
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Integrating Construction Essay
F Accessibility (Access for All/ Broader Access)
Fig 49: Elevation (with context) showing change in topography (Author, 2020)
Glazing/ Cafeteria Entrance Glazing at the cafeteria entrance provides full visual recognition for the public, allowing them to view inside the cafeteria. Glazing is also used throughout the structure to separate contrasting entities, for example to differentiate between the public and residential elements, these contrasting areas within the structure and disconnected almost, by consistent glazed hallways which expose the interior curved staircase.
Fig 50: Hallways/Internal Staircase Glazing (Author, 2020)
Fig 51: Cafeteria Entrance Glazing (Author, 2020)
Entrance Surface Level Both entrances to the structure provide a level surface and smooth transition between the exterior and interior of the structure, grand staircase is implemented to provide a completely level surface which is wheelchair friendly, with a stair/lift for disabled access.
Fig 52: Exterior Staircase to residential entrance (With wheelchair stair lift) (Author, 2020)
Grand Staircase/ Residential Entrance The Grand Staircase/Stair Lift collonade provides easy to identify main residential entrance and allows passageway through to university buildings for faster access from contrasting directions, reducing the time it takes students to go from one building to another, exposed columns can be seen from a distance and the collonade will be lit at night for the safety of residents and those using the walkway as this will be the main entrance after business hours when the front entrance to the cafe is locked.
Core Fire Escapes/ Circulation As well as two internal spiral staircases which allows circulation to each floor two core smokeproof fire escapes are included within the design, providing vertical circulation for the entire interior structure abiding by lift, staircase and sanitary provision requirements.
Fig 53: Interior Core Escape Circulation Diagram (Author, 2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
Accessibility (Principle Threshold/ Central Core)
Exterior Fire Escape with 1300mm landing for refuge.
2x Male and Female changing rooms for gym occupants, 5m x 5m in diameter, providing enough changing space for 4,843.76 ft² gym.
2x easily accessible passenger lifts for all users, measured 1.7 x 2.2m, with appropriate signage, 1000mm button height appropriate for wheelchair users. 5 x 5m landing provides sufficient waiting space for all users.
3500mm
3500mm corridor provides a more than sufficient width for wheelchair users comfortability.
Fig 54: Third Floor Plan Accessibility Principles (Author, 2020)
Possible location for signage for gym, changing facilities and toilets, clearly visible from staircase and elevator, easy to find for non-residents/general public.
2x Male and Female W/C facilities to meet increased occupancy needs of third floor gym space.
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Accessibility Study ~ Compliance with Approved Document K Headroom: 3000mm Pitch: 27° Riser: 182mm Thread: 300mm
Fig 56: Screenshots from Approved Document K ‘Protection from falling collision and impact
Widths
3m
3m
Heights
Fig 55: Accessibility Study/ ISO of central core escape (Author, 2020)
2100mm
1500MM
1400MM
30
Fig 57: Staircase Key Widths and Heights (Author, 2020)
Integrating Construction Essay
Critical Reflection Using specific and inspiring precedents from the outset of my design work, a clear direction of my project has been set from the very start. Unlike previous design projects, I believe I have further enhanced my knowledge of architectural technology tenfold. The desires of my project are to question and challenge the idea of segregated living between age groups by providing housing which fits the needs of all. In critical reflection of my thought process through ARC3013 so far this year, I believe I would have benefitted by incorporating stronger technical and environmental strategies at an earlier stage to give myself more time to question and look into further alternatives. I have also found it hard to focus on technology during an ongoing design process which has seen my design constantly changing and therefore the needs of the process changing also, I believe trying to finalize my design at least to the best of my capability before making a start on integrated construction would benefit both my design and technology processes. Also managing my time spend on each facet of technology is something that if I was to go through this process again, I would adopt a much more thought-about timescale for each technology section. With this being said I do believe that I have a project, which both adopts the Cox Street site well and embraces the university culture, exploring an avenue of unchartered territory (especially in the UK) of generational housing through the elderly and students. Choosing this specific function of creating housing for contrasting age groups hasn’t been easy due to the lack of high scale intergenerational housing projects, however, I can always take positives from this, for example, it has encouraged me to broaden my ideas and come up with vibrant ideas that are solely my own. 31
Bibliography- Literature Etherington, R., 2010. University Of Liverpool Heating Infrastructure By Levitt Bernstein | Dezeen. [online] Dezeen. Available at: <https://www.dezeen.com/2010/03/29/university-of-liverpool-heating-infrastructure-by-levitt-bernstein /> [Accessed 3 May 2020]. Frearson, A., 2013. Library Of Birmingham By Mecanoo. [online] Dezeen. Available at: <https://www.dezeen.com/2013/08/29/library-of-birmingham-by-mecanoo/> [Accessed 10 May 2020].
Health and Safety Executive, 2010. Fire Safety In Construction. Surrey: HSE. HM Government, 2010. The Building Regulations 2010 PART A 'Structure'. HM Government, 2010. The Building Regulations 2010 PART B 'Fire Safety’. HM Government, 2010. The Building Regulations 2010 PART K 'Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact’. HM Government, 2010. The Building Regulations 2010 PART M ‘Accessibility’.
Bibliography- Illustrations Fig 1: Site Context Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work
Fig 19: Illustration of exterior connected anodised aluminium cladding (Author, 2020) / Authors Work
Fig 2: Site Approaches (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 20: Anodised Aluminium Cladding Render (Author,2020) / Authors Work Fig 3: Principle Section showing Threshold between cafe/entrance and gym space (Author, 2020) Fig 21: Structural Strategy Diagram 1 (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 4: Principle Section showing balcony detail (Author, 2020) Fig 22: Structural Strategy Diagram 2 (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 5: Floor Plans with Context (Authors, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 23: Construction Sequencing (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 6: Site Analysis, showing sound around site based on more and less busy spots (Authors, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 7: Site Analysis, showing sunlight direction during both summer and winter seasons (Authors, 2020) / Authors Work
Fig 24: Exterior Expanded Mesh Cladding ISO (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 25: Exterior Expanded Mesh Cladding Detail (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 26: Anodised Aluminium Cladding Isometric Detail (Author, 2020) / Authors Work
Fig 8: Site Analysis showing green spaces surrounding my site for context of contrast with my own design (Authors, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 9: Average Wind Speed in Coventry (Monthly) Table (Authors, 2020) / Authors Work
Fig 27: Principle Threshold/ Detail Design of Staircase (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 28: Coventry Average Temperatures (Authors Visualisation) stats Available:https://www.worldweatheronline.com/coventry-weather-averages/west-midlands/gb.aspx
Fig 10: Massing Diagrams (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 29 Ground Source Heat Pump Distribution Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 11: Site Context Building Heights and Purposes Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 12: Conceptual Immediate Connections Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work
Fig 30: Ground Level Plant Room with Ground Source Heat Pump & Boiler System (Author, 2020) / Authors Work
Fig 13: Function Strategy with square footage & Surface Areas (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 31: Illustration Summer Daytime (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 14: Function Strategy specifics (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 32: Illustration Summer Night Time (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 15: Brock Commons Tallwood House Construction (Cao, 2019) Courtesy of NaturalWood.com Available: https://www.archdaily.com/924341/could-tall-wood-construction-be-the-future-of-high-rise-buildin gs Fig 16: Anodised Aluminium Cladding / HIP Levitt Bernstein Architects Rose Etherington Available https://www.dezeen.com/2010/03/29/university-of-liverpool-heating-infrastructure-by-levitt-bernst ein/ Fig 17: Library of Birmingham Drawings by Mecanoo Architects Available: https://www.mecanoo.nl/Projects/project/57/Library-of-Birmingham Fig 18: Illustration of exterior connected anodised aluminium cladding (Author, 2020) / Authors Work
Fig 33: Illustration Winter Daytime (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 34: Illustration Winter Night Time (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 35: Rainwater Collection Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 36: Coventry Average Monthly Rainfall Diagram (Authors Visualisation,2020) stats Available:https://www.worldweatheronline.com/coventry-weather-averages/west-midlands/gb.aspx Fig 37: Solar Energy Distribution Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 38: Natural Ventilation Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work
Bibliography- Illustrations Fig 39: Wind through exterior facade cladding (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 40: Wind through exterior facade cladding (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 41: Sustainability Strategy Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 42: Interior Fire Escapes Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 43: Exterior Fire Escapes Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 44: Interior Hallway showing Fire Break Walls, Fire Sealed Door, Fire Escape and Sprinkler System (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 45: Screenshots taken from ‘The Building Regulations 2010’ Approved Document B ‘Fire Safety’. Fig 46: Interior Fire Escape showing Wheelchair Refuge Point (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 47: Distance (M) from residential entrances to nearest fire escape (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 48: Nearest and Alternative Route to Interior Fire Escape (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 49: Elevation (with context) showing change in topography (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 50: Hallways/Internal Staircase Glazing (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 51: Cafeteria Entrance Glazing (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 52: Exterior Staircase to residential entrance (With wheelchair stair lift) (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 53: Interior Core Escape Circulation Diagram (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 54: Third Floor Plan Accessibility Principles (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 55: Accessibility Study/ ISO of central core escape (Author, 2020) / Authors Work Fig 56: Screenshots from Approved Document K ‘Protection from falling collision and impact’ Fig 57: Staircase Key Widths and Heights (Author, 2020) / Authors Work