Constructing Environments Karen Dionisio-See Week 5
FOUNDATION & FOOTINGS
Activity: Structural Concepts (Part One) This week, we were tasked to identify the structural systems of our group’s case study: ERC Student Centre based on the given template.
concrete screed
footings/ floor cut through the concrete screed The building was constructed on an existing structure (basement). The foundation of the new space is built through the concrete screed that gave a finish to the existing ceiling of the existing basement.
existing concrete ceiling on the basement
Constructing Environments
MATERIALS
Karen Dionisio-See Week 5
STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
Primary Structure Timber roof Steel framing Steel studs framing Glass - window panels Existing concrete walls
I beam
Universal Beam T sections
Steel • to support the roof structure • steel studs to secure slabs in walls Concrete • found in the existing buildings (ERC and Doug McDonell) • concrete screed on the foundation Timber • roof structure screwed on steel plates • used in the interior structure of the building Glass • found in the roof supported by fabricated T section beams • adjustable glass panels on the facade in aluminum frame
Constructing Environments Karen Dionisio-See Week 5
SUSTAINABILITY Carbon Footprint • Timber produces less waste • Stores carbon permanently --> mitigate climate change • prefabrication of materials offsite is unncessary --> save production and transportation energy/ costs Embodied Energy • Timber has minimal non-renewable energy consumed • Contains thermal properties --> no need heating and cooling systems • Natural durability --> less energy in maintenance, demolition and construction • Glass allows natural lighting; however, this lets out heat during winter and traps heat during summer Recyclability • Timber is reusable and can be used as another source of energy for homes and power plants
ECONOMICAL IMPLICATIONS OF DECISIONS Materials used are easy to work with, which means less labour and work is needed for construction (i.e. less salary expenses). They are not prefabricated offsite, which saves energy and costs for producing the materials for construction. Overall, sustainable materials such as timber are cheaper in the long run.