Project 2: Design Anatomy

School of Architecture, Building and Design Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA) Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

Building Technology 1 [ARC 3514/3512] Assignment 2: Design Anatomy

NAME: KONG REN HENG STUDENT ID: 0316416 LECTURER: MR ADIB SUBMISSION DATE: 5th NOVEMBER 2015

Table of Content 1.0

Introduction --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 01

2.0

Proposed Construction System 2.1

Roof System ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 02 2.1.1 Precedent Study 2.1.1.1 Construction Details 2.1.1.2 Materials 2.1.1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages

2.2

Facade System ------------------------------------------------------------------- 03 2.2.1 Type A 2.2.1.1 Precedent Study 2.2.1.1.1 Construction Details 2.2.1.1.2 Materials 2.2.1.1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages 2.2.2 Type B 2.2.2.1 Precedent Study 2.2.2.1.1 Construction Details 2.2.2.1.2 Materials 2.2.2.1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages

2.3

Floor System --------------------------------------------------------------------- 05 2.3.1 Precedent Study 2.3.1.1 Construction Details 2.3.1.2 Materials 2.3.1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages

2.4

Structural System -------------------------------------------------------------- 06 2.4.1 Precedent Study 2.4.1.1 Construction Details 2.4.1.2 Materials 2.4.1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages

3.0

Sketch Studies and Final Faรงade Design Scheme -------------------------- 07 3.1 Sketch Study One 3.2 Sketch Study Two 3.3 Sketch Study Three 3.4 Final Faรงade Design Scheme

4.0

References -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 09

1.0 Introduction

This assignment is an integration project with Architectural Design Studio 5 which aims to facilitate the technical aspect of the design. The studio project is a proposed community library located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. My concept of the library is inspired by the circulation patterns of different types of user group that all passes through the site but without interaction with each other, the community library aims to utilize its strategic location as a focal point to create communal spaces for the people in Brickfields to interact and communicate with each other. In addition to community spaces, the library also provides basic library function, café and garden for the community.

This report is a compilation of construction systems proposed which include the following categories: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Roof system.

Facade system (Two types).

Floor system.

Structural system.

In addition, this report also includes sketch studies on facade design and final design scheme, which comprises of front and rear elevations.

The objectives of this project is to have a better understanding on recent and more complex construction system and how to integrate them into studio design. Instead of only considering technical details as an after thoughts in later design stage, this project encourages student to consider the construction aspects throughout the design process to tackle the issue of “forced” buildability and improve student’s technical competency.

Figure 1.1 Macro site plan (left) and micro site plan (right). (NTS)

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2.0 Proposed Construction Systems 2.1

Roof System

2.1.1.1 Construction Details

2.1.1.2 Material One primary issue about a green roof is water leakage. To counter it a few layers of insulation need to be installed between the soil and the roof, as well as a drainage system.

Drain cell polypropylene is used to facilitate water drainage and water insulation membrane is used to protect the reinforced concrete from moisture.

2.1.1 Precedent Study – Green Roof Building: Heriot-Watt University.

Location: Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Architect: Hijjas Architects & Planners

Plants Soil (140mm*) Filter membrane Drainage layer (30mm*) Figure 2.1.1.1.1 Section of Heriot-Watt University green roof

2.1.1.1 Photo of Heriot-Watt University The Heriot watt University Malaysia campus is built with the concept of a series of volumes revealed from the peeling of the earth. The green roof is an extension from an adjacent park rising above the ground and below housed a 4-storey building. The arching roof act as heat insulator, rain water collector and sun shading device. Under the Malaysian Green Building Index (GBI), Heriot-Watt University is rated as certified.

The green roof of Heriot-Watt University comprises of a roof garden supported by an arching reinforced concrete slab.

Before being overlayed by soil and grass, the reinforced concrete slab was insulated by various membranes, finished with soil and grass. The maximum depth of the soil is 50mm to prevent surface soil runoff and soil erosion. The west end of the roof is inclined at a degree of 30, therefore aerated concrete blocks with wire mesh were inserted which acts as retainers to hold the soil in place.

Studio design context: The community library utilizes a roof garden to provide space for reading and relaxation.

Water insulation membrane (1.5mm*) Reinforced concrete slab (180mm*) *Thickness.

Figure 2.1.1.2.1 Green roof materials 2.1.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages Green roof is a passive design strategy that act as a heat insulator to the building. It lowers the temperature and cools down the interior spaces. As the heat gain is reduced, less energy is needed for active cooling, if there is any. Moreover, a green roof helps to mitigate Urban Heat Island effect, as well as improving air quality and local bio-diversity.

Despite its advantages, a green roof requires specialized construction knowledge to build, hence its high construction cost and time. In addition, if the green roof is not designed and implemented well, water leakage may happen, which leads to possible high maintenance cost. A green roof also imposed more load on the building structure than regular roofing.

Figure 2.1.1.1.2 The west end of the roof

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2.0 Proposed Construction Systems 2.2

Facade System

2.2.1.1.1 Construction Details

2.2.1.1.2 Material

2.2.1 Type A 2.2.1.1 Precedent Study – Curtain Wall Building: Sendai Mediatheque Location: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan Architect: Toyo Ito Structural Engineer: Sasaki Structural Consultants

2.2.1.1.1 Photo of Sendai Mediatheque To abolish traditional archtypes of museum and libraries, Toyo Ito came up with the concept of ‘plate’, ‘tube’ and ‘skin’ for the Sendai Mediatheque. The three keywords represents the primitive human body which is part of an electronic world and its connection to the nature.

The curtain wall of Sendai Mediatheque is mounted on the slab. It is independent of the building’s main structure and before the curtain wall, another glass facade that acts as infill between floor slabs can be found. In between these two glass facades, vertical glass panel is fitted with a certain spacing, connected Figure 2.2.1.1.1.1 Section of to the outer curtain wall Sendai Mediatheque curtain using steel connectors. wall These glass panels, along with the on the with the lamination on the outer glass façade, actlamination as shading outer glass façade, act as devices to the interior spaces. The laminated patterns on the devices to the curtain wall act as brise soleil when theyshading intercept sunlight. interior spaces. The laminated patterns on the curtain wall act as brise soleil when they intercept sunlight.

Studio design context: Glass façade is used to emphasize on the focal points (community interaction zone) in the library. The site is fairly shaded by surrounding taller buildings, therefore the usage of glass façade has a smaller impact on interior heat gain.

Figure 2.2.1.1.1.2 Photo of Sendai Mediatheque facade

Figure2.2.1.1.2.1 Sendai Mediatheque façade materials The main materials used to construct the curtain wall is steel and glass.The main facade facing the south is double-glazing (30mm in thickness) to prevent excessive heat loss during winter and resist strong wind load. The west façade, which faces a lot of surrounding contexts, is laminated with polycarbonate or aluminium, which make the façade opaque.

2.2.1.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages The advantage of a glass façade is that it admits adequate daylight into the interior spaces, thus reducing the need of artificial lighting during daytime, subsequently reduces electrical load and cost.

However, heat will accompany sunlight and penetrates the glass if inappropriate treatment and types of glass are used. The climatic condition must be considered thoroughly to counter the disadvantages of a glass façade. Comparing to conventional solid façade, a glass façade also requires higher installation and maintenance cost. Laminated glazing could also cause glaring problem.

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2.0 Proposed Construction Systems 2.2.2 Type B

2.2.2.1.1 Construction Details

2.2.2.1 Precedent Study – Louvred Facade Building: Harry Parker Community Boathouse Location: Boston, MA, USA Architect: Anmahian Winton Architects Structural Engineer: Richmond So Engineering

Louvres Fixing battens for cladding

2.2.2.1.2 Material The louvres are made up of high density composite panels finished with natural wood veneer. The use of natural material improves the sustainability of the boat house at the same time adhere to its concept – a connection to the river, hence the nature.

I beam

Figure 2.2.2.1.2.1 Close-up on the louvred facade Figure 2.2.2.1.1.1 Section of Harry Parker Community Boathouse louvres 2.2.2.1.1 Photo of Harry Parker Community Boathouse Reinvigorating a neglected public land into an active public park for rowing facilities, the architect behind the Harry Parker Community Boathouse sought to explore the abstract commonalities between rowing and architecture. The design of the façade resembles the rhythmic punctuations in the river water.

The louvres are constructed by using cladding system. Fixing battens were first connected to the building structure which in turn has the louvre panels fixed upon them with designated spacing in between louvres.

2.2.2.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages The main benefit of an exterior shading system such as louvres is to intercept sunlight before it reaches the interior through wall glazing, subsequently reducing interior heat gain and load on active cooling system. Unlike completely solid façade which blocks one hundred percent of sunlight, louvres still allows daylighting in the form of diffuse light and natural ventilation.

Depending on the material used for the louvres, it may restrict the view from the interior through the glazing. An additional shading system also increase the load imposed on the building load-bearing members and the construction and maintenance cost.

Studio design context: The louvred façade on the library represent solidity as a contrast the transparent glass façade (community interaction zone). Louvred façade is adopted to allow daylighting and ventilation, while still maintaining solid appearance.

Figure 2.2.2.1.1.2 Harry Parker Community Boathouse louvres

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2.0 Proposed Construction Systems 2.3

Floor System

2.3.1.1 Construction Details

2.3.1 Precedent Study – Honeycomb Steel Plate

2.3.1.2 Material The material used for the structural members and floor plate for the floor system in Sendai Mediatheque is steel. Depending on the function of the room, floor finishes varies according to acoustic requirement as well as susceptibility to wear and tear, and so on. For instance, carpet flooring is used for theatre and library to reduce the impact sound transmission.

Building: Sendai Mediatheque Location: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan Architect: Toyo Ito Structural Engineer: Sasaki Structural Consultants

Figure 2.3.1.2.1 Sendai Mediatheque honeycomb floor 2.3.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages The advantages of steel flooring is faster erection which leads to lesser time needed to complete the construction compared to concrete floor slab, which requires curing. The higher structural strength of steel flooring also allows longer span.

2.3.1.1 Photo of Sendai Mediatheque The Sendai Mediatheque utilizes a floor system of two steel plates with in between consisting the floor structural members and service space for artificial light and ducting.

Figure 2.3.1.2 Floor ventilation

Figure 2.3.1.1.1 Section of Sendai Mediatheque honeycomb steel plate The Sendai Mediatheque does not have beams conventionally speaking. Rather, it has steel panels connecting to each other at different angles, creating a honeycomb pattern and sandwiched in between two steel plates. Much like the mechanism behind the waffle floor slab used in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water, the steel panels act as structural members for the floor system and allow the floor to span great length. Conventional beams are eliminated as they act as beams themselves.

The disadvantages of steel flooring is higher construction cost as well as high noise transmission if the material for floor finishes is not chosen appropriately.

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2.0 Proposed Construction Systems 2.4

Structural System

2.4.1.1 Construction Details

2.4.1 Precedent Study – Steel Frame Structure

2.4.1.2 Material The main structural material of Gregg’s Cycle is steel, ranging from steel columns, steel beams, steel deck flooring, and steel connections (bolts and nuts).

Building: Gregg’s Cycle Location: Beilevue, WA 98004, USA Architect: Weinstein A|U Structural Engineer: Swensen Say Faget

However, steel structure, although non-combustible, will be greatly weakened by high temperature in the event of fire.

For the community library, the steel structure has to be protected, and one of the most common methods to do so is masonry or concrete encasement.

Figure 2.4.1.1.1 Section of steel frame structure 2.4.1.1 Photo of Gregg’s Cycle Gregg’s Cycle is a bicycle retail shop located in the USA. Classified as a Type IIB construction (unprotected noncombustible construction), the building’s steel frame structure is exposed without any fireproofing treatment. Inspired by traditional steel lugged bicycle frames, the steel frame is a feature of the spatial experience which expresses and celebrates the bicycles.

For a steel frame structure, after foundation has been completed, columns are erected, usually correspond to designated grid coordination. After that beams are installed and connected to columns using common methods such as bolts and nuts or welding. Floor construction follows with floor decks sit on top of the beams. Finally trusses are installed and subsequently the roof.

Figure 2.4.1.2.1 Typical solution for fire protection of column and beam 2.4.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages The most prominent feature of steel structure is that its high strength allows longer span between columns and longer building lifespan. Steel structure is also faster to erect compared to concrete structure.

Figure 2.4.1.1.2 Gregg’s Cycle steel structure

Figure 2.4.1.2 Section of Gregg’s Cycle

Figure 2.3.1.2.1 Sendai Mediatheque floor materials

On the other hand, steel structure has very high embodied energy as steel requires more manufacturing processes than concrete. Besides using recycled steel to reduce energy usage, the end result may not justify the usage of steel in terms of sustainability.

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3.0 Sketch Studies and Final Façade Design Scheme 3.1

Sketch Study One

3.2 Sketch Study Two

3.3 Sketch Study Three

Figure 3.1.1 Façade design sketch one Figure 3.3.1 Façade design sketch three The first façade design explored bricks as the identity of Brickfields, as brickfields was where the first bricks kiln was built, therefore its bricks founded the development of Kuala Lumpur. Parts of the façade brick cladding was removed to allow daylighting, while also create an ‘excavation’ feeling of the history of Brickfields.

Figure 3.2.1 Façade design sketch two The second sketch design further explored the identity of Brickfields.

Inspired by the site ‘core’ position in every user group circulation at that area, an idea of focal point creates core (main spaces) versus auxiliary (supplementary spaces). This is translated into a brick core versus glass box to create visual contrast between solidity and transparency. The transparent glass facade also allows the middle brick core to be seen and stood out. Louvres are installed to fill up the void between first floor corridor and the protruding glass façade for security reasons.

The third sketch design reverse the solid and transparent. Core spaces (community interactive zone) are framed inside glass boxes, creating visual focus and contrast to other solid spaces.

The transparency of the cores and their position inside the box (less to none exterior wall) ensure adequate daylighting. On the back façade louvres are used to allow diffused light to enter the interior and natural ventilation, at the same time restricting the bad views of the back alley.

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3.0 Sketch Studies and Final Façade Design Scheme 3.4

Final Façade Design Scheme

Figure 3.4.1 Front elevation

With the concept of focal point and the opportunity to create an interactive zone that binds the community together, the front elevation has a combination of glass façade and louvred façade. This contrast of transparency and solidity creates a focus on the glass facade. The louvres are orientated at the highlighted area. These, along with the glass façade, correspond to the transparent areas, which are the community interactive zones. The solidity of the façade is achieved with louvres without sacrificing daylighting and natural ventilation.

The rear elevation comprises of glass façade, louvres and solid concrete façade. The louvres do not open up in order to restrict the view to the back alley. The concrete façade is due to the fire staircase and storage room.

Figure 3.4.2 Rear elevation

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4.0 References 1. Sendai Mediatheque - Mediateca de Sendai, Toyo Ito, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan, 1995 — 2001 | José Miguel Hernández Hernández. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.jmhdezhdez.com/2012/01/sendai-mediatheque-toyo-ito-mediateca.html 2. Toyo Ito – Architecture, Structure, Material. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.detailsinsection.org/?p=461 3. Heriot Watt University. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://architizer.com/projects/heriot-watt-university/ 4. Heriot Watt University Malaysia. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from https://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/webform_submission/3969 5. Green Roofs. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/asset/download/9440 6. Levene, R. (2005). Toyo Ito, 2001 2005: Más allá del movimiento moderno = Beyond modernism. Madrid: El Croquis Editorial.

7. Ching, F., & Adams, C. (2001). Building construction illustrated (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley.

8. Knaack, U., & Klein, T. (n.d.). Façades: Principles of construction (Second and revised ed.).

9. Aluminium Curtain Walls. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.thegreenbook.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-aluminium-curtain-walls.htm 10. Community Rowing Boathouse / Anmahian Winton Architects. (2010, May 24). Retrieved November 8, 2015, from http://www.archdaily.com/61394/community-rowing-boathouse-anmahian-wintonarchitects 11. Harry Parker Boathouse awarded National Prize for Excellence. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2015, from http://www.usrowing.org/news/details/14-0115/Harry_Parker_Boathouse_Awarded_National_Prize_for_Excellence.aspx 12. 10 Key Questions about Exterior Shading. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2015, from http://www.constructionspecifier.com/10-key-questions-about-exterior-shading/ 13. Poirazis, H. (2004). Double skin façades for office buildings: Literature review. Lund: Division of Energy and Building Design, Lund Institute of Technology, Lund University.

14. Portfolio - Nikki Onderstall: Poster - Advanced Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2015, from http://nikkionderstallportfolio.blogspot.my/2013/10/poster-advanced-technology.html 15. Gorenc, B., & Tinyou, R. (2005). Steel designers' handbook (7th ed.). Sydney, NSW: UNSW Press.

16. Gregg's Cycles / Weinstein A|U. (2011, February 28). Retrieved November 8, 2015, from http://www.archdaily.com/115722/gregg%e2%80%99s-cycles-weinstein-au

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