Masters Technology Report by Lauren Pietro

LAUREN DI PIETRO MArch Architecture 2017 14033056 Technology Report

contents

Overall strategy

Project summary

STRUCTURE Foundations Floor structure Roof structure Wall build up

6 8 10 11 12

ENVELOPE AND DAY LIGHTING Cladding Windows Daylighting

14 16 17 18

INTERIORS AND SERVICE INTEGRATION Access and circulation Heating strategy Service integration Internal finishes

20 22 24 26 28

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

30 Fig.1 Concept image of proposed scheme

Overall strategy

Roof structure pg. 11

Wall build up pg. 12 Floor build up pg. 10 Joist layout pg. 10

Foundations pg. 8

Fig. 2 Axonometric showing indicative structure

Project summary

The design of the proposal is based around the existing trees which provide both interesting physical spaces as well as reiterating the healing aspect of nature and the restorative purposes of trees with disease. Timber pods surround each of the trees providing both nodes to the cluster spaces off of these, as well as conversation spaces and for meeting, gathering and reflection. Each node is assigned to a different tree species and each cluster is accessed through these nodes onto internal courtyards which provides access to individual rooms. This reduces the need for corridors throughout the development

The clusters are grouped into categories based on the internal functions. For example, single bedroom residences are grouped into one cluster attached to the white beam pod, couple bedrooms are grouped into a cluster attached to the ash pod, and the cafe is grouped into a cluster stemming from the copper beech pod. The programme of the building has therefore dictated the form, and the layout of the spaces is dictated by the transition from private to public; from the urban edge to the rest of Leazes Park.

and thus aids way finding.

Fig. 3 Sketch showing proposal from Richardson road

Fig. 4 Sketch of cluster design

Fig. 5 GA floor plan

Structure

Primary, secondary and tertiary

Foundations

A major design imperative for this proposal was to make as minimal physical impact on the existing park as possible, in particular building around the existing trees on the site. In doing this the root protection areas were calculated and this led to the conclusion of using pad foundations for the base of the building to allow minimal impact with the ground whilst working around the tree root protection areas and trunks. As the ground level slopes upward 2m from the ground level to the highest point at the south-east of the site, this meant that the pad foundations will follow the natural slope of the

Foundations are to be concrete pad foundations with timber flitch piers and hollow core steel ground beams spanning between these piers to enable them to pass in the spaces between the existing trees and trunks. The maximum span is 15m which causes the need for steel as opposed to reinforced concrete. Timber joists will then pass perpendicular over the ground beams to allow the floor covering over this.

land, whilst the piers will be at different lengths finishing at the same level to create a level threshold for the floor structure. Fig. 6 Typical loads on pad foundations (Ching, 2014)

Fig. 7 Diagram showing detail build up of foundations

Floor structure

The flitch piers will be bolted to the concrete pad foundations at the base, and also to the steel ground beams supporting the floor. The whole floor structure will be elevated above the site below to the highest point on site (2m above the level at the west side of the side). Joists laid over ground beams will be connected using joist hangers over the ground beams. Joists will also be trimmed and doubled up around areas that need to be cut out for tree trunks to pass through.

Fig. 8 Diagram showing detail build up of floor

Roof structure

Roof construction to be natural Welsh blue slate fixed to 25x50mm battens with BBA approved breather membrane laid over counter battens ensuring minimum 25mm ventilation gap to breather membrane.Ventilation to roof provided at ridge and eaves level. Underdrawn with 32.5mm insulated plasterboard. Roof construction over timber pods to also be timber frame but without insulation as this roof will provide weather shelter but will be covered external space and open to the elements.

Fig. 9 Diagram showing detail build up of roof

Fig. 10 Example roof construction section

Fig.11 Example structural connection of roof to wall

Wall build up

WT1 External sandstone brick cavity walls - internal covered space Outer leaf 102.5mm approved facing sandstone brickwork with 50mm clear cavity to 15mm rigid insulation. Inner leaf of 100mm aircrete blockwork with 12.5mm plasterboard drylining set on plaster dabs with skim finish.

WT2 External timber clad and render clusters internal covered space Outer leaf vertical cedar board on board cladding set onto 68mm battens over breather membrane fixed to timber frame structure in filled with insulation with 12.5mm plasterboard fixed to 25mm battens for service void with skim finish. Outer leaf render on ply board fixed to 68mm battens with breather membrane over timber frame in filled with insulation. Plasterboard set onto 25mm battens for service void finished with skim.

WT3 External timber structure pod - external covered space Outer leaf vertical cedar board on board cladding set onto 68mm battens over breather membrane fixed to timber frame structure in filled with insulation with 12.5mm plasterboard fixed to 25mm battens for service void with skim finish.

13 WT2

WT1

WT3

Fig. 12 GA floor plan

Envelope and day lighting

External cladding

The materiality if the envelope has been chosen to be respectful to both the rural setting of the park as well as the urban fabric of the surrounding area, in particular the conservation listed buildings within Castle Leazes. Timber cladding has been chosen to reflect the trees on the site, with vertical boards to complement the trunks protruding the proposal.

The pitched slate roof atop the timber and render clad cluster pods provide a domestic feeling to the elevations which face the urban streets which reiterates the familiarity of the form as one of my design drivers. The pitched slate roof atop the staff cluster provides the main entrance to the respite centre and the external envelope will be natural sandstone as this is the elevation which faces the street. This will provide a domestic scale on this elevation which also relates to the rest of the typology along this street.

Fig. 13 Typical example of vertical board on board timber cladding

Fig. 14 Typical example of sandstone building in Leazes Conservation area

Windows

Vertical sliding sash windows have been chosen in the domestic scale cluster pods to relate to the surrounding context of the Leazes conservation area. These will be placed so that each room within these clusters has at least one window to provide natural day lighting as this will aid with time perception and orientation for people with dementia who will be using the building. On the timber clad pods the main openings and day lighting strategy will be curtain wall glazing. These pods will be external covered space and therefore insulation is not as essential in these areas making curtain wall glazing a good solution for this type of day lighting.

Fig. 14 Sketch of vertical sliding sash window design

Fig. 15 Example curtain wall detailing

Day lighting

Although vertical sliding sash timber windows will be used for a domestic scale feel on the outside of the clusters facing the urban edge, the majority of the natural day lighting will come from the roof. The roof lighting will be concentrated over the internal courtyard, with cluster windows allowing natural day lighting into each room within the cluster. This glazing will contrast with the timber and sandstone materials used on this internal scale of the proposal and will aid with orientation and time perception as natural daylight will be provided in every room.

Fig.16 Example roof glazing to wall glazing detail

The roof cladding will be a mixture of slate roofing tiles on the elevations facing the urban edge to relate to the existing conservation typology, but will then be timber board on board cladding as the walls, on the internal scale if the building to reflect the feeling of being within the trees and the natural park.

Fig. 17 Example timber roof cladding

Fig. 18 Axonometric showing indicative location of roof glazing

Interiors and service integration

circulation

Access and

The proposal has been designed with way finding at the forefront of the buildings; corridors have been avoided to minimise feeling of being lost; trees have been utilised on site to provide node points and places to gather thoughts and decide on destinations; circulation has been designed to provide closed loop routes to again minimise the feelings of being lost. Although the closed loop circulation and way finding diagram [shown opposite] initially looks like a labyrinth of spaces with dead ends, the design is laid out so that circulation loops are subtle to give users free reign around the development. Nodes can be seen from every point on the proposal and can redirect users to where they want to be if they begin to feel lost. Fig. 19 Diagram showing access to the building

The main access for the respite centre will be from Richardson Road through the reception area and the staff cluster. There will also be access provided over a level threshold from Leazes park into the public cafe cluster of the respite centre.

Fig. 20 GA floor plan showing typical closed loop way finding routes

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Heating strategy

Zone 1

The proposal seeks to create a transition between internal and external spaces using the idea of nature and the outside as spaces which promote healing and therapeutic atmospheres. For this reason there is a progression of internal heated spaces, internal unheated spaces, external covered spaces and external uncovered spaces. These are denoted in the section above as zones 1-4. Zone 1 - Internal heated space Heated by under floor heating strategy to allow roofs to remain lightweight and with roof lights as the heating services run through the flooring. Radiators on walls can often be confusing to people with dementia and also a safety hazard if they get too hot and someone touches one without realising. Fig. 21 Section showing zoning of spaces

Zone 2 - Internal unheated space Due to the large amount of glazing surrounding the internal courtyards denoted by zone two, the space will benefit from lots of solar gain and thus will not need to be heated. These spaces will also begin to bring the external into the internal and the transition is anticipated to be sensory as well as visual. Zone 3 - Covered external space These conversation pods will be open to the elements whilst sheltering from wind/rain etc. They will further reiterate the progression between internal and external. Zone 4 - External uncovered space This will aid the transition from the proposal to the rest of Leazes park and connect the buildings back to their surroundings.

Fig. 22 GA plan showing zoning of spaces

Service integration

The internal heated spaces will be done so by under floor heating. This ensures that clashes can be avoided as water pipes and electricity distribution will run through the battened service voids in the walls and will only run through the floor joists in unheated spaces. The energy supply will consist primarily of electricity rather than gas, as this will aid the safety of the users of the building to ensure that any people with dementia using the properties cannot leave gas on and unattended which could cause dangerous consequences. Escalators and lifts will be provided from the staff cluster to the upper ground floor level of the building and will be provided as a means of escape in a protected corridor. Smoke alarms will also be fitted in every closed space.

IT services and networks will be provided in the staff offices, as well as distributed across clusters, with a public wifi connection throughout the entire development for public users of the building and users of Leazes Park. Natural shading will be provided by the trees as existing on site, with additional shading provided on the facade where needed. Security will be paramount for the safety of the residents and users, with alarm systems and pressure sensitive areas to alert staff as to people entering and leaving the premises. Lighting is key to reduce visual perception difficulties for people with dementia and will also include solar powered lighting, natural lighting and emergency power supplies. Refrigeration will be available in the kitchen area.

Fig. 23 Typical heating and plumbing strategies

Internal finishes

Flooring can help promote a more positive and inclusive environment to those living with dementia and encourage reduced stress and anxiety. There is a strong link with dementia and the development of reduced vision and therefore flooring and floor transitions must be clear to users. A set of principles have been developed to use when specifying flooring which is dementia friendly 1: Develop one continuous flooring surface 2: Careful use of tonal contrast 3: Reduce impact sound 4: Accentuate colours to give depth 5: Avoid sensory overload and false steps 6: Reduce sparkle 7: Promote the use of a matt floor finish 8: Blend flecks with the tone of the main floor 9: Avoid unpleasant smells and odours 10: Provide good transition between differing floor finishes

DH HBN 08-02 (2015) Design Principles for a Dementia-friendly Environment Principle 1 Provide a safe environment Principle 2 Provide optimum levels of stimulation Principle 3 Provide optimum lighting and contrast Principle 4 Provide a noninstitutional scale and environment Principle 5 Support orientation Principle 6 Support way-finding and navigation Principle 7 Provide access to nature and the outdoors Principle 8 Promote engagement with friends, relatives and staff Principle 9 Provide good visibility Principle 10 Promote privacy, dignity and independence Principle 11 Promote physical and meaningful activities Principle 12 Support diet, nutrition and hydration

Fig. 24 Indicative floor finishes - top to bottom - carpet for internal heated spaces, Polyflor wood flooring for internal courtyards and pod transition spaces, and anti-slip timber decking for external uncovered spaces

References and bibliography

Fig.1 Concept image of proposed scheme (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 2 Axonometric showing indicative structure (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 3 Sketch showing proposal from Richardson road (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 4 Sketch of cluster design (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 5 GA floor plan (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 6 Typical loads on pad foundations (Ching, 2014) Fig. 7 Diagram showing detail build up of foundations (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 8 Diagram showing detail build up of floor (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 9 Diagram showing detail build up of roof (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 10 Example roof construction section (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig.11 Example structural connection of roof to wall (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 12 GA floor plan (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 13 Typical example of vertical board on board timber cladding (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 14 Typical example of sandstone building in Leazes Conservation area (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 14 Sketch of vertical sliding sash window design (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 15 Example curtain wall detailing (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig.16 Example roof glazing to wall glazing detail (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 17 Example timber roof cladding (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 18 Axonometric showing indicative location of roof glazing (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 19 Diagram showing access to the building (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 20 GA floor plan showing typical closed loop way finding routes (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 21 Section showing zoning of spaces (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 22 GA plan showing zoning of spaces (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 23 Typical heating and plumbing strategies (Di Pietro, 2017) Fig. 24 Indicative floor finishes - top to bottom - carpet for internal heated spaces, Polyflor wood flooring for internal courtyards and pod transition spaces, and anti-slip timber decking for external uncovered spaces (Di Pietro, 2017)

Adler, D. (2012). Metric Handbook. 1st ed. Oxford: Routledge. Building & construction. (1996). 1st ed. Melbourne: ACTRAC Products/Australian National Training Authority. Ching, F. (2014). Building construction illustrated. 1st ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Lynch, K. (1960). The image of the city. 1st ed. The MIT Press. Schittich, C. (2003). Architectural Details 2003. London: Elsevier Ltd. Timber frame construction. (1978). 1st ed. [London]: [Council of Forest Industries of British Columbia].