San Martino Asylum Renovation

SAN MARTINO MENTAL HOSPITAL Managing the transition from Asylum to University Campus

Politecnico di Milano, FacoltĂ di Architettura e SocietĂ , AA 2013-2014 Architectural Preservation Studio, Professors Stefano Della Torre, Giuliana Cardani, Sylvie Durvernoy Weiyi Chen, Maria Elena Garzoni, Minghao Liu, Lorenzo Mirante, Margherita Orsini, Carlotta Pichler

INDEX

. SAN MARTINO HOSPITAL, an overview ..........................................................................page 07 . SURVEY, going deep into the building ..............................................................................page 25 . DECAY SURVEY, understanding the damage of the building ............................................page 69 . STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS, an overview on the structural components of the building......page 83 . PROJECT, from mental hospital to water centre head quarter...........................................page 99

5

SAN MARTINO HOSPITAL An overview

7

COMO IN ITALY

Como is located on the Southern tip of the Western wing of Como lake: it lays down onto a small hollow surrounded by green hills. It directly borders with Switzerland and is around 40 km far from Milan.

Como

9

THE SITE

The map show the relationship between the city, the lake and some spots that are considered strategic for the project.

Casa del Fascio Politecnico di Milano Politecnico di Milano Politecnico di Milano

San Martino Mental Hospital

City of Como Como Lake

CLIMATE often drops below zero during November, December, January and February. For this reason, the snow shows up quite regularly during winter. Even though Como’s weather tends to be very humid, there is no fog at all.

Summer is relatively hot, even though the peak of heat (35 °C) doesn’t last too long (usually a couple of weeks). Rainfall is quite intense and averages around 1.500 mm yearly: moreover, the area is prone to storms.

11

WINDS IN COMO

An overview on the most frequent winds blowing on Como Lake and Como City

TIVANO

BREVA

LOCAL WINDS

The location of the lake and the presence of mountains and valleys all around it are the causes of several winds blowing on the lake. Because of these winds, the weather conditions of the lake can change very suddenly.

There are two permament winds: they blow strongly and regularly and they indicate a good and stable weather.

TIVANO: it blows early in the morning (6-10 AM) from North-East all year long with a maximum speed of 6 m/s. It comes from Valtellina and when not blowing at all it indicates bad weather is on its way.

The second wind is the BREVA: it blows from South as soon as the Tivano stops blowing. Usually breva is mild and long lasting (it blows from 10 AM to 6 PM) with a maximum speed of 8 m/s.

Beside these two permanent winds, there is VENTO or VENTONE from North, which is frequent after the rain in Spring: it blows from Val Chiavenna and can appear quite suddenly. Usually it lasts 3 to 7 days and is quite strong, with violent gusts of wind.

MENAGGINO blows from South and is usually quite violent, especially during storms.

BELLANASCO comes from Val Maggiasca. Argegnino arrives from Val d’Intelvi with strong gusts.

BERGAMASCA blows on the lake Northwards and it usually gets less intense at the centre of it.

GARZENO and they especially show up during evening: because of their intensity, they can be dangerous, particulalrly during storms.

13

THE SITE

The map shows that the project side is surrounded by green areas, crops, forests and a hub of Politecnico di Milano

tree

green area project site crop buildings

15

TIMELINE

A chronological scheme of the development of San Martino mental hospital

1870

First proposal for a Mental Hospital as an addition of St. Anna Hospital

1871

30 of March - Start of the design competition

1872

Fifteen projects were presented but no one selected

1878 1879 1882 1884

14th of June - The County Council approves the project for the new Mental Hospital

31of May – The work begins Construction site delivery

25th of June – Final inspection of the works

1895 – County Council Extension of the property for higienic reasons

1895

County Council Report about a project for a new building for isolation cells designed by Tazio Gattoni

1908

10th of December – Expansion project of the Mental Hospital

16

female wing male wing

A calm patients compartment B sick patients compartment C agitated patients compartment D bathrooms

E services F administration compartment G road serving the various compart-

1879 General Plan

A calm male patients compartment A’ calm female patients compartment B sick male patients compartment

B’ sick female patients compartment C “dangerous” male patients cmpartment C “dangerous” female patients cmpartment

D bathrooms and laundry E kitchens

Extension of the property, expansion project

17

SAN MARTINO HOSPITAL THROUGHOUT THE TIME A collection of historical pics of the hospital and its residents

The loom of the quiet patients wing

The bakery

23

SURVEY

Going deep into the building

25

KEY PLAN

The project building is located on the South - Eastern corner of the whole complex: its position building was used mainly as dormitory and laboratory for quiet female patients that didn’t require any special treatment. The building presentes a rectangular shape with two long facades on the North side there is a long corridor that connects all the rooms placed in a row on the South side. At the ends of each corridor there is a small toilet (beside the Eastern end on the Ground Floor). The North facade is oriented toward the courtyard of the complex: even though the orientation is not optimal, the presence of large windows supplies the building with light alla day long. The garden also represents a very interesting characteristic of the complex, thanks to its rich vegetation and nice atmosphere. The building has two storeys, but only the Ground Floor is currently in use: indeed, doned, therefore their condition is much worse than the Ground Floor’s state. Roof and basement were not inspectionable, therefore it was impossibile to understand their state of conservation.

27

THE BUILDING AS A HOSPITAL

A plan showing the functions of the building when San Martino was a mental hospital

porch - gallery

guardian room - distribution

toilets

dorms

canteen - labs - service room

reception 3m

29

THE BUILDING AS A HOSPITAL was a mental hospital public rooms distribution

main accesses and exits stairs

courtyard

services - toilets

31

3m

KEYPLAN FOR HAND SKETCH

34

EIDOTYPES

In situ hand sketches

35

KEYPLAN FOR HAND SKETCH

36

HAND SKETCHES In situ survey drawings

37

KEYPLAN FOR HAND SKETCH

40

HAND SKETCHES

In situ survey drawings

41

KEYPLAN FOR HAND SKETCH

42

HAND SKETCHES

In situ survey drawings

43

KEYPLAN FOR HAND SKETCH

44

HAND SKETCHES

In situ survey drawings

45

KEYPLAN FOR HAND SKETCH

50

HAND SKETCHES

In situ survey drawings

51

KEYPLAN FOR HAND SKETCH

52

HAND SKETCHES

In situ survey drawings

53

STUDY MODEL

A maquette in scale 1: 50 of one of the Ground Floor rooms and its vault system

55

WINDOWS AND DOORS SURVEY

An abacus of all the window and door frames in the building

W1 W2 W3 W5 W7

Ground Floor

Material External metal window with two wings and one frame and glass).

Dimension: 1.10m * 1.90m

W1

External metal window with two wings (gray metal frame and glass).

Dimension: 2.77m * 4.80m

W2

DECAY - Rust on medallic accessories

External metal window with two wings (gray metal frame and glass).

Dimension: 1.46m * 2.47m

W3

57

WINDOWS AND DOORS SURVEY

An abacus of all the window and door frames in the building

First Floor

W4 W2 W8 W5

Material

External wood window with two wings (white wood frame and glass) and two external wood shutters (green paninting).

W4

Dimension: 1.45m * 2.00m

External metal window with two wings (gray metal frame and glass).

W5

Dimension: 1.98m * 1.98m

Internal metal window with one wing (gray metal frame and glass).

Dimension: 1.38m * 2.10m

W6

59

WINDOWS AND DOORS SURVEY

An abacus of all the window and door frames in the building

Ground Floor

W4 W2 W6 W8 W5

Material External metal window with one wing (gray metal frame and glass).

W7

External wood window with two wings (white wood frame and glass) and two external wood shutters (green paninting).

W8

Dimension: 1.45m * 2.00m DECAY - Discoloration

61

FLOOR SURVEY

D

D

E

D

Scale 1:200 A1

A1

A1

D

B

B

B

C1

C1

C3

C2

C2

C1 C1

B

C1

62

C2

BB

Scale 1:200

FLOOR SURVEY

B

B

A

B

B

B

B

B

B

B

D

Scale 1:200 piastrelle graniglia - A

piastrelle 1950’s - B

graniglia palladiana - C

piastrelle chiare - D

linoleum - E

graniglia palladiana II - F

A1

A2

B

C1

C2

C3

C2

C3

D

E

C1

63

PLANTS SURVEY

A survey of the existing heating and electric systems

ground level

first level

second level

radiator

heating pipes vertical heating pipes

fire extinguisher

3m

65

electric cables vertical electric cables electric control unit

WINDOW SHUTTERS SURVEY

A survey of the missing window shutters in the building

ground level

first level

second level

present shutter

missing shutter

3m

67

DECAY SURVEY

Understanding the damage of the building

69

FLOOR DECAY SURVEY

ground level

first level

second level

floor patch

3m

71

CEILING DECAY SURVEY

ground level not revealed or in good state of conservation

first level

second level

humidity

plaster cracks

collapsed fake ceiling

3m

73

CEILINGS DECAY

INNER FACADE DECAY SURVEY - GF

74

F

G

C

B

A

DE

E

H

humidity

plaster cracks

The survey shows the presence of few humidity spots and cracks on plaster

75

n

w room D

3m

w n corridor

w room E

n

w room A

e

e

n

s

s

e

s

e

s

w n room G

w n room B

e

e

s

s

n

n

w n room H

w room F

w room C

e

e

e

s

s

s

INNER FACADE DECAY SURVEY - I F

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

humidity

plaster cracks

The survey shows the presence of some humidity spots and cracks on plaster

76

77

3m

w n corridor

n

n

w room D

w room G

n

w room A

e

e

e

s

s

s

w room H

w room E

w room B

n

n

e

n

s

e

e

e

s

s

s

w room F

w room C

n

n

e

e

s

s

ELEVATIONS DECAY SURVEY and humidity spots

ground level

South Elevation humidity spot plaster crack first level

second level

North Elevation radiator heating pipes vertical heating pipes humidity spot plaster crack

fire extinguisher

electric cables vertical electric cables electric control unit

3m

CONCLUSION The survey on the building’s decay could not be fully carried on: indeed, the roof was not accessicracks humidity ble, norplaster the basement.

Nonetheless, few hypothesis can be made up according to what was visible

inside the building: for instance, the consistent presence of humidity and walls suggests that the roof may be leaking the roof) is consistently more damaged than the other two. Floors appear to be in a good state of most likely there is no need for a replacement. Nonetheless, many of the wind shutters are missing, therefore the left ones will be removed and eventually new shutters will be installed. The external facades look well conserved too, showing only few scattered humidity stains and plaster cracks. The overall conclusion of this decay survey is that the roof appears to be the most damage part of the building, therefore a deeper investigation may be useful in order to fully understand its condition.

81

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

An overview on the structural components of the building

83

MASONRY

An analysis of the masondry structure of the building with some structural hypothesis

The structure of the San Martino Asylum seems to be entirely of stone masonry.

In particular, the building we are considering is built with pietra of Moltrasio, a methamorphic stone quarried in the nearby environment. This information is notable in the historical documents provided.

The overall state of conservation is really good: walls are thick (from 64 cm to 76 cm) and no struc. The ones that are present belong just to the plaster layer and should be pipes.

TEXTURE AND CROSS SECTION By observing the surface of the masonry walls it is possible to make hypothesis about the geometry and morphology of the texture. Infact, by observing it the surface looks overall planar and with no big irregularities or evidences of dismemberment in its thickness. So, the stone units are supposed to be regular rather than irregular or of different dimensions.

More in detail, the different units should be made by cobblestone or by blocks of stone undergoing the technique of sbozzatura. stone blocks sbozzati and cobblestone

stone blocks sbozzati

When considering the cross-section of the masonry it’s notable that the structure appears solid and strong by knocking and by observing the absence of structural cracks. So, it is supposed the presence of two or three layers of masonry that are interconnected. Otherwise, it would be too week to bare the involved loads and the overall thickness of the wall would be lower.

CONNECTING ELEMENTS Due to the fact that in the considered building not relevant cracks are found in the wall corners, it’s supposed that their conformation is closer to (b) or (c) examples. Infact, the walls are interconnected so that they don’t create slipping movements thus creating cracks. cause the walls surfaces look smooth and planar.

a)

b)

c)

METHODS OF INVESTIGATIONS These methods are useful to detect the proper masonry’s characteristics and the different phenomena that might occur within the thickness of the walls. More in parBeyond the detection of the phenomenum of crushing through the use of a hammer, thermovision and georadar tual state of conservation. It is decided to locate these investigations there because it’s probable to have an overall good state of conservation of the whole masonry if the ground level’s one answers well to tests, since it is the most stressed part of the whole structure.

Crushing detection occurs mainly by knocking with a hammer and hearing a thud. If the hammer has not rebound, after the removal of the layer of damaged masonry and the repetition of the percussion, Thermovision can be very useful in diagnostic to identify areas under renderings and plasters, to survey cavities and to detect inclusions of different materials, water and heating systems, mois-

Georadar is useful to locate the position of large coids and inclusions of different materials, to positions made about morphology, texture, and cross section of the masonry.

85

cross section hypothesis

VAULTS

An analysis of ceilings and vaults with some structural hypothesis

The absence of major vertical deformations in the masonry implies not only its regular texture and its well interlocked cross section, but it can also highlight the fact that the forces arriving from the through all the walls, that we can therefore suppose to be well proportioned (thickness from 64 cm to 76 cm). sail vaults are found. cerns the traditional technique of the time for constructing a vault; the second one is also linked to the reasoning that stone vaults would be too heavy to be constructed without having a better response, since vaults should be lighter as possible. The thickness of the masonry is another thicker to bear the load.

BARREL VAULT they allowed the disposition of a big quantity of beds in a large free space. Guardians rooms were narrower, therefore the vaults seem higher then the others. The imposts have the same hight in all rooms. The general state of conservation is good, but some moisture signs are noticed.

In the ground level two rooms are characterized by the presence of barrel vaults with lunettes.

classic barrel vault

SAIL VAULT

barrel vault with lunettes

wider spaces are found. The complex texture of sail vaults and barrel vaults with lunettes that is present allows a continous space in the former common rooms and canteen of the building, where also visitors were welcomed. So the need for larger spans and the representative tone that these room should have had brought to the construction of this peculiar system of vaults. The state of conservation is very good.

axonometrical scheme

plan

CROSS VAULT corridor is characterized by a sequence of cross vaults. The reason of this structural choice probably stands in the peculiarity that this kind of vault has; infact, it allows to concentrate the thrust on its highest points therefore not passing a lot of load in all the side of the walls. This permits to open the space towards the garden. Together with the masonry and the ture’s situation, since the ground level is the one that bares all the loads of the whole building.

axonometrical scheme

plan

87

VAULTS

An analysis of ceilings and vaults with some structural hypothesis

INVESTIGATION Even if the overall vaults’ state of conservation is good, some further investigations would be useful to understand more deeply the structural situation concerning the ceilings be checking if humidity driller and boroscope; these are also used to see the quantity of layers the vault is composed of.

To understand better how the ceilings are made, termovision is applied to verify the construction technique of each type of vaults. In fact, suppositions about their conformation are made knowing the traditional techniques of the XIX century.

The barrel vaults are usually built using longitudinal or trasversal elements, diagonal courses. Sail vaults develop from the use of concentric rings, parallel arches or from the use of a particular texture known as peacock’s tail. Longitudinal or trasversal elements are used also to generate cross vaults, that often are also designed using the Herringbone pattern. barrel vault

longitudinal elements

transversal elements

diagonal elements

sail vault

concentric rings

parallel arches

peacok’s tail

sail vault

longitudinal elements

The

transversal elements

should

shows a big difference in conformation of the reinforcement is expected not only for solving eventual structural problem, but also to rise the load baring capacity of the second level. Infact, the conversion of this building into a public one makes probable es to the restoration intervention is to allow the and this intervention would guarantee it for the future of the whole complex.

89

Herringbone pattern

INTERVENTION ON VAULTS

The consolidation through the installation of frenelli in muratura is a technique usually applied terials’ state of conservation.

The intervention is intended to lighten the thrust through the removal of non-structural masses , more or less heavy, who insist on the vault (in static conditions this incoherent material stabilizes the ceiling’s side part preventing its rise) and in restoring the balance in the curve of internal pressures through the implementation of frenelli (light small walls with a modest thickness) located orthogonally to the falde’s generators, so that loads can be uniformly distributed and, at the same time, the global vault’s system is stiffened.

The holds a very important role in the structure of vaults and it can really affect its stability, since strenghts go straight to piedritti instead of the masonry wall nearby. Therefore, the vault in suole curve nervate.

The operating phases include: . shore up of the vault from the below (centinatura intradossale); . removal of the existing pavement . check of eventual presence of

. In case large cracks are revealed, strips of

. cleaning of vaults using brushes; . in case of their damage, possible reinforcement of the masonry walls with different techniques; . building of frenelli perpendicularly to the masonry. They are placed with an interdistance of 60 to 120 cm (depending on loads and on dimensions of the vault). They are made of bricks and mortar; . possible anchoring of frenelli to vault with the use of metallic bars in case of vault and frenelli scroll. They are connected to each others with hydraulic mortar or epoxy resin; . piercing of wall and vault to ensure a good circulation of the air; . placing of a brick slab and a lightened screen coat over frenelli. This is applied in case of need

lightened concrete

brick slab

(tavelloni in laterizio)

frenelli

vault

external wall

internal wall

91

ROOF

An analysis of the roof with some structural hypothesis

typical orditura alla lombarda. It is a thrusting roof, therefore the main structure is perpendicular to the slope while the secondary one develops along it. Muricci contribute to the structure. It is accessible through a metal stair that doesn’t belong to the original constuction just for inspection. by a direct contact with the covering. In more recent years a false ceiling has been applied in all the rooms to insulate and hide the electrical pipes, but it appears to be rotten in several spots. In fact, a relevant amount of humidity is perceived both on walls and ceilings. Thanks to the absence of the covering it’s possible to inspect visually the wooden structure from below.

It is notable that trave maestra has been incamiciata by an external wood reinforcement structure.

Shingle

Secondary structure

Primary structure

Wood beams

Second floor masonry

93

ROOF

Investigation methods and hypothesis of intervention on the roof

INVESTIGATION Since humidity spots are reveiled it’s necessary to understand which is the actual state of conservation of wooden beams. Therefore, after visual inspection the worst ones are selected to apply the penetrometric method; this is based on the resistance principle to the perforation applied on the wood piece. This resistance is calculated through the quantity of energy applied by the tool to allow a thin steel needle to proceed at constat speed. In genTo check the state of conservation of the cannicciato it is necessary to use a laser to verify its planarity. In case it was in a good state, it would be kept, otherwhise removed and the tavolato would become visible.

In any case a new insulating system has to be provided, and two main ways are taken into consideration to do it: . application of an insulating layer on the tavolato extradoss: it’s a simple way to make the secthe roof; . application of an insulating layer under the tiles: in this way the whole roof is caulked. This option is preferable mainly for two reasons. In fact, the moisture that is already present on site would be offered: if more space was needed for the building’s function, the under-roof space could

INTERVENTION Roof insulation rigid central polyurethane foam core (with a density of 38 kg/m3 that, with thicknesses of 6080-100-120 mm) thath makes it possible to improve the system’s thermal resistance, adapting it to the various requirements for living comfort and greater energy saving. It is a thermal insulation system for pitched roofs, designed for repairing and refurbishing roofs on old buildis positioned on the wooden structure. It is composed of two layers of non-woven polypropylagainst the passage of water in case of breakage or displacement of the roof tiles. Thanks to its permeability, it allows natural air circulation and at the same time the structure is kept dry.

The polyurethane panel is coated in a sheet of embossed aluminium, made loadbearing by a reinforced, perforated aluzinc stiffener that works as a support for laying the roof covering, facilitatrainwater from the roof into the gutter.

This simple system involves laying modular structural panels that are light-weight and have longitudinal and header edges, shaped to overlap and interlock with one another. Its light-weight, easy manoeuvrability and workability at a height, speeding up correct installation of the panels that, when laid in sequence (from the gutter line to the ridge) quickly form a loadbearing – thermal insulating – under-tile ventilation and, thanks to the stiffener built into the panel, support for attaching the roof covering.

95

ROOF

Investigation methods and hypothesis of intervention on the roof

ROOF INSULATION The operating phases include: . removal of tiles and their cleaning;

. positioning of the clean tiles.

flexible membrane tiles

secondary wood structure

polyurethane panel

primary wood structure

metal stiffner

97

PROJECT

From mental hospital to water centre head quarter

99

FROM ASYLUM TO UNIVERSITY

Converting a mental hospital into a university hub Inspite the current neglected condition, this building is a : for this reason, our analysis of the building focused on the understanding of how to preserve the value of the place yet giving new life to it, in order to achieve a balanced compromise between past, present and future.

Vaults

chamfered wall angles

high windows

the fabric was built for, which was hosting a mentally sick people. While vaults - which are still in

“patchwork� with some new insert that can carry the memory of this project’s intervention.

As for the general layout of functions, it is taken into account the original distribution that presented open common spaces on the Ground Level. In the new layout, these spaces are used as exihibition and metting rooms in order to highlight the unique vault system of the ceiling. In the dedicated to group work or classes. Moreover, communicating spaces are maintained as main The demolition of the emergency staircase and pre-existing covered access is planned in order trance to the Ground Level. In order to avoid unnecessary demolition, the trace on the facade of the former emergency staircase is maintained and used in the new vertical distribution system as entrance to the building. that could work well as headquarter of the water centre, but could also host functions that are more directly linked to the university. For this reason, the reinforcement of the First Floor vaults is scheduled, so the load bearing capability is improved in order for them to be able to host more than just twenty peopleon ference room on the Ground Level in order to create smaller or bigger spaces acording to the need.

A

B

C

D

101

DEMOLITION MAP

to be demolished

scale 1:200 not to be demolished

103

CONFIGURATION I - WATER CENTRE HEAD QUARTER scale 1:200

104

CONFIGURATION II - UNIVERSITY scale 1:200

105

REFERENCE

Relationship with the context

L’arsenale, Pierluigi Nicolin, Milano, 2013.

L’arsenale, Pierluigi Nicolin, Milano, 2013.

L’arsenale, Pierluigi Nicolin, Milano, 2013.

107

REFERENCE

Visible pipes and plants

Palazzo Montecatini, Giò Ponti, Milano, 1936.

Centre Pompidou, Franchini-Piano-Rogers,

109

Paris, 1972.

REFERENCE Possible application in a university context

Room S.1.1, Politecnico di Milano

111

REFERENCE

Stair and elevator case addition

KHBT, OSA Architects, Liverpool, 2006.

KHBT, OSA Architects, Liverpool, 2006.

113

REFERENCE

Materials for the addition

Centro Culturale Roberto Gritti, Dapstudio, Bergamo, 2010.

Academy Of Fine Arts, PAG, Wroclaw, 2012.

115

REFERENCE Stairs

Rodovre Town Hall, Arne Jacobsen, Denmark, 1956.

St. Chaterine, A. Jacobsen, Oxford, 1966.

119

NEW VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION

A new volume is added as main entrance of the building and vertical distribution The demolition of the emergency staircase and pre-existing covered access is planned in order to the Ground Level. In order to avoid unnecessary demolition, the trace on the facade of the former emergency staircase is maintained and used in the new vertical distribution system as entrance to the building.

The idea is to uniformize the vertical connections in the four buildings of the complex giving to each one its peculiarity by using a different colour. In this way thanks for the strong symmetrical layout of the former asylum, the orientation within the complex by the visitor is easier.

For the facades of the new element it is used a high tech material that consists in light diffusing insulating panels to make daylight usable and considerably reduce heat losses. The achievement of optimum and uniform light transmittance into the room is reached thanks to the use of a transinserts in the cavity between panels.

The structure of the addition is made of steel and it’s anchored to the masonry only in punctual areas for security reasons and to avoid the hammering phenomenum in case of earthquake. The slabs touch the historical building only were the former demolishing of the perimetral walls occured, leaving a respect area to it.

. low architectural quality . not uniform intervention . not respectful concerning the relationship with the historical building

. proper distributionand access device with its own architectural identity . shaping of a proper entrance to the building . improvement of vertical distribution . peculiar feature that characterizes the four buildings of the complex . use of the former demolished parts of external wall being respectful towards the signs left in the building’s history

outer glass shell

inner glass shell

121

light-diffusing insulating slab

silicone joint

NEW VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION Axonometric view - scale 1: 100

123

NEW VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION

A glimpse at the interior of the new vertical distribution

125

TECHNICAL PLANTS

The three plant options compared to each other in a chart

After an analysis on the possible options, the project aims to give provide a solution that works in the best possible way. Looking for different inspirations and considering a whole lot of elements, there are three main possible solution that satisfy all the needs of the building. The main tasks that are meant to be addressed are: HEATING SYSTEM

ILLUMINATING SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Unfortunately, this choice would bring along many consequences, such as the need to increase building structure as it doesn’t require any demolition: the concept is to provide all the services through a system of visible pipes that will be hanged along the walls. At the same time, this option is visually very impacting.

The third option is the most simple one: improving the exisiting heating plant replacing old radiators with new ones and adding a lighting control system. The downside of it is that the present plants are the result of a process of layering up throughout the time, therefore they are now very caothic and unorganized. This third option is very simple and respectful yet it doesn’t address all the requirements of the building.

Hereby a comparison chart is attached in order to provide a clear overview of the situation;

FLOATING PAVEMENT

PROS

CONS

PIPES

IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING

. management of all the techni- . management of all the technical pipes with an uniform and cal pipes with an uniform and hidden solution hidden solution . relationship with the context: in terms of differences in height and in aesthetic accesses because tubes are . allows the sight of vaults and traces that can be followed ceilings . no need to destroy walls . architectural value is added . aesthetic uniformity with the addition

. no need to demolish walls . the radiators substitution links the new intervention to the current structure

. door replacement . no deep relationship with the existing context . demolition of walls . no uniform project with the vertical distribution addition

. visual quality problems . service distribution limited to the current pipes location . uneven distribution of pipes . no uniform project with the vertical distribution addition

. door replacement . no deep relationship with the existing context . demolition of walls . visual quality problems

127

FLOATING PAVEMENT

129

0.5 m

FLOATING PAVEMENT

their technology consists in a totally independent module that can be applied on any kind of that guarantee a perfect level of comfort in the building. The floor integrates the heating system (an analysis on the surroundings shows that there is no need to supply the building with cooling system), the electric and internet-connection system, the lighting control system.

MODULE itself. The project uses 60 x 30 cm tiles. The technology is composed by: 1 FINISH, available in a range of materials such as Gres, Marble, Pvc, Linoleum, Parquet, Laminated.

2 SUPPORT, in chipboard (truciolato).

3 LOWER FINISH 4

SEALS, to avoid the sound of steps and to protect the passage of dust, hair and water.

5 Metal BEAMS, to support the plank.

6 COLUMNS, to support the whole system and to create a cavity for the passage of electric cables and heating system. These are located on a small rectangular piece of TK-SOFT material

1 2 3

4

5

6 The column is the basic element in this technology because it allows variable distances from the ground: this is important because in the project this gap is meant to be reduced to the minum.

The columns will be 10 cm tall and composed by:

7

7 Top seal 8 Regulation Dice

8

9 Threaded Plank M16 (Diameter) 10 Base tube

9

10

11 Base

11

131

FLOATING PAVEMENT

COVERING Tiles are the only visible elements for those who pass by, therefore it is really important to choose the right material. Since walls are covered in white plaster and the added is bronze metal, the grey-brown Laminate tile is picked because of its modern and natural appeal: moreover, it ensures high resistance to cracks and dirt.

The element is a 60 x 30 cm rectangular. The orientation of the tiles will be regular and parallel. The tile is composed by: 12 Laminate 13 Adhesive glue 14 Chipboard Support

4 cm

12 13

m

c 30

60 cm

14

In order to choose the best heating system many different technologies were taken in consideration. These technologies work with water, air and electricity.This chart is useful to compare them effectively;

amount of space

heating velocity

++

+

+

+++

+++

+++

with WATER

with AIR

INFRARED

+++

Positive

++

Neutral

energy consumption

installation and upkeep ease

heat quality

+++

+

+++

+++

+

+

++

+++

++

very low if associate to an modern heating pump or geothermic system

very low if associate to an modern heating pump or geothermic system

high consumption at the start (220 W) and low at full capacity (22 W)

+

Negative

HEATING SYSTEM

locate the tiles; they just need to be connected to the electrical system with an tri-pole American socket.

4 cm

Installation costs are low and it doesn’t need frequent maintainance, it doesn’t get damaged overtime and the centralized system automatically regulates the electrical capacity to heat up the panels. With a maximum consumption of 220 W and a continue use throughout the day (24 h),

cm 0 3

60 cm

133

FLOATING PAVEMENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY user, some are embedded. The system is then covered with a metal element that avoids the decay caused by natural elements like dust and water. Two types of tile were designed, so they can be picked according to the need.

One unit is arranged with 6 electrical sockets and 3 Net cable supplies (12.5 x 54 cm ), while the other one is smaller and supplied with 2 electrical socket and 2 Net supplies (12.5 x 24 15 Current socket 16 Net socket

15

16

15

16

LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM The lighting control system has a crucial role in the interior design, because it affects the way the Ground Lights and Up-Standing Lights. to highlight some element such as the vault system. Moreover, since walls are covered in white plaster, Ground Lights also create a .

GROUND LIGHTING SYSTEM The Ground Lights are fully integrated in the pavement technology. Their break down is: 17 Halogen Lamp 18 Protective Backside Element 19 Translucent Cream-White Plexiglass The halogen lamp is directly connected to the electrical supply system and it is composed by few main elements like the Protective feature which has the function to isolate the lamp from many possible natural and animal elements or the plexiglass plank which was picked in a creamy-white shade so to give a warmer light to the surroundings. The plexiglass can be easily removed be-

17 17

18 floting pavement

18 19

19 masonry and floor

135

FLOATING PAVEMENT UP STANDING LIGHTING Up-standing Lights are meant to be used to have a widespread lighting in the room. There are of two kinds of these lights and they are both composed by a structure made out of metal, a coated glass (vetro sabbiato) and an illumination given by a LED plank.

A widespread lighting.

B

the direct glaze thanks to the opaque coated glass.

137

FLOATING PAVEMENT FLOORS Supports: Next Sleepers: CTA

HEATING SYSTEM Chosen Model: Infrared radiant panels with 220 V power source and automatic central unit every six panels

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY Company: BTicino www.bticino.it Wall Socket: LEGRAND from the VELA collection

LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM Handcrafted.

Structure: Cor-Ten C stell ensuring high mechanical resistance che permette levatissime caratteristiche di with an extremely thin section. www.siderservizi.it Lighting Body: Circuiti stampati LED www.leditaly.com

139

VISIBLE PLANTS

141

0.5 m

VISIBLE PLANTS HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM This second proposal uses a totally different technology, which is much more visible but less impacting on the building’s structure. In this second option, there is no singether well because they share the same way to carry their services: the pipes.

This project reminds to the high-tech style of Centre Pompidou and is based on the manifestation of all the new technical plants that are going to be added - air-conditioning and electrical system - without trying to hide it. Further explanations will be found down the page and in the following ones.

1 2 Air arrives into the mechanic controlled ventilation unity and it’s heated up to the needed temperature 3 Pipes channels the clean heated air toward the inner building areas 4 Silencers are needed to lower the noise of air circulation inside the pipes

3

5 Distribution “Plenum”, necessary to split the air circuit into all the desired spac-

5 6

rooms

6

7

7 7 5

3 4

1

3

2

Axonometry of the tube system.

143

VISIBLE PLANTS

it has its own vibe, it could be tricky to adapt such a modern technology to an old building like San - use pipes that are as simple as possible - place al the new technical machines in the vertical distribution case and let only pipes enter in the original building.

Down here some technical information regarding the pipes area attached.

8 9 11 11 11

10 8 Air-conditioning central system

Plan of the tube system Scale 1: 10

9 Pipe from central system to Plenum: diameter 40 cm 10 Plenum: 60 x 60 x 44 cm 11 12 Air grid: 45 x 15 cm

Plan of the tube system Scale 1: 10

DOOR

11

11

11

12

12

12

12 Section/facade of the tube system Scale 1: 10

145

VISIBLE PLANTS LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM Since the design concept is the same for all the technical plants, also the electrical and the lighting systems have been studied with a similar technique: showing up all the pipes .

Moreover, in this second option it has been created a technical wall - that uses the same material and color of the vertical distribution addiction.

The elements picked for the lighting control system are hanged to the vaults and are simple light bulbs - protected with a coated glass - holding on the wall through metallic cables.

13 Tube bringing air into the rooms. Diameter 20 cm

20 c

13

m

14 Tube bringing electricity cables into the rooms. Diameter 5 cm 15 Connection screw 16 Plexiglass panel, “Technical Wall�

17 Socket

5 cm

14

18 Metal cable 19 Metal structure 20 Coated glass 21 Fluorescent tube 22 Tensor

Axonometry scale 1:10

A 21

B

18

C 21

19 20

18 22

Axonometry Scale 1: 100

C

B

00

cm

1

25

cm

A

Axonometry Scale 1: 200

147

VISIBLE PLANTS

Axonometry

149

VISIBLE PLANTS

HEATING MACHINES Company: Robur www.robur.it Model: E3A.

PIPES AND ACCESSORIES Company: Tubosystem www.tubosystem.it Pipes: various typlogy from the series “Canali circolari SR” with strenghtening ribs.

Insulation: insulating FLV woolrock mat, thickness 25mm.

Anchoring: anchoring element in metal plate with R”-SEN neoprene seal.

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY Company: BTicino www.bticino.it Wall socket: model LEGRAND from the VELA series.

AIR DISTRIBUTION Model: Plenum of standard distribution.

TECHNICAL WALL Handcrafted Structure: PLEXIGLAS® Satin Ice ensuring good mechanical resistance while conducting light www.temaplex.com

151

IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING PLANT

153

0.5 m

IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING PLANT LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM Lighting control system is entirely re-designed. The design concept recalls some aspect of the preis supplied by a canal that goes all round the wall of the room.

Axonometry of the new plant Scale 1:10

HEATING SYSTEM Since the electric system is working well and it doesn’t present any particular sign of damage, only the old sockets are replaced with newer ones. The picked model is B-Ticino from he “VELA” series. www.bticino.iy

155

IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING PLANT HEATING SYSTEM Since the concept of this third project is to improve the existing system, the use of more up to date The picked model is from the Italian industry Tubes and the series is called “Kubik”. www.tubesradiatori.com/ A Old radiators B New radiators

A

B

0 15 10

15

0

0

10 50

50 0

10

0

20 0

10

20

Old and new radiators

90 cm

8.2 cm

extendable

Kubik radiator

Old radiator

157

PROJECT

159