Y3t1p1 by LoyWeiWin

BLDG3120 Second Skin

BUILDING REFURBISHMENT Chamberlain Building, Building 35 Second Skin | Making Things Better

BLDG3120 Second Skin

content No. Title Page 1. Site and Context Evaluation 1-14 2. Options Analysis 15-30 3. Material and Performance 31-43 4. Physical Model 44-47

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Site and context evaluation

BLDG3120 Second Skin

1. Site and Context Evaluation

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Site and context evaluation

Environmental analysis: Climatic conditions The local climatic conditions, classified as Zone 2 according to NCC 2015 A1.1 (warm humid summers with mild winters). The summer months of subtropical Brisbane are known for high temperature averaging around 29.9°C. However, cloud-free skies and extremly sunny day with high humidity can create summer temepratures which approach 35.0°C. The combination of both high humidity and high daily maximums signifi cantly aff ects thermal comfort. Air circulation and reducing heat loading on the core structure is of primary strategic concern to improve thermal comfort and to reduce overall energy usage of mechanical systems required for cooling. Comfort level Figure 1.2.1 depicts the average annual temperature band present in Brisbane city. In between May in September the subtropical climate in Brisbane is very comfortable with cool temperatures, that don’t require technical intervention. However, from March until May and between September and early December the temperatures start increasing and the comfort level decreases. Depending on personal preference and passive cooling strategies, the climate is still comfortable enough to avoid active cooling. On the other hand, during the summer months from December until early March, the temperatures are located in the warm/ hot band (24-38°C), indicating a warm environment when active air conditioning strategies would be needed.

Fig: 1.1. Average annual temperature profile (°C). Loy 2016.

The climatic data listed for Brisbane was derived from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Australia.

BLDG3120 Second Skin

Rainfall Figure 1.2.1 shows the average rainfall amount in Queensland. Brisbane is located in the band between 1000 and 1500 millimetres, that means itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to collect between 1000 1500 l/m2 per year.

Fig: 1.2. Average relative humidity (%) and Average annual rainfall. Loy 2016.

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Site and context evaluation

BACKGROUND analysis: In the early 1970s, Bligh Jessup Bretnall & Partners was commissioned to design a building for the University of Queensland’s School of Business on the St. Lucia campus in Brisbane. Originally named the “Commerce Building”, then later Chamberlain Building in honour of Emertius Prfessor Edna Chamberlain. This edifice fully exploited the benefits of precast concrete, which by then had become a common construction method, both in Queensland and beyond. The architects however skillfully adjusted this rather ubiquitous construction technique to respond to local climatic conditions. The precast panels, which composed the building’s façade, were shaped in such a way that ensure the windows were protected from the Western sun, as they were placed at a recess behind a fin of concrete. These carefully modelled concrete elements thus not only gave the façade depth but also an orderly rhythmic composition. Finally, a spacious atrium in the centre of the building enabled the free flow of air throughout the structure, further enhancing its climatic performance.

Fig: 1.3. Initial stage of facade construction. BVN Architecture 2012.

BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 1.4. Initial stage of facade construction. BVN Architecture 2012.

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Site and context evaluation

Fig: 1.5. Final stage of facade construction. BVN Architecture 2012.

BLDG3120 Second Skin

GENERAL INFORMATION: Site location The Chamberlain Building, Building 35 is located Blair Dr., St. Lucia, Queensland 4067. Building typology Under Part A3: Classification of Buildings and Structures subsection 2 of the National Construction Code, the Chamberlain Building (Building 53) has been classifi ed Class 9b: an assembly building, including a trade workshop, laboratory or the like in a primary or secondary school.

reference list: Fig. 1.3. http://qldarch.net/beta/?page_id=5#!/image/aHR0cDovL3FsZGFyY2gubmV0L21lZGlhLzE0Njc= Fig. 1.4. http://qldarch.net/beta/?page_id=5#!/image/aHR0cDovL3FsZGFyY2gubmV0L21lZGlhLzE0NzQ= Fig. 1.5. http://qldarch.net/beta/?page_id=5#!/image/aHR0cDovL3FsZGFyY2gubmV0L21lZGlhLzEzNDA=

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Site and context evaluation

site evaluation: Building Site / Fabric The orientation of Chamberlain building respond to its solar angles. The main axis of the building runs along east-west which is an optimal orientation for solar management. Besides, the high facade surface area to building volume ratio means the building structure engages more with the environment (increasing daylight and sense of openness). Hence, there is a greater interaction with a fluctuating climate which can pose a difficulty to the building itself. Solar Path (refer to context plan) Sun study analysis shows the building envelopes receives direct sunlight from approximately 10am to 2pm year round and the sun path is mostly on the north facade, but it also come to the south east in summer morning. The surrounding tall buildings have no major impact on direct sunlight exposure due to the fact that these buildings are further apart. Hence, the site can be considered as having strong sun exposure with marginal opportunity for solar photovoltaic opportunities. Prevailing Wind (refer to context plan) Wind rose statistics show prevailing winds originate from the west and are generally stronger in summer than in the winter. Given that the site context has numerous tall vegetation in various locations it would be hard to predict specific wind conditions at site due to vortex dynamics of these vegetation.

BLDG3120 Second Skin

Topography (refer to context plan) The existing vegetation provides protection against overheating, improves the air quality and also provides some cooling through the evaporative process in the plants to the building. Furthermore, it also reduces urban heat island effects in this area and enhance psychological well being. The existing topography also enrich the landscape and create microclimates in the pedestrian paths and gathering space. Circulation route (refer to context plan) The people are able to approach the building from various direction. However, there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any entry signifier to indicated the main entrance of the building. Hazard Noise pollution must be considered in the areas where the floor levels are connected by void spaces, hard surfaces could reflect noise from students and spaces exist near noise producing elements such as roadway and caffetteria.

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Site and context evaluation

Fig: 1.7. Facade module perspective. Loy 2016.

BLDG3120 Second Skin

existing facade performance analysis: Fenestration and Daylighting Based on the way the sun treks over the site, the northern facade is exposed to direct natural daylight all year round. However the southern facade is only exposed to direct sunlight for only less than 20% of the year. As a result, for the most part of the year, the north face of the building takes in direct sunlight while the south face takes dispersed reflected daylight from the adjacent buildings. In order to illuminate the interior spaces, there is a focus on daylight distribution along the outside of the building, while artificial lighting is mainly used indoors.

Thermal Comfort Mechanical systems are implemented to promote ventilation in the interior spaces. The bulk of the interior spaces is air conditioned. There is little to no cross ventilation since majority of the time the windows are closed. The air-conditioning system is good in keeping the users comfortable, at a constant temperature.

Regarding the fenestration, the current facade has double glazed, casement windows that is tinted for added privacy. It is installed with horizontal aluminium blinds and rollers. However, the atrium is closed off with fixed windows, resulting in a reduced cross ventilation through the building.

Moisture generated by expiration and condensation is resolved by the air conditioning system which keeps the interior air dry, absorbing the moisture and preventing condensation. This makes the interior feel less humid and stuffy, making it more comfortable.

Hot air generated by peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical warmth and respiration rises up the central atrium of the building and is cooled and managed by the airconditioning system in the ceiling.

Material Selection The facade is designed in different modules for each section on each floor. The concrete modules push back the windows from the edge of the concrete slabs and gives the internal spaces protection from sunlight and glare. The concrete, together with the carpeted flooring, provides extra soundproofing, making the interiors more acoustic proof. The external concrete wall also creates thermal mass for providing insulation for the interior spaces.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Site and context evaluation

Fig: 1.8. Building section A-A. Loy 2016.

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Scale @1:220

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Site and context evaluation

Fig: 1.9. Detailed Section, S1. Loy 2016.

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Scale @ 1:50

BLDG3120 Second Skin

considerations: Comfort Level Comfort of the occupants play a very important role in tall buildings in particular, wind and traffic can both be experienced as unpleasant and even unhealthy. Only 23.3% of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facade is actually exposed to the exterior due to its small windows on the large concrete facade. This disconnects the people inside with the environment. Spatial Configuration The enclosed rooms were located along the perimeter of the building which might obstruct the movement of the air. Through the building. Interior design/ layout such as internal partitions will have a direct influence on the performance of making the space naturally ventilated.

Climate-Specific Strategies Two important strategies can be utilised when designing facades in subtropical climates: protection from solar radiation and ventilating with a high air flow to remove unwanted humidity. A high air flow can make it more comfortable, as air movement over the skin creates a cooling sensation (psychological cooling). It is important to consider the difference between optimal internal temperatures for human comfort and external temperatures. For this reason, solar heat gain on the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facade needs to be carefully controlled. Although shading devices are useful, they should not prevent ventilation. Furthermore, night-time ventilation can also be strategically applied to remove some daytime heat gain.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

BLDG3120 Second Skin

2. OPTION ANALYSIS

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

Extension of concrete slab â&#x20AC;˘ The concrete slab that supports the columns of ceramic aerofoil fins was design more as an extension of the current slab rather than as a feature about the wall.

Ceramic fins â&#x20AC;˘ It is also able to store thermal energy when the sunlight shines on it, and release that thermal energy at night to heat up the interior spaces.

Fig: 2.1. Perspective of facade option one. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

DESIGN CONCEPT:

ADVANTAGES:

The initial idea was derived based on the existing Chamberlain Building which has a concrete floor slab. In trying to honour the current design the concrete building, the slab is extended outwards from the slab a little for maintenance access. This was chosen because of safety reasons such as concrete having a high fire resistance.

• Aesthetically pleasing. • Easy installtion. • All the components of the facade is designed to be made and readied offsite.

This facade design was inspired from the Advanced Engineering Building in the University of Queensland. Having many small fins to shield the interior from the sunlight can be rather effective since the fins can be adapted to suit the needs of the interior specifically. It is able to achieve all these while taking advantage of its unique aerofoil shape to influence the wind flows to enter the building, encouraging cross ventilation.

• Cleaning and maintenance can be rather tricky because of the high surface area of the ceramic aerofoil fins. Besides, cleaners will have to climb out and wipe down the many small corners and edges of the facade. • High transportation cost.

DISADVANTAGES:

The south facade also has a similar design, with the fins aligned towards channeling the wind flow through the building rather than around it. The position of the windows in this design is similar to the one on the existing Chamberlain Building. This is done so that maintenance will be able to walk on the external slab to access the aerofoil fins.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

Fig: 2.2. Front elevation of facade option one. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 2.3. Section of facade option one. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

Universal Beam • Refer to structural engineering specification.

Concrete planter pots & vegetation • The planter pots are to be cast off-site and to be brought to the site and installed on the facade. • The plants are then to be potted after the facade is completed, so as to reduce the need for precision and care when installing the pots.

Aluminium vertical fins • To be designed off-site and brought to the site to be installed on the facade. • Provides effective sun shading allowing fins to rotate according to the sun position throughout the day.

Fig: 2.4. Perspective of facade option two. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

DESIGN CONCEPT:

ADVANTAGES:

The design of this facade was inspired by the Stacking Green house designed by Trong Nghia. It explores how vegetation and having a green facade can change the atmosphere of an area, adding greenery and a natural feel to it.

Low carbon footprint • During the day, plants take in carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen, which is essential for all living life. Having an increased oxygen concentration in the building, it makes the internal spaces more comfortable. • Being able to look at greenery also makes the internal spaces feel less stressful.

The vegetation pots being horizontal encourage ventilation through the rows of pots into the building. The need to allow for space for the plants to grow naturally provides and makes the facade more permeable, allowing for more cross ventilation through the horizontal gaps. The leaves of the vegetation also help to act as a natural filter for sunlight. The leaves filter the sunlight as it passes through the leaves and gets dispersed as it enters the interior space. The horizontal rows of plants provide for vertical sun shading in the interior spaces. The planter boxes are placed in a way to block the afternoon sun while allowing the morning sun to penetrate deep into the interior space due to its low angle.

DISADVANTAGES: • Having multiple planter boxes means that there is a need to have a complete irrigation system to bring water to the plants. • An entire computer controlled system as well as an entire series of piping and tubing will be needed to be designed and installed to bring water to every planter pot. • The increases the cost of the facade and also make it difficult to repair if part of the system goes faulty. Maintenance will be needed to happen more regularly.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

Fig: 2.5. Front elevation of facade option two. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 2.6. Section of facade option two. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

Double glazing glass • Protects the interior spaces from glare and too much sunlight.

Stainless steel gratings • Used to support the cleaners and mechanics in case there is a need to. • Also acts as horizontal fins to shield sunlight coming in from low angles.

Fig: 2.7. Perspective of facade option three. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

DESIGN CONCEPT:

ADVANTAGES:

The Northern facade consists of a double skin facade with vertical sun shading devices. Because of the lack of wind on the Northern face, ventilation is a priority when introducing a facade. The double skin allows stack ventilation to take place. Hot air escapes through the small window at the top through the facade and out the roof. The outside skin uses only a single glaze to allow the sun to hit up the inside of the double skin facade, allowing hot air to rise and pulling out air from inside the rooms as well. The exterior surface of the curtain the rooms as well. The exterior surface of the curtain wall has a layer of self-cleaning coating to reduce on maintenance cost. In between the double skin facade consist of vertical sun shading fins. Being shielded from natural elements like wind and rain also adds to the longevity of the fabric fins. All the fins are motorised to better shade direct sunlight during different parts of the day. The motorised fins also allows a bigger working area for cleaners when doing maintenance.

• Stack effect encourages natural ventilation and southern facade allows prevailing wind through the building. • Maintenance is easy with gratings providing a footpath access to clean outside windows, or perform routine inspections.

DISADVANTAGES: • High transportation cost. • The design is not suitable for Brisbane climate. • The design fail to provide sufficient shading to the interior.

The Southern facade consists of a double glazed window wall and vertical fins. It is similar to the Northern facade but without the additional skin. There is no need for stack ventilation strategies as prevailing wind comes from the South. The South facade is only exposed to summer sun during the early mornings and evenings, the additional skin is unnecessary.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

Fig: 2.8. Front elevation of facade option three. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 2.9. Section of facade option three. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

Motorised stainless steel fins • Provides effective sun shading, allowing fins to rotate according to sun position throughout the days • Strong and durable stainless steel fins block and shade the interior from the sun. • Doesn’t rust and needs little to no maintenance.

Stainless steel gratings • Used to support the cleaners and mechanics in case there is a need to. • Also acts as horizontal fins to shield sunlight coming in from low angles.

Fig: 2.10. Perspective of facade option four. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

DESIGN CONCEPT:

ADVANTAGES:

This facade design was inspired from the Global Change Institute building in University of Queensland. Having many metal fins to shield the interior from the sunlight can be rather effective since the fins can be adapted to suit the needs of the interior specifically.

• Motorised fins provides effective sun shading, allowing fins to rotate according to whatever the position the sun is at throughout the day. • Aesthetically pleasing • All the components of the facade is designed to be made and readied offsite. • Maintenance is easy with gratings providing a footpath access to clean outside windows, or perform routine inspections.

DISADVANTAGES: • The motorised metal fins required constant maintenance.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Option analysis

Fig: 2.11. Front elevation of facade option four. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 2.12. Section of facade option four. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Material and Performance

BLDG3120 Second Skin

3. MATERIAL AND PERFORMANCE

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Material and Performance

Stainless steel gratings • Used to support the cleaners and mechanics in case there is a need to. • Also acts as horizontal fins to shield sunlight coming in from low angles.

Fig: 3.1. Perspective of facade final iteration. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 3.2. Front elevation of facade final iteration. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Material and Performance

Fig: 3.3. Perspective of facade final iteration. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 3.4. Front elevation of facade final iteration. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Material and Performance

construction sequence: Most of the components can be assembled offsite. The existing facade was built from the bottom up. The new facade can be installed by working our way down from top floor. Only half of each floor needs to be evacuated when installing the facade, saving the cost to accommodate a huge number of people. To save time on moving equipment, the Northern facade will be prioritized first before renovating the Southern facade.â&#x20AC;&#x192;

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Double glazing window wall will be installed in order to improve building thermal property.

BLDG3120 Second Skin The bracing and grating elements will be made of stainless steel. It is lightweight and durable. The frame can be constructed off site in components and attached to the wall. Steel is also a recyclable material and helps with sustainability.

The panels uses PTFE tensile fabric. It is coated in Teflon, and has good UV absorbing and reflecting properties. It provides safe shading to users while also having comfortable light levels. Glare is significantly reduced with the fabric. It can be attached to the frame off site before being installed into the motor system.

Fig: 3.5. Exploded axonometric diagram of proposed facade. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Material and Performance

dynamic facade: The group came out with a clever system of motorized, vertical fabric shades. When the sun is out they slowly turn, blocking it as needed. The arrangement allows air to flow between the panels without obstruction. Each panel can also be overwrite manually according to userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferences.

Morning, 10.00am

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Noon, 12.00pm

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Material and Performance

Afternoon, 2.00pm

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Evening, 6.00pm

Fig: 3.6. Computer-controlled fins track sunlight throughout the day, optimizing the amount of light entering the building. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Material and Performance

maintenance: Traditionally, cherry pickers or abseils will be used to clean and maintain the exterior of the faรงade but the existing vegetation is an issue. The trees cause obstructions for machinery making certain parts of the faรงade hard to reach. The solution was to added railings along the window wall to allow cleaners to attach themselves to the faรงade while cleaning the faรงade. In doing so, it significantly reduce the risk of falling when doing routine maintenance checks. The faรงade can be access through few parts. Penal, controlled from the inside the building, can be over ridden when doing maintenance work. In plan, it shows how panel can move to allow cleaners access between spaces. Therefore, there is no need for cherry pickers or abseiling as the exterior elements can be easily reached from the small walkway. Furthermore, safety tieback anchors will be located on the roof in the case such as replacing certain panels or any heavy maintenance were carry on.

Fig: 3.7. Sectional perspective of the proposed facade. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 3.8. How panels can be moved to allow the cleaner access. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Material and Performance

Fig: 3.9. Section A-A (proposed facade). Loy 2016.

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Scale @ 1:100

BLDG3120 Second Skin

5. PHYSICAL MODEL

BLDG3120 Second Skin | Physical model

Fig: 4.1. Photograph of physical model. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 4.2. Photograph of physical model. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin | Physical model

Fig: 5.3. Photograph of physical model. Loy 2016.

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BLDG3120 Second Skin

Fig: 5.4. Photograph of physical model. Loy 2016.

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Title: Timeframe:

Second Skin Semester 1, 2016