Luke AJ Moran Yr 3 Project 3 Technical Study

[Sustaining the Unsustainable]

Foreword

[Luke Anthony Joesph Moran]

IDA K13 Assignment 3 Summary Technical Report

4158514

Chapter 1_[Project + Context] Chapter 2_[Building + Environment] Chapter 3_[Structure] Chapter 4_[Faรงade + Assemblage] Chapter 5_[Evidence of Integration]

[Contents]

IDA K13 Technical Report

[Chapter 1] Project + Context

[Issue] Homelessness is all around us. Most of us are fortunate to have a roof over

End of Tenancy Rent Affairs

Loss of Rented or Tied Housing

our heads and often do not recognise

Homeless Age Groups 16-24 [2x]

25-34 [4.5x]

35-44 [5.5x]

the genuine need that is out there.

45-54 [3.5x]

55-64 [2x]

We frequently pass people on the side of

the

street

of

reasons;

ignorance, we

often

these with up

a

the

living

of

lack

of

on

only own

a

multitude

the

the

people

However, we

Thousands

homeless.

temporary

unknown,

understanding,

walking.

eyes.

invisible in

for

fear

keep

are our

and

see make

Families

accommodation,

children who have ran away from home,

Other

individuals

recently

unemployed

and

no longer able pay the rent. The is more to the issue that meets the eye.

Home Repossessions Violent Relationships Breakdown

National Representation of the Average Age of Death

Despite being a first world nation, a percentage of our population still remain

Other Relationship

homeless and live below the poverty line. As shown below, there are a number of reasons for this. Shockingly, the

Most Common Reasons for Homelessness [The Guardian]

Average Age of Death for those Who Are Homeless [Crisis]

average age of

death for someone living

in the streets is

47 years old. The

national age of death in the UK is

77.

My ambition with this project is to integrate into society those vulnerable members of the community who do not

[Short Term]

have somewhere they can call ‘home’.

[Long Term]

Sustaining

Skills

Living Homeless

Shelter

=

Food/Warmth/Sanitation/ Medical/Rest

Increased Self Esteem/Confidence

Employment

the

Unsustainable

will

require an appreciation for the short term necessities of being homeless as well as the ultimate long term ambition of safety and peace of mind. This will encompass providing immediate relief

Income

in the form of shelter, nourishment, sanitation, healthcare and provisions.

Housing

=

Living Homeless

Addressing the long term needs will involve access to counselling, education, development of skills for employment, an

apprenticeship

scheme

and

most

importantly; integration with society.

Regarding

the

long

term

effects,

employment is critical. I intend to provide jobs for the homeless individuals, all paying at least the Living Wage [ÂŁ7.20 per hour]. These jobs will be working upon the urban farm, working in the rooftop restaurant and within my upcycling furniture store [project 2].

[Ambition]

[Place]

Sheffield

South Yorkshire 10th August 1297 town charter 551,800 population [3rd UK] 367.94 km2 Labour 53°23’01’’N 1°28’01’’W

Cross Burgess St.

S1 2HG

Above the ramp and connected to the south side of the John Lewis Car Park Roof of the John Lewis Car Park The Old Salvation Army Citadel [Masterplan] Planted in amongst the quaint, period pieces of architecture is the monolithic structure of the John Lewis car park. Its inconsideration for its context and its brutal use of concrete make it stick out like a sore thumb in the heart of the city. My proposal is to mask the giant blank wall with my all inclusive homeless shelter.

Much like how the homeless are viewed, my design will form a parasitical structure latched onto the car park.

Built in 1892, the former Salvation Army Citadel designed in the unusual castellated style by William Gilbert Scott sits adjacent from the John Lewis car park. This was the Salvation Army’s largest building in Sheffield with a theatre-like galleried hall, offices and meeting rooms [Sheffield, Harman & Minnis]. I intend to reinvigorate this building and bring back the same ethos that Catherine and William Booth, the founders of the Salvation Army, adopted; aiding and providing

[Site]

[GA Drawings 1:500]

1:500 GA Section

N

Axonometric

Ecotect’s ability to easily determine many important and useful pieces of weather data is a invaluable source, particularly

in

order

to

determine

accurate and appropriate site analysis.

The

data

thermal

collected

readings

depicts

for

accurate

Sheffield.

The

temperatures

for

graphs below depict the average, minimum and

maximum

weekly

the city. They are recorded over a 24 hour period for 52 weeks of the year.

These annual temperatures provide the Average Temperature [?C] [52 Weeks]

Minimum Temperature [?C] [52 Weeks]

Maximum Temperature [?C] [52 Weeks]

basic data needed to establish early

indications for the required heating and cooling that the building will need to

function

adequately.

The

maximum

temperatures in Sheffield can reach upto 25?C

which could be an issue as this

exceeds 21?C, the considered internal comfort temperature. The implementation of a cooling system could be required.

Additional ambient

factors

thermal

temperature

relative humidity, wind

speed.

determining

For

the

include

cloud cover and

example

the

data

determined for the average cloud cover

shows that it fluctuates over the period of a year over the period of the year

. This would result in intermittent Relative Humidity [%] [52 Weeks]

Average Cloud Cover [%] [52 Weeks]

Average Wind Speed [Km/h] [52 Weeks]

solar coverage, thus affecting solar radiation

heating

the

building.

[Ambient Thermal Variation]

[Prevailing Wind + Wind Exposure]

Using Ectotect Analysis, the prevailing wind direction can be seen as southwesterly. this

The

data

provide

software

down

an

into

yearly

can

each

average

break season,

as

well

as an average wind temperature which can

have

a

great

impact

upon

the

ambient thermal variation. Analysing wind data can provide one with the knowledge that can inform the overall Spring [1st March - 31st May]

Summer [1st June - 31st August]

Autumn [1st September - 30th November]

design of the building, particularity effecting

orientation.

For

example,

if the design utilises an open ended tunnel,

orienting

prevailing

wind,

south-westerly,

it in

away

from

Sheffield’s

would

be

the case

advisable.

Likewise, any open spaces should be protected

from

the

prevailing

wind.

Taking advantage of wind direction can provide

many

benefits.

appropriately, can

help

to

If

passive provide

orientated ventilation

the

required

and suitable air change rates rather than

having

ventilation

to

system.

hand, due to the my Winter [1st December - 28th February]

Yearly [1st January - 31st December]

Average Wind Temperature [°C] Winter [1st December - 28th February]

project,

vital.

A

employ On

mechanical the

other

rooftop nature of

sufficient

gap

a

between

protection the

is

extension

above the ramp and the car park has

This information regarding temperature and rainfall will be very useful when I come to undertake a ventilation study along with knowing how much rain I could possibly collecting by introducing a rainwater harvesting system.

[Ambient Thermal Variation]

[Site Shadow Analysis] Taking my 1:500 site model into the photographic study allowed by to analysis where the existing buildings will cast their shadow and if this will fall upon my building. To ensure it is more accurate, I photographed various days throughout the year.

Spring: Morning

Spring Equinox: Afternoon

Summer: Morning

Winter: Morning

Summer: Afternoon

Winter: Afternoon

Spring Equinox: Evening

Summer: Evening

21st March 12:00pm [Spring Equinox]

21st June 12:00pm [Summer Solstice]

Winter: Evening

21st September 12:00pm [Autumn Equinox]

With this technical study I hope to undertake a variety of studies that will help to further develop my design as well as coordinate and integrate the key systems necessary for a successful design.

Urban Greenery

Environmental + Biodiversity Structure Suspension + CLT

Facade Dynamic / Craft / Growth

[IDA Intentions]

[Chapter 1] Environment

[Urban Greenery & Biodiversity biodiversity Line breaks: bio|diver¦sity Pronunciation: /ˌbʌɪə(ʊ)dʌɪˈvəːsɪti NOUN [MASS NOUN] The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable.

Biodiversity is an essential aspect of an sustainable environment. It improves the social, economic and environmental atmospheres of any development as well as being proven to boost one’s well-being.

[Social Sustainability] Improved quality of life.

Appreciation for our natural environment.

Escape for urbanism.

Provides human scale.

[Economic Sustainability] Reduction in energy costs.

Ability to eat or sell home grown produce.

[Environmental Sustainability] Contributes to CO2 sequestration.

Acts as solar shading.

Acts as protection for the wind.

Traps pollutants.

Supports natural habitats for wildlife.

[Urban Heat Islands] An

Urban

Heat

Island

[UHI]

is

a

metropolitan area that is significantly warmer that its surrounding countryside as a result of human activities. This is most noticeable in the winter and in the summer months with it usually being 4-5째C thus leading to overheating in

the

warmer

parts

of

the

UHI Temperature Profile

year.

Urban greenery can help to lower the

Reduced Windspeeds

temperature by around 2-3째C through soil evaporation and the shade they produce.

Night time release of solar radiation

Thermal

Day time surface absorption of solar gain

Thermal A comparison in New York City where vegetation is dense, temperatures are cooler.

Green areas upwind of development catch prevailing wind which tempers winter and summer temperatures

The introduction of greenery not only to my site but to the surrounding buildings and environment would considerably help to reduce the effects of overheating in

the

far

summer.

slower

pace

As

vegetation

during

the

grows winter

months the UHI effect could still be used

to

provide

additional

[Urban Heat Islands]

heating.

Reduced solar absorption from vegetated surfaces

[Surface Heat] A repercussion of the urban heat island effect is the high surface temperature experienced within an urban environment. Certain materials heat its surroundings to a even higher degree this exasperating overheating.

The introduction of green roofs and green walls combined with light and reflective surfaces can help to reduce surface temperature by 10-20 °C.

Metal/Light Coloured: 20-40% [30-50 °C] Asphalt/Bitumen: 10-15% [80-90 °C] Tiles: 20-35% [60-75 °C] Concrete: 10-35% [50-55 °C] White Stone: 50-80% [45 °C] Vegetation: 30% [30-40 °C]

Solar reflection incorporating vegetation

[Surface Heat]

[Vegetation & Wind Speeds] Vegetation can be used as an effective method to provide protection from the wind. Evergreen vegetation can reduce wind speeds in the winter however it must be noted that in the summer months natural ventilation and daylight are both key environmental strategies that could be effected by vegetation if taken into consideration.

Shelterbelt

Windspeed Reduction

When the sun is higher in the sky during the summer months, solar shading is often required to control the amount of light that enters a building. Due to vegetation’s reliance upon the sun, it makes a perfect medium for solar shading. It does rely upon the type of vegetation to, for example deciduous tress provide around 80% reduction in the summer solar gain but decrease desirable winter solar gain by only 30%.

[Vegetation & Solar Shading]

[Vegetation & Noise Reduction] Urban environments are notoriously noisy places. The urban greenery in my project is partly an escape from the intensity of the metropolitan atmosphere. Vegetation can help to screen noise but it is not a complete solution particularity in winter when there are no leaves on deciduous plants.

Noise reduction up to 5-10 dBA can be achieved if dense evergreen vegetation is located near the noise source.

Car Noise Source: 60-80dB

[Precedents] [Heeley City Farm] Sheffield Heeley City Farm is a community-based and led training, employment and youth enterprise with various facilities including allotments, small holdings, cafe, a garden centre and a charity shop.

An important aspect of Heeley City Farm is their environmental focus upon sustainability.

Winner of several national and international awards, Heeley City Farm provides environmental, health, food and farming education to around 5,000 school children and several thousands adult visitors each year.

Day care and training for up to 20 adults with learning difficulties is provided along with vocational training in horticulture for up to 100 unemployed adults, youth activities for up to 2,000 young people (including young people not attending school) and support for over 100 regular volunteers.

Heeley City Farm describes itself as a community or social enterprise; it is committed to supporting those most in need in its community using enterprising methods. It runs training programmes [including language and Basic Skills support] and creates jobs [by developing mini enterprises]. Emphasis is placed on long term unemployed adults, people with learning disabilities and those suffering disadvantage or discrimination in achieving skills and employment and young people.

[Stacking green / Vo Trong Nghia + Daisuke Sanuki + Shunri Nishizawa] Saigon, Vietnam Nestled within the most densely populated city in the world, this 4m wide and 20m deep plot celebrates the local love for growing variety’s of tropical plants and flowers in amongst the cities architecture. The front and back façades are entirely composed of layers of concrete planters cantilevered from two side walls. The distance between the planters and the height of the planters are adjusted according to the height of the plants, which varies from 25 cm to 40 cm. To water plants and for easy maintenance, automatic irrigation pipes are used inside the planters.

[Brooklyn Grange] New York City, USA Brooklyn Grange is the leading rooftop farming and intensive green roofing business in the US. We operate the world’s largest rooftop soil farms, located on two roofs in New York City, and grow over 50,000 lbs of organically-cultivated produce per year. In addition to growing and distributing fresh local vegetables and herbs, Brooklyn Grange also provides urban farming and green roof consulting and installation services to clients worldwide, and we partner with numerous non-profit organizations throughout New York to promote healthy and strong local communities.

[Precedents]

[Attracted Wildlife] Another benefit of urban greenery is the habitat it creates for wildlife, something that is significantly lacking in my cites. Vegetation provides food, shelter and nesting for small mammals, birds butterflies, bees and other insects.

Here is a small list of a selection of the animals that are likely to be attract to the project; unfortunately many in the list are considered a top priority for habitat support

Top Row [Left to Right] Bat Stage Beetle House Sparrow Linnet Night jar Middle Row Peregrine Falcon Butterfly Swallow Swift Ladybird Bottom Row Starling Song Thrush Bee Chicken Pig

An assortment of vegetables that could be grown and then used in the shelter, John Lewis cafe and if there happens to be an excess, sold onto the local community.

Top Row [From Left to Right] Aubergine Sweetcorn Marrow Parsley Tomato Middle Row Beetroot Lettuce Potato Onion Peas Bottom Row Carrot Chilli Broccoli Garlic Pumpkin

[Urban Farming]

[Food Miles] Around 8% of the UK’s total carbon emissions comes from food consumption; 2.5% is from fruit and vegetable consumption. Annually, every household in the UK on average contributes 1000kgCO2 from fruit and vegetable consumption and a staggering 2000kgCO2 from meat, dairy and other processed foods.

Reducing are ‘food miles’ by encouraging home growing is an excellent way to attempt at tackling our carbon footprint. This would involve growing seasonal food on top of the John Lewis car park rather then importing foods from faraway regions. It is also an excellent method of stimulation and would provide the homeless residents employment.

Five urban growing vegetables – approx. nr. plants

Typical Region 1 yearly ‘top five’ yields on a 100 m2 plot

Typical supermarket country of origin

40Kg

Approximate yearly CO2 reductions from food miles savings if grown locally (garden/allotment) kgCO2 per year 3

Courgettes (8 plants) Squash (6 plants) Tomatoes (in cold greenhouse) 25 plants Runner beans (20 plants) Chard/Pak Choi (15 plants) Yearly Total Yearly CO2 Reduction

18kg

59

Greece (air + road)

14kg

61

Canary Islands, Spain (air + road)

8kg

34

5kg

0.3

Nairobi, Kenya (air + road) Spain (rail + road)

85kg

157kgCO2 - 1.5–1.6 kgCO2 reduction per m2 of urban food growing - 1.85 kgCO2 is reduced per kg of locally grown food

Spain (rail + road)

[The total distance of local and conventional produce travels to come to you]

Table The Environmental Design Pocketbook Graph [Checking the food odometer: Comparing food miles for local versus conventional produce sales to Iowa institutions] / Leopold Centre for Sustainable Agriculture

Apples Beans Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Sweet Corn Garlic Lettuce Onions Peppers Potatoes Pumpkins Spinach Strawberries Tomatoes 0 Miles

100 Miles

500 Miles

1000 Miles

1500 Miles

[Chapter 3] Structure

[Intentions]

The two predominant aspects of my project, the suspended shelter above the ramp and the extension of the John Lewis store upon the top floor of the car park, structurally both need to be treated in two separate matters.

Suspended Shelter I will be investigating what is the most appropriate method to suspend a large structure off the side of an existing building and importantly, to minimise the impact it has upon the ground due to it being situated above the ramp which is main entrance to the car park.

This will require research into: [i] Most appropriate material [ii] Primary and secondary structural design [iii] Environmental impacts upon chosen structural method John Lewis Cafe This aspect of the investigation is similarly integrated within an existing architecture however less structurally demanding. The structure needs to facilitate the extension of the John Lewis escalators as well as igniting an architectural conversation with the suspended architecture overhanging the ramp.

This will require research into: [i] Most appropriate material [ii] Environmental impacts upon chosen structural method Additional lines of enquiry include: [i] Access to site [ii] Connections [iii] Awareness of contemporary building technologies

Due to the densely urban nature of my site and the potential for large structural elements possibly being required, site access is key. Like most inner city environments, space is tight so planning and preparation are key. As the diagrams demonstrate, Sheffield has excellent transportation infrastructure, particularly by road which is likely to be the most common way of travelling to site. The A61 ring road encircles Sheffield’s city centre and its close links to other major road networks would allow for good access.

The roads in and around my site are wide enough to enable a heavy duty lorry to deliver materials to site.

Sheffield City Centre Encircled by A61

Due to the wide spans that my structure is likely to require; the size of a lorry to transport materials will have an effect on the overall design.

Road Network: European Modular System EU Directive 96/53/EC introduced the ‘modular system’ allowing increased vehicle length and weight on appointed road networks on the conditions that established EU modules were used.

Sheffield City Centre Routes to Site

Site Plan Showing Possible Vehicle Access

7.82m Street Class 1

7.82m

7.82m

Street Class 2

13.6m

7.82m

Street Class 3

[Site Access]

[Physics]

In order to safely, efficiently and effectively span long distances, trusses are used as an ideal method of structural application.

Simply put, trusses allow the calculated transformation of loads; they enable the forces that are being exerted upon them to be controlled and directed so that the correct support can be provided in the right place.

Trusses are efficient structures as they can support great loads but they themselves are relatively lightweight.

This is achieved through a combination of geometry and the laws of statics.

Compression Tension

“An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.�

Newton’s First Law of Motion

Compression Tension

Geometry The triangle is the most inherently rigid form due to its properties at resisting deformation. Only material fatigue and geometric distortion as a result of strong forces causes a triangle to collapse. The key to its strength is that if a load is applied to any vertex or side, is evenly distributed by all sides and, because the sides cannot change length, the shape remains stable. When the same happens to an other shape, the forces are applied to the connectors and can make the sides pivot, collapsing the shape.

Laws of Statics Each member in a truss is loaded only at its ends.

Applying the equations of statics, we can show that if a body is loaded at two points only, the resultant forces at those points are equal in magnitude; are opposite in direction.

For our truss members, this means that forces on the members are axial putting them in either pure tension or pure compression. In trusses loaded by downward forces, the members along the top are in compression and the members along the bottom are in tension. The members connecting the top and bottom chords may be tension or compression, depending on their angles and the distribution of the loads.

Trusses have been used for hundreds of years and with the industrial revolution came new designs and longer spans due to the implementation of iron.

Pratt

Parker

K-Truss

Howe

Camelback

Warren

Fink

Double Intersection Pratt

Warren [With Verticals]

Bowstring

Baltimore

Waddell ‘A’ Truss

Pennsylvania

Double Intersection Warren

Lattice

[Pratt] Consists of vertical members and diagonals that slope down towards the centre. Spans up to 76m and common for railroad bridges.

[Parker] Pratt truss design with polygonal upper cord.

[K-Truss] Orientation of the vertical member and two oblique members creates K. [Howe] Opposite to Pratt, vertical members slope up towards centre. Diagonals in compression and verticals in tension.

[Camelback] Type of Parker where upper cord is exactly five segments.

[Warren] Consists of longitudinal members joined by angled cross-members.

[Fink]Designed in the 1860’s, a popular design on Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

[Double Intersection Pratt] A stronger alternative to the Pratt truss with the incorporation of diagonal tension members crossing two panels.

[Warren With Verticals] Additional vertical members for support.

[Bowstring] An arch incorporating diagonal load bearing members.

[Balitmore] Type of Pratt truss with additional bracing in the lower sections to prevent buckling.

[Double Intersection Warren] Additional diagonal members inserted to create a diagrid shape for increased strength.

[Waddell ‘A’ Truss] Patented in 1894 its simplicity eases erection on site.

Originally designed as a railroad bridge.

[Pennsylvania] Pratt variation with half length struts or ties in the top, bottom or both parts of the panels.

[Lattice]Uses a substantial number of lightweight elements which eases construction.

[Trusses]

[Materials]

Materiality and choosing the most appropriate material for the task in hand is a crucial aspect in architecture.

The requirements specific for my project are twofold: Ability to suspended and span a large structure Sustainable Contextual

[Timber]

[Concrete]

[Steel]

Weight Lightweight compared to steel and concrete

Weight Heavy

Weight Comparatively lightweight although not as light as timber

Strength Good comparative strength-weight ratio but unlikely for the spans needed Sustainability Most sustainable building material available as naturally renewable Connections Easily worked and large variety of simple connections Durability If exposed, shorter lifespan then other materials Speed Comparatively quick. Mostly dry construction process and can be manufactured off site Aesthetics Contrast to Sheffield’s native steel but new developments have been using timber so is contextual Thermal Performance λ 0.14 Fire Resistance Comparatively poor unless coated however does comply to building regulations Cost Very cost effective, although varies upon choice of wood

Strength High compressive strength but low tensile strength ratio Sustainability Very energy consuming to produce but a long lasting material Connections Easily worked and can be moulded into any shape desired Durability Very durable although can be prone to cracking particular through freeze thaw effect Speed Varies, can be poured on site [insitu] or ready made off site [pre-cast] for quicker use Aesthetics Construction material of the existing John Lewis store so contextually appropriate Thermal Performance λ 0.4-0.7 Fire Resistance Excellent Cost Materials readily available however often a lot will be required

Strength Excellent strength to weight ratio and good fatigue strength Sustainability Very energy consuming to produce but a long lasting and durable material that can be recycled Connections Easily worked and can be shaped well due to its ductile properties Durability Very durable although can be prone to buckling Speed Can be erected very rapidly Aesthetics Sheffield is renowned for is steel heritage Thermal Performance λ 43 Fire Resistance The strength of steel is reduced substantially when heated so needs to be adequately fireproofed Cost Very expensive

[Suspended Shelter] This research has lead me to the conclusion that due to the shelter being suspended off the roof of the John Lewis car park, a hybrid of a steel structure and timber walls and partitions would be the most appropriate material to use.

[Engineered Timber]

[Masonry]

[Rammed Earth]

Weight Lightweight compared to steel and concrete

Weight Relatively heavy but not as heavy as concrete or steel

Weight Relatively heavy but not as heavy as concrete or steel

Strength Good comparative strength-weight ratio and better then traditional timber

Strength Good

Strength Good compressive strength properties

Sustainability Most sustainable building material available as naturally renewable Connections Easily worked and large variety of simple connections Durability If exposed, shorter lifespan then other materials Speed Comparatively quick. Mostly dry construction process and can be manufactured off site

Sustainability Can be reclaimed Connections Skilled application processes and will often need to be repointed Durability Resistant, hard-worthy and can weather well Speed Comparatively quick

Sustainability Naturally occurring material with minimal equipment needed Connections Skilled application process and will often need to be re-pointed Durability Very durable and resistant to the elements Speed Quite slow and high labour intensity but relatively unskilled

Aesthetics Contrast to Sheffield’s native steel but new developments have been using timber so is contextual

Aesthetics Some of the surrounding buildings date back to late 19th century and are constructed from brick

Thermal Performance λ 0.14

Thermal Performance λ 1

Fire Resistance Comparatively poor unless coated however does comply to building regulations

Fire Resistance Excellent cladding of choice to resist or retain the effects of fire

Fire Resistance Excellent. CSIRO tests show 250mm block achieves 4 hour rating

Cost Very cost effective, depending on

Cost Very cost effective

Cost Very cost effective

The reasons for this are as follows: i. Steel has the required strengthto-weight ratio that other materials do not. ii. Excellent tension ii. It can span the required distances. iii. Although it requires a lot of energy to manufacture, it is extremely durable and long-lasting.

Aesthetics Not used in Sheffield or very widely in the UK Thermal Performance λ 1.5

[John Lewis Cafe] As the cafe has the top floor of the car park as a platform, excessive structure similar to the shelter is not require.

Instead the most suitable material for this aspect is Engineered Timber.

The reasons for this are as follows: i. Good compressive and load bearing properties. ii. Excellent sustainable credentials iii. Contextually appropriate to Sheffield and the Peak District. iv. Prefabrication allows for quick and cost effective construction.

[Materials]

[Early Structural Concepts]

My initial ideas for the project manifested around an allotment area in the centre that would provide the homeless residents employment and a method in which to attempt to achieve sustainable living. This area also acts as the threshold between the public and private aspects of my project.

Within these concepts, the structural ambitions for the suspended shelter were different. My original thoughts were for the shelter to be tied into the existing structure of John Lewis.

This would therefore not interfere with the ground nor the top floor of the car park, allowing for more space to grow fruit and vegetables.

This however was not feasible. Due to the length of the shelter [45m], this is too long to span simply by using the existing car park floors.

My next idea was to use the above concept but provide additional structure that would run along the edge of the car park. This could then be used for other practical uses such as storage, growing space along with educational facilities. This structural method would mean the whole shelter would hang from the to floor at at the appropriate spaces, tie into the car park floors.

[Key] Public Space: Garden Public Space: Cafe Semi-Public Space Private Space: Allotments Private Space: Shelter

Researching various structural applications has lead me to the conclusion that the frame of the suspended shelter will be constructed from steel with timber stud participations.

To fix the shelter to the existing John Lewis, using a Warren truss is an appropriate method. It consists of longitudinal members joined only by angled cross-members, forming alternately inverted equilateral triangle shaped spaces along its length that ensures that no individual strut, beam, or tie is subject to bending or torsional straining forces, but instead, only to tension or compression.

Loads on the diagonals alternate between compression and tension, with no vertical elements, while elements near the centre must support both tension and compression in response to live loads. This configuration combines strength with economy of materials and can therefore be relatively light.

The girders being of equal length, it is ideal for use in prefabricated designs. It is an improvement over the Neville truss which uses a spacing configuration of isosceles triangles.

Floors

Beams

Hangers

Trusses

John Lewis

[Structural Concepts]

[Precedents]

Old Trafford, East Stand

[Old Trafford] Manchester, UK Old

Trafford

is

home

to

Manchester

United the reigning champions of the English Premier League.

A capacity

of 75,371 makes it the second largest football stadium in the UK. Originally designed by Archibald Leitch in 1909, during 2000’s, Embrace Site Plan [1-10000]

the

late

extensions

1990’s to

and

the

early

Sir

Alex

Ferguson stand and the East Stand saw the implementation of a steel trussed cantilevered roof measuring 58.5m from the back wall to the front edge, making it the largest in Europe and helping to raise the grounds capacity by around

Embrace, Steel Structured Pedestrian Cover Way

30,000.

The

large

steel

‘arms’

are

a perfect example of a truss being implemented to suspend a large mass.

[Embrace] Sheffield, UK Old Trafford, Steel Structured Roof

Old Trafford, Steel Structured East Stand Roof

This unique steel structure is located opposite to my site and sits within the town hall’s square. It is designed to suspended the cantilevered roof above the pedestrian walkway and is an example of

structure

thoroughly

influencing

the

overall

architectural

language.

Tamedia Office Building, Structural Timber Frame

Ennigerbr端cke Malters, Glulam Bridge Exterior

Tamedia Office Building, Structural Detail

Ennigerbr端cke Malters, Glulam Bridge Interior

[Tamedia Office Building / Shigeru Ban Architects] Zurich, Switzerland The striking and extremely unique structural use of timber in this building creates a very special architectural narrative. The exposing of the structure demonstrates architecture and engineering in equilibrium to produce a n innovative design. This piece of architecture also embodies and visualises the technical and environmental implications of the built environment. The fully exposed timber structure creates a very special character and high quality spatiality to the working atmosphere.

Utilising a full timber structure show a clear contribution to sustainability as it is one of the only renewable construction materials as well as the lowest producer of carbon dioxide.

The harmony with this strong structural narrative and the proclamation to timber is something that I would like to aim to embrace in my project should its properties allow.

Tamedia Office Building, Exterior View

[Ennigerbr端cke Malters] Lucerne, Switzerland Wooden bridges are among some of the oldest structures in the world. This agricultural bridge consists of two 45m glulam trusses where the bottom cord is always a steel profile which is connected with slotted plates and dowels on the diagonal bars. Designed by the Swiss timber construction engineers Pirmin Jung, this precedent demonstrates the potential of timber and its recent resurgence in popularity due to the advancements of engineered timbers.

[Precedents]

[Connections] Connection detailing is reliant upon the magnitude of the forces, moments to be transferred and upon the chosen member sizes. This results in a multitude of connection designs, often bespoke for the individual project, however there are a number of common detailing rules.

A

B

[Conventional Connection Types] A, B, C, D & E Flush end plate connections that are welded to the flanges and web of the beam are commonly used as simple connections. Normally, the end plate is between 10-12mm thick and used in coherence with M20 bolts. When used in collaboration with moment connections, the end plate is thicker, usually around 15-20mm to allow for welding.

[A] Notched beam to beam connection using partial depth end plate [B]Flush UKB [universal beam] to UKC [universal column] connection utilising fin plates [C] SHS with multiple flush UKB to UKC connection utilising fin plates

C

D

[D] Connections to UKC and SHS columns using flush end plates

[Tubular Connections] F & G Connections between tubular sections are often exposed and can take various forms including being bolted, welded and spliced which is often required for transportation. The chords and bracing in a truss are mostly welded as this ensures the correct amount of strength and thus safety in the joint.

E

F

Where SHS [Square Hollow Sections] are used, the ends are cut to the required angle and fillet welded to the face of the SHS chords. Where CHS [Circular Hollow Sections] are used then the ends of the incoming CHS inclined members have to be cut to form the precise shape around the chords.

This is known as profiling which is a specialist process. For connections between CHS, the bracing members are profiled around the CHS chords.

[Tie Connections] H Connections between ties that act in tension take two forms: i}Couplers which require that the rods are threaded in opposite directions so that the coupler can be tightened. ii}Pins which may be welded to the rods or provided with threads. The pin is normally connected to a fin plate that is welded to another member.

[E] Connections to UKC and SHS columns using fin plates [F] Tubular section with multiple flush UKB connected by fin plates [G] Stainless steel tie rods {Sanomat Building, Helsinki}

G

H

[H] Welded profiled connection between tubular sections

[Connections]

[Structural Layout]

N

1:500 Plan

1:500 Side Elevation

1:500 Elevation

Structural Isometric View

[Structural Layout]

[Shelter Modules]

N

N

1:500 Shared Living Plan With Structural Layout

Shared Living Isometric View With Structural Layout

1:500 Bedrooms Plan With Structural Layout

Bedrooms Isometric View With Structural Layout

Shelter Exploded Isometric View With Structural Layout

[Shelter Modules]

[Shelter + John Lewis Cafe]

Shelter Structure and John Lewis Cafe Exploded Structural Isometric View

[Chapter 4] Facade + Assemblage

Dynamic Craft Growth

[Ambition]

[Precedent]

[Checker Box Office Complex / Arsh Design Group] Tehran, Iran

This innovative and striking building consists

of

a

mix

office

dwellings

in

large

manipulate a

the

of

that

domestic tries

density

city

and

to

experienced

without

merely

reploicating high rise developments.

What I find fascinating about this piece of architecture is its dynamic facade.

The facade consists of a series of moving

modules

pieces

made

of

timber.

has

twofold

from

These

horizontal

panels

are

physically controlled by the occupants which

creates

a

consequences.

consistently

changing

It

and

engaging facade as well as importantly allowing

the

interactive

users

with

the

to

be

fully

architecture.

This engagement is what I would like to purse. Many of the homeless residents

that will be staying in the shelter may not have had any long term accommodation

for a long time, and instead having

to make do with temporary or even no

accommodation this facade would allow them to control their own environment and what better way to do this then to

enable

them

to

craft

the

light

that enters the south facing facade.

[The B&Q Garden / Chetwoods Architects] RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 The tallest ever garden at the RHS Chelsea Flow Shower, the B&Q Garden was designed to encourage individuals and communities to

develop

sustainable

food

growing

spaces and enhance urban greening, no matter what the size of their plot.

Everything growing in the garden is edible.

A

potting

composting, and

shed

incorporates

rainwater

harvesting

storage,

photovoltaic

a

thermal

panels

and

chimney, a

wind

turbine. The planting scheme features both

ornamental

and

native

species

and demonstrates the diversity of our edible plants. It includes rhizomes, bulbs, leaves, flowers, fruit and seeds.

This precedent is a perfect example of the possibilities and application of creating a self sustaining garden. Not only does this have admirable effects upon the environment it would provide the homeless residents with employment,

[Precedent]

[Studies]

Inspired by the Checker Box Office Complex, this early facade study attempts to depict the relationship between a dynamic, timber facade and the consequential shadows it produces.

The facade intended for this experiment faces due south so receives the predominant sunlight all year around.

[Studies]

[Bay Study] Plan 1:50

N

Bedrooms A. B. C. D.

Bedroom Stairs to shared living area Balcony WC + Washing Facilities

D

D

A

D

A

B

B

B

C

B

C

C

A-A

E

F

G

Shared Living E. F. G. H.

Kitchen Living Room Void Internal Growing Area

[Bay Study] Plan 1:50

N

B

G

G B

B

H

A-A

[Elevational Study] Elevation 1:50

Detail A

[Sectional Study] Section A-A 1:50

[Detail A] Wall/Floor Junction and Balcony 1:50 ABC

A. 20mm Plasterboard B. 20mm Plywood C. Vapour Barrier Membrane D. 150mm Thermalite Turbo Insulation E. Breather Membrane F. 50mm EPS Insulation G. Aluminimum Batten H. Green Wall Module J. 200 x 200mm UB Lined With Insulation K. Acoustic Raised Floor System L. 140 x 140mm Steel Box Section Bolted to UB M. 152 x 152mm UCs Bolted Together As A Structural Frame N. Galv-steel Grid Floor Deck On Steel Supports P. 50 x 50mm Larch Balustrade Q. Balustrade secured with Coach Bolts R. Aluminium Planter

D

CE F

G

Q

H

R

P U-Value: 0.214 W/m2K

K

N

J M L

[Detail B] Balcony Structure Exploded Isometric

[Elevational 24 Hour Study] Elevational study hour period four

analysing times a

a 24 year.

21st December 21st March 21st June 21st September

9am

12pm

3pm

6pm

9pm

9am

12pm

3pm

6pm

9pm

21st September

21st March

9am

12pm

3pm

6pm

9pm

9am

12pm

3pm

6pm

9pm

21st June

[Elevational 24 Hour Study]

21st July

[Detail C] John Lewis Cafe Hybrid CLT & Green Wall Facade 1. 154mm Spruce CLT Wall 2. Airtight Layer 3. 200mm Windtight Pressure Resistant Insulation 4. Waterproofing Layer 5. Softwood Back Ventilated Layers Vertical Battens 40mm 6. Softwood Horizontal Battens Frame 7. Soil Retaining Module 8. Soil/Vegetation

1

2 3

4 U-Value: 0.181 W/m2K

7

6

5

8

Visual Description of the Element Material - Spruce CLT 154mm - Airtight Layer - 200mm Windtight Pressure Resistant Insulation - Waterproofing Layer - Softwood Back Ventilated Layers - Vertical Battens 40mm - Softwood Horizontal Battens Frame - Soil Retaining Module - Soil/Vegetation Finish - Kerto Fineline CLT (Natural Finish) Vertical/Horizontal Batterns - Liberon Superior Danish Oil protects both hard and softwoods. Brings out natural grain of the timber and provides satin to gloss sheen Soil/ Vegetation - Irrigation system put in place South Facing Plants - Thrift - Ameria - Greycapions Texture - Spruce CLT an attractive finish. A veneer of cross cut Kerto is applied to the CLT providing a smooth and sanded feel Soil/Vegetation - Lushious Material Thickness - CLT - 154mm x 2940mm x 80000mm Insulation 200mm Vertical Battens - 40mm x 500mm (Centre to Centre) Horizontal Battens - 40mm x 700mm (Centre to Centre) Soil Retaining Module - 650mm x 850mm x 200mm Material Jointing - CLT - Glued layers of Spruce along with glued finger joints - Vertical and Horizontal Battens - 100mm Frame Fixings - Soil Retaining Module - Clipping System Functional Description Building Function - CLT Wall - Structural support - Airtight Layer - Membrane boarding the CLT and the insulation - Insulation - Providing thermal insulation to result in occupants thermal comfort - Waterproofing Layer - Protect the insulation from the elements - Horizontal/ Vertical Battens - To attach the green wall cladding to the side of the building - Soil - Nature and feed the vegetation - Vegetation - Aesthetic qualities, increasing bio-diversity and providing extra insulation Fixed/Operable - All fixed other then the soil retaining module which can be detached for maintenance purposes Position/Adjacencies - CLT - Perpendicular layers Battens - Perpendicular to one another

[Chapter 5] Evidence of Integration

The integration of architectural processes is a fundamental aspect in the design of any building. Without this necessity, projects would be unrelated, inefficient and poor pieces of architecture. My brief was born out of one chilling fact. The national age of death in the UK is 77 years old. The average age of death for someone living on the streets is 47 years old. This deficit of three decades is a shocking telling that despite living in a ‘first’ world nation, poverty is still rife within our community. Every step in the process of the project, this fact has been a motivating factor and is the key to evidence of integration. Identifying the long term and short term necessities of homelessness has influenced the program and thus the architecture which is dived into three key areas; the suspended shelter addresses the short term needs and the extension of John Lewis’ cafe upon the top of the car park provides the employment and development of crucial skills needed to survive within the world of employment thus leading to long term security. The final key integrating aspect is the introduction of urban greenery; the mitigating element acting as both a promenade and threshold between the important boundaries of public and private space; it is this element that determines to what extent the homeless residents interact with the public and thus acts as a metaphor for their integration and acceptance within society. The reading of place as always, was one of my first considerations. Engaging within the John Lewis ethos enables a clear path towards integration by moving their existing cafe to the top floor, in the process providing them with more retail space, widening the escalators to allow more natural light and vitally allowing the public to purposefully engage and integrate within the scheme in a sustainable manner.

Sustainability and self sufficiency are arguably the most driving influences within this project. My environmental analysis has emulated this through the introduction of a new biodiversity to Sheffield’s city centre. With our carbon footprint under ever increasing scrutiny [and rightly so], attempting to create a nutrient, sustainable environment has an integration of benefits. Socially it is proved to improve ones well-being; the responsibility and nurture for growth is a fitting metaphor for the integration of the homeless residents.

Environmentally, it’s benefits are excellent and economically it provides the platform for much needed security. Taking advantage of passive design, my building is predominantly south facing and the suspended shelter is not flush with the existing site to allow for natural ventilation. Within my preliminary technical strategy, I was very ambitious. My intention was to include many more strategies however the reality of integrating these at this stage is difficult although I will continue to embedded them as the design progresses.

With the technicalities of suspending a large building, structure has been very influential. Predominantly, it has provided my design with a rigid structure in which to design; this has both advantages and disadvantages. I have developed a modular system designed for the shelters apartments to slot into the structural grid which in reality would allow for quicker construction. On the negative side, I have found this repetitive nature to have made the design less creative then I had originally anticipated. This is most apparent in the facade elevation. A module consisting of three bedrooms looks interesting and I believe it incorporates by ambition; dynamic, [the balconies and the shadows they create allow for an ever-changing facade] craft [the user controlled, south facing shuttering enables the residents to shape their own internal environments] and growth [the featured green walls as balcony planters utilise even more space for growth, they also help contribute the dynamic ambition]. When this system is replicated to span the full 45 metres, I consider it to become predictable and quite frankly, unengaging. My next steps will be to address this issue experimenting through section.

[Appendix I] Bibliography

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk http://www.independent.co.uk http://www.thegyardian.co.uk The Enviromental Design Pocketbook, Sofie Pelsmakers KLH Component Catalogue for Cross Laminated Timber Strutures http://www.tatasteeleurope.com Detail in Contemporary Timber Architecture, Virginia McLeod Materials For Architectural Design, Victoria Ballard Bell http://www.google.co.uk http://www.pinterest.com http://www.archdaily.com http://www.reidsteel.com http://support.sbcindustry.com Architecture in Detail II http://www. detail.de