PROJECT & MATERIALITY Roubair George Youssef Rafik Mourad Medhat Professor Oriol Pons Valladares
Location
Escola Els Quatre Vents -Public School Carrer Santa Madrona , 20 08420 Canovelles , Barcelona , Spain
A Historic Town on the Edge of Granollers Canovelles is a municipality in the comarca of El Vallès Oriental located in the center of the Congost valley. It was a village until the 1960s but underwent so much population development during the period of gigantic immigration that it presently features a population of over 16,000 occupants and is effectively a suburb of Granollers. The roots of the town date back at slightest to the medieval period because it was initially a cluster of houses around the Romanesque church of Sant Feliu. Canovelles is right now known for its Sunday market, which is one of the biggest in Catalonia. Numerous archaeological finds from the Neolithic Period and the Roman Empire have been found in Canovelles. The first time the term Canovelles shows up in a report is in 1008 Ad, in an archive relating to the Abbot of Sant Cugat. Between the 1950s and the 1970s, numerous families from Extremadura and Andalusia arrived to the region, expanding the population by a factor of twenty. Since the end of the 1990s individuals from Morocco, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America have been arriving to Canovelles in incredible numbers.
Escola Els Quatre Vents and the urban context The canovelles neighborhood is partially industrial and partially housing with a little schools and markets. The city is known for their industrial zone which started marching toward the housing part, the city is famous for its Sunday market where they nearly sells everything. The canovelles is located at the end of the granollers in away touching the sea. The urban farming is also a big part of the city usually most of the residential buildings and the areas are surrounded by farming areas. Our proposal is applied on the Escola Els Quatre Vents The school was designed by the architects Josep Camps and Olga Felip (Beta Architecture Studio). It covers an area of 3,154.88 m2 and was completed in august 2018. The school is designed in a compact manner including two floors with the children’s area being on the ground floor while the primary area is placed on the first floor. More programs are developed in the access of the building from the entrance distributing the different programs. The current location of the school is found between the oldest centre and the modern industrial growths close the C-352 highway.
Having a separate access for children to facilitate the entry and pick up of younger children. The library and AMPA have independent accessibility from the outer environment. The service area has a separate entrance from the street which is separate from the main access of the school. Lastly, access to the slopes is foreseen from the street the other end of the plot.
References
The Simonne-Mathieu tennis France
Side view of the Green house
Section of the the Green house showing structural system
Inner view of the Green house
Construction Process Workshop Drawings
Escola Els Quatre Vents Worksh op Drawing
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The school is the support and backdrop of the daily life of children and teachers, learning and play.Escola Els Quatre Vents is located in canovelles city , the city is semi villaged , which means alot of green areas and farms. so the suitable addition to the school in a way that makes it integrate and praise from it origin was a green house. Our proposed green house is simple structural steel light system project,were it could be fixed and removed so easily and fast.We insisted of having the idea of modularity in the structure and the system so it could be installed in any place and many place as much as possible.The most important point that it could be fixed manually by the buyer himself, in our case are the teaching staff or un proffesional school worker could fix and install it as it depends on fixing parts into each other repeatedly which is possible and easy and doesnt need professional person and doesnt take alot of time or energy.The body is of light steel structures, the upper part and the two sides are closed with polycarbonated clear sheets which are durable enough and could be easily replaced at any time by the teaching staff or the students themselves. As for the polycarbonated material which represent more than the half of the system. Polycarbonate is another strong yet lightweight material. It does not let in as much sunlight as glass does but, it diffuses the light which creates an optimum environment for the growing plants inside. It has excellent heat retention and insulation properties. It is obviously not as pleasing to the eyes as glass but, it is very easy to maintain and is budget-friendly. A polycarbonate roof can last for years together without breaking or any need of heavy framing. Nowadays, UV treatments are available for polycarbonate greenhouse panels to help preventing fading and yellowing up to 10 years.
Structural Details Workshop Drawing
Exploded Axanometric showing the installation and the fixation of the different parts of the green house over the roof of the school.
Structural Details Workshop Drawing
Detail 1 - A-New extended hollow column of the green house connected to steel plate using L shaped connections connected from under to the existing hollow column of the school using M4 screws in fixation. B- I shaped column fixed with L shaped connections screwed to the new hollow extended column of the green house .
Structural Details Workshop Drawing
Detail 2 - A -Connection of I curved column of the green house to the ground (roof) of the school using square steel plate connecting both together using L shaped connections and M4 screws. B- Rain water gutter fixed to the steel I cloumn using steel plate as connection between it and the rain water gutter screwed both using M4 screws.
Structural Details Workshop Drawing
Detail 3 - Installtion of the Polycarbonate sheets into the structural system by fixing the sheet into the vertical mullions using l shaped connection from the upper part under from the lower part and fixing them using M4 screws.
Fixed Anchorage Assembly Mullion
Detail 4 - A - Connection of upper part of the mullion to the I curvec column using L shaped connections on both sides and M4 screws to fix the connections into the mullionand into the column. B- Connection of the Polycarbonate sheets to the upper part of the I column using L shaped connection and M4 screws for fixation.
Fixed Anchorage Assembly Mullion
Detail 5 - A - Connection of the mullion’s lower part to the ground using L shaped connections and screwed with M4 screws into the ground. B - Connection of the Polycarbonate sheets with L shaped to the ground with M4 screws.
Wall-H Compression Fitting for Glass Rainscreen Systems
Detail - 6- A- Connection of the Polycarbonated panels to each other using Wall-H compression fiiting for glass. Approx. single-panel fitting face size: Width = (800 mm), Height = (800 mm), Thickness = (4 mm)
Wall-H Compression Fitting for Glass Rainscreen Systems
Detail - 7- (First Drawing) -A-Connection of the Wall-H fitters To the I Beam using l shaped connections and screws. B-Connection of the Wall-H fitters to the I curved column using steel plate and M4 screws. (Second Drawings)-A-Connection of the Polycarbonate sheets into the mullion fixed into the I Beam using screws and bolts.
Shutter Installation
Detail - 8 - Installation of the shutter into the green house. A - The shutter sheets consists of Polycarbonated clear sheets that could easily by lift up an released through circular system that could be managed manualy by the user. B - The shutter system is fixed into the Main I curved beam by screw and bolts.
Shutter Installation
Materiality Our greenhouse is mainly made up of 3 main elements which are Steel , aluminium and polycarbonate. Our three main used elemnts are highly recycled materials which saves money , time and energy. Our green house could be identified as an ecological and sustainable green house as our three main materials that are recycled present 90% of our system. 3 Main materials are:
1-Steel:
Our first main material in our structure system is Steel,The steel material is presentd in our structure as the main supporting elemnts whuch are the columns and the beams.We have IPE 160 columns but as for the coulmns we have IPE 80.The steel we have used is mainly recycled steel columns and beams which saved us alot of money time and energy. Main advantages of using steel structure: • Design. • Strength and Durability. • Light in Weight. • Easy Installation and Speed in Construction. • Versatile. • Flexibility. • Ductility. • Easy Fabrication in Different Sizes. Durability: steel is very durable. It can withstand extreme conditions. Since steel is a compound metal that is made from iron and carbon, it is highly resistant to most elements making it ideal for areas where winds are high, where storms are frequent, and where conditions are difficult. Generally, the average building can last integrally for up to 50 years. Insolation: The used fire protection materials for structural steel are mineral fiber and other cementitious materials that are sprayed directly onto the contours of beams, columns, girders, and floor/roof decks. 2-Aluminium: The second main elemnt in our structure is the aluminium,it is widely used through the system as mullions that holds the polycarbonated sheets to the system.It is also a recycled aluminium mullions which saved us alot of money time and energy. Main advantages of using aluminium: • Aesthetics and design flexibility. • Lightweight. • Structural performance. • Transparency. • Thermal performance. Durability: Aluminium is the most common metal on earth and is extracted from bauxite ore. As a result it will not quickly become scarce compared to other materials. Aluminium is especially durable in end-use. In this way aluminium lasts for decades and the cut off value of aluminium’s lifespan in the construction sector is 60 years. The required energy in combination with the long life span is what makes aluminium durable. In addition to the long life span, the material is also low- maintenance. That is, aluminium requires less maintenance than other metals. Insolation: Everbrite and ProtectaClear are easy to apply, tough, clear protective coatings that will restore aluminum and will protect from oxidation, corrosion and salt damage. We used Everbrite on architectural aluminium mullions.
Materiality 3-Polycarbonat sheets:
Polycarbonated sheets is our third main material in our structure it covers the most of our system,we used it instaed of glass because its a more sustainable and eco friendly material that is also recycled easily on a wide range. Avantages of using polycarbonated sheets: • High-Quality. • Nearly Unbreakable. • Bullet Resistant. • Lightweight. • UV Resistant. • Perfect for Greenhouses. • Resistant to Extreme Temperatures. • Protects Against Discoloring. Durability: Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic. It is stable and very durable and can resist high and low temperatures. Polycarbonate roofing sheets are non toxic, stain resistant, and weighs approximately six times less than glass. There is now Lexan polycarbonate available that has a 4% - 20 year warranty. The expected lifetime of it is 25 years. Polycarbonate is a lightweight material and This durable and practical roofing material is perfect for conservatories, patios, and deck areas, it could easily be installed on systems. Insolation: Polycarbonated sheets are strong and durable enough that they do not need any typeof materials or additions to itor on it to secure it or keep it safe.it is hard, clear enough to resist any type of damage.
Materiality This modular greenhouse can be used as beautiful green space or an enchanting natural escape to be attached on building roofs or flat surfaces on ground. The versatile structure – steel easy assembly structure and poly-carbonate panels – can be enlarged or contracted based on model choice and the owners’ needs for space. The enclosed atrium is perfect for cultivating vegetables and flowers. The modular design makes it easy to further customize the space for nature aficionados. One model, includes a covered space with a span of 8.00 m which can be customized according to the existing building structure in relation to the span of the beams. The height and depth of one module of greenhouse is fixed 3.00 X 5.60 m. The curved shape of the columns helps to minimize the number of joints since the columns are integrated with the beams in a curved system. The structure is fixed by bolting which makes it easy to create variable connections and build bigger spaces on roof or ground. It is a light weight and durable system that can be installed anywhere but also has the possibility to be integrated with existing building structures using plates that connect them together. Extension of space is unlimited since each module is independent and can hold itself alone. Columns are designed to resist all heavy loads hence; extension of space is unlimited since each module is independent and can hold itself alone. The poly-carbonate panels are fixed by small Wall-H Fittings that overlap each panel over the other to prevent penetration of rain while allowing natural ventilation into the house. These fittings are easily bolted into the beams which help to replace the panels easily and with less work in case of changing panels colors or transparency. Changing the clear panels with opaque panels can provide privacy or shaded area for those who like to take time out from gardening and relax with a cup of coffee. The whole system is within reach and can be easily installed by any user with the help of simple tools and a guided manual and each element can be easily replaced in case of any damage without affecting other components. Hence it is a great project to be set-up on school roofs or houses or even playgrounds to connect people to nature. REUSE OF STEEL AND BENEFITS ON THE ENVIRONMENT unlike concrete, erected steelwork does not shrink or creep. Steel is also highly durable. Steel piles extracted from an area with a high water table have been found to be fit for reuse after more than 100 years in the ground. Steel is strong and ductile too, making it highly resistant to accidental damage. If any damage does occur, it can easily be repaired by cutting, welding or bolting to restore its full strength. Steelwork erection on site is not restricted by weather conditions, other than high winds, and can continue year round, with no need for special protection measures in winter. Steel can be multi-cycled endlessly with no detrimental effect on its properties. When a steel-framed building is demolished, its components can be reused or returned to the steelmaking process to create brand new components. In the UK, 96% of steel construction components are recovered in this way. Globally, recycled steel accounts for 50% of new steel production. (Source - Steelconstruction.info)
Systems Glass Rainscreen System
Glass Rainscree system offers protection from the elements with elegant cladding materials, adding modernity and style to any project. It can be easily attached to the structural walls or floor slabs of a new or old building, creating a protective envelope around it. Use : Facades Applications : Hospitality, educational, commercial, residential, corporate Characteristics : Maintenance-friendly, non-porous glass cladding, quick & easy installation, maintenance-friendly This provides: A barrier against rainwater penetration. An air cavity that dissipates any moisture that may have penetrated. An air and vapor barrier that prevents any moisture inside the air cavity from penetrating the building enclosure. Benefits: Aesthetics: Elegant glass over-cladding can completely transform & elevate the appearance of a building Protection: Stops over 90% of wind-driven moisture Durability: Maintenance-friendly, non-porous glass cladding Precision-Engineered: Fully adjustable for quick & easy installation Patented Compression Fittings: No holes required, affording superior wall strength at a lower cost; ideal for PV panels Sustainable Solution for Aging Buildings: Renew a building without the need for costly, wasteful and disruptive demolition Daylighting: First-of-their-kind rainscreen systems allow the use of transparent and translucent decorative glass.
Systems Wall H connection system
Wall H connection is system used to fix up glass sheets or polycarbonated shssets into the facade system by using u shaped connection bolted into a L shaped connection fixed at the end into the main structure system. Use : Facades Applications : Hospitality, educational, commercial, residential, corporate Characteristics : Maintenance-friendly , quick & easy installation, maintenance-friendly Approx Dimensions: Approx. double-panel fitting face size: Width = 5.5” (140 mm), Height = 2.4” (60 mm); single-panel (corner panel) fitting face size: Width = 2.4” (60 mm), Height = 2.4” (60 mm) Benefits: • Ideal for planar second-skin facades featuring horizontally overlapping glass panels. • Create three-dimensional facades. • Dependable mechanical compression glass fittings provide increased strength & security. • Patented Längle® design requires no cut-outs or holes in the glass. • Easily adjustable to field conditions. • Individual glass panels can be replaced without deglazing surrounding panels. • Fully tested in accordance with ASTM E330-02 & AAMA 509-09. • Available in virtually limitless custom color palette (powder coated). • 95%-100% recycled content.
Systems Fixed anchorage assembly mullion system
It is a simple systme used to fix up polycarbonate sheets or glass sheets to the main steel structure system,it is used on a wide range as the mullins materials are more cheaper and this system is more easier to fix and change in it easily. Use : Facades Applications : Hospitality, educational, commercial, residential, corporate Characteristics : Maintenance-friendly , quick & easy installation, maintenance-friendly Approx Dimensions: It comes in all sizes an shapes, no defined dimension for it. Benefits: • Easy production and rapid installation onsite. • Highest structural stability achieved with lowest weight of profiles. • Wide variety of profiles. • Solutions for structural and cover assembly options. • Structural vents. • Custom designed solution for conservatories. • Easy to install sun protection panels in front of the façade (smartfaçade). • QUALICOAT certified powder coating. • Available in burglar-resistance version.
Modularity and Repetition
Diagram expressing the Modularity concept and the repetition idea in our proposed Green house.
Modularity and Repetition DESIGNED TO BE REUSED To facilitate greater reuse it is important that designers not only use steel but also do what they can to optimize future re-use. Steps that the designer can take to maximize the opportunity for reusing structural steel include: Creating a Modular structural system that can be applied on existing rooftops and in open spaces Use bolted connections in preference to welded joints to allow the structure to be dismantled during deconstruction. Bolt sizes and the spacing of holes are used as the standard connection detail. End plates column to column, beam to column and beam to beam connections. Make sure the connections are easy to be accessed. Ensure that the steel is heat and water treated but free from coatings or coverings that will prevent visual assessment of the condition of the steel.
Links and References - https://bendheim.com/system_product/wall-h-fitting/ - https://www.beta-architecture.com/escola-els-quatre-vents-josep-camps-olga-felip/ - https://www.barcelonas.com/canovelles.html -https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/22/roland-garros-french-open-court-simonne-mathieu-tennis-stadium-marc-mimram/ -https://www.archdaily.com/catalog/us/products/12306/glass-rainscreen-systems-bendheim