TROPICAL SHUTTER
Copyright Š 2017 by Christopher Chia, Crystal Lee Ann, Gavin Low, Guo Xiu Jin, Kimberly Foo, and Sharne Sulaiman All rights reserved. Published in Singapore. Printed in the Republic of Singapore. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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special thanks to
Dr Kim Hyeong Ill Tutor
design intention
minimise direct sunlight maximise diffuse daylight
sun
porosity for natural ventilation
wind
buffe shut
rain
design concept
+
er for rain tter to redirect rain out
sponge Design intention Beyond dealing with the tropical climate, our group aimed to devise a modular facade that could bear its own weight and exploit the full potential of 3D printing.
+ geometry (structural)
monstera leaf
We were first inspired by the idea of a sponge, which does not fully ‘eliminate’ the natural elements (e.g. sun and rain) but rather capitalises on its depth to ‘absorb’ their excessive effects whilst maintaining porosity.
Design exploration Our group’s first iteration was a complex facade much like an actual sponge with which we explored various geometric shapes for modular tessellation. Eventually a hexagon was chosen for its potential for greater permutations through
rotation. We also varied the complexity of the facade by changing the thickness of members as well as its porosity. However, due to the inherent random nature of a voronoi, this model could not be controlled beyond these two variables. Hence, when difficulties with printing arose, it was not possible to tackle them.
Our second iteration was developed with an aim of condensing the characteristics of the sponge into a simpler module. Taking cue from Erwin Hauer, we constructed free-flowing overlaying members within a hexagonal frame, hypothesising the depth created would prevent the entry of rain.
This module, however, had lost its structural capacity due to its front protrusions. We also realised that the layers were not as effective as the sponge which ‘fibres’ spanned throughout the interior of the module.
Moving forward, we used a double-framed module to provide depth for greater structural stability, i.e. higher efficiency of load transfer. The greater depth also allowed for the filtering and redirecting of rain with geometrically controlled inner members.
While the module finally fulfilled our objectives, we realised that a hexagonal module does not tessellate perfectly on the building template. Our final rhombus shape was a derivation of the hexagon that allowed our modules to have the same structural anchor points with the
floor slabs, instead of at various points. The rotational permutation afforded by the hexagon is retained in the rhombus module. A level of complexity and dynamism through rotation was created by altering some members.
MODEL
RENDERS
Structural details
Inter-module joinery was designed as a comprehensive curtain wall solution to join modules between themselves and to the building’s floor slab.
Shadow simulation Simulated on 1 Jan
7.53 AM
8.03 AM
8.37 AM
9.20 AM
Illuminance simulation Simulated on 21 June, 1 PM
The large openings of the modules create a bright interior suitable for active working environments. There is increased daylight autonomy.
Glare analysis
Daylight Glare Index (GDI): Daylight Glare Probability (GDP): “Imperceptible glare”
24.8 0.32
The connective strips between inner and outer frames were meant to increase diffused lighting and reduce glare. Indeed, glare perceived from the interior is imperceptible.
Rain analysis
The 1.5 meter depth of the module and the orientation of the inner connective members are able to direct rainwater to the outer frame of the module. The floor slab has a low probability of getting wet.
Wind analysis
The module channels wind through it’s openings of reduced size. The resulting Venturi effect is able to increase the speed of wind and turbulent flow after it passes through the module. Hence the floor receives greater air movement when cross ventilated.
The facade allows air to readily flow through the building instead of around it, reducing the possibility of uncomfortable windy microclimates in the surrounding area.
TEAM
Gavin Low
Guo Xiu Jin
Crystal Lee Ann
Sharne Christopher Kimberly Chia Foo Sulaiman