ARCH 5120 - Factory Reset

FAC

SPRING 2023

TORY

COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN

RESET

JAKE OKRENT STERLING YUN

THESIS

Our adaptive reuse plan for the B&M Factory is centered around a large triangular addition whose legs are each at different heights, housing three core functions of the university: classroom space, lab space, and lecture and office space. The three sides of the triangle look inwards to another atrium that creates a locus for campus life, while the facades of each reference the dimensions and spatial conditions of the branching column motif that forms the core of our integrated system.

INITIAL IDEAS

The following are a collection of models demonstrating the various experiments which led to the development of one highest potential prototype. Throughout these experiments, we were concerned with the values of spatial flexibility and aesthetic uniqueness.

Our initial experiments in building systems were guided by a desire to minimize the structure, whether in plan or in section, and combine that with an elegance and novelty that distinguishes it from normal timberframe construction. From top to bottom:

A model that focuses on the joinery techniques of wood construction. Doubled dimensional lumber creates more rigid columns and allows a spacer to be placed in between to support floor joists. These joists extend past the outermost columns to provide a regular attachment point for facades that can provide solar shading and support a double-skin envelope.

A model that uses trusses and diagonal braces in all three axes to provide impressive structural rigidity and open floor areas. The slenderness of the vertical columns is compensated on the braced facade, while flat X-braces infill the space between trusses to support high floor loads.

A model based on a diagrid facade backed up with a solid shear wall to create an inner occupiable space and a perimeter circulation path with views of both structural systems. This module takes the double-skin idea to its logical conclusion by making it so thick as to be usable. This method concentrates the structural system vertically as opposed to horizontally, taking a different approach to minimizing intrusions into usable space.

The most open and flexible system was the first of the three prototypes on the previous page, but it was lacking in lateral and shear resistance. We came up with the idea of bracing branching out from each column to create ‘branches’ that could be tessellated for regularity. This system had the further benefit of decoupling the facade entirely from the structure, unlike the other two initial experiments, which makes it possible to adjust the facade more freely in response to environmental conditions as seen in this interactive model.

MODULE DESIGN

Through the evolution of our experiements, we landed on a branching column system that is based on a hexagonal plan offset by diamonds. We produced various versions of this: 1A and 2A based on this pattern, and 1B and 2B based on tessellating hexagons without diamond infill. In both cases, version 1 is a ‘pure’ interpretation of the pattern, while version 2 is reinforced with additional orthogonal elements which we determined could be reduced to cable ties holding the wood elements in compression.

The tectonic and spatial similarities between a branching gridded column and a spaceframe mean that the transition between the two, as well as the full use of their strengths, can be accomplished with the simple addition or subtraction of cable and cable and columns respectively. On account of this, various programs can be accommodated by creating variety in the section or plan of the aggregation. We provide some examples of possible uses on the following pages.

What results from the hybridization is a flexible system that capitalizes on the vertical character of the branching column bay and the lateral space frame bay to produce a spectrum of spatial and structural dynamism that can accommodate diverse programmatic functions.

Details of the model show how our module prevents the overarching monotony of repetition through the unduluating profile of the branches as well as the lithe elegance of the cables keeping suspended frame elements in tension.

STRUCTURE

These details represent the complex condition of the sawtooth reoriented grid and facade, The envelope runs at an angle consistent with the branches of the supporting structure, splitting the tree into even interior and exterior parts. Columns integrated into the facade on the first story are comprised of Portland Granite, as all columns on the first story. This along side only first story brick infill anticipates future flooding in the face of global warming and storm surge,

Branches on the exterior support a second glazed envelope which acts as a shield to the rain, wind and sound from the position along the shore and proximity to the existing highway.

The envelope itself prioritizes a semicontinuous clerestory window aligned with column branches. The openings beneath the clerestory are densest in southern facing facades to allow for greatest direct sunlight entry without compromising insulation. Non-south-facing facades reduce their openings to prevent heat loss through unnecessary glazing.

FACADE

Early iterations of the facade treated the sawtooth as an aesthetic element, rendered only by the fritted rainscreen that projected forth from the oblique wall (below).

For the final revision we switched the massing to have the weather wall follow the sawtooth, making the projected rainscreen obsolete but introducing more opportunities for structured integration of daylighting devices,

such as light shelves. The weather wall assembly also became simpler and opened up more interior space to use as loosely programmed areas for occupant interaction, and enabled the integration of a radiant flooring system.

5 LAYER CLT STRUCTURAL ROOF EXTERIOR FINISH CONCRETE

RIGID INSULATION

CEILING FINISH

TERRACOTTA MODULAR PANELS

HIGH E SOUTH FACING GLAZING

LIGHT SHELVES

6”X6” HEXAGONAL BEAMS

1’ X 1’ COLUMN

6 WAY SPLICE PLATE

4”X4” BRACING MEMBERS

STEEL TENSION CABLE

WOOD INTERIOR FINISH THERMALLY MASSIVE MEDIUM GRAY TILE

RADIANT FLOOR PIPING

CLT 5 LAYER STRUCTURAL FLOOR

TERRACOTTA INFILL PANNEL

BRICK VENEER FACADE

SITE PLAN

The most important site-wide considerations are centered around walking access, green space, and the link between open and closed. Drivers diverge from pedestrian travel early. A walkable artery is the predominant

circulation armature, weaving between buildings and trees until it converges at the center of the site. This converging point flows directly through the greenhouse as a clear continuation of open public space. The research center sits

on a paved public platform which incorporates an outdoor gathering area around the existing structure. The greenhouse combines with a more enclosed atrium at the heart of the new addition, and extends out into the water on the dock

on which part of the old factory used to sit. Further walkways reestablish a previously interrupted pedestrian path extending from under the highway to the west and completed by a revitalization of the abandoned rail to the east.

PLANS

The first story funnels users through the greenhouse and into the heart of the structure while prolonging the user’s relationship to the outside. Main circulation halls stretch the perimeter of the connecting volume, on the north facade to permit access to conference rooms, and on the southern facade to invite light and pedestrians using the reconnected walking trail into the building.

The upper stories gain floor space over the connection between the main atrium and the greenhouse. These floors serve as classrooms, flex space, and maker space, while what were once conference rooms in the north columns become lab space. This north wing is the tallest of the additional masses to provide proper lab space and contain the programs requiring the most regulated environment.

As the southern mass shrinks on the above floors to step away from the waterfront, auditoriums are traded for offices. Floors above the main story connect addition to Existing structure along walkways outlining the greenhouse.

Far left First floor plan Left Third floor plan

FUTURE PLANNING

Planning for the future of the site was based around a few key assumptions about its environment. First, we assumed some 15 feet of sea level rise that would flood the existing bioswales and integrate them into the sea.

Second, we assumed that the neighborhoods surrounding the site would continue to densify and develop past their industrial origins, resulting in more pressure for our large site to serve a role in the community.

Third, we wanted to take advantage of the hexagon grid’s flexibility to design a plan based on the oblique sides of the hexagon rather than its orthogonal ones, creating a different orientation within the same building.

The result is a multimodal transit station connecting future East Deering with future downtown Portland on land and sea. The train platforms use the oblique sides of the hexagon to squeeze more platform length into the same

massing, and the pier-inspired front patio manifests its origins by becoming host to a water taxi pier.

Passenger information and direction posted in easily viewable locations Platforms shall be 400ft in length. AMTRACK Stations shall have a minimum platform length of 100 ft

The Ticket Vending Machines (TMV) enclosure of at minimum three walls shall accommodate five kiosks, each within a 3’6” x 2’6” footprint. Pavement under kiosks shall be designed to handle 1200 pounds of load from equipment. Electrical shall be isolated.

Distance between stairs shall not exceed 250 ft

Envelope provide protection against 30 degree rain angle while providing transparency between interior and exterior passengers

12’x12’ Ticket Agent Office

Bus platform to be formed of Portland Cement to prevent rutting in an area sufficient to cover the parked space and the approach.

The table on following pages which exemplifies the necessity for program dependent on the predicted volume of use: wc, wash basins, admin, kitchen, food court.

Stations should remain well lit for safe use at all times at a minimum of 4 ft

12’ min from the middle of the rail bed to the structural column

1’ min wide landscape median of native plantings for a well curated appealing exterior with minimal required maintenance

necessary to control heat from machinery and reduce exhaust inhalation odor

KITCHEN FOOD COURT

Our understanding of the needs of this future plan was informed by research into the typological standards for transit stations (below). These spaces are designed around a very tight sequence of use, which means they have to be inherently hierarchical and based around the dimensions of the vehicles.

Transite centers are concentrated in one central location in Portland. A new station adjacent to residential neighborhoods and connected to a shared path of Greater Portland METRO Local services and the METRO BREEZE Express would provide ample access and connect two halves of a divided city.

The Portland Transit armature arcs west to North. A station on site continues this armature. There are plenty of transit options which connect Portland south to Scarborough, west to currently unconnected Westbrook, north to Falmouth, and east to neighboring islands. The station could serve as a starting point for new routes connecting residential areas with urban ones and with their isolated island neighbors.

LANDSCAPING

As with many coastal cities, the story of Portland’s future is the story of how well it will adapt to climate change. This project has been designed with a resilient landscape plan that sees the surrounding areas treated as natural buffer zones, using local species of hardy plans to establish a habitat for keystone species in an ex-industrial landscape. Over time, if sea levels rise, these planted areas will become one with the sea.

WATER SOURCE HEAT PUMP RETURN RUNOFF COLLECTION

BEACH PLUM SMOOTH WINTERBERRY HOLLY SALTMARSH FALSE FOXGLOVE

DWARF GLASSWORT

SALTMARSH HAY

MINK OSPREY AMERICAN BLACK DUCK

GREAT EGRET STRIPPED BASS

ATRIA

While the main enclosed public spaces of the addition are individual, their relationship on the main story blends them together, articulating a merger between interior and exterior

space. The greenhouse with operable windows grants air flow and traffic from the outdoors on warm days, and can remain insulated on cold days. Users can move under a building volume

parallel to the existing factory on the first story to reach the main atrium.

THERMAL & ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS

Massing on site can also be divided between highly regulated space and passively controlled space. The north lab tower contains spaces which require more granual control over

airflow and temperature. These spaces are more enclosed with their own HVAC considerations. The remaining spaces and their relationship to the atrium can operate through natural

ventilation through atrium openings, thermal mass, and stack effect to regulate comfort without as energy intensive HVAC systems.

PERIMETER RADIANT CEILING PANEL NON-DESTRUCTIVE ADDITION TO EXISTING CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB CONDITIONS GENERAL SPACES WITH LOW ACH REQUIREMENTS

HIGH-E GLASS ADMITS DAYLIGHT

UNITIZED FACADE HUNG FROM FLOOR PLATES TO PREVENT THERMAL BRIDGING AND PROVIDE MODULARITY

INTEGRATED ATRIUM RETAINS CONDITIONED AIR AS THERMAL SINK

STACK EFFECT PASSIVELY VENTS MODERATE ATRIUM

NATURAL CROSS UTILIZES PREVAILING PASSIVELY ADMIT

THERMAL LABYRINTH PASSIVELY REFRESHES ATRIUM AIR TO MAINTAIN ACH REQUIREMENTS

CONCRETE & BRICK GROUND FLOOR TRANSLATES DESIGN LANGUAGE INTO PERSISTENT FLOOD-RESILIENT MATERIALS

LIGHT SHELF WORKS WITH INTERIOR GLAZING TO DAYLIGHT CORRIDOR AND PREVENT GLARE ON WORKSPACES

EFFECT COOLING VENTS EXHAUST AIR TO ATRIUM TEMPERATURES

CROSS VENTILATION

PREVAILING WINDS TO ADMIT FRESH AIR

LAB SUPPLY AIR INTAKE 1/3 NEW AIR, 2/3 PREHEATED AIR FROM BUILDING ATRIUM

HEAT RECOVERY MECHANISM RECOVERS THERMAL ENERGY FROM HOT EXHAUST AIR TO MINIMIZE HEATING ENERGY

ATRIUM LANDSCAPING PROVIDES CONTINUOUS SITE EXPERIENCE

SEAWATER HEAT PUMP ABSORBS EXCESS HEAT FROM FLOOR PLATE TO COOL OFF IN BIOSWALES

DISTRICT VAV AIR SYSTEM UTILIZES VERTICAL CONTINUITY TO PROVIDE CONDITIONED AIR TO LABS

FUME HOODS DEDICATED EXHAUST FOR EVAPORATED CHEMICALS

2. WATER SOURCE HEAT PUMP

3. OUTLET FEEDS PREPARED BIOSWALE

4. RADIANT FLOORING COOLS OFFICE

5. WARMING AIR RISES AND VENTS INWARD

6. HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM

TECHNICAL DETAILS TECHNICAL ASSIGNMENT 3

BY JAKE OKRENT

Our system is repeatable and modular, and its parts tie into each other to make deviations from standard conditions absorb able by the integrity of the rest of the system. The module is defined by a column rising up from the floor and branching out into a hexagonal shape, from which additional members are drawn to connect to neighboring hexagons in a linear truss shape. This is augmented by a contrasting network of steel cables Connecting the columns around balconies, atriums, light wells, and other cutouts, allowing spatial variety without endangering the wood’s structural integrity. The synthesis of two structural characters pose the potential for a regular bay structure to still provide enough dynamism to satisfy a range of potential use cases over the building’s life time.

Primary Structural Frame

Heavy Timber n/a

Bearing Walls CLT n/a

Non-bearing Exterior Walls Light Wood Frame Brick Masonry Potential

Non-bearing Interior Walls Light Wood Frame Brick Masonry Potential

Floor Construction CLT n/a

Roof Construction CLT n/a

Construction: TYPE IV

Our construction type largely features structural heavy timber and CLT. To comply with Type IV construction, fire-retardant-treated wood shall compose exterior walls. This prevents our structure from falling into the TYPE V construction category.

CURRENT AND POTENTIAL USES

The current intent for the structure is to feature lab, classroom, and public studying / design spaces. The span capacity and the variable places for mechanical systems supports a wide range of machinery necessary to support Lab and other educational facilities. Because of its flexibility and regular square bay organization, the simple reorganization of interior partitions could transform the facility into a mixed-use multifamily housing development or dormitory for the continued use of the University.

Mixed: Assembly + Business (Separated)

Assembly A-3: Lecture Halls

Business B: Laboratories

Business B: Educational over K12

45,000 ft2 Maximum Area (1)

4 Maximum Stories (3)

65ft Maximum Height

Mixed: Residential + Mercantile (Separated)

Mercantile M: Sales Rooms

Residential R-2: Apartment/Dorm

Mercantile M: Markets

61,500 ft2 Maximum Area (2)

4 Maximum Stories (4)

60ft Maximum Height (5)

Maximum where Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section:903.3.1.3

1)Represents A-3 - B: 108,000 ft2 Maximum Area: Without adjustments for frontage

2)Without adjustments for frontage

3)Represents A-3 - B: 6 Maximum Stories

4)Represents M - R-2: 5 Maximum Stories

5) Represents R-2 - M: 65ft Maximum Height

A clear correlation can be established between the enclosed, high density HVAC, deep spans of the laboratories and a potential residential program. The remaining lecture halls and educational spaces are more open and public, meaning they may eventually suit mercantile programs like sales rooms and markets.

LIGHT WOOD HEXAGON TREE COLUMNS By Jake Okrent (COMP Partner

1) Project Description

2A)

System

The following structural system utilizes the easy construction and compressive strength of light wood to compose a tree-column in a hexagonal grid. Branches of the column feed loads distributed across the supported floor back into the column at greater spans. Branches from the grid slot into light wood composite cross columns to provide a connection detail which simplifies construction and enhances the lightness of the space. The form created by the hexagonal grid has technical and experiential utility; The thickness of the floor plate and supporting structure could resolve MEP placement, and ceiling treatments such as drop downs and skylights could fill grid cavities.

2B) Structural System Description

The hexagonally gridded branches of the columns act in tandem with the primary support structure

to transfer load from the supported floors. This allows for 2x8 joists with shorter spans from column-to-branches-to-column than from column-to-column. Joists continue across bays up until the perpendicular joist of the following bay.

Sources:

1. Allen, Edward, and Joseph Iano. The Architects Studio Companion : Rules of Thumb for Preliminary Design. 2002. New York, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 5 Jan. 2012, p. 61 & 67.

2. Circular Ecology. “Embodied Carbon Footprint Database.” Circular Ecology, 10 Nov. 2019, circularecology.com/embodied-carbon-footprint-database.html.

3. Seely, Oliver. “PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of COMMON WOODS.”

Www2.Csudh.edu, www2.csudh.edu/oliver/chemdata/woods.htm.

BRANCHES

HEX GRID

FLOOR JOISTS ( )

FLOOR JOISTS ( = )

Figure 1: Sizing and spacing Solid Wood Joists (Allen and Iano 61)

Figure 2: Sizing Wood Columns (Allen and Iano 67)

3B) Embodied Carbon

Module Floor Area: 21.3 m

4) Benchmarking

Secondary Vertical Spruce 2x4 hexagonal grid and column branches

Primary Vertical: Spruce cross column with 12” square profile (See figure 1)

Primary Horizontal Spruce 2x8 floor joists arranged 24” oc (See Figure 2) Floor

Technical Assignment 2

Comparison of Dimensions

My studio partner, Jake, had a future use scenario involving the project turning into a food pantry and transportation center. In order to optimize the design for both the current laboratory/classroom use case as well as the future food pantry/transit use case, the design had to be refined by optimizing the location of cores. These cores, with their egress stairs, had to be located in such a manner as to not interfere with either use case. In the top-right corner, a first iteration of the lab had a stair core at the extreme upper right of the massing. Here, it has been moved to the bottom (south) of the lab tower and tucked in, since the future cafeteria we imagine to be located at that side of the building needs to access daylight, as seen in Jake’s technical assignment.

Universal Design

The project is universally circulation corridors and with limited mobility need building is compromised. a minimum of turns needed

Approach

universally welcoming to all users through clear, open and prioritization of elevator users. Occupants need not feel that their spatial satisfaction in the compromised. We do this by ensuring elevator users have needed to access their circulation paths of choice.

Sterling Yun, ARCH 5220

Technical Assignment 3

Internal Loads & Use Scenario (VAV SYSTEM)

The use case I chose to analyze is for a lab building. Due to the stringent requirements for floor non-porosity, non-exposed operating components, and high air changes per hour, more progressive thermal comfort systems like chilled beams or radiant floors are not suitable. (In other portions of our addition where air handling requirements are not as strict, we are able to employ these methods.) This necessitated a classic variable air volume system, providing me experience with sizing these systems and (crucially for our structural system) locating them appropriately to negotiate our branching columns. I decided against using a central MEP or boiler room, despite the presence of one in the existing factory, in favor of integrated AHUs. This allowed the penthouses to be broken up into smaller units (compare the two lines on the bottom-left chart).

External Loads & Enclosure

The exterior is a non-loadbearing facade utilizing unitized terracotta panels backed up by rigid foam insulation and a traditional wall assembly with blown insulation. This is hung from the CLT floor slabs to reduce thermal bridging. The terracotta panels absorb solar radiation, while inset glazing and integrated light shelves admit daylight to the interior of the envelope. Because lab spaces cannot have operable windows, the glazing can be integrated into the wall assembly to provide a tighter thermal seal. This is helpful to reduce the traditional trend of perimeter spaces facing more extreme thermal conditions. For the same reason, three of the four corners are occupied by circulation or lounge spaces where people are less likely to stay for an extended period and feel temperature extremities. Finally, labs face the north for fewer solar gain-induced thermal swings, allowing writeup spaces to face the south for more plentiful daylight.

Sterling Yun, ARCH 5220

Comparison of Dimensions

My studio partner, Jake, had a future use scenario involving the project turning into a food pantry and transportation center. For the last technical assignment, we had to rearrange the cores to make sure egress requirements were met. We then realized we could simplify the circulation in the lab so that former hallway space could be reserved for air handling. This was important because the building system is tightly integrated in a way that prevented large areas of the system from being used for vertical circulation. By doing this move, we decoupled the air systems from the envelope and structure, which affords greater flexibility in future use. Because Jake’s use cases are less programmatically rigid than the current use case, we can be sure that this system will be useful now and in the future, rather than being restrictive.