Architectural Technology 3: Integrated Construction Jewellery School of Newcastle, Newcastle Studio 8 Legacies of Modernism Studio Tutors Name: James Longfield and Elizabeth Baldwin Gray
Contents
1. Project Declaration 2.  Technical Section + Part Elevation 3.1 Sustainability Strategy + Environmental Design 3.2 Structural Strategy and Construction Sequencing 3.3 Fire Strategy 3.4 Access for All Strategy 4. Studio Specific Technical Research Critical Reflection Bibliography and List of Illustrations
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1. Project Declaration Standing at the corner of New Bridge Street and Pilgrim Street, the project is surrounded by the heritage of modernism. These modernist legacies all celebrated the beauty of regularity by their fenestration with a regular rhythm. The rhythm, as Hitchcock (1929) suggested, was based on the modular skeleton structures behind the facade. On the other hand, these structures also created more possibility. They enabled the Five Guys using glazing instead of concrete panels in the Pearl, and also contribute to Le Corbusier's imagination of the modular units inserted in a megastructure in the UnitĂŠ d'habitation. My project was going to follow their paces. The new six-storey building has an envelope emphasising on the regularity based on structural grids consist of columns and beams. Inside the volume, there are boxes suspended on the grid "shelf" providing rooms for the private section. They also define the rest spaces as public areas at the same time. However, the span of these boxes was up to 13.5 meters. As a result, a steel structure with trusses and concrete structural cores may be more practical than simple concrete frames. The contemporary technology also enabled me to have more choice for the panels fixing on these boxes.
Bamburgh House 36m
Commercial Union House 28m Pilgrim Street
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New Bridge Street
Carliol House 29m
Eldon Square Shop
ping Centre
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Phase 2 Accommodation Phase 1 Jewellery School 27m 26m Fig.1 Site Axonometric (Author, 2020)
Fig.2 Site Plan (Author, 2020)
50m
A
2
A
A
1
8 3
9
10
15 16
11
17
4
Ground Floor 8. Toilet 9. Student Studio 10. Foyer & Reception 11. Accessible Toilet 12. Lecture Theatre 13. Material Library 14. Unisex Toilet
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Ground Floor 15. Toilet 16. Artist Studio 17. Accessible Toilet 18. Computer Cluster 19. Office 20. Unisex Toilet
19 13
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19 14
20
Fig.4 Ground Floor (Author, 2020)
A
A
A Fig.3 Basement (Author, 2020)
Basement 1. Toilet 2. Workshop 3. Accessible Toilet 4. Storage 5. Switchroom 6. Car Park 7. Unisex Toilet
Fig.5 First Floor (Author, 2020)
0m
10m
Fig.6 Section A-A (Author, 2020)
1 | 2
0m
20m
0m
20m
Fig.7 Parti Site Plan (Author, 2020)
Fig.8 Parti Site Section (Author, 2020)
Fig.9 Additive & Subtractive (Author, 2020)
Fig.10 Symmetry & Balance (Author, 2020)
Fig.11 Massing (Author, 2020)
Fig.12 3D Massing (Author, 2020)
2 5
7
B I
Private Area
Public Area
A Workshop 186m2 B Toilet 131m2 C Storage 238m2 D Switchroom 61m2 E Student Studio 178m2 F Artist Studio 120m2 G Computer Cluster 83m2 H Office 102m2 I Classroom 88m2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Car Park 938m2 Unisex Toilet 176m2 Foyer 149m2 Reception 45m2 Library 574m2 Lecture Theatre 62m2 Gallery 149m2
5
2
H
B H
F 2
G
B 5
6
F 2
B 4
E
Fig.15 First Floor Circulation to Use (Author, 2020)
D
B
1
C 3
Fig.14 First Floor Hierarchy (Author, 2020)
A Fig.13 Programme of the Building (Author, 2020)
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1. 12mm White Sintered Stone 5mm Bituminous Water Proofing, go up to the the upstand 150mm Thermal Insulation Vapour Barrier 95mm Composite Slab Vapour Barrier Universal Beam 305×165mm 150mm Thermal Insulation 2×12mm Gypsum Fibreboard
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2. 3mm Aluminium Coping
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3. 5mm Flat Aluminium Panel Aluminium Profile Vapour Barrier 150mm Thermal Insulation Square Hollow Sections 250×250mm Universal Beam 305×165mm 100mm Thermal Insulation Vapour Barrier Aluminium Profile 5mm Flat Aluminium Panel
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4. Triple-glazed Skylight 5. 5mm Profiled Aluminium Panel Aluminium Profile Vapour Barrier Square Hollow Sections 250×250mm Universal Beam 305×165mm Vapour Barrier Aluminium Profile 5mm Flat Aluminium Panel
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6. 10mm Polished Concrete Finish Vapour Barrier 95mm Composite Slab Vapour Barrier Universal Beam 305×165mm 150mm Thermal Insulation Aluminium Profile 12mm Light Concrete Panel 7. 10mm Polished Concrete Finish Vapour Barrier 95mm Multideck Vapour Barrier Universal Beam 305×165mm Aluminium Profile 12mm White Sintered Stone
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8. 12mm White Sintered Stone Aluminium Profile Vapour Barrier Universal Beam 305×165mm Vapour Barrier Aluminium Profile 12mm White Sintered Stone 9. 10mm Polished Concrete Finishing Vapour Barrier 95mm Multideck Vapour Barrier Universal Beam 305×165mm 150mm Thermal Insulation 2×12mm Gypsum Fibreboard 10. 10mm Polished Concrete Finish 40mm Screed Layers 200mm Thermal Insulation Vapour Barrier 550mm Concrete Slab 11. 12mm White Sintered Stone Aluminium Profile Vapour Barrier 100mm Thermal Insulation 300mm In-situ Concrete Wall 12. 30mm Dark Basalt Paver 40mm Screed Layers Vapour Barrier In-situ Concrete Base 13. 200mm Pile Foundation
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3.1 Sustainability Strategy + Environmental Design Construction Materials Sustainability
Table 1: Embodied CO2 for Construction Materials Material
kg CO2/m2 (range)
Copper 56,725- 74,566 Brass 61,381 Zinc 43,863 Aluminium, recycled 1,191- 2,584 Aluminium, virgin 23,828- 83,168 Steel, recycled 12,654- 27,763 Steel, virgin 26,870- 54,497
Material
kg CO2/m2 (range)
Concrete precast 328 Concrete 376 Lightweight blocks 256 Local softwood 47 Local green oak 94 Local airdried timber 163 David Bennett, 2010 Fig.16 Concrete Core and Steel Truss Box (Author, 2020)
The chose of materials for superstructure is challenging. A quantitative study of the construction CO2 emissions has shown an evident saving in overall CO2 emissions for the concrete frame than the steel frame (Bennett, 2010). It is deeply rooted in the significant difference between the quantity of embodied CO2 for concrete and steel (Table 1). On the other hand, compared with concrete, steel is infinitely recyclable. Its nature gives the steel a significant advantage over competing materials in the circular economy and contributes to a sustainable future (World Steel Association, 2020). Thus, it is the priority for the proposal to make full use of the characteristic of the two materials for different spaces rather than focus on one material. Therefore, aside from the foundation and the annexe with a regular skeleton frame, in-situ concrete is used for enclosed spaces and structure with shorter spans. These included the stair core, service core and the four-storey workshop wing. Apropos of the suspended “boxes” and the “shelf” supporting the boxes, a steel truss system is introduced for the span up to 10 meters. The utilisation of different construction materials based on their nature could improve the performance of the superstructure, reduce the size of its structural elements and finally, contribute to the sustainability of the building by eliminating the waste during construction and maintenance.
The embodied CO2 table also works as a guideline for materials for substructure and finishes. As a jewellery school, the building is going to celebrate craftsmanship from its form and appearance. Then, golden or copper-like metal panels are applied to the top of the façade. Compared with other materials, recycled aluminium is competitive in sustainability for its minor embodied CO2, by as little as a seventieth of copper or a sixtieth of Brass. It has a better performance dealing with weathering as well. Thus, copper-like coloured aluminium panels will be the choice. The steel frame, in part of the building, also provides more possibility for interior finishes. Cladding could be materials with less embodied CO2, including glass fibre reinforced concrete (PMJ Masonry, n.d.), timber, even panels recycled from the shipping container of the former Stack on the site. This will be discussed in section four.
Fig.17 Metal Claddingf on the Façade (Author, 2020)
Daylighting Strategies Summer
os
Winter
di Stu lery Ga l
Fig.18 Shadow Analysis and Sun Path (Author, 2020; GAISMA, 2020)
Fig.19 Locations of the Studios and Gallery (Author, 2020)
The site is in a relatively enclosed space in the built-up area in Newcastle. The Commercial Union House and the car park blocked most of the sunlight from the south and east. Shadow analysis has illustrated that the south half of the site is in the shade over the years. The programme strategy is based on the analysis.
The studios for artists and students require adequate indirect natural light. Thus, they are on the north of the site, north-facing. A south-facing atrium connected to them with skylight also provides indirect daylight to the studios. The gallery is set on the top floor to eliminate the impact of the shadow of the Commercial Union House, lighted with skylight. Other light-insensitive facilities are set in the wing along Pilgrim Street, east or west-facing.
Thermal Mass Day
Fig.20 Impact of the Balconies on Sunlight(Author, 2020)
Thus, the design of the building for the daylighting strategy is twofold. On the one hand, a comprehensive skylight system and floor-to-ceiling windows introduce sufficient daylight in the shaded area. On the other hand, as the sunlight from the south and east is almost blocked, the passive solar design for the west façade becomes a priority. The direct sunlight in the summer afternoon should be avoided, while the sunlight in the winter is appreciated (Bennett, 2010). Compared with louvres or shutter systems, a group of balconies are applied to the façade, providing a medium space between interior and exterior, block out the sun in the summer and allowing sunlight in during the winter.
Night
Computer Cluster
Basement Workshop
Fig.21 Thermal Mass during the Day and Night (Author, 2020)
The concrete cores of the building work as thermal mass as well. It is especially beneficial during the summer for its ability to reduce peak temperatures and prevent overheating. In the daytime, the concrete could absorb the heat from solar and occupants, then released accumulated heat at night and prepare for the next day (Bennett, 2010). Occupied space with equipment producing more heat such as the workshop and computer cluster is closer to the concrete structure to provide a better thermal interaction between them. In the winter, the concrete can also work as an auxiliary way to deliver heat in the building by absorbing heat from sunlight, and the workshop and computer cluster then radiate heat to other parts of the architecture. However, other materials and finishing attached to the concrete structure will break the thermal linking between the structural elements and the occupied space and make the building thermally lightweight. Thus, although the exterior façade of the concrete core will have a sintered stone cladding similar to other parts, the concrete will be exposed in the interior space. This will also add an aesthetic of the contrast between concrete and other material like metal and timber.
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Basement Workshop: Daylight, Ventilation, Heat and Acoustics
Fig.22 Tubular Daylighting System in the Workshop (Author, 2020; Solatube, n.d.)
Due to heavy machines in it, the workshop is set in the basement to eliminated its impact on the structure. The programme lays another issue about lighting, which is crucial to the safety of a jewellery workshop (Lewton-Brain, 1998). Instead of wholly supported by artificial lighting, the tubular daylighting system is introduced. It collects sunlight using a rooftop dome and then delivers light into the occupied space via a reflective tube. Compared with traditional skylight, it is more effective and even, proving maximum visible light (Solatube, n.d.).
Fig.23 LEV and Rotary Heat Exchanger in the Winter (Author, 2020)
The Jewellery Workshop Safety Report (Lewton-Brain, 1998) also underlined the importance of an effective ventilation system for the jewellery workshop. Thus, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) required by the guide of HSE (2017) is installed. However, equipment like induction furnace will generate massive heat, and it is to recycling the heat from exhausted air in the winter for a sustainable building. Therefore, the ventilation system will be connected to a rotary heat exchanger. It will work during the winter and transfer temperature between fresh and exhaust air with heat recovery over 80% (Vitra, n.d.).
Fig.24 Acoustic Barrier the Workshop (Author, 2020)
The location of the workshop considers acoustics as well. Equipment such as polish machine will make loud noises, locating the workshop in the basement will eliminate its influence on other parts of the building. The in-situ concrete structure also acts as an acoustic barrier between the workshop and other space. Besides, on the ground floor, a glass screen is fixed along with the opening of the stairs to the basement workshop, reflecting the noise to the basement.
Use of Renewable Resources
Use of renewable resources makes the building eco-friendlier as well. Solar panels on the roof of the studio, outside the shaded area, could generate electricity for the building. Instead of conventional heating or air conditioning system, the building uses a closed-loop ground source heat pumps (GSHP) system to the heating and cooling the space. Although it costs more to install compared with traditional heating systems, they are competitive for their low maintenance costs, reliability and energyefficiency (Bennett, 2010). The flat roof of the concrete core also makes the design of a blue roof possible. It can store the rainwater for non-potable use within the building, especially for the toilets in these cores (CIRIA, 2015).
Fig.25 Renewable Resources and their distribution (Author, 2020)
Construction Sequencing
3.2 Structural Strategy and Construction Sequencing
Fig.26 (Author, 2020)
Fig.27 (Author, 2020)
Fig.28 (Author, 2020)
1. Site Preparation Demolish the Stack currently occupied the site and recycling the ship containers for future use. Erect site safety wall. Due to the massive casting work and the related transport, New Bridge Street and half of Pilgrim Street are closed for safety. Redirect public transport with related departments of the city council. The entrance of the site is on New Bridge Street to eliminate its impact on the rest of Pilgrim Steet. The site office is set in the Commercial Union House.
2. Excavation Excavate the substructure footprint. Set retaining walls around the excavation to prevent soil collapsing from the surrounding buildings and road foundation. These walls will become part of the basement in the future. Finish piling works for the building. Bore the hole for the ground source heat pumps system.
3. Substructure Cast the concrete basement structure after finishing a compacted hardcore base and a layer of bling concrete with a waterproof membrane above.
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Fig.29 (Author, 2020)
Fig.30 (Author, 2020)
Fig.31 (Author, 2020)
4. Concrete Structure Cast all the concrete structures by the concrete pump. They include the main staircase and service shaft. These concrete structure also acted as the structural core for the following steel frame and providing structural stability. Pilgrim street will reopen after all the casting works finished to eliminate the impact of construction. However, New Bridge Street will keep closed for transport on the site.
5. Steel Frame Construction A tower crane will be set in the centre of the site for steel construction. Steel frames are connected to the concrete core for stability. Steel trusses for the “boxes� connect the separated steel frame, acting as bracing and provide additional stability.
6. Composite Slabs Construction Form the composite slabs for lower levels along with the construction of the steel frame and add on its stableness. Slabs for the exterior balcony and interior occupied space is separated to break the cold bridge and improve the insulation of the building.
Fig.32 (Author, 2020)
Fig.33 (Author, 2020)
Fig.34 (Author, 2020)
7.Grid Roof Keep finishing the superstructure and the composite slabs. Use steel trusses for the gird roof for its long span. Start to fixing external cladding on lower levels.
8. Finishes and services Set up continuous insulation along the exterior surface. Fix sintered stones and aluminium panels on a sub-frame for the façade. Use glass fibre reinforced concrete panel or alternative materials for the interior finishes for the part with steel structure. Keep interior concrete wall exposed to create a better thermal linking. Fix the services for the whole building.
9. Finalising Fit the sliding doors for the main entrance. Fix the railing for the exterior landscaping and the balconies.
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Structural Axonometric Triple-glazed Skylight
Flat and Profiled Aluminium Panel
Triple-glazed Window
Steel Frame
Composite Slab
Sintered Stone Cladding
Steel Trusses Box
Partial Wall
Concrete Core
Primary
Fig.35 Structural Exploded Axonometric (Author, 2020)
Secondary
Tertiary
The primary structure of the building is a combination of concrete loadbearing boxes and steel frame. The concrete cores provide space for vertical circulation and services shaft and brace the steel frame against lateral forces. The primary structure forms the “shelf” for the steel trusses “box” for the private sector. In the part with steel frame structure, composite slabs are applied for the floor construction. White sintered stones will cover the façade of the building, with flat or profiled aluminium panels on the top. Triple-glazed skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows can maximum the introduced daylight and keep the insulation performance of the building at the same time.
"Box" with Steel Trusses
10mm Polished Concrete Finish 100mm In-situ Concrete 50mm Rib-profile Steel Deck 150mm Thermal Insulation between the Primary Structure Services 2×12mm Gypsum Fibreboard Suspended Ceiling
Aluminium Attachment along the Panel Joint 12mm White Sintered Stone Panel Triple-glazed Window 150mm Thermal Insulation between the Sub-frame Sub-frame for Cladding Primary Structure Space Sub-frame for Cladding 12mm White Sintered Stone Panel
Sub-frame for Cladding 150mm Thermal Insulation between the Sub-frame Double-glazed Window Facing the Interior Atrium 15mm GFRC Panels or Alternative Materials
2×12mm Gypsum Fibreboard Sub-frame for Gypsum Fibreboards Primary Structure Space Sub-frame for Cladding 150mm Thermal Insulation between the Sub-frame 15mm GFRC Panels or Alternative Materials
150mm Thermal Insulation between the Primary Structure Sub-frame for Cladding 15mm GFRC Panels or Alternative Materials
Fig.36 Exploded Axonometric of the Steel Trusses "Box" (Author, 2020)
The “boxes” are for the private sector of the building. They are massing inserted into the “shelf” which forms the volume of the building. The structures have a span of more than ten meters, and part of them is cantilevered. Thus, the steel trusses are introduced for them. The trusses are fixed to the concrete core and the gird steel frame, two 250×250mm RHS steel columns on the other end of the box will provide additional stability. 305×165mm universal beams are used as the secondary and tertiary beams and formed a 2.7×2.7m grid supporting the 100mm composite slabs. The smaller span for the composite slabs makes them capable of a total applied load of 14 kN/m2 (Kingspan, 2018). Gypsum fibreboards in the box could improve the fire performance of the structure for its nature of fire-resistant. The exterior of the box will be covered by glass fibre reinforced concrete panels, while alternative materials like timer and metal can replace them.
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3.3 Fire Strategy Summary of Regulations
The building includes different uses. It is a combination of a vocational school for jewellery design, a hub for artists, a library and galleries for the public with ancillary use such as storage. However, due to the programme and layout of the building, it can divide into three global compartmentations. According to Document B1, 0.20 to 0.22, they should be respectively assigned to purpose group 3, 5, 6 and 7(a) (Compartmentation 1), 5 (Compartmentation 2) and group 7(b) (Compartmentation 3). Thus, the building should comply with followings regulation in Document B: 2.3 The number of escape routes and exits should depend on the number of occupants and the limit on travel distance to the near rest exit. Apropos of this project, the calculation of the occupants is based on Table D1 in Document B:
Table 2: Reasonable Floor Space Factors for the building and the Caculation Floor Space Factor
Floor Area in the Building
3. Concourse or queuing area
0.7
Foyer (G) (149)
212 (G)
4. Committee room, common room, conference room, dining room, licensed betting office (public area), lounge or bar (other than in (1) above), meeting room, reading room, restaurant, staff room or waiting room
1.0
Computer Cluster (1F) (83) Classroom (3F) (88) Lecture Theatre (G) (62)
62 (G) 83 (1F) 88 (3F)
5. Exhibition hall or studio (film, radio, television, recording)
1.5
8. Art gallery, dormitory, factory production area, museum or workshop
5.0
Student Studio (G) (178) Artist Studio (1F) (60) (2F) (60)
9. Office
6.0
11. Kitchen or library
7.0
14. Storage and warehousing
30.0
15. Car park
Two Persons per Parking Space
Type of Accommodation
(m2/person)
Total
(m2)
Workshop (B) (186) Gallery (4F) (149) Office (1F) (37) (3F) (65) Reception Office (G) (45) Library (G) (252) (2F) (208) (4F) (114) Storage (B) (238) Car Park (B) (12)
Number of Occupants
119 (G) 40 (1F) 40(2F) 38 (B) 30(4F) 8 (G) 7 (1F) 11(3F) 36 (G) 30 (2F) 17 (4F) 8 (B) 24 (B) 70 (B) 437 (G) 130 (1F) 70 (2F) 99 (3F) 47 (4F)
The maximum number of occupants expect ground floor is 130 while the ground floor needs to provide fire egress to more than 800 people. Thus, regarding 2.9, the ground floor needs three escape routes and exits while other floors need two. The limitation on the travel distance, according to Table 2.1, should be 18 meters with one direction and 45 meters with more than one direction for escape. However, the workshop requires shorter travel distance with one direction of 12 meters for its high hazard of fire. 2.10 Alternative escape routes should be in directions 45 degrees or more apart. 2.13Escape routes should not be within 4.5 meters of openings between floors expect the escape direction being away from the opening or having an alternative escape route 4.5 meters away from the open connection. 2.15 Self-closing fire doors should be fitted with an automatic release mechanism if the protected stairways are part of the primary circulation routes. 2.18-2.20 Based on the number of occupants on each storey and escape routes, the width of escape routes and exits should be more than 1050mm on the upper storeys. 2.26 Fire doorsets with a self-closing device should be placed approximately midway between the two storey exits in a corridor providing access to alternative escape routes. 3.4-3.5 Refuges should be provided within an enclosure on every storey of each protected stairway providing an exit from that storey. While the refuges in the open air such as a balcony should be remote from any fire risk and have its own means of escape.
3.8 Refuges should be a minimum of 900mm×1400mm without reducing the width of the escape route or obstructing the flow of people escaping. 3.34 Protected lobbies should be provided at all storeys above ground, except the top storey if the stair serves any storey at a height of 18m or more above ground level. 5.11 The door of any doorway or exit should be hung to open in the direction of escape whenever reasonably practicable. 8.3 Parts of a building occupied mainly for different purposes should be separated from one another by compartment walls and/or compartment floors. 8.6 Stairs and service shafts connecting compartments should be protected to restrict the spread of fire between the compartments.
Fire Safety Design
The concrete structure forms the compartment walls of the building and provided two enclosures for a protected stairwell and a protected lobby, respectively. The openings of the enclosures are fixed with fire doors. However, as the protected stairwell also acts as a part of the primary circulation routes, an automatic release mechanism is fitted to the fire doors for the protect stairwell. Due to the changing floor level of the ground floor, multiple escape exits are provided on each floor level to ensure the route to a final exit does not include stairs. The alternative escape routes are in directions more than 45 degrees.
PS
fd
16
m
PL
Boundary of Compartmentations fd Self-closing Fire Doors Fig.37 Ground Floor Fire Safety (Author, 2020)
PS
fd
Protected Stairwell Direction of Escape
PL
Protected Lobby Longest Distances of Escape
Saftey Zone 0m
10m
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PS fd
PL 27m
Boundary of Compartmentations PL
fd
2000
PS
Protected Lobby Boundary of Compartmentations
Direction of Escape Fig.38 First Floor Fire Safety (Author, 2020)
2200 2700
2000
fd
Protected Stairwell Refuges
fd
Self-closing Fire Doors
Fig.39 Detail of the Refuges (Author, 2020)
Longest Distances of Escape
On the first floor, a corridor provides routes to the two storey exit. Thus, a self-closing fire door is placed in the middle of it. The width of the escape stairs is 2 meters between the inside edges of handrails, which comply with Document K. It is much wider than the requirement of an escape stair in this building with a width of 1.3 meters. Apropos to the refuges, one of them is set on the balcony, remote from the external wall and have its own means of escape with the covered stairs on the balcony. In the protected stairwell, the size of the landing is 2.2 Ă—2.2 meters, provide the refuge space for a minimum of 900mmĂ—1400mm without reducing the 1.3-meter-wide escape route or obstructing the flow of people escaping.
3.4 Access for All Strategy
Document M: Access for All
The building elevated to a platform with stairs to create an impression of an ancient temple. However, as Document M 1.2 suggested, this change in level is difficult for many people to negotiate. Thus, it is crucial to provide alternative access to the primary entrance with a ramp along with the steps to satisfy different groups of people. The primary entrance is one meter higher than ground level, regarding 1.26 (b) (c), two sets of ramps with two goings with 10 meters long and half a meter high connect by a landing. Width of the upper ramps is from 1.9 to 2 meters, which is much wider than the required passing places in 1.13 (b). The lower ramps extend to the pedestrian pavement, which makes it clearly identified, suggested by 1.13 (g) and 1.26 (a). However, as it is more than 2 meters wide, a central handrail is placed to divide it, complying with Document K 1.15 (c). Besides, there are handrails on each side of all the ramps for 1.26 (i). Apropos the steps, a rise of 167mm and going of 400mm of each step is consistent throughout the 6-step flight, satisfied 1.33 (h) (k) (l) and (m). According to 1.33 (p), the steps towards the primary entrance is also divided into channels less than 1.8 meters wide. Aluminium trims are fitted to the nose of the steps with a width of 55mm on both the tread and the riser to make it apparent, according to 1.33 (i). The ramps and steps are covered by dark basalt and light granite pavers respectively on goings and landings to provide a visual contract and make the surface slip-resistant, following 1.26 (f) and 1.29. There is a platform on the head of the ramp and the step, provide level access to the main entrance, much wider and longer than the head landing requires in 1.26 (h), 1.33 (b) and 2.7 (d). The entrance has two groups of automatic sliding doors in right angles with a total width of 1.7 meters. They are controlled by the sensors, which 2.10 suggested, is the most satisfactory solution for most people.
00
11
Fig.40 Perspective of Primary Entrance (Author, 2020)
2000
2000
1900
4200
10000
00
12
00
16
Fig.41 Plan of Primary Entrance 1:200 (Author, 2020)
00
12
1000
1000 167 400
Fig.42 Section of the External Step (Author, 2020)
Fig.43 Elevation of the Ramp (Author, 2020)
500
1000
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Document K: Stairs and Ramps Meanwhile, stairs in the building comply with Document K. In the design, two staircases are fitted in one stairwell for the private sector and public sector relatively. It creates a complex spatial quality and requires detailed adjustment to fit the regulation. The first should be headroom. Headroom for stairs varies in the building, while some of them are relatively lower. However, the minimum headroom within the stairwell still satisfied 1.11, with a height of 2050mm. The steps are also well designed to ensure that the rise and going of each step are consistent not only throughout a flight of steps which 1.5 required but also throughout the entire staircase, except the flight leading to the foyer. They fit the requirement of 1.3 as well, with a rise of 160mm and a going of 280mm. Similar to the external stairs, aluminium trims are also fitted to the nose of the steps with a width of 55mm on both the tread and the rise, complying with 1.7. However, concrete surfaces will be exposed in these staircases, emphasising the quality of the material. The stairs are two meters between the inside edges of handrails, which comply with 1.15 and do not need a central handrail. Besides, a flight has 12 risers in maximum in the building, fulfilling 1.18. Appropos of handrails, aluminium handrails with the same copper-like colour are fixed with a height of one meter from the top of the handrail to the pitch line, on both sides, satisfying 1.34. The profile of handrails, on the other hand, is based on Diagram 1.13, with a 50mm diameter circular handrail 50mm away from the structural walls.
Light Fittings
55
55
300
3mm L Porfile Aluminium In-situ Concrete
1000
Fig.46 Construction of Steps (Author, 2020) 1000 In-situ Concrete 160 2050 2050
Fig.44 Section of Staircase 1:200 (Author, 2020)
50 280
Fig.45 Dimension of stairs (Author, 2020)
50 Aluminium Handrail
Fig.47 Design of Handrail (Author, 2020)
4. Studio Specific Technical Research American codes required that structural steel members be encased in concrete or some other fireproof material. That slowed Mies up for only a little while...What you did was enclose the steel members in concrete, as required, and then reveal them, express them, by sticking vertical wide-flange beams on the outside of the concrete...Wasn't that exactly what was known, in another era, as applied decoration? — Tom Wolfe In his From Bauhaus to Our House, Tom Wolfe critising In his From Bauhaus to Our House, Tom Wolfe criticised Mies's trick on presenting the structure of Seagram Building. It may be the impression of the public to the modernist architecture, which should get rid of decorations and celebrate its structure. However, modernist architecture is more than that. The birth of modernist architecture is deeply rooted in technological innovations in materials and structures. The skeleton structure frees up the envelope and contributes to Le Corbusier's free design of the façade. Modernist architecture does not limit the materials for the façade; on the contrary, it provides more possibilities. An example can be found just on the site: the structure of the Pearl enable Five Guys to replace the original concrete panels with floor-to-ceiling glazing. Technological innovations never stop. New techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting provide new possibilities for producing mass production components (Aouf, 2018). They can also be applied to the exterior and interior finishing. In my project, the steel trusses "boxes" required claddings. Apart from the concrete panel, other materials and techniques are considered to celebrate the craftsmanship in the new era. Thus, samples of possible cladding materials with a relatively complex pattern are evaluated, Thus, samples of possible cladding materials with a relatively complex pattern are evaluated, including CNC routed timber and brass, and 3D printed aluminium. It should be noted that all the samples are ordered from Taobao in China; the price may vary in the United Kingdom. However, the cost may be much cheaper with mass production.
Fig.48 Pattern of the 1:10 Cladding Sample is a Translation of the Topography of Newcastle (Author, 2020)
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CNC Routing: Timber
Density (Serrata Trees) ~0.55g/m3 Maximum Size 1000×1000mm Price of the Sample ￡230 Size of the Sample 250×250mm
Fig.49 CNC Routed Timber (Author, 2020)
Timber is an ideal material for CNC routing. The production of the timber panel is much cheaper than those with metal. Moreover, according to the table of embodied CO2 for construction materials mentioned in 3.1, it will be more eco-friendly than concrete and metals if the timber is from local softwood or local green oak. The maximum size for CNC routing is around 1m×1m, which is similar to other cladding in the market. It is light and warm, contrasting with the massive concrete structure in the building, creating a unique aesthetics. However, the timber may require treatment for fire-resistant and weathering-resistant, whether the treatment will influence the detailed pattern need further evaluation.
CNC Routing: Brass
Density 8.73g/m3 Maximum Size 1000×1000mm Price of the Sample ￡930 Size of the Sample 250×250mm
Fig.50 CNC Routed Brass (Author, 2020)
Brass is the most expensive materials among the samples—however, the shiny golden surface echoes with the building's programme as a jewellery school. With the same technique, the brass panel could also meet the size of 1m×1m. The brass panel may be thinner than the timber one for its nature as metal. However, regarding the aforementioned table, brass is not an eco-friendly material with the embodied CO2 much higher than other metals. The process of CNC routing may result in waste as well, which is harmful to the design of a sustainable building. Besides, brass also faces the problem of weathering.
3D Printing: Aluminium
Density 2.7g/m3 Maximum Size 400×400mm Price of the Sample ￡350 Size of the Sample 250×250mm
Fig.51 3D Printed Aluminium (Author, 2020)
Technique innovations make the 3D printing of metal possible. Compared with the CNC routing brass panel, the aluminium panel may be more preferred by a sustainable building for its lower embodied CO2 and the less waste during the process of 3D printing. Its shiny appearance also celebrates the nature of the school, while aluminium has a stronger ability against weathering. However, the size of the panel is limited by the technique. Maximum size of 400mm×400mm is much smaller than the panel from CNC routing as well as the common cladding panels. This will result in a redesign of the sub-frame for the cladding, which may not be suitable for other materials.
When considering the economy, sustainability and flexibility, the CNC routing timber should be the best choice other than concrete panels. It has a larger size, lower embodied CO2 and meet the aesthetic requirement at the same time. However, a flexible cladding system will be a better solution for changing cladding based on time and event.
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Critical Reflection
As mentioned before, my project is going to celebrate modern architecture for its regularity. Thus, the grided structure is considered in the very early stage. However, strategies other than the structure is little considered, and the structural strategy is very rough as well. The technology research enables me to think about the design more rationally and forces me to acquire a comprehensive strategy including all the sections. For example, I was proud of my design with changes in levels and the two stairways in one stairwell. After the draft, I spend much more time to make them satisfy the approved document and keep my original intention at the same time. The regulations, the requirement of structural stability and sustainability, do not limit the imagination; instead, it stimulates me to reach a balance between idea and realisation with creativity. Apropos of the studio specific research, it inspires me to look beyond the concrete and glass. I started to think about introducing technical innovation into my design and make full use of them, while the reception of technology paves the way for the modernist architecture. However, most of the strategies are little considered in the early stage and lead to some unsatisfied compromise in the design. There should be a better solution if I have a comprehensive strategy at the beginning.
Bibliography
Bennett, P. (2010). Sustainable Concrete Architecture. London: RIBA Publishing. CIRIA. (2015). The SuDS Manual. London: CIRIA. Hitchcock, H. (1929). Modern Architecture: Romanticism and Reintegration. 1st Da Capo Press edn. New York: Da Capo Press.
HM Government. (2019). Approved Document B (Fire Safety). [online]. Available at: <https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/832633/Approved_Document_B__fire_safety__ volume_2_-_2019_edition.pdf> [Accessed 11th May 2020]. HM Government. (2013). Approved Document K (Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact). [online]. Available at: <https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/443181/BR_PDF_ AD_K_2013.pdf> [Accessed 11th May 2020]. HM Government. (2015). Approved Document M (Access to and Use of Building - Building Other Than Dwellings). [online]. Available at: <https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/441786/BR_PDF_AD_M2_2015.pdf> [Accessed 11th May 2020]. Kingspan. (2018). Kingspan Multideck Technical Handbook. [online]. Available at: <https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/structural-steel-solutions/structural-steel-products/downloads/kingspan-multideck-technical-handbook> [Accessed 11th May 2020]. Lewton-Brian, C. (1998). Jewellery Workshop Safety Report. [online]. Available at: <https://www.ganoksin.com/article/jewelry-workshop-safety-report/> [Accessed 11th March 2020]. PMJ Masonry. (n.d.). GFRC Façade Cladding. [online]. Available at: <https://pmjmasonry.com/expertise/stone-cladding/gfrc-facade-cladding/> [Accessed 11th May 2020]. Solatube. (n.d.). Solatube Infor Centre. [online]. Available at: <https://www.solatube.com/residential/info-center#> [Accessed 11th May 2020]. Vitra. (n.d.). VitraHaus Ökologie und Nachhaltigkeit. [online]. Available at: https://www.chairholder.de/publicdata/cms/reports/450/6_Oekologie_Nachhaltigkeit_VitraHaus.pdf> [Accessed 11th May 2020]. Wolfe, T. (1982). From Bauhaus to Our House. London: Jonathan Cape. World Steel Association. (2020). Steel’s Contribution to a Low Carbon Future and Climate Resilient Societies. [online]. Available at: <https://www.worldsteel.org/en/dam/jcr:7ec64bc1-c51c-439b-84b8-94496686b8c6/Position_paper_ climate_2020_vfinal.pdf> [Accessed 11th May 2020].
Fig.1 Site Axonometric (Author, 2020) Fig.2 Site Plan (Author, 2020) Fig.3 Basement (Author, 2020) Fig.4 Ground Floor (Author, 2020) Fig.5 First Floor (Author, 2020) Fig.6 Section A-A (Author, 2020) Fig.7 Parti Site Plan (Author, 2020) Fig.8 Parti Site Section (Author, 2020) Fig.9 Additive & Subtractive (Author, 2020) Fig.10 Symmetry & Balance (Author, 2020) Fig.11 Massing (Author, 2020) Fig.12 3D Massing (Author, 2020) Fig.13 Programme of the Building (Author, 2020) Fig.14 First Floor Hierarchy (Author, 2020) Fig.15 First Floor Circulation to Use (Author, 2020) Fig.16 Concrete Core and Steel Truss Box (Author, 2020) Fig.17 Metal Claddingf on the Façade (Author, 2020) Fig.18 Shadow Analysis and Sun Path (Author, 2020; GAISMA, 2020) Fig.19 Locations of the Studios and Gallery (Author, 2020) Fig.20 Impact of the Balconies on Sunlight(Author, 2020) Fig.21 Thermal Mass during the Day and Night (Author, 2020) Fig.22 Tubular Daylighting System in the Workshop (Author, 2020; Solatube, n.d.) Fig.23 LEV and Rotary Heat Exchanger in the Winter (Author, 2020) Fig.24 Acoustic Barrier the Workshop (Author, 2020) Fig.25 Renewable Resources and their distribution (Author, 2020) Fig.26 (Author, 2020) Fig.27 (Author, 2020) Fig.28 (Author, 2020) Fig.29 (Author, 2020) Fig.30 (Author, 2020)
Fig.31 (Author, 2020) Fig.32 (Author, 2020) Fig.33 (Author, 2020) Fig.34 (Author, 2020) Fig.35 Structural Exploded Axonometric (Author, 2020) Fig.36 Exploded Axonometric of the Steel Trusses "Box" (Author, 2020) Fig.37 Ground Floor Fire Safety (Author, 2020) Fig.38 First Floor Fire Safety (Author, 2020) Fig.39 Detail of the Refuges (Author, 2020) Fig.40 Perspective of Primary Entrance (Author, 2020) Fig.41 Plan of Primary Entrance 1:200 (Author, 2020) Fig.42 Section of the External Step (Author, 2020) Fig.43 Elevation of the Ramp (Author, 2020) Fig.44 Section of Staircase 1:200 (Author, 2020) Fig.45 Dimension of stairs (Author, 2020) Fig.46 Construction of Steps (Author, 2020) Fig.47 Design of Handrail (Author, 2020) Fig.48 Pattern of the 1:10 Cladding Sample is a Translation of the Topography of Newcastle (Author, 2020) Fig.49 CNC Routed Timber (Author, 2020) Fig.50 CNC Routed Brass (Author, 2020) Fig.51 3D Printed Aluminium (Author, 2020)
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