Interim presentation for design project

For the most recent design project (Vulcan Works)

As a class, we had each been asked to produce a pin up presentation, to include two A1 sheets of all the work we have done for the project so far. This was to include research, precedent study, three different design concepts, the chosen concept developed with a structural grid system, simple floor plans, sections and elevations, environmental strategy and fire procedure.

I won’t show my work just yet, as I feel I did a poor job, although much better than the presentation for the previous project! I lack in confidence and self esteem, which is noticeable in my work. I will try to continue to work on this issue so I can (eventually) show you all some great work!

Despite the lack of confidence, I recieved some positive comments, which made me feel slightly more positive about it :). I also recieved some feedback on what I should be focusing more on at this time.

– Think more about fire procedure e.g Protected fire proof roof.

– Plot a structural grid that makes more sense on both floors- with spans.

– How to tackle the slope in the site- where is ground level?

– Where is the roof height compared to the exisitng facade?

– Focus on one area for the environmental strategy, rather than the whole building,

– Need to think more about environmental strategy.

During the week I had fixed most of these issues, but need to continue to work on it.

Design Project- Vulcan Works Continued…

Brief

The brief states that I am to design a multipurpose building with a minimum of two functions, which are related to the cultural quarter of Northampton.
My final structure and finishes should be sustainable, robust, and have minimum environmental impact on their manufacture, acquisition, transportation, construction, re-use and maintenance.

After researching on materials based upon these requirements, I have come to the conclusion that my building should be constructed using a concrete framing system.

What?

Archaeology and Conservation Museum/Gallery

Multipurpose venue

• Lecture room
• Shop
• Museum/gallery area- archaeology displays highlighting collections from Northamptonshire archaeologists and their findings.
• Café area.
• WC/disabled WC/baby change.
• Stairs to 1st floor.
• Two studio flats on 1st floor.
• Perhaps a small library if the space can incorporate it.
• Workshop areas- for students to use archaeological techniques to discover and record information.

Why concrete framing?

• Built-in-fire resistance- effective barrier to fire spread
• Strong and durable- not weakened by moisture, mould or pests
• Low maintenance- inert, compact and non-porous, does not attract mould or lose its key properties over time
• Versatile
• 100% recyclable
• Affordable- less costly to produce
• Excellent thermal mass- Concrete walls and floors slow the passage of heat moving through, reducing temperature swings. This reduces energy needs from heating or air-conditioning, offering year-round energy savings over the life-time of the building. One study quoted by the NRMCA found that concrete walls reduce energy requirements for a typical home by more than 17%
• Albedo effect- The high “albedo” (reflective qualities) of concrete used in pavements and building walls means more light is reflected and less heat is absorbed, resulting in cooler temperatures. This reduces the “urban heat island” effect prevalent in cities today, and hence reduces energy use for e.g. air-conditioning

http://www.wbcsdcement.org/index.php/about-cement/benefits-of-concrete#10
The floor will be a concrete slab. The interior ground floor will be polished concrete for the majority of floor.

I am to consider the surrounding physical context carefully. The building façade is listed, which limits what I can do with it.
I have decided I will have two areas of access. There will be an access through to the building via Guildhall Road side; through a door that is already there (the doors will be restored). I wish to keep this as it represents a very rich and layered history of Northampton. There will also be a main entrance via Angel Street (where there will be a small car park, mainly for visiting lecturers and staff only).

There are certain restrictions on how tall I can build and how many m2 the building can be.
– Maximum building area should not exceed 950m2
– Maximum building height 16m
– Maximum built up intensity 250%
I will continue to develop one idea, and update this as I progress.

The Design Process- Model Making

For those that are familiar with my blog, you will know that for my most recent design project I was to design an ‘add on’ building, to join a part of Senate House Library in London.

As part of the design process, I was required to make three forms of model. The first was just the skin of the building in which I had designed, the second was a structural model, which shows us how the building would be formed and constructed, and the third is a model of the final design.

After making the structural model, I had realised that I had added too many beams in to my structure. This then had to be changed on my AutoCAD drawings.

The first two models I made just from paper, and the final model is made from foam board, with self adhesive ‘pretend’ wood and mirrored glass effect. The building is steel frame with timber clad. The clad alternates with mirrored panels to give the effect of it being see through in certain areas. I hope I have shown my idea well from the model.

Pictures of models are below: All models are at scale 1:50

1. The skin-

                   

2. The structure-

         

Final model-

The Design Process Continued…

This week I have been busy developing my design ideas and research to support it. After putting some thought into it, I decided to proceed with the cube shaped idea. I worked out that if I had continued with the triangular shaped pods, there would not be much space inside. The area of my ‘add on’ must not exceed 12meters squared and 33 meters cubed. With the cube shaped ‘add on’ idea, there will be a decent amount of floor space required for its multifunctional use as an enquiry office, or quiet, individual study/reading area.

I have decided to keep with the idea of using a steel cable system, to suspend the ‘add on’ from the facade of Senate House. This works well as my add on is going to be placed on the 4th floor, where the top of the building is much lower than the rest of the tower (it will be suspended on a wing of Senate House).

After deciding to use a cube shaped structure, I did a bit more research on what I could do to make it a little less boring. That is when I remebered the Tree Hotel by Tham & Videgård Arkitekter, a mirrored glass box suspended round the trunk of a tree in Harads, northern Sweden.

This piece of architecture really stood out to me. It gives the impression that it isn’t there, or that its floating amongst the trees.

I have decided that I will use the same type of glass (mirrored) that is used here, so that it reflects the Senate house. I will not be covering my structure completely in mirrored glass. My structure is going to be a steel framed constuction with Western Red cedar timber cladding. The reson for this choice is that this type of clad is durable, it can be nailed and screwed easily without splitting. When it is left untreated, the colour fades to a silver grey colour. This wouldnt be a problem because the colour of Senate House is quite grey anyway.
A steel frame provides strength, but is still lightweight.

There will be windows using mirrored glass on each side of the cube, except the side that is attached to Senate House, the roof, and the floor.

I was also thinking about using solar panels on the roof.

Here are a few drawings of my plan and sections. They are hand drawn and are not my final drawings.

 

I will add more to this blog once I progress further.