Neath Abbey Project Technology Report

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

STUDENT NAME: AGATA KURZYNSKA

STUDENT NUMBER: C1950259

UNIT: Unit 6, Beneath

SCHEME NAME: Community Centre and Park in Neath Abbey

Neath is a small city within the UK, in Wales. It is a market town and community situated in the Neath Port Talbot County Bor ough. The town had a population of 50,658 in 2011. The commu nity of the parish of Neath had a population of 19,258 in 2011. The site is situated on the North-West of Neath - in the historical her itage site of Neath Abbey. It sits within the bottom of a valley in close proximity of River Clydach

Geographical coordinates location of the site: 51°39’49”N, - 3°49’33”W

Site Analysis

The challenging conditions of building on the site are various; the surround ing terrain is heavily urbanized as seen on the site map below. The site sits on a level superficial deposit of a mixture of clay, silt, and sand sandy loam specifically. It makes for stable construction ground Its drainage is good and allows for bearing up to 2000lb/SF. (The Architect’s Portable Handbook (2003)P.260) Deep excavations within the site are not possible as they would cause movement of the historical site. The closeness of River Clydach indicates a level of the water table that is close to the surface, which further prevents deep exacavation work.

PROGRAMMING

The Concept

The focus of the project is the concept of sharing within a community to form connections between the residents of Neath; and solve issues of loneliness through a community center in which the residents can share resources and experiences. The aesthetic aims of the project are to re vive some of the gothic principles and aesthetics of the former Neath Abbey Cathedral and implement them in a modern fashion - creating a warm, welcoming environment through the use of timber. Materiality of the project and its structure - echoes the past, but is not meant to rep licate it. Through a creation of a schematic insertion into Neath Abbey Cathedral ruin the heritage site is renovated, as a space of gathering and exchange of experiences. The entirety of the scheme sits atop the Neath Abbey ruin, with minimal interruption of exsisting site

The Programme and its Specific Spatial Arrangement

THE LIBRARY is a space with an intense focus on delivering oral presentations between members of the local Neath community and sharing stories Acoustics play an important role in this programme part. The quality of sound is especially important, as the elderly form a large portion of the Neath population – a demographic that experiences loss of hearing. Its building is moved towards the back of the ruin, in its more quiet section.

THE WORKSHOP is situated at the most southern facing edge of the scheme in order to maximize daylight pene tration, as the tasks performed in this portion of the scheme require large amounts of light.

THE CHILDREN'S LIBRARY is placed on the southern edge of the scheme in order to open up a view towards the rest of the Abbey - in order to picque children's interest in the historical site. It also allows for easy access outdoors, so they can take reading outside.

COMMUNITY DINING is situated in the middle of the scheme allowing for easy access from all of the other spaces to share a communal meal together, after other activities.

THE COMMUNITY LIVING ROOM (THE GREAT HALL) introduces a storage like unit for a library of items that the residents of Neath can access and share between each other. Borrowing tools, and equipment unaccessible to them previously to pursue new ventures. It also includes a Cafe, that welcomes the visitor into the scheme.

The wind rose indicates two key winds - the warm summer breeze within the summer months coming from the North to wards South-West, (Yellow Arrow), and a colder current coming from the West towards the North-East (Blue Arrow) throughout the winter months.

The site will experience lower temperatures than its immediate surroundings caused by the cooling affects of its near proximity to water - being situated near both Tennant Canal, and River Cly dach. The drainage pattern of the site follows the shape of the valley in which it is situated flowing from the North towards the South-East.

Since my scheme is constructed, as an insertion into the exsist ing ruinous landscape, will have to consider the shading effects of the ruin, and how it limits the access of the scheme to direct sunlight.

Climate Analysis

The local climate is a cool temperate one, and since the latitude of the site is above 25 degrees there is a necessity to capture solar heat. The site experiences the greatest low in the amount of day light accessible in January and December, and its peak in July and August. The general trend, however is an overcast sky. The largest amounts of precipitation are seen in January. The hottest months are July, and August - meaning they will need a cooling solution, and the coldest are December and January - which will necessitate a heating solution

To remedy the conditions of a cool temperate climate; I will utilize multiple schematic strategies, such as: keeping the area of west walls to a moderate level to reduce heat loss, and creating large south facing windows to maximize heat gain.

Data extracted from SLL Lighting Guidance and Evans M.A.,2016

STRUCTURAL CONCEPT OF THE OVERALL SCHEME:

STRUCTURE CONCEPT

TECHNICAL CHALLENGE:

Creating a wide spanning, tall space for the community living room. My AD3 goal was to utilize some form of a vaulted ceiling to relate to the gothic cathedral, within which ruins the building stands. The aim is to create a space with a minimum amount of columns, utilizing glulam arches and columns to achieve that goal.

STRUCTURAL CONCEPT:

My research focused, on a timber-framed structure. I was especially interested in utilizing glu lam beams to provide a stable structure in timber, that utilizes arches and curves. Furthering the theme of interaction with biophilia present within my AD3 module work, the supporting structure was supposed to refer to the canopy of a tree.

STEP ONE: CREATING A VAULTED CEILING

The vaulted ceiling utilizes a circular plan for the arches. The focus is on separating the space to a reasonable degree into sections so that it doesn’t feel hollow, and allows for a core of rooms in its middle for the cafe and bathrooms. Splitting the space into nine vaults, arrived at a radius of 7m for each. With a rise of 1.4m and a 7m span, the depth of the arch is going to be a maximum of 381mm of depth, which allows it to be a 2 hinge arch. This isn’t a typical span for a timber arch, however, utilizing the information from the graph on the right about specifically glue-laminated wood radial arches we can refine the results. This would produce a below average size of an arch, however one that can be easily prebuilt and transported - reducing its CO2 emissions.

STEP TWO: CALCULATING THE DEAD LOAD ON THE ROOF

STEP

THREE: CALCULATING THE DIMENSIONS OF THE COLUMNS

I calculated the force exerted on a sin gular CLT column to then extrapolate on the basis of that calculation what dimen sions of it would be safe and stable for my building.

W = 14.34kN/m2 x 7m = 100.38 N/mm L= 7m

Ra = Rc = wL / 2 wL / 2 = 100.38 (N/mm) x 7 x 103 (mm) x 1/2 = 351.3 kN Ra = Rc = 351.3

After calculating how much compres sive load each column within the scheme must withstand used the Table 4.10 to determine the size of the columns so it may be appropriate for the scheme. To achieve the height I wanted spanning three floors at a column height of 9.8m the columns will have to be reinforced with steel rods, as the maximum capacity of height for a simple glu-lam column is 6m. The dimensions of the column to re spond to 351Kn of continuous load – must be min. 300mm to resist lateral bending Hence, had to adjust the construction of the design slightly adding steel rein forcement.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Curved Dowel Laminated Roof Panels - Covered with Zinc Roofing

The curved dowel laminated roof panels - are a reference to the arches of the gothic. Connecting the rest of the scheme stylistically with the Great Hall.

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) roof with Copper Roofing.

The LVL roof with crossed layers was chosen specifically for the purposes of supporting the photovoltaic system, which powers the entirety of the scheme. This is due to its abil ity to be supported at various points (refer to the graphs on the left), with a cantilever at both of its ends, which was necessary for the overhang. As well as its high load-bearing capacity and plate function, which allows for the anchoring of external copper cladding panels.

External Copper Cladding with steel reinforcements

The exterior cladding protecting the warm timber interiors of my structure is made from copper, which naturally develops a green patina, as years pass. This is a reference to the aging of the ruin achieving AD3 goals, through technical means. It is supported with steel, and is anchored to the tops of the overhang of the curved dowel laminated roofs and the LVL roof. For more information refer to the illustration below.

CLT Walls

In order to achieve my sustainability goals, I chose to construct with CLT walls, which come prebuilt and are easily assembled on site reducing Co2 emissions. They have a high load bearing capacity, and generally span up to 6m. Since my scheme included many smaller buildings within that span range I used their capacity for being prebuilt to construct many structures in a short span of time.

Timber Beams

Curved dowel laminated roof panels can only be supported, linearly on both sides, so each of the smaller buildings within the scheme uses timber beams to support them, in addition to CLT walls.

Glu-lam Columns and Arches

The Key exploratory system within this section of the study.

CLT Timber Slabs on Foundations of wood posts

Since many of the programmatic targets of the smaller buildings include heavy load-bearing capacity activities like libraries, public kitchens, and a workshop a CLT timber slab is the perfect solution with its high plate function and load-bearing capacity. The foundations are created from a series of wood posts, installed on top of concrete foundation isolated piers. A steel plate is welded to the base of the post with its base anchored to the foundation of concrete. The only exception to this is the main hall which utilizes pile foundations, a reinforced concrete base in order to support higher loads.

A Timber Shelving/ Supporting Fixture of The Ramp

Compromised of delicate timber members, the fixture functions, as a storage system of the Main Hall, and the main support system for the ramp that wraps around it. The fixture is attached at all points to the walls of the structure and functions only, as a load-bearing system for the ramp.

A Timber Walkway on Concrete Pillars

The scheme utilizes two distinct timber roof types to distinguish the main hall, and the smaller pavillions within the scheme. The entirety of the heavy timber structural system, which compromises the walls and the floors of the scheme are made from different timber products. All aim to be easily assembled and disassembled. 1 2 3 5 3

The Timber walkway is the elevated path made from timber planks, with ramps connecting at all of its sides, and cutout spaces for decisive trees. It is entirely supported with concrete posts.

Curved Dowel Laminated Roof Panels with Zinc Roofing

Timber Beams

The Copper Cladding CLT Panels

4 4

6 3 8 7 9

Timber Cladding

IMPOSED LOAD ON THE ROOF:The roof experiences the distributed load of 0.6 (kN/m2) , with a concentrat ed load of 0.9 (kN). (BS EN 1991-1-1:2002)

CONSTRUCTION STRATEGY

The Design Challenge

Since I building within a ruin, I wanted to focus on a system of CLT panels that can be easily disassembled I needed this system to provide the lateral stability in the structure. CLT absorbs horizontal loads with ease and braces the structure. Additionally the aesthetic quality of Cross Laminated Wood means that it can be left exposed on the interior - creating a sense of atmosphere within the structure and minimizing the use of additional materials. This also ties in with the rest of the structure, creating an atmosphere of interaction with nature. The exterior cladding is additionally protected, by the copper steel reinforced panel. I made the decision to install the non-loadbearing panels along both sides of the structure to create an overhang, which creates a weatherpro tected pathway, and additionally further weatherproofs the timber structure.

Sustainability of construction

Timber is the only truly renewable construction material. Us ing this heavy timber construction type means low embodied energy and a lower carbon footprint as compared to other construction types. CLT can be sourced locally within Wales. It’s quick assembly reduces the amount of time spent on con struction, further reducing CO2 emissions. This three storey structure can be easily and quickly put together utilizing simple connections. The panels are put together by hardwood dowels that join the boards, and provide an eco-friendly alternative to the use of glue.

CALCULATING U-VALUES

Material Thickness (mm) Thermal Conductivity (W/mK)

Roof

R-Value (m2K/W)

Cross Laminated Timber Panel (LVL)

300mm 0.12 2.5

Vapour Barieer 5mm 0.34 0.01

Insulation - Mineral Wool 210mm 0.040 5.25

Water Bearing Layer: Weatherboard - Softwood 19mm 0.22 0.08

Elastometric bitumen sealant layer 5mm 0.2 0.03

Standing Seam Metal Copper Panel 304mm 0.92 0.33

U-value =1 / (0.1 + 0.4+ 2.5 + 0.01 + 5.25 + 0.08 + 0.03 + 0.33) = 0.11

Welsh Standard for Flat Roofs (L1 & L2 2014 Wales) = 0.18 (W/m2K)

Wall

Cross Laminated Timber Panel (LVL) - Treated with a fire retardant

interior exposed CLT

TRANSITION BETWEEN MATERIALS

exterior timber cladding exterior copper panel non-loadbearing element

ROOF TO WALL JUNCTION (SCALE 1:5)

ROOF CONSTRUCTION

Standing seam metal copper panel (304mm)

Elastometric bitumen sealant layer

Weatherboard - Softwood - Water bearing layer (19mm)

Mineral Wool Insulation (210mm)

Vapour Barieer (5mm)

Cross Laminated Timber (300mm)

INTERIOR STOREY SLAB

Floor covering (5mm)

Screed (55mm)

Separating layer

Footfall Sound Insulation (40mm)

Latex bonded chipping infill (100mm) Trickle protection Cross Laminated Timber (140mm)

72mm 0.12 0.6

Vapour barieer 10mm 0.34 0.003

Thermal Insulation - Mineral Wool 380mm 0.040 9.5

Timber Cladding 50mm 0.099 0.5

U-value =1 / (0.12 + 0.06 + 0.003 + 9.5 + 0.5) = 0.1

Welsh Standard for Flat Roofs (L1 & L2 2014 Wales) = 0.21 (W/m2K)

Ground Floor

Foundation Slab Reinforced Concrete 300mm 0.16 1.88

Thermal Insulation - Mineral wool 80mm 0.040 2

Cross Laminated Timber 80mm 0.12 0.67

Chipboard 10mm 0.15 0.07

Vapour Barieer 5mm 0.34 0.015

Interior Wood Floor Finish 10mm 0.14 0.07

U-value = 1 / (0.14 + 0.04 + 1.88 + 2+ 0.67 +0.07 + 0.015+ 0.07) = 0.2 Welsh Standard for Ground Floors = 0.22 (L1 & L2 2014 Wales) = 0.22 (W/m2K)

WALL TO FOUNDATION / FLOOR SLAB (SCALE 1:5)

INTERIOR WALL DETAIL

Interior finish

Acoustic insulation (50mm)

Cross laminated timber (100mm)

EXTERIOR WALL

Timber cladding (50mm) Wind Paper

Thermal insulation (380mm)

Vapour Barieer

Fire Retardant Wool Sheathing

Cross Laminated Timber (72mm)

Non-Loadbearing Steel reinforced Copper Panel attached at the bottom to a con crete column and to the roof over hang at the top, with steel ties.

1:5)

INTERIOR FLOOR SLAB TO INTERIOR WALL (SCALE

EXTERNAL ENVELOPE OF THE COMMUNITY LIVING ROOM AT 1:20 SCALE

BUILDING PERFORMANCE ACOUSTICS

Technical Challenges

DAYLIGHTING STRATEGY

The Design Challenge

The Design Challenge

The focus of the project is the sharing of different things within a community, the library is a space with an intense focus on delivering oral presentations between members of the local Neath community and sharing stories . Acoustics play an important role in this programme part. The quality of sound is especial ly important, as the elderly form a large portion of the Neath population – a demographic that experiences loss of hearing, so the clarity of sound is of the utmost importance.

The programme of the library is an open space area, which means that it might experience issues with reverberation times – something that has great bearing on speech intelligibility. Additionally the space is left with exposed cross laminated timber panels covering the walls – which will further increase reverberation time due to how rigid they are.

STEP ONE: ACHIEVING SENSITIVE ORIENTATION TO MAXIMIZE PASSIVE SOLAR GAINS

Identifying Spaces for Change

The oral conversation space is located on the ground floor, next to book stacks and in front of a fireplace between two exposed CLT walls. Through a way of a simple diagram (Diag.1) identified a major space for implication of acoustical treatment, which is the facing wall off of which the sound can rebounce towards the more quiet sections of the library. (In Blue)

Target Aims and Treatment

Upon identifying the design range sound pressure level for the library I sought after an ap propriate strategy to minimize the impact of the reverberation time, within the structure. Using the document BS 8233:2014 I identified strategies to be im plemented within the library:

- Covering the CLT panels with plas terboard on both sides.

- Use mineral wool insulation to fur ther nulify airborne sound.

Evans M.A.,2016

Absorbtion Coefficients of Materials

Diagram.1

Placing PV Panels - Shadow Studies - Conducted to showcase daylight acces sibility to the roof of the largest structure - which needs consistent unitterupted daylight for the placement of photovoltaic panels.

June 21st, 9:00 AM

December 21st, 9:00 AM

All structures are a cuboid - lenghtened on the N-S facing side. The first is utilized to preserve energy, and the second allows for the greatest daylight penetration. On the E-W side the windows, function, less, as a crucial source of light for the structure, and more to frame the biophilic views outdoors. Spaces which require less daylight are placed in the shadow of the structures that need it most.

BS 8233:2014

ENERGY STRATEGY

Technical Challenge

Additionally I added curtains to further reduce the impact of the rebounce of sound.

The major energy challenge of the scheme comes from the complex construc tion of its key space. The Community Living Room is a part of the scheme fo cused on framing the views from around the ruin – it incorporates tall windows, with a tall ceiling, spanning 3 floors. These features are reminiscent of a gothic cathedral and aid in achieving the ADIII target of that reference. Simultaneously they pose a problem in both overheating in warm summer months and loss of heat during winter. My aim is to develop a strategy to combat these potential issues using the EBW sheet, and see if I can make the HVAC system rely com pletely on a photovoltaic system.

Energy Needs:

I started off by finding out how much energy the building needs for both heat ing and cooling. The Structure requires mechanical heating from 10,000W up to 40,000W, the primary months for which are generally Jan, Feb and Dec. The need for ventilation averages around 12,000W in excess heat to be reduced during summer months. However, this methodology doesn’t account for the shading ef fects of the strategic overhang around the building. made an assumption that the reduction in heat will most likely come from the shading effects of not only the overhang but also the nearby trees, which will provide even more shading in the months of summer. Hence, I focused on reducing the need for mechanical heating.

Reverberation Times

Occupied (with 10 people seated) Reverberation time is: 1.4 (s) Non-occupied Reverberation time is: 1.3 (s)

For inteligible speech - The range of reverberation times is between 0.5 (s) 1.4 (s). (Patel, R. (2020) p.50 Hence this space promotes intelligble speech during its events.

Assumptions:

The EBW sheet not take into account for thermal storage in the materials I have used. This is significant since am using a heavy timber construction system - a system optimized for thermal massing. A building made from heavy timber will take longer to warm up, but will stay warm for longer, because of the density of its material. It suits buildings in constant use, of which the community cafe is meant to have long opening hours. I understood the space, as a cafe/ restaurant space in order to develop an understanding of its energy needs.

Renewable Energy Harnessed:

The Building was constructed with a flat roof, with a photovoltaic panel strategy in Mind. Since this is the tallest structure, with no overshadowing nearby buildings, and a large sur face area (refer to shadow studies for proof) it is the perfect location for the construction of photovoltaic cells. The rooftop has 400m2 of space available for solar panels. An average so lar panel is 10m2 Assuming a 1m of distance between the panels facing due south – that is ap prox. 7 rows of photovoltaic panels in which there are 4 PV units. A total of 28 PV systems. The energy generated for a single system at 6kWp yield would be approx.. 131,488 kWh/ year. (source). I then calculated, how much energy the entire system would generate per month.

Accessible daylight hours in Neath Abbey:

June 21st, 12:00 AM

December 21st, 12:00 AM

The challenge with building within the Neath Abbey ruin, was adjusting its prexsisting ruinous condition.The church that stood there years ago, was a deep dark space, characteristic of a gothic church. Since the programmatic strategy of repurposing the ruin was to insert a community centre within it, I had to resolve the issue of the lack of acessibile daylight. Through breaking up the structural infill of the church ruin into a series of smaller buildings, increased the overall daylight penetration. This was crucial, as the programme included two separate library buildings, and a workshop. These are spaces with a high demand of light – energy that can be saved, through sensitive orientation by providing daylighting. This posed an opposite problem, however, as the building was experiencing too much exposure to daylight, with its south facing windows completely exposed. A problem elegantly resolved, through a provision of a series of canopies. Source: BS 8233:2014

June 21st, 4:00 PM

December 21st, 4:00 PM

Source: https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/ climatemodelled/neath_united-kingdom_2641843

As evidenced, by the shadow studies that reflect not only the conditions of the scheme itself, but also its surrounding treelines and the ruin of Neath Abbey - the rooftop of the Community Living Room / Main Hall - gets consistent daylight exposure at all timesstaying completely unobstructed.

STEP THREE: ACHIEVEMENT OF LUX LEVEL TARGETS

Through extracting LUX levels relevant to the activites performed, within the scheme I ana lyzed the entirety of the floorplan to seek out potential problems and come up with relevant solutions

Data extracted from SLL Lighting Guidance (2017)

The Children's Library - 500 LUX

4 5

The Communal Kitchen - 50-200 LUX

Initial insertion into the ruin and form placement filling in the area of interest (The ruin of Neath Abbey Cathedral)

STEP THREE: FINAL SHADING STRATEGY

2 3

The Adult Library - 500 LUX

The Workshop - 500 LUX

June 21st, 9:00 AM

2 5 4

Community Living Room - Cafe - 200 LUX

The book Passive Solar Architecture recommends that at least 90% of sun-facing glazing be completely shaded at solar noon on the summer solistice and unshaded at noon on winter solistice. (Thorpe, D. 2018 p.8) Previously all of the buildings were left exposed to these conditions. Through designing a canopy that wraps around the buildings, and by placing decisive trees I have attempted to resolved these extreme conditions.

December 21st, 9:00 AM

1

June 21st, 12:00 AM

December 21st, 12:00 AM

June 21st, 4:00 PM

December 21st, 4:00 PM

Conclusion:

Looking at the graph number one the solar panels would produce up to 20 000 kW/h of excess energy – shaded on the graph. This meant to me that not only could I possibly introduce a heating system powered by solar energy, but also provide the excess of energy, as electricity for appliances and lighting. I will be largely ignoring the ventilation recommendation for the scheme, as its values were quite low on the EBW sheet, which doesn’t consider natural cross ventilation, and the overhang of the sys tem. Using the values provided on the Energy Saving Trusts UK website the energy produced, by this system could not only power the HVAC solution for the scheme, but additionally be saving 56,765kg of CO2 per year, with a lifetime estimate of approx. 1,334,437 kg of CO2.

All of the spaces within the scheme achieve their LUX goals in the summer months However there is a poten tial for overheating in certain spaces. Which I decided to resolve with addi tional canopies in the next section

In the winter months, additional lighting would be required in non-user hours of the community centre (6-9AM, 4PM-). Howev er, within working hours only small amounts of artifical light would be needed. Additionally a provision of a heating solution is necessary due to small solar gains. Which is resolved in the next section.

Shading conditions at noon on win ter solistice - achieved access of solar gains.

Shading conditions at solar noon on summer solistice. - achieved shading.

Time of Egress

Thanks to the fragmented character of the pro gramme, the majority of the buildings within the scheme can be exited quickly into a variety of safe gathering points. The CLT panels that compromise the scheme are all treated with a fire-retardant, since the buildings are quite small in volume - to make them more secure

All staircases within the structures open up directly towards an exit door limiting the time of egress to its aboslute minimum. The escape routes follow a series of walkway ramps - mak ing the escape route unobstructed and fully accessible.

All of the highlighted exterior escape routes, are under the one direction only requirment stipulated in the regulations of max.18m.

The shading strategy of the overhang protects all of the south facing glazing panels from the excess of heat by providing sufficient shadow especially at solar noon.

The Summer Passive Cooling Strategy

Taking advantage of the stack effect of the courtyard to remove the excess of hot air

A section through the Workshop and commu nal dining parts of the scheme. Because of their compact character all buildings within the scheme allow for cross ventillation

Using decisive trees to further provide shade to the scheme - means shading in summer, and lack of there of in winter months

The Heating and Ventillation challenge

In order to create a series of CO2 effi cient buildings - my focus was on keep ing operating energy costs low. Through the creation of a series of smaller build ings - I maximized both daylight access, and possibility of cross ventillation. I implemented other passive heating and cooling strategies, and chose to me chanically heat only through means of systems that can be powered , by elec tricity. Through my conclusions in the Building Performance section I saw an opportunity for a scheme that runs only on clean energy.

Throughout summer the scheme operates on passive means of cooling the scheme using cross ventillation, heat storing and shading of key southern glazing. Examples, of which are shown below, at different key structures within the scheme.

The impact of the Structure on Fire Safety

The entirety of the structure is made up of Cross Laminated Timber panels, their resistance to fire plays a big role in fire safety achieved within the building. This type of framing is slow to catch fire. The minimum period of fire resistance for a struc ture of the Assembly & Recreational type - which classifies the entirety of the community centre - of a height of less than 20m high is 60min for a build ing without sprinklers. (Document B 2013 Tab.A2).

copper panels

CLT Panels (5 cross layer panels) Interior Partitions (3 cross layer panels)

To achieve a min. 60min fire resistance rating CLT only panels that are made up of 5 layers achieving a thickness of 178mm must be used throughout the structure. Additionally the floor panels and interior partitions need to be made up of a minimum of 3 layers, to achieve a satisfactory fire -rating.

SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STRUCTURE

PLANNING A CO2 EFFICIENT BUILDING - PASSIVE AND ACTIVE STRATEGIES

In order to create a sustainable scheme I focused on keeping the energy consumption of the scheme to an absolute minimum throught the imple mentation of various passive strategies.

The solar energy is captured both passively and actively for lighting and provision of comfort with shading to avoid overheating. This is done through sensitive orientation and the use of the overhangs of the roofs

The library is fully cross ventillated, with the stacks with in it following the flow of natural ventillation, as to not block it. Additionally the stacks store the most intense heat received through key southern glazing

The Winter Heating Strategy

The workshop is also fully cross ventillated - which is crucial particularly in this portion of the scheme.

The outlined area is the interior shading - produced, by the overhang - allowing for comfortable workwithout sunlight glare.

The main hall utilizes cross ventillation, and the thermal storage capability of CLT walls, which form a cluster in the middle of the scheme - to cool down the hall.

Throughout the cold winter months the scheme is heated entirely on the energy of the photovoltaic system implemented, and explained in the building perfor mance section. Every single heating solution supplied throughout the scheme is electrical, from electrical fireplaces, heaters and the underfloor heating system in the main hall.

A KEY MATERIAL: The Use of Cross Laminated Timber Panels

Sustainability was the primary reason behind the choice of the primary structural sys tem of the scheme - Cross Laminated Timber panels (CLT). The use of fossil fuel en ergy is radically decreased through its ease of assembly on site, with the ability to be put together with simple fasteners - significantly reducing the time of the process of construction, and CO2 emissions. It can also be easily disassembled and repurposed - increasing the longevity of both the site, as well as the proposed scheme. Addition ally the cellulose based material, stores atmospheric carbon within the building - con tributing to its temporary sequestral.

The scheme is longer on the north-south facing side with all key windows facing south - maximizing the sunlight incident on the glazing throughout the year. Taking from the guidelines of passive house design - all build ings within the scheme are a cuboid, as it minimizes the envelope area relative to the enclosed space - making it more energy efficient

The active capture of solar gains through photovoltaic panels - supplies energy to the entire system - meaning that it runs on clean energy, all year.

Additionally every structure, within the scheme is externally insulated. The structure of CLT has high thermal mass around 1300 J/kg°C. Which means that it has the potential to store and release heat . CLT construc tion also makes for easy avoidance of thermal bridges

The library building utilizes a key statement fireplace - which is a feature element of the scheme referencing th calefactory in the Neath Abbey Ruin.

The fireplace is electrical running on power produced, through the means of the photo voltaic system supplying power to the entire scheme. Meaning it is a clean source of energy throughout winter.

The workshop supplements heat through a system of electrical heaters lining the walls of it.

This building in particular takes ad vantage of its cuboid shape in terms of heating, as it spreads efficiently.

The main hall is a large building, with tall ceilings and most activities taking place on its ground floor. The heat ing solution to provide a comfortable environment in this space is to utilize underfloor heating, also powered, by photovoltaic panels.

Non-combustible

The scheme supplies all of its energy from the photovoltaic panels on the roof of the great hall.

An example of the simplicity of the erection of a CLT structural system.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Allen E., Iano. J., The Architect's Studio Companion, 6th Edition, (2017), Hoboken, Wiley

Approved document B1: Means of warning and escapes Volume (2015). London: HM Government

BS 8233:2014: Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings (2014), London; British Standards Institution

BS EN 1991-1-1:2002: Eurocode 1: Actions on structures. General actions - Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings, (2002), London, British Stan dards Institution

Building Regulations Approved Document B: Fire Safety (2013), London: HM Government

Building Regulations Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings (2014), Welsh Government

Evans M.A, How Buildings Work, (2016), Newcastle RIBA Publishing McGraw-Hill, The Architect’s Portable Handbook; Third Edition (2003), New York, Neath Abbey Weather Data, Accessed; 01.08.2022 <https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/neath_united-king dom_2641843>

Patel, R. (2020) Architectural acoustics – a guide to integral thinking – RIBA Publishing

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