INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR VIEWS

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY MATERIALITY: ALUMINIUM

The most prevalent metal is aluminium, which accounts for more than 8% of the bulk of the Earth’s core. In addition, it is the third most prevalent chemical element after silicon and oxygen. Due to its high affinity for combining with other elements, pure aluminium does not exist in nature. Because of this, scientists were unable to find aluminium until the 19th century, when they were able to separate chemical compounds into their constituent elements. Aluminum couldn’t be produced on a large scale for use in building and other industries until the late 19th century due to the high expenses of the extraction process.

ALUMINIUM TYPOLOGIES:

Aluminum comes in three basic grades: 1100, 3003, and 6061. The grade of the aluminum will determine the end-use application and price point. For example, 1100 is a lower-cost material than 6061 but cannot be used for high-temperature applications.

List of companies that arrange and supply aluminium:

Valcan._ LINK

BWC Profiles._ LINK

ORGBAR._ LINK

Aluminium-Online._ LINK

Cylex._ LINK

ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES:

ADVANTAGES: 1_ Aluminium is a relatively malleable, ductile, durable, and soft metal. It has good electrical and thermal conductivity, and it also has a considerable amount of corrosion resistance. 2_ It is surprisingly harmless and theoretically 100% recyclable without losing any of its natural properties. 3_ Aluminum is a perfect material for the building sector since it has the qualities of being robust, long-lasting, and lightweight. It is the preferred material for retrofit applications and is widely utilised in cladding systems to enhance the exteriors of structures both aesthetically and practically. 4_ Buildings can keep significantly cooler throughout the summer because aluminium reflects sunlight, which can eventually lead to lower electricity expenses. 5_ The use of aluminium facades enables the development of many beautiful structures. The choices are unlimited, ranging from rusted dark colours to dazzling iridescent colours.

DISADVANTAGES: 1_ When compared to various substitute materials, like steel, aluminium is more expensive. Additionally, because it can’t withstand the same stresses as steel, more of it must be used to guarantee the structure’s strength, which could increase the overall cost of using it in some designs. 2_ Although aluminium is recognised for its malleability, this particular quality of the metal can also work against it. In compared to steel, it is more prone to being scratched and damaged. Under any weight, strain, or heat, steel is robust and unlikely to twist, distort, or bend. 3_ The process of manufacturing aluminium produces high embodied carbon, however this is something that can be tackled by using existing (recycled) materials, tackling the carbon emissions.

ARCH CASE STUDIES by ARMAAN AHMED

GRADE 1100_: Due to its minimum 99% purity, this is the purest form of aluminium that is commercially available. It is advantageous Due to its high thermal conductivity.

GRADE 3003 _: This is pure aluminum with an addition of manganese to increase its strength. It is readily weldable, has a relatively low cost per pound, and can be used in most applications.

GRADE 6061_: The 6000 aluminum alloy series is often used in large construction applications, such as those involving the structure of buildings. An aluminum alloy that utilizes magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements, aluminum alloy 6061 is highly versatile, strong, and lightweight.

DETAIL / SKETCH by ARMAAN AHMED:

2022_HEKLA TOWER, SANDALOR, FRANCE material in cladding is being heavily considered in my design, due to the variety of textures and colour options this could provide to the design of my building’s facade.

The glass and metal exterior of the tower, which was designed by Jean Nouvel and features coloured aluminium, is what makes it stand out. A strategy which would benefit my design.

2015_ECUADOR PAVILION, KRISKADECOR, MILAN:

This has used aluminium cladding to implement very colorful design approach, this matches the theme of my concept very well and is a favoured approach.

2017_CAIXA FORUM, ALUSION, SEVILLA:

A contrasting approach that uses aluminium foam to model out the form of the building. This is an interesting technique that would allow for more flexibility in the design process.

References

(2022, January). Aluminium. Designing Buildings. _ LINK

(2016) What is aluminium. Aluminium Leader. _ LINK

Industrial Quick Search (2019) Types, Uses, Features and Benefits. Industrial Quick Search. _ LINK

Taylor, J. (2022) What is aluminium. _ LINK

Precision, H. (2019) Aluminum: A Building Material & Greener Choice for construction, Howard Precision Metals. _ LINK

Franklin, A.S. (2022) Metal cladding: Connection details and Material Innovations. Architizer Journal. _ LINK

Boudouresques, M.B. (1961) Sinter aluminium as cladding material for fuel elements.

Admin (2022) Advantages and disadvantages of aluminium in structures. Martin Perry Associates. _ LINK

(2018) Advantages and disadvantages of metals commonly used in manufacturing. Process Industry Forum. _ LINK

(2019) Why aluminium is the best façade material. Metalline. _ LINK

Valenzuela, K. (2015, July 23). Ecuador Pavilion Milan Expo 2015 / zorrozua y asociados. ArchDaily. _ LINK

(2020, March 13). Hekla Tower. Elioth. _ LINK

Valenzuela, K. (2015, July 23). Ecuador Pavilion Milan Expo 2015 / zorrozua y asociados. ArchDaily. _ LINK

ArchDaily. (2018, February 10). Caixa Forum, Sevilla - Alusion™ stabilized aluminum foam from Alusion. ArchDaily. _ LINK

RESOURCES:

Thin Metal Sales_ LINK

Sandalor _ LINK

Kriskadecor_ LINK

Alusion_ LINK

CONSTRUCTION STRATEGY ENVELOPE: GREEN ROOF

Green roofs are one of the most fundamental architectural components. Green roofs have influenced architecture throughout history, from the simplest cave-like formations and sod roofs of ancient structures to contemporary rooftop parks spanning thousands of feet. In its most basic form, a green roof is a covering of flora and membrane placed over a structure to assist manage water and provide insulation. Modern systems improve agricultural and amenity space as well as ecosystems, filter pollutants, sequester carbon, and reduce the heat island effect.

List of companies that arrange and supply green roofs:

Bauder. _ LINK

Green Roof Tops._ LINK

Green Roofs Direct._ LINK

Wallbarn._ LINK

Roofing Systems._ LINK

Birmingham Asphalt._ LINK

JMS Roofing Birmingham._ LINK

NRA Roofing._ LINK

GREEN ROOF TYPOLOGIES:

When planning a project, there are three fundamental types of green roofing systems to take into account. It’s crucial to be aware of the roof’s pitch, the type of structure you’re choosing, and the lifespan or future use you’re thinking about. The type of plant and the type of roof are related.

EXTENSIVE SYSTEMS_: These are used for areas that are out of reach and not used for other purposes. Normally they include vegetation that will make them low maintenance, self-sustaining.

SEMI INTENSIVE_: This system requires some maintenance from time to time. These green roof systems lie between the extensive and the intensive, and usually include a mix of plant types.

INTENSIVE SYSTEMS_: These require frequent maintenance, they can be thought of as gardens on a roof. In contrast with an extensive green roof, there are almost unlimited possibilities with respect to the plants that can be used.

ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES:

ADVANTAGES: 1_ They help improve drainage systems. . Prior to being naturally released back into the environment, water is retained in substrate and plants. 2_ They help Increase the lifespan of the roof. By a factor of two to three, greenery serves as a barrier, preserving the waterproof membrane below. 3_ Energy efficiency is improved while also reducing the need for air conditioning. The heat from the sun is absorbed by plants, which lowers the temperature of the roof in the summer and increases thermal efficiency in the colder winter by trapping heat within. 4_ Green roofs support wildlife, which in turn helps improve the habitat. They are ideal for luring birds and other species to create a thriving eco-friendly ecosystem. 5_ In urban regions, especially in bigger cities like London and Birmingham, air pollution is a big issue. A green roof helps to improve the overall air quality. According to a study, green roofs help reduce up to: 37% of sulfer dioxide, 21% of nitrous acid and 0.2kg of dust particles / square metre each year.

DISADVANTAGES: 1_ They are a greater expense than traditional roofs. The additional support needed to handle the heavier weight is one of the key causes of this. However, over time, these green roofs more than make up for the expense, despite the bigger initial setback. 2_ They cause an increase in weight load. They require more structural support to be implemented. Typically, the addition of a green roof will add between 50 and 200kg/metre squared to an existing rooftop. Although some rooftops will need to be retrofitted to cope with the increase in load, flat roofs are often able to handle this capacity. 3_ They require extra maintenance. Work must be undertaken to ensure it remains a thriving atmosphere. It will require watering, feeding and weeding.

DETAILS / SKETCHES by ARMAAN AHMED:

ARCH CASE STUDIES by ARMAAN AHMED

Drawing of a typical green roof layer sections , which contains an optional reservoir layer that could capture rainfall and use it to an advantage. This approach can be considered in the context of my project, being based in the frequent rainfall area of Birmingham.

2012_SEONGBUK GATE HILLS, SANDERS, CHINA:

This project uses its roof plant patterns to appear colorful, using flat roofing for an efficient display. I could consider this in my design, having nature in an aesthetic form to relax its users.

2023_ILAINAYAM HOUSE, STUDIO SKAI, INDIA:

This project implements a roof garden as part of its terrace. Whilst it is an intensive approach, it allows for interaction on the roof, something which I would incorporate into my design.

2011_VILLA RONDE, CIEL ROUGE, JAPAN:

This project uses an extensive approach, making its purpose solely for environmental and aesthetic benefits. This is an interesting technique which I could consider for areas of my roofing that could reduce the maintenance needed for it.

References

Sutton, R.K. (2015) Green Roof Ecosystems. Cham: Springer. _ LINK

Baldwin, A. E. (2022, May 16). An architect’s guide to: Green roofs - architizer journal. Journal. _ LINK

ArchDaily. (2020, January 10). Green roofs from sika. ArchDaily. _ LINK

Green Roofers. (2016, February 19). Advantages and disadvantages of green roofs. _ LINK

Rosenberg, A. (2011, May 11). Villa Ronde / Ciel Rouge. ArchDaily. _ LINK

Silva, V. (2023, January 14). Ilainayam House / studio skai. ArchDaily. _ LINK

Ross, K. (2012, January 4). Seongbuk Gate Hills / joel sanders + haeahn architecture. ArchDaily. _ LINK

Green Roof Technology. (2021). Semi-intensive green roof. _ LINK

Werthmann, C. (2007) Green roof: A case study. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. _ LINK

Latty, T. (2016) Biodiversity and green roof retrofit. Green Roof Retrofit. pp. 106–117. _ LINK

RESOURCES:

Forest Research _ LINK

Green Roof Technology _ LINK

STRUCTURAL STRATEGY CONCRETE TWO-WAY SLAB

PRELIMINARY CALCULATIONS:

Span ratio: 15:8 = 1.8

Slab thickness: 400mm

Column area: 250mm

PLAN 1:100

SLAB TYPOLOGY: Flat slab with two-way beams TYPICAL

LEGEND:

Column: Void: Beam: Slab:

CASE STUDY:

The “Black Diamond” Copanhagen, Denmark

Similarly to my proposal, this design incorporates a central lightwell. It serves as a Library facility, utilising a frame structure. Beams have been used to support the translucent light well, as well as the structure. This can inform how my light well feature can be executed.

AXONOMETRIC: SECTION:

Shadow Study Wind Rose

Climate Charts

Sun Path