BA3 Technologies Part A + B: Building Case Study - Hackney Bridge

BA3 Technologies Part A + B

Building Case Study: Hackney Bridge

Nasra Aden Construction, Materials, Structure

Theory & Strategy

Overall massing form arrangement

2) Environmental Design Strategies

i) Isometric

Summer Sun Path Analysis

Interior Environment Analysis

i) Sectional Diagrams

Summer Lighting and Heating

Winter Lighting and Heating

The cafés on ground floor have a continuous panorama window facing south. It is sheltered by the building above to prevent overheating. Towards the alleyway there are additional windows for views out. The upper floors have large windows for each studio for daylight, views and ventilation.

Choice of materials and Ventilation Methods

Polycarbonate panels are frosted so reduce solar glare and diffuses sunlight into interior. Deflects UV radiation.

Stack ventilation, cool air in and out through operable window units and extraction flues Translucent Polycarbonate cladding allows enough blue light to create adequate working environment despite low winter light. Light surfaces makes sunlight reflect throughout building Rooms are small so the large windows mean they get enough sunlight

Winter Sun Path Analysis

Roof Design: The building makes use of a ‘monitor roof’, remiscent of the roof of a traditonal sugar house as the site used to house the Clarnico sugar factory) this design choice allows it to enter more light into the modular structure, aided by the polycarbonate skylight in the southern portion of the building

Sun Path Analysis: The pitched roof of the building means it an harness light from all angles. Polycarbonate clad corner in the North means that interior is constantly well lit by blue light. Its a very important aspect as the tight spaces created by other buildings mean that they might experience shade frequently.

Interior environment

As shown in the ventilation diagrams, by making the skylight operable this would increase ventilation, additionally it would make the tight iinternal corridors more pleasant for inhabitors

Evaluation

Sustainable Water Cycle

As per the Drainage and Plumbing axonometric, the following measure were taken by the deisgners to reduce water usage: Dual, low flush WCs, Urinal flushing controls, PIR controlled shut off valves on cold water supplies to toilet areas, Spray /aerating taps, Water efficient appliance, Low flow showers. However no mention made about the reusage of grey water, which could be a great asset aswell as the reusage of rainwater, the UK climate would be perfect for this with high rainfall. Temporary nature of project however means having an onsite black water cleansing and recycling centre is unlikely.

Good Health and Wellbeing

As highlighted in General Arrangement plans, each room has a window with ample views to the outside, with each window being operable, gives users control over internal conditions.

Polycarbonate cladding in meeting room increases light levels and productivity and lifts mood. However,tight corridor shown in stale air diagram can create a tight uncomfortable space, modular design reduces flow between spaces. Use of mineral wool acts as an acoustic barrier can help immensely with reducing chnaces of sensory overloads for individuals. Bike storage shown in Sheet 1 site plan shows a consideration of active circulation roots.

Net Zero Operational Carbon

From the choice of materials highlighted in the interior environmental diagrams there is a conscious choice to maintain a thermal and reduce cold bridges. Many passive methods taken to optimise thermal comfort - trickle vents, flues rasied above roof lines.

Plumbing and Draining

Mechanical Systems

Air out via flues

High efficiency gas fired condensing boilers

Cold Water

Foul Water Grey Water

Surface Water sewer

Foul Water sewer

Plans and documents only show water access to ground floor cafes and toilets however speculated that the art studios would require hot and cold water for paints and other mediums or clean up. also speculated that since site disturbance was minimised in this project suspected that foul water would be directed to Hackney Metropolitan Borough Sewers rather than held in an underground septic tank. The design also incorporates measures to reduce the amount of water used such as low flush WCs, minimised surface water drainage.

Stale Air

Fresh Air Air in via Trickle Vents

Air in via exterior doors

Vents

Condensing unit

Air Handler/ Furnace

HVAC System

ii) General Arrangement Services Distribution

Ground Floor Reflected ceiling plan

Although the building relies on natural ventilation techniques with ground floor spaces operating as indoor outdoor spaces, thought that stale air would be trapped in the narrow corridors and modular rooms, therefore have input a speculative HVAC system with the condensing unit in the plantroom and the air handler on the roof. The only room that does not have trickle vents (natural ventilation) is the meeting room. This is inefficient as stale air and high CO2 levels hinder productivity in meetings therefore specualted that the flues above the Polycarbonate corner would draw out hot air and create a vacuum for cooler air.

Blue squares show vents in cafe walls, there is no pre existing HVAC system, all to be input at tenants request Exposed wiring speculated placement Smoke Detectors Fire Alarm

Vent placement, as shown above doors in image

1st/2nd Floor Reflected ceiling plan

Smoke detection is provided to each unit, with a site wide fire alarm system.

Electrical services are run to each unit with internal electric radiant heaters. Each unit has a mini-meter to record power usage with cabling to offices.

Electrical and Lighting

Ground floor Market spaces are not heated via electric radiators as relies on people and movement ot heat it up and is also a way to reduce stale air and over heating. It is an outdoor-indoor space relying on natural ventilation methods via doors that remain open throughout working day. The developes aim that every aspect of the electrical building loads will be targeted to find low energy and sustainable

Passive:

- Trickle vents fitted into both operable and inoperable windows prevents summer overheating

- Flues are sufficiently raised above roof lines to ensure no odour resulting to adjacent properties or building users

Materials

- Insulation of pipework and hot water systems

- 180mm thick Factoryclad insulation in wall and between secondary steel frame, and under raft

foundation

- exposed concrete floor slab, Concrete has a high thermal mass with properties, absorbs heat from the atmosphere in warm weather and release it during cooler periods

- Polycarbonate panels, dense build up provides effective thermal insulation and protection from UV radiation

ii) Qualitative Interior Study

This partial model shows two types of spaces chosen: 1) cafe large glazed french doors with additional windows, 2) market/art studio - small modular rooms, with only one apertureindicative of how the rest of the building will interact with light

Every large lettable unit has its own access to metered services, while smaller offices are finished to a higher specification with lights, plugs and radiators provided – the idea being that tenants just need to bring in their own desks.

Morning Noon Evening

Active:

- Heating - Electric radiators in every unit

- Openable windows allow natural ventilation and enable the users to control the temperature of their units themselves according to their needs.

Critique - skylight operable to take advantage of stack ventilation and rid of stagnant air in small modular rooms - an atrium or open plan as the rooms and narrow corridors trap air as the windows at either end are not operable - pre-install air extraction method

Equinox Summer solstice Winter solstice

March 20 June 22 December 22 Art Studio Cafe

Spring Sefaira Key (Footcandle levels) 0 19 37 56 74

the polycarbonate clad corner towards the north does help in the area it is situated in, the rest of the rooms are dominated by shadows and dark corners. The analysis shows how the cafe’s french doors provide ample daylight to the interior. This is good as people are more likely to go to public spaces with plenty of daylight as it lifts moods and reduce fatigue and eye strain. The southern side has plentiful daylighting even in the winter solstice due to the polycarbonate skyight. However in the polycarbonate Northern corner

daylight is concentrated, this may cause eyestrain to people entering the building an improvement would be implementing some sort of solar shading, howver this could be a drawback of the sefaira model as it did not take into accounted how the polycarbonate cladding is frosted.

Positives:

BA3 Technologies Part A: Hackney BridgeNasra Aden Construction, Materials, Structure 20103309

Synthesis

The main concepts embraced by the design are the prioritisation of fostering community over the architectural aesthetic of the space. Its is more of what you do with the building rather than what the building looks like. This is evident in how plans show standard modular market spaces - the focus should be on how the craetives fill it with their wares. This is also reflected in the ample community spaces in the ground floor, the cafes mean more people stay in the building interacting with one another. The communal spaces also relfect the wider site contect, the Elizabeth Olympic Park. However more thought could have been put into the ventilation strategies and the temporary nature of the building should not have hindered designers form implemting the HVAC systems that would make the vuilding more inviting to artists aiming to spend longer times in their studios. This would also pertain to allowing hot water access to all studios as it would make their uses more flexible.

Change over time

Since the project is temporary from the onset how it looks as it changes over time is not a huge considertion to take, however it is important if we look at how it would have to be reconstructed in different locations later on in time. The steel cladding is knwon for it longevoity and so would not be marred by water marks if it is chemically treated to withstand rust and corrode over time. The use of a steel frame over timber also means that moist and dampening will not be an issue for the main frame. Since the joints are exposed integrated services will be easily accessible by workers.

Evaluations

Net Zero Embodied Carbon Emissions

Materials have ben chosen with longevity and ease of constrcution in mind, energy is aimed to be sustainably harvested. Although the transport and embodied energy of materials and cladding could cause issues pertaining to their sustainability this would be offset by their longevity.

The individual units are building control compliant to required U values and perform well in combination with double glazed units aiding thermal efficiencies - highlighting the commitment to creating a thermally sound building in the cold UK climate

Sustainable Life Cycle Cost

Although the building has a predetermined short life span carrying out measures such as post occupancy reviews could illuminate how the design could be sustainably improved in later iterations. Althought he building makes a conscious effort to rely mainly on passive ventilation as per strategies as well as the use of materials with high thermal mass, this should be reflected in a more open floor plan as the modular nature restricts the effectiveness of such methods.

By thoroughly maintaining the DPCs and other components of the thermal barrier around the building, thermal energy would not be lost through elements such as the Aluminium window frame and heating services would not be overworked.

However the building as it stands should produce low energy demands and costs as it does not have the additional energy consumption that a HVAC system and wide spread hot water would bring with it

Sinusoidal Steel Cladding it is durable, lightweight, adept at running water off its face quickly. However, it comes with high embodied energy, metal corrugated roofing cannot be produced locally so the process of mining, refining and transportation comes at an environmental cost.

i) Wall to Roof interface

- to maintain gutter gradient

ii) Window Opening Details (Head + Cil)

0.7mm Aluminium Flashing

Water drainage elements:

Hidden gutter detail with wrap around DPM, not shown in this section is the external drainage pipes, which are featured in the sheet 2 exploded axonometric. The hidden gutter was a positive design choice as it conceal’s the buildings edge but its usage also shows how structurally fiuirm the primary frame is as the main frame would have to support the roof, purlins aswell as the heavy gutter, which is filled with spray foam insulation. The hidden gutter is also functional and sustainable as it is wide enough to handle extreme volumes of water, less prone to clogs caused by the accumulation of debris and are durable, with an average lifespan fo 50 years.

Integrated Electrical systems:

The section shows how the service gap would be occupied by the electrical system’s wiring, this serves the electric radiators, power outlets and lighting, the wires would make there way up through the service void and spread throughout the structure. A factor to be taken into account for Electrical Wiring systems is the life of installation and the possibility of future modifications, the deconstructable nature of the project, with its expoised joinery means that workers would have easy access to the electrical wiring system.Also, since Mineral Wool insulation can resist temperatures over 1000 degrees celcius it can safely be used in walls with electrical equipment without worry of fire hazards.

Steel Purlins

Plywood interior lining

Plywood window cill

80mm

Mineral Wool insulation

Due to its greater density and water resistant properties, mineral wool acts as a vapor barrier does not need an additional vapor barrier to be effective, which is why I have forgone the VCL in the roof build up. It is sustainable as it is made of natural fibres as opposed to being plastic based like many commonly used rigid insulations. However since the building is intended to be constructed and deconstructed elsewhere at the end of its projected 12 year lifespan, the use of mineral wool insualtion can be cause for concern as studies have shown a link between inhaling silvers of mineral wool and lung disease. However, the prefab panel contruction process highlighted in sheet 1 can protect workers from this.

Steel rolled floor joists

Aluminium window frame with aluminium flashing

Although the aluminium detailing in the window matches the buildings aesthetic, the material is known for its poor thermal insulation, moisture and frost can also form inside the frame causing th einsulation aswell as other materials to deteriorate. However, the packed insulation lined with a DPM can reinforce the thermal line and using a non-conductive metal between the glazing panes can prevent moisture from forming. A suitable alternative would be a timber window frame, as it is highly energy efficient and sustainable.

Mechanical systems:

This is shows where i’d expect the HVAC system to be placed at the tenant’s requirement.

The intiial proposals for the mechanical and electrical systems of the building proposed a high efficiency VRF system, which is a large scale HVAC system which works at very high capacity. This is suited for the public nature of the scheme and the high volume of people projected to be using it. Benefits include that its is ligthweight, quiet and has smaller units compared to other HVAC systems. It is also extremely envrionmentally friendly, reducing harmful emissions - 80% less NOx, 100% less SOx, and 35% less CO2.

Primary Steel Structure

RC Raft Founation

ii) Envelope Assembly

The function of the envelope can include:

Separating the enclosed space from the external environment Transferring load to the secondary steelwork

• Restraining the secondary steelwork

• Providing thermal insulation

Reflections since Sheet 1

- Raft foundation - this particular building has its inuslation layer is below the RC slab, it is protected from moisture by a Damp Proof Course

- Wall ties used aswell as cladding rail , cladding rail to attach cladding to sheathing board and wall ties to connect prefab structure to secondary steel frame

- No VCL in roof build up as per material properties of Mineral Wool insulation

- No insulation between floors as planning documents have speicalised that inculation was only used in walls and roof to keep structure lightweight.

• Providing acoustic insulation

• Preventing fire spread

• Providing an airtight envelope

• Providing ventilation to a building

Flashing over cill and Steel Profile

Powder Coated Aluminium window frame Rigid insulation to prevent cold bridge Plywood cill DPC lapped under cill

iii) Floor slab to External Wall Details

Secondary steel frame attached to primary via steel brackets It fills in where structural steel isn’t necessary, cost saving. Providing the stabilising elements that prevent the main frame from twisting out of shape.

Insulation with VCL on the interior side

- The VCL is a plastic layer that restricts the movement of warm, moist air from the inside a building into the structural fabric of the building by preventing excess moisture getting behind the insulation

3 4

The primary function of the sheathing board is to strengthen the assembly of the building and to also protect the building from the exterior. It also provides a surface for other materials to be applied to and may give some degree of weather resistance.

iv) External Wall to Ground Slab Details

Then the pre fabricated insulated cladding panels consist of a rigid layer of insulation sandwiched between a metal skin and a sheathing board. These lightweight panels will span betwen the secondary frame. Speculation - the building could have forgone a cladding rail and instead used prefab composite panels.

5

This diagram shows how windows and apertures would be fitted into the structure, the lintels preced any of the envelope layers and spaces are left in the secondary steel frame to accomodate them

Secondary steel frame

Nasra Aden Construction, Materials, Structure

Lecture 1: Retrofit First

Date: 30/01/2023

Speaker: Glenn Ombler

Position: Architect

Organisation: Ombler Iwanowski Architects

Lecture 2: Timber

Date: 06/02/2023

Speaker: Kevin Flanagan

Position: Senior Associate Partner

Organisation: PLP Architecture

Lecture 3: Advanced Facades

Date: 13/02/2023

Speaker: Rhodri Evans

Position: Architect

Organisation: BDA

Lecture 4: Retrofit First

Date: 06/03/2023

Speaker: Laura Stafford

Position: Architect

Organisation: 5plus

Lecture 5: Allan Haines

Date: 13/03/2023

Speaker: Ian McHugh

Position: Architect/Director

Organisation: Green Triangle Studio

Critical Reflection

Design Methodology & Technological Strategy

Something that contrasted with personal approach is designing a building with no specific end user, however I acknowledge this is the reality of the bulk of projects that architects in larger metropolitan cities like manchester have to take on. I align with the environmental reasons behind retrofitting.

1) The additon of three floors were good practice to me as it allowed them to create new refreshing space free form the previous restrictions the rest of the floors were designed to as Modernist buildigns were entirely function derived. This new space increased the imageability/profit of the building and created a rejuvenating silhouette.

2) Getting rid of the cantilevered beam and increasing floor to ceiling heights from previous 3124mm, widening the first floor above the podium, creating a uniform modern silhouette breaking away from tower and podium design of the Modernist era.

Responsibilities

Gender neutral toilets on every level, enclosed staircase as per current fire regulations, new insulations, architect has a responsibility to increase imageability to sell the building as the client requires therefore created new 11th/12th floors (penthouse). In retrofit, the biggest risk is the condition and performance of the existing structure, so the foundations were strengthened using the Pali Raducci method and the shear wall (USE) were strengthened with additional RC. Comply with planning law and policy, i.e. if the building is listed they can’t make unapproved changes to the facade/strcuture. Finding optimal materials to use, need to examine the existing building for toxic materials that were previously standard use e.g. asbestos and ensuring cladding materials are fire and weather resistant. Since profit driven clients do not consider environmenntally friendly methods unless compulsory by law, it is the respnsibility of the architect to guide all choices to be sustainable. In this case study this was shown when Brise Soleil was used, reducing requiremnet of tinted glass (additional manufacturing cost) and cost effective window choices, and a sophisticated HVAC system as building services make 40-60% of total construction costs. An example of this is the combination of timber and aluminium in the windows,the timber provides tigid frame and insulating properties whereas the aluminium is weather resistant.

Compliance

Since, the project was a Speculative office building, with no definite end user and built for profit , they had to comply with current environmental regulations.Since initial desing in 2005, U value was brought down from 1.35 to 0.35. Since rental rate of £30/sqm/annum was dependant on ‘Grade A’ office standard, architects had to comply with those standards, which included: Ventilation, occupancy, spatial arrangement, circulation, cooling, lighting. Complying entails that the above responsibilities have been discharged, including planning applucations, applying for Building Regulations approval and carrying out various risk assessments. In this case study, BREEAM certification was also a client requirement. Certain floors had to be rid of all the furnishings put in place by the archutects as tenants changed the level of usage also changed to a call-centre style set up.

Critical Reflection

Design Methodology & Technological Strategy

Environmental impact on the world seems to be priority for the use of CLT so it aligns with my personal and atelier aims. I particularly appreciated how materiality was considered in its physical quality aswell as its affects of people, for example, the atrium gives the effect of the outdoors creating a dynamic work environment.

1) The way the building usage moves with the suns rotation is a clever way of avoiding overusing energy. As the sun spends the most time on one side of the building in the morning, the app scheduling rooms directs workers to the opposite side of the building. This means cooling mechanism do not have to be employed. The edge is suited to Hybrid building.

2) Environmental consciousness is shown in not just the usage of CLT but also reflected in the different mechanisms used throughout: facade covered in photovoltaic panels - maximising solar harvesting; Collects rainwater to use in flushing toilets; building form is an ‘open hand’minimising dark areas, relying on natural lighting; low voltage light panels powered by low voltage internet cables

Responsibilities

For the curved building the decision was made to incorportate straight timber facade planks aswell as curved ones as this increased the sturdiness fo the structure. proffessional responsibility of architect to make environmentally conscious material decisions e.g. using acetate based panels instead of pure glass.Oakwood Timber Tower 6 has so many floors the cantilever is so heavy that the core has to be reinforced

Compliance

Onsite constraints - large prefab elements wil require airtight onsoite storage as transport is not always frequent or ideal.

Due to fire safety concerns when building with timber particularly since the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire tragedy insurers are les likely to insure timber high rise structures therefore careful consideration needs to be made and all aspects of local constrainst will need to be complied with .

Critical Reflection

Design Methodology & Technological Strategy

This lecture highlighted to me the value of iterative design at the larger scale and the many factors that go into carbon reduction in the facade. It also highlighted how more thought needs to be placed into facade rather than aesthetic joices. Investigating how it reacts under seismic pressure, and lateral loads and how it compliments that conditions your plan sets up. It did also give me an insight into how architects work in collaboration with other engineers, it has inspired me to not be afraid into delving into engineering resources when looking at my studio details.

Responsibilities

Testing materials via mockups taking costs into account - how will prefab elements be put together whilst keeping costs down. Value Engineering - can enhance the design in some instances. Take into account how different materials affect the edge deflection (ETC.) for example, sliding doors need a rail of steel and concrete underneath them to reduce installation deflection. When using new innovative materials take their environmental implications into consideration - example, Ricotti Marsaille (Ultra High Performance Concrete) - the additives and staniless steel fillaments, their embodied carbon is unknown so it would be better for material to be tested and evaluated before using it throughout rapidly.

Compliance

Facade engineers work on average weighted u value, called UCW. Comply with brief set by client, univeisity in the case of MECD building, so they used a compiled table showing u value of areas of triple glaze/glass. to evaluate thermal performance. Therefore would have to comply with the constrainst set on them by the materials they use aswell as sustainable energy targets.

Critical Reflection

Design Methodology & Technological Strategy

The lecture aligned with my own views in the sense that it prioritised the tenants wants and needs and not just current tenants but future ones, as a principle of good office design is to for the space to be commercially viable in the sense that it can be used for variant functions in the buildings future. Throughou the 3 case studies presented there seemed to be the constant usage of atrium spaces due to their effectiveness in creating a communal well-used area, and bring light into the centre. This prompted thought in that the usage of an atrium could become a principle of god office design. I also appreciated how the lecture showed the shift in architectural standards, with rockwall insulation becoming more prominent to to its environmental benefits.

Responsibilities

The architect has the responsibility of communicating client requirements aswell as convincing parties involved to move towards a net zero carbon building. As more tenants want to work in net zero carbon building, occupiers are becoming more demanding and funders/ developers are naturally complying. Thsi has meant more projects have ‘reduction in energy usage’ as a main aim highlighted by the client with BREEAM certificates becoming valuable in the eyes of developers. Although this is good it does show how money driven everything still is, with the sustainable aspect on contributing to how much buildings can marketed per square foot.

Compliance

Aswell as BREEAM requirements, office buildings are designed around how commercially viable they can be, this affects the design process: standardised facades, long span flexible structures, maximising site. It can also mean that such projects cannot be architecturally experiemental as developers not willing to take financial risks in the name of architectural intrigue or even energy efficiency. This has prompted me to think smaller projects should take that risk to encourage large scale change.

Critical Reflection

Design Methodology & Technological Strategy

This lecture highlighted the real dangers that climate change will pose architectural design in the future. Right now there is an attitude of designing for the ride, with projects being designed to acclimate to climate change effects rather than to combat them, we must reflect the urgency in our designs.

Responsibilities

The Architect has the reponsibility of communicating efficiently with the client making them understand the risk and understanding what their attitude is. They must also use readily available software to understand how their projects will perform and respond accordingly. There is also a need to keep with the time and understand how building trends fluctuate with the climate crisis - space cooling becoming more important.

Compliance

Current regulations are not aligned with how the climate is projected to become it si sabout responding at the personal level and not relying on baseline standards.