Technologies - Olympic House Case Study

BA3 Technologies Part A: Building Case Study (BCS) Construction, Materials, Structure

Atelier CPU

Regina Jedrzejek

Case Study 3 Olympic House in Lausanne

Year of completion: 2019

1. KEY DESIGN PARAMETERS

LOCATION + SITE

Lausanne - site location

PATHS

• Sunlight is evenly distributed over the year, as there is no ‘barrier’ from the southern part of site. • Building positioning and concave facade ensures maximised sunlight penetration.

SUSTAINABLE LAND USE AND ECOLOGY

The project retains existing natural features through careful treatment of the existing park and enhancement of greenery continuation through green roof on lower floor. The soil on site was initially proofed to be polluted, thus it was removed and cleaned before construction started. The building priorities future re-use of structure and site, through flexible arrangement of internal/ external spaces and provision of multifunctional areas. Additionally, some of structural elements were recycled from previous building’s demolition waste (concrete aggregate).

• The building responds to the demand of local context and provides multi-purpose office and meeting spaces, whose arrangement can be easily adapted to users.

• The project provides green areas such as; green roof, terraces and landscaping which helps maintaining site’s biodiversity.

Architects: 3XN, IttenBrechbühl

Structural engineers: Ingeni Facade offices: Frener & Reifer

2. STRUCTURAL DESIGN STRATEGIES

2.1 ISOMETRIC VIEW

ROOF

PRIMARY STRUCTURE

Thin steel frame supporting timber frame and aluminium cladding. Timber frame constructed from 180/280 timber beams and 25/50 mm timber battens. Concrete slab supported by radial bracing in central, atrial part.

UPPER FLOORS

PRIMARY STRUCTURE

• Main loadbearing structure: cylindrical, concrete cores.

• 200/120/16mm inclined columns arrayed along slab perimeter with 1.35m distance, following inclination of no more than 30 ºC.

• Steel columns of (estimated) 300mm diameter spread unevenly over the plan. (Their positioning was calculated using computational software)

• 350mm pre-stressed reinforced concrete slab

• Steel beams with radial bracing in the central area. - Support of atrial staircase.

GROUND FLOOR

PRIMARY STRUCTURE

• Loadbearing concrete walls (located under the cylindrical cores)

SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIVITY AND TRANSPORT

Project promotes more ecological transport, through proximity of public transport links.

• The building priorities green transport through bicycle/pedestrian paths included in the landscaping, as well as provision of bicycle stands.

• The project includes amenities for active commuters such as showers, lockers or rooms for personal storage.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND SOCIAL VALUE

• The identity of the building is expressed through dynamic form that responds to athlete’s movement and key values of organisation: openness (transparency of structure), unity (round unity stairs), fairness (solar panels in for of peace dove).

Social integration is enhanced through open layout and outdoor and indoor recreation space (wellness centre).

Provision of public realm pedestrian paths stimulate outdoor interactions.

• The programme includes several private rooms such as private offices, storage rooms, enclosed meeting areas.

• Locating offices and meeting areas on the upper floors adds to safety, as public accessible areas are located on the ground floor.

LOAD PATHS

3. BUILDING FABRIC + CONSTRUCTION

3.1 ISOMETRIC VIEW ELEMENTAL BUILD-UPS + ZONES

ROOF STRUCTURE

Lightweight roof structure enabled design of an organic shape without massive addition to structural loads.

Concrete cores bear the majority of the structural loads and transmit them to the foundation slab. Steel columns spread unevenly in the plan help with distribution of live loads and support concrete slabs. Angled columns along the perimeter provide even lateral loads distribution and transmit loads of cantilevered areas of concrete slabs.

LATERAL LOADS

Lateral loads imposed on roof and facade are transmitted through concrete slab to primary loadbearing elements - concrete cores and angled columns on perimeter.

SECONDARY STRUCTURE

Envelope assembly:

• Inclined columns

• Vertical, triple glazed panels

• Suspended facade: aluminium fins, frame fitted with triple glazed panels

LATERAL LOADS

3.2 CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES SEQUENTIAL THUMBNAILS

1. Excavation of soil, removal of polluted soil for cleaning.

The envelope design was determined by the complex shape of structure, which aimed to aesthetically present values of IOC - this the organic envelope refers to the dynamic, athlete’s movement.

Primary structure - inclined, steel columns mounted into rc floor slab.

Triple glazed panels

Aluminium frame - supporting structure for suspended facade

2. Preparation of ground for raft concrete foundation.

3. Construction of primary structure on basement level: loadbearing columns and (probably) steel beams - bracing.

Facade design follow layout of inclined columns with 1.35m distancing.

CANTILEVERED FLOOR

According to the architects, 9m floor slab structure from perimeter is cantilevered. Such deci

sion aimed to ensure flexi

bility of working spaces.

• Cylindrical steel columns with (estimated) 300 diameter and strengthened by diagonal supports.

FOUNDATION:

• Reinforced concrete slab foundation of (estimated) 1200mm depth

2.2 GENERAL ARRANGEMENT - PLAN, ELEVATION, SECTION

The layout of the plan is open and does not rely on structural grid. The columns are placed irregularly, similarly to rectangular partition walls, which allows flexibility of the structure; probably partition walls are movable or temporary to allow transformation office space into conference or individual rooms.

Some of the partition walls - adjacent to the perimeter - follow 2.7m grid designated by 1.35m column spacing.

SECTION + SLABS AND CEILING HEIGHTS

INDIVIDUAL OFFICE ROOM

Vertical, aluminium fins

Metal grating (for maintenance and shading)

Second layer of triple glazed panels (customised) in aluminium frames

ENVELOPE AND SLAB CONNECTION

Double skin facade with triple glazing provides acoustic comfort (noise was the main issue in previous building.)

Moreover it allows more daylight into interior, increasing comfort of users and reducing demand for artificial lighting.

4. Construction of ground floor reinforced concrete walls (loadbearing structure ), steel beam frame and temporary framework for concrete slabs (probably cast on site with temporary framework).

5.Temporary framework for concrete slab cast.

6 Construction first floor slab - reinforced concrete edges of structure slope down to the ground level, bearing the loads of upper floors.

7. Concrete cores with its loadbearing walls are constructed and supported by 13 columns on each floor.

CONFERENCE ROOMS

INDIVIDUAL OFFICE ROOM

Four concrete core of (estimated) diameter of 10,8m were designed in similar manner: three of them include toilets, staircases and service areas.

The fourth concrete core does not include toilets but contains staircase, lifts and additional service shafts. In the terms of dimensions, it relies on the same 10,8m module.

OPEN LAYOUT + ATRIUM

Dimensions of several, modular units that combine individual and group office space.

The layout follows primary structure inclined columns on the slab perimeter and facade panels.

Open layout offers not only flexibility of the space, but also provides natural ventilation thanks to undisrupted airflows from atrium.

Aluminium cladding and frame result in lower maintenance, better moisture resistance and sustainability - 95% of aluminium used can be recycled.

ENVELOPE AND GROUND FLOOR CONNECTION

Concrete slabs result in high thermal mass, which helps with efficient heating and cooling of structure.

Furthermore, choosing concrete enabled re-use of concrete aggregate of pre-existing office structure.

Placing green roof on the first floor slab aimed into creating a visual connection between building’s and park’s greenery.

Parametric facade structure was designed using BIM software and computational design, which led to the necessity of customisation of glazed panels and aluminium frames.

Such solution resulted in visually impressive, unique design, yet it was probably more expensive and technically unnecessary feature (the facade could have been standardised for lower costs and more efficient construction).

8. Second and third floor primary construction is built; this includes concrete cylinders, supporting columns and inclined columns.

9. Roof construction.

10. Simultaneously first layer of envelopeglazed panels are mounted starting from ground floor.

11. Aluminium fins are mounted to the joints fixed to the facade.

12. A the same time surrounding landscape is filled with necessary layers of foundation for vegetation growth.

13. Assembly of the envelope: fixing aluminium framed glazed panels into suspended frame.

BA3 Technologies Part A: Building Case Study (BCS) Detailed Envelope Study

Atelier CPU Regina Jedrzejek

Case Study 3

Olympic House in Lausanne

Year of completion: 2019

Architects: 3XN, IttenBrechbühl

Structural engineers: Ingeni

Facade offices: Frener & Reifer

1. THEORY & STRATEGY

NET ZERO EMBODIED CARBON EMISSIONS

• For a new construction 75% of former building’ material was recycled, resulting in some non-structural elements being made 100% from recycled aggregate and up to 30% of structural elements including recycled concrete.

• All of the demolition waste from pre-existing structure was recycled and used for waterproof wall and basement walls, resulting in reduced embodied carbon, savings in natural resources and minimised waste diverted to landfill.

• All of the wooden materials (including furniture) were verified by Forest Stewardship Council to make sure their ethical, responsible sourcing.

• Flexible, open layout enables easy adaptation and potential, future reuse. The carbon footprint of structure was thoroughly analysed to ensure meeting LEED, SNBS and Minergie P certification.

SUSTAINABLE LIFECYCLE COST

• To ensure efficient management IOC collaborated with IMMA, which provided ‘lean management’ - a systematic steering and planning method that targets to waste reduction and fasten project development.

• The costs, safety and efficiency of the structure were firstly estimated, later controlled and improved during construction and have been monitored ever since to ensure efficient performance.

• Health and well-being of current and future users were considered and provided through prioritising daylight, flexible working spaces, active transport routes and connection with green exterior.

Since the beginning stages architects were striving for self-sufficient, highly sustainable structure; using passive energy strategies (thermal mass, solar panels) and renewables on site (lake-water heat pumps, rainwater collection system) ensures efficient, long-therm performance.

ENVELOPE - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The essential feature of envelope design that contributes to its high thermal and acoustic performance is double-skin facade. The decision to double the amount of triple glazing through suspended structure contributed to improved acoustics, access to natural light (with reduced glare and heat gains thanks to the suspended facade which acts like a sunscreen).Adding vertical, silicone caulk joints and aluminium frame contributed to its moisture resistance.

Another interesting design aspect is the roof choice material - combination of timber and steel frame on reinforced concrete slab was probably dictated by the lightweight properties of timber frame. In the terms of ecology and reuse, the 75% of previous building’s material was recycled and used in structural and non-structural materials, which reduced embodied carbon and amount of demolition waste.

2. INTEGRATED 3D ENVELOPE STUDY

2.1 ISOMETRIC BAY

SCALE 1:50

30 mm sheet aluminium panels 100/120 mm metal L-profile (for drainage) 30 mm metal grating on steel profile frame 180 mm steel beams

Vapour barrier

20 mm timber roof plates

30 mm steel plates (components of roof structural frame)

25/50 mm timber battens

100 mm fibreglass insulation

200 mm fibreglass mm timber beam

Vapour/ damp proof barrier

350 mm pre-stressed reinforced concrete ceiling slab Suspended ceiling system: soundproofing, ventilation, loudspeakers, fire alarm, lighting 90/90 mm aluminium module

2.5 mm PVC ceiling panel

Anti-glare roller blind

Triple thermal glazing 8 mm + 14 mm cavity + 6 mm + 14 mm

cavity + 25,3 mm lam. Safety glass with vertical silicone caulk joint 80 mm motorized sun protection slats

18. 17,5 mm lam. Safety glass adhesively bonded to 32/70 mm aluminium profile

SLAB TO ENVELOPE CONNECTION

1. 25 mm ceramic floor finish

2. 50 mm floor finish (probably thermal construction board consisting of polystyrene, glass fibre and cement based mortar)

3. 100 mm cavity with steel support bolts

4. 350 mm pre-stressed reinforced concrete ceiling slab

5. Suspended ceiling system: soundproofing, ventilation, loudspeakers, fire alarm, lighting 90/90 mm aluminium module

6. 450/55/2 mm aluminium sheet metal cladding for steel RHS profiles

7. 30 mm metal grating on 60/30/8 mm steel h-profile frame

8. 60/100 mm metal H- frame with 40/80 mm concrete blocks mounted into 20/100 mm steel bars 9. 80 mm and 60 mm fibreglass insulation fill 10. Aluminium clad profile 11. 12–18 mm silicone joint 12. 100/150 mm and 50/100 mm steel connectors bolted to horizontal aluminium bar

13. 200/120/16 mm steel RHS column: hollow, concrete fill or solid, 1350 mm off-centre

ENVELOPE AND FIRST FLOOR SLAB CONNECTION

1. 500/1200 mm reinforced concrete upstand beam on ground floor ceiling slab

2. 200 mm fibreglass insulation

3. 120 mm fibreglass insulation

4. 300 mm and 60 mm insulation

5. Vapour/damp proof barrier

6. 100/50/80 mm steel RHS first floor facade fin bracing

7. 30 mm metal grating on 60/30/8 mm steel h-profile frame 8. Triple thermal glazing 8 mm + 14 mm cavity + 6 mm + 14 mm cavity + 25,3 mm lam. safety glass with vertical silicone caulk joint 9. 17,5 mm lam. safety glass adhesively bonded to 32/70 mm aluminium profile 10. 50 mm gravel fill

11. 150/200 mm metal profile frame 12. Soil for vegetation

3. JUNCTION DETAILS (1:5, 1:20 2D DRAWINGS)

SCALE 1:25

3.1 WALL TO ROOF INTERFACE

ELEMENT

CHANGE OVER TIME

Although the design office and IOC prioritised the flexibility since the early design process, it is likely that building lifespan will be shorter as assumed (or that it will require renovation) due to the longevity of chosen materials. The concrete slabs and walls are not likely to be affected due to the long estimated lifespan (estimated 50-100 years), aluminium fins and frame are estimated to last for 60-80 years, furthermore they can be recycled after. Yet the triple glazed panels can be easier affected by weather conditions, damp and overall usage ending in estimated longevity of 20-30 years. At this moment such panels are the most sustainable choice, but in several decades they can result in very expensive maintenance costs.

ENVELOPE BUILD UP

(KEY ELEMENTS)

3.2 FLOOR SLAB TO EXTERNAL WALL DETAIL

+ 3.3 WINDOW DETAILS (HEAD + CILL) -

no openable windows within structure

1. Inclined columns (primary structure) The layout of the suspended structure follows the sequence of 1.35 designated by inclined columns.

2. First layer of triple glazed panels.

3. RHS steel bars - protruding elements shape triangular, supporting frame for vertical fins and metal grating.

4. Aluminium fins - interconnected vertical plates follow the inclination of internal columns creating organic facade. They bond the steel frame at the top and bottom of each facade panel.

5. Metal grating - provides space for envelope maintenance.

6. Second layer of triple glazed panels - aluminium frames simplify the assembly process, additional layer of glazing contributes to the acoustics and thermal performance of facade.

2.2 ENVELOPE ASSEMBLY (SEQUENTIAL THUMBNAILS)

with

3.3 EXTERNAL WALL TO GROUND SLAB DETAIL

32/70 mm aluminium profile

1. 25 mm ceramic floor finish

2. 50 mm floor finish (probably thermal construction board consisting of polystyrene, glass fibre and cement based mortar)

3. 100 mm cavity with steel support bolts

4. 350 mm pre-stressed reinforced concrete ceiling slab

5. Suspended ceiling system: soundproofing, ventilation, loudspeakers, fire alarm, lighting 90/90 mm aluminium module

6. 450/55/2 mm aluminium sheet metal cladding for steel RHS profiles

7. 30 mm metal grating on 60/30/8 mm steel h-profile frame 8. 60/100 mm metal H- frame with 40/80 mm concrete blocks mounted into 20/100 mm steel bars

9. 80 mm and 60 mm fibreglass insulation fill 10. Aluminium clad profile

11. 12–18 mm silicone joint

12. 100/150 mm and 50/100 mm steel connectors bolted to horizontal aluminium bar 13. 200/120/16 mm steel RHS column: hollow, concrete fill or solid, 1350 mm off-centre

1. 500/1200 mm reinforced concrete upstand beam on ground floor ceiling slab

2. 200 mm fibreglass insulation

3. 120 mm fibreglass

insulation 4. 300 mm and 60 mm

insulation

5. Vapour/damp proof barrier

6. 100/50/80

1. Visual and maintenance comfort and efficiency

2. Improved thermal performance

3. Floor boards support system + structural integrity 4. Primary, loadbearing structure

5. Maintenance and services space 6. Facade support system joinery for glazed panels + improved facade stability through interconnection of aluminium fins.

7. Maintenance space + shading (sun glare protection)

8. Secondary structure; joinery element between primary structure and envelope.

9. Provision of thermal comfort and efficiency

10. Weather protection

11. Triple glazing stability and sealing - protection from moisture

12. Flexible, structural support system for metal grating

13. Primary structure element - loadbearing column

1. Primary structure loadbearing components

2. Provision of thermal comfort and efficiency

3. Provision of thermal comfort and efficiency

4. Provision of thermal comfort and efficiency

5. Vapour and damp protection

6. Bracing for first floor aluminium fins - secondary structure support system

7. Support structure for suspended facade - helps with bearing the facade loads and provides stability + space for maintenance

8. Thermal, acoustic comfort, provision of natural light, moisture resistance

9. Thermal, acoustic comfort, provision of natural light, moisture resistance

10. Protection of the damp/ vapours membranes beneath.

11. Structural barrier for greenery

12. Vegetation