Studio E/07 Research Journal A2

BACKYARD FUTURES

Studio E07 Semester 1 2024 Name: Kate Johnson Student ID: 999456

RESEARCH JOURNAL

CONCEPT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT + RESOLVED DESIGN ANALYSIS

Due 02 June 2024

NSCA SEMINARS

CONTEXT AND CLIMATE, ERIKA BARTAK

In Erika Bartak’s seminar ‘context and climate’, she discusses how passive design can be used to inform our projects. She outlines that passive design is an approach which makes the most of the local climate and site conditions to create a building that’s comfortable all year-round. She discusses some strategies to implement passive design and discusses the social justice and wellbeing benefits of passive design. The application of passive design strategies is achieved in three different stages. First, considering the context and the climate, the second is the project brief and the third is with building elements.

1. Context and climate is about interrogating a buildings location, and how that affects climate and seasonal patterns. Additionally looking to weather patterns, sun paths and wind movement. It’s also essential to consider the microclimate that surrounds the building.

2. Project brief considers scale and function, making sure that the program suits the activities that will occur. It’s important to consider how many people will be using the space and what targets you want to set out for the indoor environmental quality, which is further discussed by Associate Professor Christhina Candido in her seminar. And finally considering the opera ability and adjustable features of the building.

3. building elements is about considering form scale, orientation, materials. From the elements its then essential to look to ways that these considerations then interact with the context and climate. For instance, glazing openings, shading and ventilation.

Erika also discussed Melbourne as an example due to it having a mild temperate climate, there are certain passive strategies that can be implemented to improve the performance of buildings with which are specific to a mild temperate climate,

Overall the presentation is an introductory overview into responding to context and climate when designing.

LIFE CYCLES - WHOLE LIFE AND EMBODIED, PROFESSOR ROBERT CRAWFORD

Robert Crawford’s seminar on ‘whole life and embodied carbon’ provides an overview of the carbon implications at each phase of a project. .

When considering a new building, it’s important to look at how the environmental flows occur at each stage of the lifecycle. There are both inputs and outputs at each stage of the cycle typically. Robert highlights that a whole of life approach is essential as two buildings may have different emissions at certain stages, but one may be better overall.

In the seminar Robert outlines a range of decisions which influence the emissions across the buildings, life. These can be attributed to material and product choices, location, scale, adaptability durability, and the reusability of the material. Also, operational services which significantly impact the emissions across the building lifecycle.

Robert breaks down the life cycle stages and provides information about what can be considered and how certain design decisions can reduce the upfront recurrent operational and end of life commissions.

A1 - 3: upfront or initial embodied carbon

This typically relates to the burning of fossil fuels and manufacturing processes. When making decisions at this stage, it’s important to consider the fuel source of the manufacturing processes and the type of processes the efficiency in the production and the distance of transport required.

Efficiency of materials and dematerialisation assist in reducing the amount of materials on a project. Selecting materials which will perform for the required function or purpose is essential as well as looking to ways to incorporate materials from recycled or recovered sources.

A4-5: Transport to site and construction processes

In this step, Robert recommends specifying local to reduce transportation distances, and the energy associated with that.

B2-5 repair, replacement repair and refurbishment When selecting materials, trying to increase the service life to minimise the need for replacement an. Also selecting materials that can be easily recycled at the end of their life.

C1-4: end of life processes

Encompasses, demolition transportation, waste processing and waste disposal.

D: beyond the life cycle

Designing for materials to be reused and recycled. Currently the industry has more of a linear approach to building life cycles, however, circular economy, principles will help address wastage associated with the construction industry.

In summary, Robert Crawford’s lecture provides an overview of different decisions that can be made to impact carbon during different stages of a building’s lifecycle. It encourages us to interrogate design decisions at each stage to achieve more carbon conscious outcomes.

LIFE CYCLES - OPERATIONAL, DR CHRIS JENSEN

In Dr Chris Jensen’s seminar about operational carbon. He discusses a range of ways that we can consider how buildings operate, and what that operational demand means from a carbon perspective. Furthermore highlighting that that buildings don’t use energy, systems and services do. The seminar outlines the importance for designers to consider operational energy as often it accounts for a significant portion of whole of life carbon.

Some of the defining factors that impact operational carbon are location and climate, building size, and proportion, occupancy density and what the building use.

Dr Chris Jensen outlines that there is a hierarchy of decisions for reducing operational energy, or with the main goal of achieving comfort,

1. considering basic building design, looking at heat, retention, rejection, and avoidance.

2. implementing passive strategies or passive systems,

3. mechanical equipment and the importance of renewable energies

One of the case studies that Dr Chris Jensen references is the Royal Children’s Hospital. Due to its requirements and its occupation, there is a large number of space allocated to the HVAC and services 50% of the construction cost was for systems and services.

To summarise, the seminar, outlines how operational energy is a large portion of a buildings, whole of life carbon, and that as designers if we can implement strategies to reduce operational carbon at the design stage, it will have a significant impact on the consumption of energy throughout a buildings, life.

He finishes by outlining that net zero is an achievable outcome in buildings, as long as the client is prepared to spend the money to implement those strategies.

Design Studio E, Online subject seminars, University of Melbourne, viewed March 2024

Bartak. E, (2024) ‘Context and climate’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E, Online subject seminars, University of Melbourne, viewed March 2024

Crawford, R. (2024) ‘Life Cycles - Whole Life and Embodied’, ABPL90439

Jensen.C. (2024) ‘Life Cycles – Operational’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E, Online subject seminars, University of Melbourne, viewed March 2024

NSCA SEMINARS

IEQ, HEALTH AND WELLBEING, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR CHRISTHINA CANDIDO

In Christhina Candido’s lecture on IQ, health and wellbeing, she discusses indoor, environmental quality and the importance it has in building design.

Indoor environmentally quality is comprised of thermal, acoustic visual and indoor air-quality, and indicates the quality of spaces, we inhabit indoors.

Thermal comfort and satisfaction with thermal comfort tends to improve with variability. Associate professor, Christhina referenced the notion of ‘thermal alliesthesia’ which is a pleasure that comes from variability and t a journey of thermal experiences. To design for thermal, variability and comfort Christhina recommends allowing for personal control considering how the space can be family variable whilst also looking to ways to design for resilience.

Indoor air quality has big impacts on occupants of spaces, and it’s important to make sure that designs are not exceeding thresholds for indoor particulate matter, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds.

To achieve good indoor air-quality, Christhina recommends having a facade with ventilation strategies, including biophilia design principles in the design choosing materials carefully for indoor environments and making sure that designers consider extreme weather and it’s impact on indoor environments.

Additionally visual comfort and acoustic comfort areas that can impact peoples mood, mental health, and productivity.

Christhina recommends some way to design for visual comfort and acoustic comfort. these include having access to windows. Mitigating glare with shading devices and personal control of lighting for acoustic comfort. It’s essential to consider that the fit out is appropriate for the function.

In summary, the seminar outlines ways in which we can implement strategies to achieve better indoor environments which will have a positive impact on the users.

WATER, KATIE SKILLINGTON

In Katie Skillington’s seminar about water, discusses how architects can engage with water in a more sensitive and impactful way. Particularly in the context of Australia, with increasing vulnerability to water scarcity and extreme weather events.

Katie breaks down the hydrological aspects of design and considers some key aims of how we can integrate water sensitive design practices into our projects.

These three points are conserve, regenerate and enhance.

Conserve is about ensuring that we aren’t wasting water through using efficient fixtures, and also encouraging behaviour changes which are more water sensitive.

Regeneration is about site and place considering how previous waterways and cultural connections to water can be regenerated and designed for.

Enhance is about the quality of discharge water and the efficiency of water use, and making the most of water, which is on site.

In a practical lens, this requires investigation on site of rainfall patterns, climate, and looking at existing waterways. additionally it’s about considering the water needs. How the water enters and leaves the site. How the builind function and occupancy will impact water consumption. Additionally considering landscape and context to look at water needs beyond the building.

Katie then outlined some ways that we design for water which can mitigate the way water runs off the site to improve its filtration and slow down the flow. When designing the building, it’s important to consider form and scale, and how the roof will impact the direction of the rainfall.

Additionally in our projects we can implement water systems to capture and reuse water. For example stormwater and waste water rainwater storage, below ground tanks or bladders and also water treatment systems for more intensive water reuse. Finally, it’s important to consider fittings and fixtures, and looking at how their wells rating impacts their water consumption. In summary, the seminar provides an overview of necessary strategies to consider implementing the design to make the project, more water sensitive and improve its relationship with water

WHOLE LIFE CARBON CALCULATOR, KATIE SKILLINGTON + JIM STEWART

The Studio E carbon calculator tool has been created by Katie Skillington and Jim Stewart. The tool allows analysis of Upfront, recurrent and operational carbon for the buildings we have designed.

It makes the assumption of the carbon content of electricity as it is today in Victoria. Future decarbonisation of mains electrical supply will positively impact the operational energy consumption of the built form.

The tool also provides a summation of sequestered carbon, but this is not an offset value as at the end of the products life the stored carbon will be released back into the atmosphere.

An analysis of the project with this tool can be seen later in the journal.

Candido. C. (2024) ‘IEQ, health and wellbeing’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E, Online subject seminars, University of Melbourne, viewed March 2024

Skillington. K, (2024) ‘Water’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E, Online subject seminars, University of Melbourne, viewed March 2024

Skillington. K, Stewart. J. (2024) ‘Whole life carbon calculator ’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E, Online subject seminars, University of Melbourne, viewed March 2024

IN CLASS SEMINAR

INDUSTRIALISED CONSTRUCTION BENEFITS/ B4.0 (DARCY ZELENKO)

The introduction into industrialised construction, presented by studio leader, Darcy Zelenko, provided insight into the staging and coordination of bathroom pods. The project titled ‘Demystifying Volumetric Construction: A Study of the Bathroom Pod (Building 4.0 CRC, Project 31)’ explored construction of bathrooms as a volumetric addition. The research outlined the benefits of producing elements of a building offsite, specifically in this instance the benefits and gains associated with prefabrication of bathroom pods. It also highlighted some of the challenges associated with volumetric and ‘pod’ construction.

The lecture outlined ways that project timelines can be communicated graphically to highlighted which methods benefit the overall timeline and efficiency of the construction phase.

From the information provided it allowed us to begin considering different construction typologies and methods and the benefits that could offer to the studio project, a moveable unit for homes Victoria.

As the unit is built to be reused and more than one will be built, it provides an opportunity to consider prototyping and ‘pod’ like elements that can be integrated into the project to improve ease and speed of assembly, quality assurances and cost benefits at scale.

Image sourced from Building 4.0 CRC website building4pointzero (2020) ‘#31 Demystifying Volumetric Construction: A Study of the Bathroom Pod’, accessed at https://building4pointzero.org/ projects/demystifying-volumetric-construction-a-study-of-the-bathroom-pod/

IN CLASS SEMINAR

ACCESSIBILITY & NCC (TIM RANDALL)

The introductory lecture into Accessibility and the NCC provided an overview of what considerations can be made for the Homes Victoria proposal and how the design can better accommodate needs of a variety of clients.

The SDA NDIS data set benchmarks and quantified targets to accommodate a range of needs. These targets aimed to address different needs and are separated into the following categories: improved liveability, fully accessible, high physical support and robust.

Depending on the scale of the site we are exploring our project on, these considerations and an attempt to meet the SDA benchmarks would achieve a more accessible design which is required for some of the example clients outlined by Homes Victoria.

From this lecture I am hoping to detail to meet the requirements outlined in the Australian standard 1428.1 and NCC, as well as incorporating features of the SDA. A particular area of interest for detailed interrogation is the bathroom facilities located within the unit.

Zelenko, D (2024) ‘Introduction to Industrialised Construction’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E07 Backyard Futures In Class Lecture, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC, 1 March, 2024.

Randall. T (2024) ‘Accessibility and the NCC’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E07 Backyard Futures In Class Lecture, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC, 12 March 2024

IN CLASS SEMINAR

LEAN CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE & ASSEMBLY (GAO SHANG)

Gao Shang’s lecture of design for manufacture and assembly informed the studio of some construction management strategies that can be implemented at design level, to improve the cost, material use and other factors of the construction process. Shang also discussed the benefits of lean construction. Some of the key points of the lecture consisted around the management of ‘waste’ beyond waste as simple a material consideration. In construction management the notion of waste is perceived as a ‘non value’ element and it considers a myriad of factors including wasted time, labour or potential and motion or transportation. The processes are then refined and designed in a way to minimise any elements which result in waste or don’t provide value.

The key principles of DfMA are standardisation, modularisation and part minimisation. Through designing with these principles in mind, processes can be stream lined being more cost effective for many parties involved in the process.

This ideology can be implemented into the Homes Victoria movable unit, as the homes can be constructed at scale and with the intention of them to be used for similar needs over a period of time. As there is a necessity for the components, panels or modules of the unit to be able to be disassembled and reassembled on a new site, strategies to make these processes more efficient and easier to do will contribute to effective cost saving gains.

The lecture also provided insight into strategies that can be adapted to the project to aid in decision making, this is called ‘Choosing by Advantage’ (CBA). This is a process of mapping out the advantages of alternative factors, through attributing value to certain alternatives a value based assessment can be made against the criteria of the necessary outcomes. As Homes Victoria has provided an extensive criteria and brief for the project, different portions or factors can be considered and analysed based on the value or advantage they offer.

‘Lean construction is a way to design production systems to minimise waste of materials, time and efforts in order to generate maximum possible amount of value’

(Koskela et al, 2002, p21)’

IN CLASS SEMINAR

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE DESIGN (LUCY MARSLAND)

Lucy Marsland’s presentation to the studio focused on sustainability and how we as architecture students can design for climate and implement strategies to reduce embodied and operational carbon. Through Lucy’s experience at environmental design consultant firm, Atelier 10, they were able to outline some key strategies to implement in our studio project and provide some references to successful built projects.

As the industry becomes more aware of the environmental impacts of construction processes and waste management, more designers are looking to building less, either through advocating for a retrofit or adaptive reuse projects.

The presentation discussed the necessity for design smart and effectively, decisions of materiality and implementation of passive strategies helps manage a buildings whole of life carbon.

First…

By…

Use less ‘stuff’

+ Build nothing

+ Build less

+ Build clever

+ Build efficiently

+ Build out waste

Then…

Specify low carbon products + Offset

Shang. G (2024) ‘Lean Construction/DfMA’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E07

Backyard Futures In Class Lecture, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC, 16 April 2024

Marsland. L (2024) ‘ESD: Atelier 10’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E07

Backyard Futures In Class Lecture, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC, 19 April 2024

(Atelier 10, Lucy Marsland)

IN CLASS SEMINAR

CANDOUR MODULAR CONSTRUCTION (JAS JOHNSTON)

Candour founder and CEO Jas Johnston, provided an insightful lecture into the ways that Melbourne design firms are exploring design for manufacture and designing with integrated systems. Candour, a company which has branched off from architecture firm Archier, is uniting the fabrication process with designers.

Through the integration of key building component which are accessible for use through a BIM plug in, designers can directly adapt prefabricated elements in the design stage, whilst being limited to the constraints of the fabrication process.

Johnston explained the necessity of a model such as Candour’s after the challenges faced by designers attempting to detail and design with materials and systems which are not established within the Australian construction industry. The data embedded into the design tool allows designers to save time and provide transparency to the client regarding costs very early in the project.

The four prefabricated elements consists of a panelised wall, floor, roof and façade. These elements make up the necessary core of the building and can be adapted onto a variety of high end architectural projects to produce a highly detailed project more cost effectively than typical projects. Johnston claimed that the projects produced by Candour can typically achieve a construction cost of their homes for $6,500 per square metre, compared to similarly detailed architecturally designed homes which typically cost about $10,000 per square metre.

Similarly to the approach discussed with Gao Shang, Candour is attempting to design for the fabrication and utilise the benefits of prefabrication and large scaled production to achieve economic and timely gains across the project, thus minimising instances of wasted value.

Candour is an interesting strategy that can be considered for Homes Victoria’s movable unit program, but more broadly, social and affordable housing throughout Australia. Whilst Candour acknowledges its currently accommodates a specific market, the strategies adopted to achieve

quality design faster and more cost effectively can be adapted or considered for different housing markets and typologies.

IN CLASS SEMINAR

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING + INTEGRATED DESIGN (BRENDON McNIVEN)

In Brendan‘s in class lecture about architectural engineering, he talks about the importance of integrating architecture and engineering disciplines to achieve better outcomes in the industry. Brendan begins by reflecting on the history of these professions, and considers that in the past, architects and engineers were all encompassed in one mind. As the industry has become increasingly complex, there has been a need to separate different professions, and it’s led to separation of the disciplines.

Brendan makes a case for integration as he believes that through understanding the value in others input, and being appreciative of systems and complexity, it will improve overall design outcomes.

Brendan discusses some examples of projects where integrated disciplines have led to a great built outcome. The instance the water cube in Beijing is a project which has utilise different disciplines and created a highperformance outcome. From the idea of greenhouses harvesting solar energy came a built outcome of double skin soap bubble like façade. They been able to achieve a hyper performing building through the integration of creativity and a deep understanding of engineering.

Overall Brendan‘s lecture discusses the benefits of integrating architects and engineers intern environment to allow them to work collaboratively and grow from each other’s ways of thinking. This has been experienced through undertaking and integrated Studio where we have been able to work alongside with engineers to tackle problems collaboratively.

successful integration hinges on communication, understanding, and effective collaboration, with 50% attributed to talking to one another, 30% to understanding what the other does and valuing it, and 20% to doing it well

Parkville VIC, 23 April 2024

McNiven. B (2024) ‘Architectural Engineering’, ABPL90439 Design Studio E07 Backyard Futures In Class Lecture, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC, 30 April 2024

(Brendan McNiven)

IN CLASS SEMINAR

INDUSTRIALISED CONSTRUCTION (DUNCAN MAXWELL)

Duncan Maxwell‘s lecture about industrialised construction began with considering what a future without construction projects would look like, and what construction would be without projects. The reason he started with such a provocation is, he believes it’s important for us to think about the future of construction, especially within the Australian context. Currently Australia is quite a slow changing industry which makes innovation challenging.

Duncan argues that it is essential the industry change as currently we are the highest consumers of raw materials and broadly there is a need to address some of the growing pressures faced in industry, environmentally and address issues more broadly of affordability. Duncan discusses how the industry can innovate to start the better responding to these factors, which he believes can be addressed by bridging the gaps with platforms.

He asks us to consider that every building is a prototype and challenges us to continually improve on quality, rather than starting new, each time, which he finds is one of the problems with the industry as it works now.

In the lecture he argued that connecting research and markets would assist in designing better throughout the projects lifecycle. To achieve this the notion of the product plus form addresses ways that assets can be shared by a set of products. These are divided or defined by components processes, knowledges and people. Companies such as Boklok are examples of this integration of platforms.

Boklok prefabricates mostly offsite in modular construction. This is similar to Modscape which also prefabricates offsite with a modular methodology.

Overall the presentation provided insight into the ways that the industry can become more streamlines. Some of the topics directly link to other lectures we have had which discuss the benefit of real-time data, designing for manufacture and utilising prefabrication and modularity to build more efficiently. Duncan highlights the benefits of these strategies but also provides a framework for

every building is a prototype

(Duncan Maxwell)

HOMES VICTORIA MOVABLE UNIT, CHADSTONE

Homes Victoria provided a detailed brief to produce a modernised version of the Moveable unit program they offer.

This unit operates as a way eligible clients can have access to living independently whilst maintaining connections to their family and community. It is designed to fit in the backyard of an approved property for a period of time.

The core issues Homes Victoria wants addressed are:

1. Ability to relocate

2. Sustainability & energy efficiency

3. Flexibility to improve accessibility

4. Aesthetic appeal

From the site visit it was evident how limited access can be for the more typical sites. Different overlays and council requirements impacts the size, orientation and location of the units and the time it takes for the unit to be approved for construction.

When observing the finished product and speaking with future tenants they were happy to have a space but made some key suggestions:

- Adaptability + customisation

- Increased storage

- Lighting externally

The Project builder confirmed that the current design has limited ability for reuse due to damage that occurs. The fixings and connections are often hard to remove which impacts the lifecycle of the materials. The unit is typically constructed quickly, once approved for construction.

On the site visit to Modscape, we went to the Brooklyn, Victorian Head office and were guided by with some of the employees. Modscape works in modular construction and is hoping to expand broadly across Australia with some new offices and factories being constructed nationally. One of which is a factory in Essendon fields, which will utilise robotics on 100 meter long, manufacturing line.

We were given an introduction by Josh, the business director at Modscape. He outlined some of the projects that Modscape has worked on and how they approach modular construction for different types of projects.

He outlined the four pillars which guide Modscape which are:

- design

- innovation

- sustainability

-people

Modscape aims to build most of its work offsite, through building in module components as a whole, then disconnecting the core modules for transportation to site , where they are reconnected and finished.

Some of the benefits of building offsite includes

- speed

- quality

- environmental benefits

- safety + improved ergonomics for workers

- waste management

- cost reductions

- productivity

To further improve on their efficiency, Modscape is expanding to ‘mod-botics’. They believe that with the implementation of robotics they will be able to deliver up to 3000 modules per year, compared to their current biggest year being 1000 modules per year. One of the challenges of using robotics is the restrictions around customisation in designs. Currently the robots can only do so much, and any bespoke work has to be detailed or constructed by hand.

Another key consideration outlined on the site visit was transportation and costs. The modules tend to weigh 250 - 300 kg per 1m2 depending on the fire rating and finishes. Modscape has to ensure the modules fit within a truck Josh advised that in metro areas it cost about $3000 for delivery, but rural transport is $17 per kilometre. If the module is over 5m wide it requires a police escort which is an additional $4 per km.

CONCEPT DESIGN

For further development in resolved design. Consider passive strategies to create a design which responds to climate on a variety of sites regardless of orientation. Key moves to implement into A2 include awnings, window shading and systems which ensure passive ventilation and shading can assist with keeping the house cooler in hotter months.

Be more strategic with windows ensure they are the appropriate scale and reduce unnecessary ‘bits’.

For further development in resolved design. Consider how the rain screen or dissassembly facade can be further strengthened

Due to the height of the members comprising the floor structure, the available space on the site is impacted. As the design develops and becomes more resolved, the floor structure needs to be more close to the ground and require less space/ height for the members to connect.

Awning + Overhang required for A2

CONCEPT DESIGN

Wing clasp facade strategy used to fix fibre cement panels. Feedback received outlined a need to strengthen the design of the facade panels/rain screen system. I am looking to explore ways that these components can be connected with bolted connections for ease of disassembly

DETAIL 01

Section detail of external facade system connection to substructure and primary structure

OVERLAPPED COLOURBOND CORRUGATED ROOF SHEETING

GUTTER + RAINWATER SYSTEM

R5 INSULATION IN WALLS + ROOFING HELPS TO REDUCE OPERATIONAL CARBON FOR HEATING + COOLING IN MELBOURNE CLIMATE

WING FASTENER TO SECURE FIBRE CEMENT PANELS

WATERPROOF MEMBRANE

FLASHING TO DIVERT WATER BETWEEN MEMBRANE + FACADE FINISH

Diamond pier/concrete hub structure with metal piers/pins that can be driven into the ground and extracted/removed for reuse. This this be continued into A2

EXPOSED PLYWOOD PANEL TO FRAME CEILING

INTERNAL LINING SECURED WITH CLIPS FOR EASE IN DISASSEMBLY

Changes for A2: floor structure needs to be more close to the ground and require less space/height for the members to connect. The current notched and stacked method is not suitable for smaller sites with limited space to facilitate the ramp access requirement

NOTCHED STRUCTURAL FLOOR FRAMING MINIMISING NAILS + SCREWS

DIAMOND PIER FOOTING DESIGNED FOR REUSE AND EASE OF REMOVAL

Changes for A2: feedback to ensure that the insulation is continuous

CONCEPT DESIGN

Snug fit into site with the 6x6 model

For A2 further considerations need to be made about how elements come to site and are built - what is prefabricated and what is assembled on site, why?

For A2 further considerations need to be made to look at strategies for the unit to abut the fenceline to maximise the site coverage

CONCEPT DESIGN

SITE 04 PROTOTYPE APPLICATION

Street scape section + accessible floor plan for moveable unit

CROSS SECTION PARALLEL TO THE SITE

SITE EXCAVATED 150MM TO REDUCE ACCESS RAMP REQUIREMENT IN ORDER FOR ACCESSIBLE UNIT TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON SITE

CROSS SECTION PERPENDICULAR TO THE SITE

Structure had to be inset into the ground to be of a height that can be accommodated by a ramp with the remaining space on site. This approach needs to be reconsidered with savings made in the structure on height.

Also exploration of overhangs will allow for the floor structure to accommodate tight boundaries and be built close to boundary lines on some sides

PLAN AIMS TO MEET NDIS SPECIALISED DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION DESIGN STANDARDS, CONSIDERING SDA RECOMENDATIONS FOR HIGH PHYSICAL SUPPORT

Concept design looked at the SDA standards and how these can be designed for on a small site. Due to the size of the ramp the unit cannot be larger than 6x6.

CONCEPT DESIGN

Diamond pier structure currently exceeds the grid when fixed to bearers at edge points. If the floor structure implements a slight overhang it will allow all components to be contained within the 6x6, this is more effective for tight sites with limited space.

Diamond pier structure currently exceeds the grid when fixed to bearers at edge points. If the floor structure implements a slight overhang it will allow all components to be contained within the 6x6, this is more effective for tight sites with limited space.

For A2 the mortise + tenon elements will remain which are then bolted for a strong structural connection

For A2 consider the glazing strategy that incorporates passive systems and is more considered for internal experience

RESEARCH

T1

BUNNINGS TRUSS + FRAME

From precedent research in T1 we were encouraged to consider how Bunnings truss and Frame works as a system of ‘Traditional product led’ building and construction.

The research along with the in class seminars confirmed that there are many benefits of prefabricated timber construction especially in Australia where the industry is well established.

The traditional timber stud wall has been implemented into my final project but I have looked to different ways of connecting beyond the nail plates and glues used in Bunnings truss and frame.

CIRCLE HOUSE

Circle house is a journal which documents innovative strategies to improve the overall lifecycle of the design and its components/systems.

As the design has developed I have referred to this reference to adapt + innovate key connections and consider the hierarchy of materials and their lifecycles.

T2

CONVIVIALITY + DEMOCRATIC DESIGN

Research into Wikihouse and other social projects has confirmed the benefit of an architecture which promotes adaptability and social cohesion.

As the studio is addressing social and public housing this theme has been strongly influential in design decisions.

WIKIHOUSE

Wikihouse as a precedent study was the introduction to traditional product led design which is also attempting to democratise its design.

This precedent has guided a lot of design decisions throughout the studio, especially in the context of the moveable unit being a public/social housing product.

Further research and engagement with prefabrication and platform frameworks for design has strengthened ways in which convivial social architecture can be accessed publically and improved collaboratively + transparently.

SDA Liveability guidelines

The improved liveability guidelines help visualise and document ways that the access and usability of spaces can be detailed.

As the project plot has limited space and access meeting certain needs of the guidelines is more challenging.

At a minimum I have incorporated 820 mm clear doorways and 1200mm circulation paths.

the bathroom design incorporates grab rails and accessibility requirements with increased structure for adaptation.

Research Summary for A2 ‘prototyping’ development

Rainscreens

Kerr, DD & Labs, K 1990, ‘The rain screen wall’, Progressive Architecture, vol. v71, no. n7, viewed 15 May 2024, <https://research.ebsco.com/ linkprocessor/plink?id=164f5677-4811-3485-a986-29aef6a80848>.

Practical application of rainscreens as a facade system

- air cavity to resist wind and water infiltration

- rainscreen does not always cause an increase in cost or complexity

- effect of transferring air pressure

Rainscreens

Keleher, R 1993, ‘Rain screen principles in practice’, Progressive Architecture, vol. v74, no. n8, viewed 15 May 2024, <https://research.ebsco. com/linkprocessor/plink?id=c63a1b4a-5f4b-3e3b-af5a-7c9acc7ea4b5>.

- drained rainscreen or back ventilated

- pressure equalised or compartmented

- drained has sheets panels and planks fixed to vertical support

- drained - allows the cavity to leak

- requires a water barrier at the back of the cavity

Democratic architecture

Parvin, A. (2013), Architecture (and the other 99%): OpenSource Architecture and Design Commons. Archit Design, 83: 90-95. https://doi.org/10.1002/ad.1680

The paper challenges the notion of ‘egalitarian’ architecture.

- designing for 100%

- reinventing what is normal

- civic + market platforms

- to deal with climate change a need to ‘develop micro, low cost high performance sustainable design’

Research Summary for A2 ‘prototyping’ development

Paver + Pod

KEKSIA, (2024), Raised Floor systems, ‘What is a pedestal pod system?’, accessed via https://keksia.com.au/products/pedestals

Pedestal system

- easy removal and no requirement for glue or connections to a substrate

- adjustable and can hold different materials (decking, paving ect)

- No additional structural work required - low weight product

- time and cost effective

- the airgap provides good thermal benefits and air circulation

- pedestals made from ‘high grade polypropylene plastic and house a bi-component head that include high grade chemically infused rubber.’

Clamp + Joists Hangers

Greenfield. M, (2023), “Joist Hangers Vs. End Nailing vs Toe Nailing: Which Is The Best’, Todays Homeowner, accessed via https:// todayshomeowner.com/general/guides/joist-hangers-vs-end-nailing-vstoe-nailing/#:~:text=Joist%20hangers%20are%20preferable%20for,a%20 large%20load%20than%20nails.

Carroll, J. and Lockhart, C. (2014) The complete visual guide to building a house. Newtown, Ct: Taunton Press, Ingram Pub Services.

- end nailing and toe nailing are what is typically used to secure two timber members

- ‘Joist hangers create a strong holding force and connections due to their metal brackets, making them ideal for long-term attachment solutions. (Greenfield. M, 2023)

- all the methods require peentration of the meber with some kind of fixing (nail or screw)

I want to combine these fixing methods to create a system which does not damage the primary structure

Fibreglass

Tub

Tiled Showers VS Fiberglass Prefab | Specialized Refinishing Co. (2019). Available at: https://specializedrefinishing.com/reglaze-refinish-tile-showers/ tiled-showers-vs-fiberglass-prefab/

Tracom News (2020) Fiberglass: A Sustainable, Green and Sturdy Material, Tracom. Available at: https://tracomfrp.com/fiberglass-a-sustainable-greenand-sturdy-material/#:~:text=Green%20and%20Sustainable

Bjånesøy. S, Heinonen. J, Ögmundarson. O, Árnadóttir. A , Marteinsson. B, (2022), ‘Fiberglass as a Novel Building Material: A Life Cycle Assessment of a Pilot House’, Architecture, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 690–710, <https:// research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=c25364b1-4173-33bd-93b607a8df0a0db1>.

- prefabricated fibreglass panels can be a easy inexpensive option for bathroom areas

- fibreglass can fade and become stained with age

- panels area lightweight

- Designed to have fewer seams compared to tiling

- fibreglass can be made from recycled materials

- rigid material - good insulative properties

- fibreglass as a building material is fairly novel

- made of silica/sand

ANALYSIS

CARBON

Through research and utilising the Studio E carbon calculator, design decisions have been made to minimise the embodied, recurrent and operational carbon of the design project. Futhermore end of life considerations have been made to provide a holistic lifecycle approach to whole of life carbon within the building.

As the project brief requires the unit it be reusable, some key areas have been interrgoated for improving the carbon intensity of the moveable unit.

$100,000

and requires product availability some carbon considerations have been traded out for more cost effective options. However I have tried to implement a range of strategies to increase the lifespan of the more carbon intensive materials

Prefabrication

- elements that can be designed for manufacture and prefabricated have been incorporated into the project

- this is to improve the ease of assembly on site but also to minimise wastage

Dematerialisation

Cost of materials

- the bathroom strategy looks at a bathroom without grout and caulking or sealants. Instead there is a paver pod strategy for flooring and a rainscreen strategy applied internally

Cost of labour

Transport allowance

- it becomes a disassembled ‘wet room’ with a fibreglass basin/drain which can be broken into three components for site access

Inflation allowance

Surplus/contingency

- furthermore floor and wall finishes are typically plywood or a simple plaster board. Futher investigation for more sustainable finishes can be explored.

- non toxic finishes such as soap flakes are strategies that could better improve IEQ and be more environmentally considerate

Design for disassembly (DfD)

Footings + structure

A - Initial design analysis

Prior to completing the ‘passive’ section the studio spreadsheet the design calculated a result of 333 tonnes over a 50 year period. As I implemented different passive design features and more detail in the subsequent sections the results decreased overall carbon. An analysis of the final design with and without solar is seen in tables B + table C. As the spreadsheet is a introductory tool, many of the prototype design and detail strategies cannot be captured.

$36,000

Below I have discussed key design intentions and decisions which interact with the Carbon requiremenrts of the project.

Key design moves to reduce whole of life carbon

Material selection

- using materials that are robust and durable, whilst also researching and exploring how their carbon content could be managed

- some materials such as FC sheeting have been used due to their accessibility, durability and availability, yet its not the best selection purely from a carbon lens. As the project engages with budget constraints

- throughout the project I have tried to look to precedents and exisitng products to adapt ways of connecting building elements

Substructure

Glazing + window frames

- Details for carbon intensive materials have been explored to find ways to connect materials without damaging them or affecting their value

- Wingclasp fixing fo

Glazing

Wall, floor and facade finishes, weather proofing + insulation

Roof panels + finishes

Installation allowance plumbing + electrical, and fixings

- In conjuction with addressing the budget requirements of the project, glazing was to be minimal to meet costs but also used strategically. the majority of the glazing is on the north facade.

- Natural light is maximised in living and amenity areas. Internal polycarbonate panels have been used to maximise natural light penetration

- Windows are double glazed with appropriate SHGC value for maximum solar gain in winter and reduced heat loss

Sequestered

Table

Cost

Cost

Transport allowance

Inflation allowance

Surplus/contingency

Footings +

Substructure

Roof panels + finishes

Installation allowance plumbing + electrical, and fixings

The cost is estimated based on products sourced online and egagement with Rawlinsons Guide for assistance estimating

A deeper analysis of the bathroom pod compared to traditional bathroom construction would be interesting for the following reasons

- no shower screen/glazing: this is beneficial as glass is expensive and requires a lot of maintence to clean for the user

- no grout or experienced tiling needed - the paver pod systems slots the pavers onto pedestals and does not have any fixings or sealants, this would also save on labour costs

- the rain screen removes the need for tiling

Challenges

- the pedestals need to have enough spacing to facilitate drainage but not too much of a gap that its not accessible

ANALYSIS

PHYSICAL MODEL

Built with laser cut MDF, Boxboard + Ply

Resin 3D print fixings + key connection prototypes

Fibreglass tub created with papermache

Model shows bathroom interior with rainscreen, paver pod, fibreglass tub, steel clamp joist hangers and diamond piers - which are all prototyping strategies explored in the project

REFERENCES

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RESEARCH OVER THE SEMESTER

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