SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 1 (BLD61403) (ARC3514) (ARC3512)

ASSIGNMENT 2 - CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS

NAME LING YUAN MING

ID 0318758
TUTOR MS CHERYL NGIam

TABLE OF CONTENT
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Project Introduction
1.2 Design Studio Introduction
2.0 Precedent Study and Analysis
2.1 Structural System
2.2 Roof System
2.3 Faade Systems
2.3.1 Gabion Wall
2.3.2 Metal Cladding
3.0 Studio Integration
3.1 Alternative faade designs
3.1.1 Alternative 1
3.1.2 Alternative 2
3.2 Sectional perspectives
3.2.1 Top floor
3.2.2 Ground floor
4.0 References

INTRODUCTION
Project Introduction
This assignment is aligned with the Studio Design Project (semester 5) and aims to
facilitate students in the technical studies and development of their design. It deals
with the analysis and establishment of the structural and the envelope systems of
the students design to ensure that the design has logical and workable construction
systems. It also encourages students to think about construction as integral part of the
design and not just an afterthought. This assignment was design with the intention to
tackle this issue and to increase the technical competency of students.

Design Studio Introduction

Design Studio 5 focuses in designing a community library within an urban infill site. The
design of the building is to consist of appropriate architectural responses that address
the aspects of the urban street context and user behavioural patterns as discerned
and analysed in the Preliminary Studies. Apart from developing an appropriate
formal and elevational strategy in response to the character of the street, the design
should take into consideration a holistic application of structural, spatial, functional
and environmental requirements to address the user needs for a community library.
The design development of this project will include an introduction to the legislative
restrictions that impact an architectural scheme, as well as the design exploration and
detailing of the faade and building envelopes that is coherent with the architectural
language of the overall design project.
The urban infill site mentioned is in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. Sentul began with the Indian
immigrants who were brought in to manufacture trains and railways and also Chinese
in tin mining resulting in bold mixture of race and culture. Sentuls old and worn soul
brings numerous opportunities for rejuvenation of the community. Being situated so
near to Kuala Lumpur city centre, yet so comparably socially isolated poses a challenge,
but a library built as a community space would bring vibrancy and liveliness back into
the streets of Sentul.

2.0 PRECEDENT STUDY AND ANALYSIS

2.1 STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

INTERVENTIONS IN COMMON AREAS OF

PUBLIC MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING BUILDINGS
This project by Studio Af6 tackles the problem of
accessibility in two three story multifamily residential
buildings built in the 90s comprised of 100 public rental
units.The three bridge structures that contain the lifts
are formed by steel porticoes that span the distance
between the two buildings. They function as a space for
lifts also also an elevated passage or corridor.

Profiled Sheeting in Composite Floor

SYSTEM DETAILINGS AND MATERIALS

Composite galvanized steel floor decking with reinforced
concrete was used for the floor slabs. The metal deck
used was trapezoidal decking. The deck was first bolted
to the beams and layed with anti-crack mesh before
filling it with concrete on top. The steel connections
between I-beam and H-columns are welded whereas
the H columns is attached to the foundation with base
plates, stifferners and anchor bolts.

I-beam to H-column

ADVANTAGES
Steel structure is lightweight yet
solid and strong, allowing large span
across large area. Furthermore, it is
pest free and fire resistant making it
much more durable in comparison
with timber. It is also has quicker
construction time compared to
concrete.

I-beam to Foundation

DISADVANTAGES
The cost of making steel is
very high and require added
insulation as it is a poor
insulator and has risk of
rusting. The construction time
for steel frame may be faster
than concrete but is slower
than that of timber.

CHOSEN REASON
The combination of compression of
concrete and the tension from steel
will improve the performance of the
structure. It is lightweight yet highly
efficient. Besides, the steel structures
reminds the library visitors about the
railway workshop that used to be the
icon of Sentul.

Overall Structure (may be inaccurate)

2.2 ROOF SYSTEM

Steel Deck Assembled

SHOKAN HOUSE
Masterpiece of Jay Bargmann, the 6,000
square foot house stands at the edge of the
Ashokan reservoir, just below the summit of
a Catskill mountain, with views extending
south across and beyond the reservoir
to the horizon. All the materials used
in constructing it, steel, glass, concrete,
ceramic and wood are left exposed and
unadorned. Every piece records the
construction of the house and is essential to
the concept. The house is lucid and laconic.

SYSTEM DETAILINGS AND

MATERIALS
Shokan House uses open web steel
joist (OWSJ). It is a lightweight steel
truss onsisting of parallel chords and a
triangulated web system.
In this building, the steel joist used
is from the LH-series and is rested
on steel beams along and above the
curtain walls. The end is attached with
a minimum of two 19mm bolts. It can
also be be rested on I-beams or parapet
walls with different end anchorage.
Horizontal bridging is done to provide
adequate lateral support for the joist to
support the construction loads present
while a permanent means of top
chord lateral support (normally metal
decking) is installed. The bridging
stretches from one end to another to
provide necessary bucking resistance.

Steel Deck and Bolting

Metal deck is then placed on top

the metal joists and is mechanically
fasten by fasteners like srews and
pneumatically driven fasteners as a
mean to stabilize the given profile
against sideslip.

ADVANTAGES
Metal is a very strong and durable material.
Being light and capable of spanning long,
structure can be erected with minimal
supporting elements in the middle at the
same time reducing structural weight.
It also allows mechanical pipes to pass
through without increasing the height of
the roof.

Steel Joist and Anchoring

DISADVANTAGES
Metal is undeniably more expensive than
conrete or timber and even require skilled
labour as it is an uncommon material used
in construction in comparison. It may be
resistant to termite but rust is one issue
faced by metals if not prepared carefully.
It also risks workers of electrocution
during assemble.
Steel Joist and Bridging
CHOSEN REASON
It can be installed with ease and with
a little angle, it can channel rain like a
waterfall, similar to the studio design
concept, creating a cascading effect. Most
importantly, it is lightweight and has great
span.
End Anchorage

2.2 FACADE SYSTEM

2.2.1 Gabion Wall
SYSTEM DETAILINGS AND MATERIALS
Rothfuss GMBH is a company that makes gabions that are only 14.5 cm thick for facade applications.
The modules are 104 cm wide and 51.5 cm high. They arrive from the factory pre-assembled and
empty and are filled on the ground. They are easily hung from the exterior wall using continuous
extrusions up to 3 m long, which are fixed to the wall or to a metal substructure. The gabion mesh is
arranged in a 5 x 10 cm grid, and is made of 4.5 mm diameter wire at the back (for greater stability)
and 3.5 mm diameter wire in front, for greater transparency. The gabions are separated 2 cm from the
wall, and have horizontal joints of 1 cm and vertical joints of 0.5 cm. This facade finish is often used
for concrete walls, and allows stones of different colors and sizes to be combined.

CONCEPT HAUS 9X9

A house built out of gabions, or metal cages filled with rocks, usually found
in retaining walls. Here, they wrap the walls and roof. Built in 2003 in Bavaria
by Titus Bernhard Architekten. The gabions appear to be attached as a kind
of second skin outside of the walls and roof of the house. It appears to be built
of concrete with exterior insulation and the stone outside, with the gabions
fastened to anchors planted in the concrete structure.

ADVANTAGES
Customizable and flexible in handling and
construction. This makes it easier to install and
assemble. Not only it has atractive finishes but it
being porous allow high and efficient air and light
permeability. The surface that is made of stone
makes its strong and has high endurance.

DISADVANTAGES
However, the high permeability includes water
as well making it inefficient if it is the only layer.
Thus needing an extra layer. With stones filling
the wire baskets, it becomes heavy and this may
require high machinery use not forgetting the
high maintenance.

CHOSEN REASON
The stone-filled baskets suits the studio concept of geography as rocks belongs to the nature. Having
high thermal mass allow cooling interior during the day. Being aesthetically nice as well, Gabion
facade is chosen as a design alternative.

2.2 ROOF SYSTEM

2.2.2 Metal Cladding
ADVANTAGES
Able to stretch to large spans and lightweight, this panel system can cover
facade with ease. The system is made in such a way that no joints can be
seen from the outer side, enhancing the aesthetics. Not only is is good
looking and clean, this panel is also of high permeability, to both light
and air, allowing spaces behind to breathe. Aluminium is also corrosive
resistant making it durable for outdoor uses.
DISADVANTAGES
One notorious feature of aluminium is that it is relatively costs more
compared to other materials. Furthermore, it is a poor thermal insulator
allowing greater heat intake during the day.
CHOSEN REASON
The perforated aluminium facade was chosen as it has a striking exterior.
During day or night, this facade stands out, even reflects light due to its
shiny surface. Besides, it goes well with the history of the site which used
tobe a repair spot for railways .
MULTI STOREY CAR PARK FOR THE 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Designed by KKA Architecture, this carpark is located in close proximity to the Scottish
Exhibition and Conference Centre and the newly completed SSE Hydro auditorium. The
Multi Storey Car Park forms a central hub for these two entertainment facilities with
walkways linking the facilities together. Visually a striking building which complements
the distinctive cladding of the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre during the day and
as the three facilities illuminate during the night they become a landmark on the Glasgow
skyline. The design process at all times remained focused on ensuring that no fixings were
visible or accessible from within the car park and that all sight lines remained as clean as
possible. The elevations are clad in Proteus HR Solid Rainscreen panels and Proteus SC
Perforated Screen cladding, with materials to complement the already established Scottish
Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Sectional Plan Detailing

Top Cladding Joint

SYSTEM DETAILINGS AND MATERIALS

Proteus SC is an engineered panel system in either solid,
perforated or expanded mesh panel formats utilising an extensive
range of metals, colours, textures and forms. It consists of a
single skin solid, perforated or mesh cladding panel, generally
constructed from 1mm to 5mm thick sheet metal. This panel
support system is designed with vertical mullions spanning
floor to floor, removing the need for secondary steel work and
structural supports, which assisted the design team in complex
geometry areas like the spiral car ramps. The brackets hold the
vertical mullions strong to the building while the panels hook
onto the former.

Middle Cladding Joint

Bottom Cladding Joint

Axonometric Drawing

3.0 STUDIO INTEGRATION

3.1 ALTERNATIVE FACADE DESIGN
3.1.1 Gabion Facade

Front Facade

Rear Facade

3.1 ALTERNATIVE FACADE DESIGN

3.1.1 Gabion Facade

Front Facade

Rear Facade

3.2 SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

3.21 Top Floor
Open Web Steel Joist and Metal Decking

Steel
structures
such as beams
and columns
are assembled,
joint through
welding
Composite Flooring
With I-beam as
support

3.2 SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

3.2.2 Bottom Floor

Composite Flooring With I-beam as support

Glazing

Steel Column to Foundation with base plates, stiffereners and anchor bolts

4.0 REFERENCES

A.T.C. Ediciones, S. M. (2016, June 13). Facades/ Stone cladding/ Mixed systems . Retrieved from Tectonica Online: http://www.tectonica-online.com/products/1535/walls_gabion_thin/
Alter, L. (2016, June 3). Konzept Haus 9x9 by Titus Bernhard Architekten. Retrieved from Treehugger: http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/konzept-haus-9x9-by-titus-bernhard-architekten.html
CYPE. (2016, June 24). Construction Details: Steel , concrete and composite. Retrieved from Construction Details: http://constructiondetails.us.cype.com/
EAM013.html
SECC & Hydro Arena Car Park, Glasgow. (2016, June 12). Retrieved from Proteus Facades: http://www.proteusfacades.com/project/secc-hydro-arena-carpark-glasgow/
Systems, N. M. (2016, June 14). Retrieved from Steel Joist and Mteal Decking: http://www.newmill.com/pdfs/NewmillCatalog.pdf