BRACC Building Realisation And Climate ChangeMay Tsang 10978016 disPLACENon-Place

CONSTRUCTION & Sustainability Issues01

Legislative Framework

DETAIL 01 Sliding Panels

CLIMATE CHANGE AND RESOURCE DEPLETION

MATERIAL ANALYSISEXISTING STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

The proposal incorporates new insertions combined with renovation work of the existing built structure, aiming for minimal demolition and a reduction of excavation waste to landfill. Recycling of removed concrete columns can keep concrete out of landfill sites and help the environment. Concrete can be broken up and crushed into a certain size for easy removal and transportation. The concrete can then be recycled back into future work. The crushed concrete could also be used in the sub-base layer when masons are prepping the area for cement. Other materials used will be sourced locally

A major element of the design is cross programming, which is an approach to sustainability in terms of building use. Much of the building is designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing multiple functions and programmatic changes across time.

A key part of the building programme is a passenger airship terminal. The city of Genoa currently has 6 different modes of transport. Due to its orthographic peculiarity, in particularly the lack of costal spaces, residential suburbs have been built on steep hill areas, causing difficult access for public transport. One of the main urban problems in Genoa is the deterioration of the environment downtown where there is continuously an increasing amount of pollution, mainly due to traffic flows in the central areas. By proposing an airship passenger terminal, the transportation problems of Genoa can be addressed. The airship has some very unique qualities that enable it to probably be the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly air transport system possible. Airships use the lifting power of Helium to keep them in the air and not the thrust of their engines, therefore making them one of the most efficient and ecologically acceptable forms of aviation. It could potentially become a future model of environmentally friendly mode of transport across the city.

COMPONENTSSun shading is provided on the south façade to provide shading for the pool areas. The use of sliding panels with progressive openings on each of the four layers, allow control of the device based on the required amount of light and shading in specific weather conditions. Horizontal sunshades on the south façade cut out mid-afternoon sun, reducing the need for cooling along with vertical sunshades to cut out western sun and cast distinctive shadow patterns.

1 Sliding acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate panel2 Metal track Steel roller3 Lightweight concrete in steel ribbed sheeting Water-resistant plasterboard Vapour barrier Zinc-alum metal sliding

Part A

Regulation States Regulation Achieved

Part M

Part L2a

ConcreteUSE STRUCTURE WEATHER- PROOFING

Steel

ETFE

Carbon Fibre

THERMAL PERFORMANCE DURABILITY SUSTAINABILITYThe adaptive reuse of the monolithic reinforced concrete structure reduces the overall embodied energy within the scheme. Concrete has a long life span and can be recycled as aggregates.

Cushion acts as thermal blanket to structure.

Enables significantly improved thermal performance.

Large thermal mass regulates the internal temperature and reduces heating.

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Poor insulation due to high thermal conductivity.

Highly resilient and self cleaning.

Very tough and is more durable than various other metals.

Resists weathering action, sea water exposure, chemical attack, and abrasion while maintaining its desired engineering properties.

Highly durable when protected.

ETFE allows more light and heat penetration than glass, creating a 30% decrease in energy costs. Recyclable unlike tempered glass.

Can be recycled infinitely. Resource conservation and waste minimisation is incorporated in all elements of steel production to substantially reduce environmental impact.

Scrap carbon fibre can be recycled and converted into useful materials. This can provide a sustainable lifecycle for carbon fibre.

Cheaper to structurally support and able to span large lengths.

High inherent degree of fire protection and nil spread of flame. Slow sealing against weather.

Requires a protective coating.

Untreated carbon fibres do not wet easily, so adhesion to the matrix must be achieved by mechanical interference coupled with surface treatment and chemical bonding between the fibre and the matrix.

Allows excellent permeability to air and water vapour while remaining waterproof.

Resists compression and permits more audacious construction and longer spans with load-bearing structures characterised by minimum encumbrance.

Adequate provision should be made to ensure that the building is stable under the likely imposed and wind loading conditions.Conservation of fuel and power in consideration of both construction and environmental strategies. Also prevention of waste and undue consumption.Access and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Inclusive design for all building users, including disabled people.

A suitable layout of walls keep the existing structure robust. That the internal and external walls are adequately connected using mechanical connections.This has been considered in the selection of appropriate materials that can be recycled, and the reuse of an existing building structure.This has been considered been by providing sufficient doorway dimensions for horizontal circulation, provision of passenger lifts and disabled WC’s.

Good tensile and yield strength

External skin of south façade in bathing areas.

Load transfer between steel and concrete. A durable means of strengthening and reinforcement of existing concrete infrastructure.

Strong and lightweight. High in tensile strength.

Primary structure, floors, walls, roof and foundation.

Reinforcement of concrete. Load transfer beams and frame within atrium.

N

E) Method of Reinforcing Columns

F) Section through Secondary Beams & Floor

A) Section through Beam

B) Junction of Beam & Column

C) Cross-Section through Beam & Floor

D) Section through Main Beam

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B

C

E

A

APASSENGER SERVICE

FAMILYSCIENCE

TRANSPORT

ADULTSBATHING

18+

CONSTRUCTION & Sustainability Issues

DETAIL 02 Steel Beam to Reinforced Concrete Wall Connection

DETAIL 03 Precast Concrete Roof System

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DETAIL 04 ETFE

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SECTION A-A 1:200

Existing Structure New Structure

1 ETFE cushion2 Polystyrene insulation layer 3 Steel bracket Neoprene seals Rubber gasket Double screw mechanism allowing access to aluminium rod for air cushion replacement Aluminium cap Aluminium rod with nylon sleeve for protection4 Steel frame5 Extrusion, waterproofed between caps6 Drain hole

1 Reinforcement with hook into wall (placed in grouted joint in hollow core slab)2 Precast hollow core slab3 Hooked bar in wall4 CMU bond beam

1 Steel beam2 Steel plate3 Connection bars4 Reinforced concrete wall

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ENVIRONMENT & Energy02

SECTION B-B 1:500

STRATEGY

ENERGY SOURCE

The building is located in Genoa, which is within the Mediterranean climate zone, experiencing hot summers and a high number of sunlight hours. The existing building consists of a monolithic reinforced concrete structure which already provides thermal mass. This regulates the internal temperature and reduces overheating. The use of concrete as the main building material also makes it suitable for the warm climate in Italy.

The central atrium within the spa area intentionally has a controlled, limited amount of natural lighting to set an ambient atmosphere within unfamiliar environment. It allows for natural ventilation and is complemented with mechanical systems. In contrast, the other half of the building consists of many apertures throughout walls, acting as an semi indoor/outdoor space and encouraging natural ventilation.

Conventional heating systems use fossil fuels which are expensive and harmful to the environment. Solar hot water heating systems is an ideal solution to cutting costs and carbon emissions. By taking advantage of Genoa’s Mediterranean and micro climate, solar energy will be used to provide heating throughout the building and heating of the pools. The pools themselves are the thermal storage for the system. During night time, an extra thermal store that consists of a solar collected pool tank will be used. This will ensure that the pools are constantly heated throughout the year.

NSolar Energy Solar Pool Heater Schematic

The use of a pool cover increases the efficiency tremendously. Over 70% of the heat lost from pools is from evaporation loss, which cools the pool tremendously.

Naturally ventilated semi indoor/outdoor space

Electricity and mains supply from adjacent street

Plant behindWater sourceWater treatmentThermal store

Roof apertures used to provide natural light and vent warm stale air

A) By using the pool pump, pool water is directed through a series of valves to the solar collectors.

B) Pool water enters the solar collectors at the bottom and rises to the top through individual tubes of the collector.

C) As the water rises through the solar collector it is heated by the sun's radiant energy.

D) The water is then returned to the pool and will repeat the cycle until the pool reaches the desired temperature.

SOLAR COLLECTORS

PANEL COLLECTORS

SENSOR MOUNTEDON ROOF

RETURN LINE

SENSOR WIRE

AUTOMATIC CONTROL

BACKUP HEATER

TO POOLFROM POOL

PUMP

FILTER

3-WAY VALVE

CHECK VALVE

BALL VALVE BALL VALVE

SENSOR WIRE

SENSOR

FEED LINE VACUUM BREAKER

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ENVIRONMENT & Energy

MICRO Heating, Cooling & Ventilation

Legislative Framework

MESO Lighting, Heating, Cooling & Ventilation1:1000 Summer’s Day

PLANT ROOM Summer’s Day

Warm Dry Air

Plant Room

Warm Wet Air

Pool Water

1:1000 Summer’s Night

1:1000 Summer’s Night1:1000 Winter’s Day

1:1000 Winter’s Day

1:1000 Winter’s Night

1:1000 Winter’s Night

Under floor heating provided in spa areas. The heat absorbed by the concrete during the day will be re-radiated to regulate the internal temperature and reduce heating requirements the following morning. Heating and ventilation is provided within burlesque boxes.

PART F Means of ventilationAdequate ventilation for all users in every inhabited

space. Design for effective control of internal and external heat gains. Incorporation of available thermal

mass in dense floors and internal wall materials also help absorb and even out heat gains.

PART G3 Hot water storage Hot water is preheated by solar panels with high capacity super-insulated storage to avoid fuel use during summer.

The programmed use of a spa is not considered to be a noise generating use in itself. However, with integration of the burlesque element, walls will be insulated for acoustic purposes in dedicated entertainment areas. Externally, associated servicing and visitors to the exhibition and airship passenger terminal, may give rise to noise transmittance. Due to the close proximity of the Faculty of Economics, the servicing plant may need to be restricted to control noise through a suitable service management plan to limited the number, time, and type of movements, to prevent disturbance to neighbouring buildings.

Apertures allow for sunlight to enter and assist heating and daylighting. The thermal mass of the concrete will absorb heat from incoming sunlight, and regulate the internal temperature to avoid large temperature fluctuations. Mechanical ventilation will be used as necessary to provide fresh air to pool areas and changing facilities. Underfloor heating provided throughout spa if required.

The heat absorbed by the heavy mass concrete during the day will be re-radiated into the building, ensuring it is warm the following day. Heating and ventilation is provided within burlesque boxes as necessary.

Fresh air distribution in burlesque boxes

Openings in the roof of the spa area allow penetration of sunlight and natural ventilation. Mechanical ventilation will be required in pools and changing facilities. The semi indoor/outdoor areas in the airship passenger terminal and exhibition space, with a number of wall apertures promote natural lighting and ventilation.

In order to prevent deterioration of the building fabric, each pool will require some form of dehumidification and ventilation to control the condensation and evaporation from the warm pool water. A plant room is located adjacent to the pool room to allow this to occur. A heat recovery ventilation unit is also used to dispose of stale air without the risk of losing heat.

The building maximises natural daylighting and ventilation in an effort to reduce energy requirements. The provision of wall and roof apertures allows daylight to penetrate most of the building for the majority of conditions. However, it is also important to avoid excessive solar gain on the south façade, as a result, sliding panels act as a sun shading device to control and diffuse light where possible. The electric lighting system is equipped with daylight sensors and is used to supplement natural daylighting to achieve the required levels of luminance. Movement sensors will also be provided for areas used less frequently. All Lighting is also equipped with diffusers to evenly distribute artificial light.

SOUND TRANSMITTANCE & ACOUSTICS

Heat Recovery Ventilator

Condensate Water to Waste

Return air

Return air

Return airOutside air

Outside airReturn air

Supply air

Supply air

Supply air Exhaust air

Exhaust airSupply air

SERVICES & Integration03

HYDRONICS FIRE STRATEGYWater Supply & Distribution

Means of Escape

Drainage & Waste Management

Compartmentation

Fire Equipment

Ground Floor

First Floor

Second Floor

Third Floor

Fourth Floor

The mains water supply arrives at the site from the same branch which serves the neighbouring buildings. The pipe work is located beneath the adjacent street. The plant facilities are located to the rear of this street, and the metering and stopcock will be located outside of the main plant room, and stop valve within. Water is then distributed via a primary riser from the plant room and horizontally under a raised floor.

Genoa has a greater annual rainfall than any other place in the Mediterranean. Due to this, rain water is collected and directed down guttering where it then flows to the grey water storage tank. The water is then filtered in the plant room and distributed throughout the building for flushing toilets, minimising demand on the mains water supply. Soil pipework is similarly directed down the main service riser.

Solid waste is encouraged to be recycled to the rear (north) of the building with easy access for local collection service. Bins comprise of: paper and cardboard, cans and bottles, food and all other waste.

The building generally has a low fire risk due to the moist nature of the baths. It is also supported by extensive use of semi indoor/outdoor areas in both parts of the programme.

Smoke detectors will be installed in the building to provide coverage in risk areas.

Fire extinguishers are to be located at regular points, particularly by exits and entrances to stairwells

The majority of the passenger terminal and exhibition space features open floor plans so do not have much compartmental floors. This potential problem could be tackled with the provision of a sprinkler system.

Stair cores will be contained within a 2 hour fire rated enclosure with self closing fire doors and smoke seals.

The building falls under ‘Assembly and Recreation’ resulting in limitations of 18m for one direction of travel and 45m for more than one direction. The building complies with this in most places, but would most likely require more input in some areas.

The bathing and burlesque half of the building has three sets of escape stairs, with one set serving as primary circulation. The passenger terminal and exhibition space contains two sets of escape stairs with an extensive use of permeable façades.

Provision has been made for a 1400 x 900mm disabled refuge within stair cores, outside the flow of escaping persons. Fire protected evacuation lifts can also be utilised as part of a management plan for evacuating disabled people.

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Changing rooms are provided with 2 means of escape and consist of a 1 hour fire rated construction

Staff area/offices act as an effective area of compartmentation with 2 hour fire rated construction.

The series of bathing pools means that the building can be considered as having very low fire risk.

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KEYSmoke Alarm

Fire Extinguisher

Fire Exit Signage

2 Hour Fire Rated Construction

1 Hour Fire Rated Construction

Compartmentation

Escape Routes

Fire Lifts

Disabled Refuge

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SSFRESH WATER

SINKS

RAIN

ROOF DRAINAGE

SOIL PIPE TO SEWAGE SYSTEM

GREY WATERSTORE

TOILET FLUSH

Sewer connection

drain

Metering & stopcock

Mains Water supply

Rainwater for harvesting

Foul drainage runs from

changing room showers and

toilets

Existing waste and recycling facilities

on site

Rainwatertank

SERVICES & Integration

Legislative FrameworkPART B Fire safety

The building establishes the requirements for vertical escape routes such as refuge areas for wheelchair users, fire protected lifts and protected staircases that consist of fire resistant construction, which it complies with. Sprinkler systems are also incorporated into areas that do not have compartmentation.

PART G HygieneConcerns sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency. Fittings will be selected and installed to satisfy these requirements.

PART H Drainage & Waste DisposalConcerns drainage and waste disposal. An adequate system of drainage is provided to carry foul water from appliances within the building to a public sewer. Sanitary

pipework and underground drainage used to collect grey water for recovery and re-use within the building is designed and constructed in accordance with the guidance in the document.

PART P Electrical SafetyConcerns electrical safety both in terms of operation and installation and maintenance.

SERVICES INTEGRATIONStrategic View Tactical View

Service riser

A requirement of pool based programmes is to have a balance/

overspill tank for each pool which is sized approximately 30% of the pool.

Water, sewage and electric

mains supply

KEYMains Electric

Mains Water Supply

Heating Pipe work

Soil Pipe work

Plant

WC’s and showers stacked to simplify

drainage and water supply

In order to maintain the pools, water conditioning is required which takes place in a closed cycle and includes the following processes:

A) FiltrationWater in the swimming pool needs to circulate through a filtering system, to remove dirt and debris. During normal operation, water flows to the filtering system through two or more main drains at the bottom of the pool and multiple skimmer drains around the top of the pool. Dirty water from the pool comes in through the filter’s inlet pipe, which leads to the water distribution head inside the tank. At the bottom of the tank, the filtered water flows through the pick-up unit and out the outlet pipe. Over time, the collected dirt and debris slows down the water flow. Pressure gauges at the filter inlet and outlet give an idea of the blockage level inside. If gauges show much greater pressure on the inlet pipe than the outlet pipe, there will be a requirement to backwash the filter.

B) HeatingThe use of a solar pool heating systems means that operation and maintenance requirements are minimal. There is normally no additional maintenance necessary beyond normal filter cleaning and winter close-up. The system should be drained in the winter months; however, in some cases the system drains itself.

C) DisinfectionMicro-organisms pollute pools. Each person will add 1,000,000 - 1,000,000,000 microorganisms to the water. The water itself contains microorganisms as well. After oxidation a disinfectant must be added to the water to kill pathogenic microorganisms. Disinfectants used for pool water must also meet certain demands. They should be harmless and non-irritating to bathers and attendants. They must be active in small concentrations and remain their activity for long periods of time.

CThe disinfection of the pool water with ozone or hypochlorite of sodium is connected with automatic dosage of pH regulator. Water disinfecting is done with the help of automatic dosage stations. The method of ozonization requires the use of supplement fittings.

AWater will be poured into a pool through

wall entrance nozzles (1). Emptying of pool's basin will be done through the

bottom outlet (2). Water onto a filter will be derived from the skimmer (3) and

partly from the bottom outlet (2). From the skimmer (3) water will be transmitted onto a sand-gravel filter by the pump (4).

BThe use of a solar heating system will

allow the water to be heated accordingly. A backup heater will also be in place (5).

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The source of electricity comes from the Plant of Genoa, owned by ENEL

SpA, which is made by two units fuelled by coal.

Power Plant

SITE

FAÇADE 3D Detailed Study04

ASSEMBLY

1) Existing monolithic reinforced concrete structure with piled raft foundations.2) Inset of organic shapes within square panels set into existing arches between columns.3) Every other column removed at ground level. Remaining reinforced concrete columns are strengthened with use of steel angle profiles and transverse plates.Steel frame clad with triple layer ETFE air filled cushions fixed to outer side of building structure.4) Sliding acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate laser cut panels fixed to metal track on steel rollers along with the horizontal sunshade comprised of plastic composites rest on the building structure.

Study Area

Triple layered screen frame views and light, creating a dynamic buffer of shadows and interesting framed views.

ETFE cushion allows more

light and heat penetration than

glass. It also acts as a thermal

blanket to the structure.

Apertures across wall

panels promote natural

ventilation.

Existing 15 metres deep piled raft

foundations.

Horizontal sunshades cut out mid-afternoon sun, reducing the need for cooling.

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