GOING ON SITE - WEEK 3

Zac Goldberg 582837, Group 15

The tutorial this week was split into 2 sections. the first be-ing looking at the case studies we are looking at throughout the semester and the second being the visit on the con-struction site of the pavillion campus. Three essential pieces equiptment were required: Hard hat, boots and vest

Case Study Buildings:

Eastern Precint Student Centre (link between Buildings)

The Buildings Materials from my observations included Timber, plywood, Steel, (exposed) and concrete. These materials are mainly good in tension forces except for the concrete. The structural system was defined as Light weight, with exposed Steel beams as the frame-work. Whilst walking around and observing the building I noticed a few points which I thought were interesting. The first was the differ-ent types of cantilevers which were present, meaning fixed at the one side. Occasionally some of these beams seamed to have some forms of bracing. The other was the exaggerated feature in the entrance, the frame used as almost an architectural feature, providing an eye catching entering.

As highlighted in the pictures to the left,t the use of Glass was also in-teresting, cleary not used as load bearing, but taking up large portions of space on the walls, allowing different lighting to seep through the structure.

MSLE Building (link between Buildings)

Walking through The MSLE building, the first thing I observed was the contrasting construction types, that of Mass construction to the left (bricks, concrete) and Lighter to the right, that of plasterboard and other materials.

The second major observation was the presence of the cantilevered balcony, and how it was fitting in with the rest of the space. There is a semi rigid connection between the balcony and the wall, and it is likely to be load bearing. (shown in picture) Another element was on the brick side of the wall (to the left) was the way the load is distribut-ed from the wall down the sides of the door. This is done through the use of a lintel, which distributes the loads on either side, right down the the ground.

Queens College Extension

The construction type is mass construction, with the structural sys-tem using timber framing & steel columns to support the wall. Clearly the site is yet to be completed, so we were able to digress a few of the key systems within the structure itself. First was the steel columns used to support the concrete wall, strong in compression. The framing was also visible from where we observing. The roof structure used timbers, and the floor structure was a concrete slab. Overall it was quite a simplistic design as outlined by our tutor, and quite a similar feel to that of the part is was extending from. The most interesting part for me was the connection between the old and the new build-ing. Personally, it felt like it lacked its own uniqueness, but there is still a long way to go in the construction.

Ormond Theology centre Reception

The Geology centre structural system is a light weight structure, with steel columns supporting the beams & glazing blocks supporting the weight. (the construction type) Externally, on the facade, it is evident that the steel beams connect to the precast walls on the facade, mak-ing for an interesting concept.

When entering the building there is evidence of potential issues however, with the entire Glass window covering a main portion of the window, and in spite of external shading, the heat is still too extreme. This is further reiterated with the timber structure acting as a shading element from within the building. Also on the window is Plywood framing. (present in picture 1)

The Floor system is stone tiles on a concrete slabs. The use of concrete however out the front is interesting, with evidence of different tex-tures.

GOING ON SITE - WEEK 3

Zac Goldberg 582837, Group 15

CONSTRUCTION SITE - WEEK 3

Zac Goldberg 582837, Group 15

The brief visit to the construction site of the pavillion gave us some insight as to the workings, and the progress being made on the new pavillion.

To the bottom is the plan/vision for the pavillion, retaining the heritage building, and encorperating a newer design.

An element which our tutor highlighted was the effect of the concrete as a result of the timber, which was to be taken off. This done by pouring the concrete on site, placing the timber and then taking it off to reveal the pattern. This is possible because concrete when wet is almost plastic like, highlighted in the E-learning videos.

The intended effect is pictured on the bottom left hand side of the page.

As explain by the site manager the current picture highlights the soffit, meaning the underside of the floor. The site manager went on to explain about the waterproofing system that they had below, and due to the effects of the natural, and the ground being at the lowest point, it was prone to moisture/water. This is why the water proofing materials (that a builder was doing on the site) is such a vital proccess.

Morever on top of this, was the workings of the hand rail, for which they had already laid down all there formwork, and then completed the rail as they went around.

An interesting observation is the differing levels, which the pavillion and the extended part sit, for which the site manager explained the need for steps to be put in place.

Oval Pavillion:

SITE PHOTOS- WEEK 3

Zac Goldberg 582837, Group 15

Picture 1 - view of the pavillion

Picture 2- Close up view

Picture 3 - View of the construction site

Picture 4- View from the oval