Project 1 VIDEO INFORMATION

Unfortunately the text within our video presentation did not come out too well, so here it is:

STRUCTURE


Starting Top Left – Anti clockwise

-Energy efficient, 2-stage HVAC system reduces energy consumption and uses R410A refrigerants that to not harm the ozone layer
-Solar panels, back energy for lighting
-High efficiency fluorescent lighting, mean which occupancy sensors conserve energy by turning lights off when people come and go; lights off when people come and go; lights are dimmed when natural light reaches proper levels
-Recycled content carpet tiles help reduce landfill waste.
-Formaldehyde-free, low VOC paints and coatings reduce “off gassing’ that can result in dangerous pollution
-100% recycled plastic water tanks
Eco-friendly Interior wall finishes include recycled cork & super insulated kingspan panels for fixed walls

MATERIALITY & SYSTEMS

Starting Top Left – Anti clockwise

-White roofing(instead of black) reflects solar heat and reduces air conditioning loads to save energy
-Double insulated low ‘E’ glazing in thermally broken aluminium extruding framing system
Openable glass vent
-Recycled steel construction produces a structure that is strong, non-combustible and mold resistant because its cellulose-free (67& recycled content)
-Environmentally & ozone friendly Icyene, a water based, sprayed floor insulation & rigid Polyis, made with recycled materials, provide a continuous blanket around the exterior walls and roof for superior thermal protection, energy saving & mold resistance
-Eco-friendly exterior walls finishes include super insulated kingspan panels for fixed walls & 100% recycled plywood sheeting used in their entirety, to minimise waste, the use of which slows deforestation and helps preserve natural habitats


DETAIL

Top to bottom

-Carpet with recycled fibres
-Plantation plywood
-Felt
-Steel track
-Sprayed in place Ilcynene foam insulation


-Large windows that measure along the side of the structure provide increase window to wall ration for better exterior viewing by the occupants and reduces the need for artificial lighting.
-Manoeuvrable panels on the exterior help regulate direct sunlight penetration. Steel roller tacks allow panels to be manoeuvrable. Furthermore our post and beam construction means that all of the interior and exterior walls can be moved or renovated easily because they are not load bearing.
-Steel roller track securely fastened to plywood panel


RARE Architecture

Renewable

-Use of recycled materials
-Implementation of sustainable systems
-Environmental
-Use of efficient HVAC system
-Water collection
-Use of solar panels

Relocatable

-Flexible, modular construction system comprising of recycled steel portal frame & prefabricated panels

Adaptive

-Sliding panels gives the user control of natural lighting & views
-Panel sliding externally creates a unique outdoor learning space

Project 1 Final

The main features of the RARE modular classroom includes moveable adjustable plywood sliding panels, kingspan walls and roof, solar panels to generate power for lighting/computers/heating, an out door classroom area, recycled cork pin boards and flooring for the wet area. The portable classroom also incorporates natural ventilation, windows along the top to allow the hot air to be extracted naturally and long eaves to block the sun in summer. The classroom can either be single or double.

To view the video presentation click on the link below:

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ_71o3B6nE

Below are some images of the physical model in construction and the completed model. The plan and section have also been included below.

The Physical Model in Construction

The entire model was laser cut where 1mm strawboard was used for the structure and furniture of the model. The fixed panels and roof were constructed from 3mm MDF and the moveable panels were constructed from 3mm plywood.

Columns and beams!

The windows contstructed from the 1mm strawboard and accetate to represent the double glazing!

The box gutter at 500mm x 150mm in order to catch the water off the steep butterfly roof!



The Completed Physical Model

The image above illustrates the portable classroom with all panels closed. It also shows the peeping windows where students work can be displayed within on the lattice shelf!

The photo above shows the water tanks and the plywood panels partially open

The outdoor deck classroom can be seen above, as well as the sliding panel that encloses the space.

The two images above show the classroom interior! The first image with the central sliding panel open and the second image illustrates it inside!

The Plan

The Section

Project 1 Additional Info

Hey all,

For additional information on project 1 including, photos, process sketches and cool vids please visit my other group members blogs:

Mel
http://srd364mdfe.blogspot.com/

Emma
http://srd364elgaud.blogspot.com/

Thanks and enjoy!! :)

Project 1 Construction Details

Below are some sketches that we did with the help of our tutors in order to resolve some of the main consturction details for our portable classroom. We needed to understand the way in which our columns connected with the fixed panels and how the moveable panels would be attached to the rails!

Project 1 Development

As a group we decided that integrating both ideas of the sliding panel system and lattice type ceiling would create an over crowded and busy space. In order to integrate the RARE Achitecture concepts we decided to keep it simple.

Above is a sketch which integrates the lattice system wrapping around as the skin of the building. Decking was also used to connect the two classrooms together. The deck creates an outdoor learning area between the two classrooms.

We decided as a group to create one classroom that can be adjoined to another classroom. Therefore the school has the option of either hiring one or two classrooms depending on their needs.

Below is an image that indicates us working through the plan and idea of the sliding panels within a 2m grid system. The panel system is ideal for this situation because it can be easily transported and put together on site!

We decided to integrate the lattice system on the back wall of the portable classroom. The lattice is more of a square shaped shelving system from floor to ceiling height. The top left of the plan indicates a wet area sitting adjacent to the computer/reading area that is separated by a partition.

Above is a sketch indicating the panel sizing and positioning of columns. At this stage we were trying to work out the panel sizes and appropriate system for the building!

Project 1: RARE Architecture

Project 1 which runs over 4 weeks is based on RARE Architecture. RARE meaning Renewable, Adaptable, Relocatable and Environmental. In our groups we were asked to re-define the mod-5 relocatable classroom whilst integrating the concepts of RARE Architecture.

Mel, Emma and I began wokring through the problem and drew inspiration from the two buildings below.

The image above is of a gallery space. The ceiling is designed entirely of a cardboard material attached together with a metal connector to form a triangular lattice. The idea of recycled carboard material was appealing as well as its ability to let in natural light. We were also mindful of its easy erecton on site. We considered using this type of construction not only for the ceiling but for the walls as well. The lattice structure on the walls would act as shelving and storage for students work/bags/books.

The building above is a holiday cabin designed by Olsen Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects in Washington. The most apealing feature of this building is its ability to adjust the amount of natural sunlight into it. The moveable panels allows the building to be adapted for different uses. The elements of this building were constructed off site and then transported onsite and bolted together. Things that we considered as a group was the buildings sustainability. The structure and panels are made of steel which is not an ideal material with its high embodied energy. Recycled timber or plywood could be considered instead of steel panels.

Above is an image indicating the way in which the building works. The buildings panels open and close manually by a wheel and connected to cogs and a pully type system!

The images of the holiday cabin are taken from:
Carles Broto, Superb Cabins: Small Houses in Nature, Barcelona, 2007

Portable Classrooms in the Media....

Here are some articles I found on the internet that discuss various issues with portable classrooms.

The articles below discusses how parents, teachers and students dislike the current modular relocateble classrooms. It also discusses the environment of the portable buildings and how long these portable classrooms actually stay in schools.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23606753-5001021,00.html

http://www.theage.com.au/news/education-news/a-state-of-decay/2005/10/07/1128562998818.html

The two articles below talk about using old portable classrooms from the 70's as homes. This article could be interesting in terms of adaptability, which we have to consider for the RARE Architecture assignment.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23956123-2,00.html

http://www.sunburyleader.com.au/article/2008/06/30/38155_srv_news.html