Your task is to find the most effective and efficient structural solution to respond to the dwelling design and construction presented as a case study. The solution is to meet/comply with the requirements established in Schedule 1 Part L of Approved Document L of the Building Regulations and other BS EN relevant codes.
This Coursework has two tasks. Task 1 is worth 70% of the overall mark for Coursework 1 and Task 2 is worth 30% of the overall mark for Coursework 1.
1. Task 1
You are to investigate the house design provided (case study) to gain an understanding for a possible structural frame solution. The reasons for your proposed structural frame should be justified/based on a differing performance level compare and contrast table (i.e. resistance to load, structural safety, fire safety, acoustic and thermal performance, CO2 emissions, waste disposal, etc.). The table should establish the comparison between THREE structural types of frames in different materials (i.e. concrete portal frame, steel truss to column, timber beam to column).
You are not expected to reproduce the existing structure of the house design provided but rather explore potential structural frames that can support its design.
The structural solution is to be considered alongside the “earth-retaining” needs for a sloping site and the concept of “balance”.
Your proposed solution for this feasibility study must clearly demonstrate the wide range of research that has been undertaken in its preparation. Marks will be deducted for work that is unclear and / or poorly presented.
You are expected to produce a comparative performance evaluation table covering and including:
the advantages and disadvantages of all three possible frame solutions and justifying your proposed solution at the end;
drawings and sketches of how you think the frame will work on the design (i.e. slab, roof, clear spans, etc…)
Word count limit 900 and reasonability proportionate annotated sketches.
Task 2
During this semester, aiming to understand the relationship between architectural form and structural performance as well as materials and technology implication in the architectural design process you have developed research in different subject areas.
As part of the research conducted you are to:
Choose a structure from nature and
o Draw it from all possible angles
o Identify similar structures made by man
o Analyse both from a design and performance point of view
This exercise is to be linked with the case study provided (house project). i.e. lessons learnt from analysis of the structure from nature and the man made one must support your decision for choosing (or not) a structural solution. Word count limit 100 and reasonability proportionate annotated sketches.
