THE BENEFITS AND
DESIGN OF
Materials &
Methods
Introduction
Building
Building Envelope
Structure
Skin
Skeleton
Exterior walls, roof & slab on grade
Beams, Columns & slabs
Aesthetics
Strength & Stability
Physical separator
Building Materials play a significant role in achieving an equilibrium between aesthetics and practicality of the structure
while withstanding the harsh weather constraints.
Our design approach is to provide student centric & barrier free spaces in a seven-storey classroom building, our focus was
to provide a well lit and well-ventilated interior space, reducing the usage of artificial lighting during maximum hours of the
day making it energy efficient building.
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Skylight
Daylight into the building
Green roof Exterior walls
Improvising the Metal stud wall
microclimate Rain screen
system cladded
with cement fiber
panels
Double glazed
tempered glass
Concrete slab panels
supported with
concrete beams
& columns
Figure 01. Building envelope details
Raft Foundation
Slab on grade
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The most important aspect in protecting
the built form is to have a series of
climatic barriers both internal & external
to protect the structure against any type
of failure. These components and
barriers in the right proportion provide an
insulation and the desired R value rating
to the built form creating a comfortable
environment for the inhabitants.
Figure 03. As per MMAH SB-10 our site is Zone 5 based on the heating degree-days of 3520 as per
MMAH SB-01
Structure
Soil type:
The site is located in the heart of Toronto’s
downtown near lake Ontario.
As per our analysis of the geology of this area,
it contains Lake Iroquois soil, sand and silt
sand with a shallow water deposit. Soil having
a water table at a depth higher than the
foundation level will have low bearing capacity
(capacity of soil to support the loads applied to
the ground) This type of soil has a tendency to
retain moisture; the soil is cold and drains
poorly. This causes the silty soil to expand,
putting pressure against the foundation and
weakening it, which is not ideal to support a
foundation. Hence the buildings in such soil
must be well reinforced & waterproofed. The
bedrock geology map shows we are at bedrock Figure 04. Geological map
area of Georgian Bay that consists of shale,
limestone, dolostone, and siltstone.
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Structure
Soil type:
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Structure
Foundation: Retaining Wall :
As we are proposing to construct a building Walls in the basement should be constructed
having a mass that is seven storeys above grade with 200 mm CMU protected with rigid
and four storeys below grade in this type of soil, insulation, damp proofing and a waterproofing
the building requires a stable system.
foundation.
We decided to build with a raft foundation which
would give more stability to the structure and
reduce the load on the soil as this building floats
on the ground as a raft floats on water. Retaining wall
There is a 300mm of concrete slab extending Lift shaft
over the entire building stiffened by 450mm x Cement screed
450mm of inverted beams with an infill of rigid Rigid Insulation
insulation. Raft foundation beams
Raft foundation base slab
Slab footing
Lift pit
Lift pit footing
Figure 05. Raft foundation detail
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Building Envelope:
Building Façade:
We aim to beautifully blend different materials and textures in the façade detailing, by having solid opaque cement fiber
panels which contrasted with the glazing, creating a seamless visual connect.
Figure 06. Table shows R values and thickness for the materials
Figure 07. Floor Slab to wall junction detail
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Structure
I will Model it.
Figure 08. Roof to wall junction detail (with Parapet)
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Structure
Basement retaining wall junction
Air / Moisture barrier
Drainage mat
Rigid Insulation
Cement screed
Insulation
Foundation base slab
Damp proofing membrane
Rigid Insulation
Layered gravel
Weep tile
Raft foundation & wall footing
Figure 09. Slab on grade and retaining wall junction detail
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Building Envelope:
Façade Material:
Cement Fiber Panels:
Fiber cement is a composite material with a cement base reinforced with cellulose fibers.
Advantages of fiber cement products
• Maximum protection against weather
• Excellent longevity
• Easy installation in any climate
• Almost no maintenance required
• No cracks, paint or sealant problems
• High sustainability
• Non-combustible
Lightweight panels and joints deflect most of the rainwater. Ventilated cavity eliminates the remainder of the moisture by
natural drainage and evaporation.
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Building Envelope:
Façade Material:
Glazing :
Building façade has an extensive use of double-glazed fritted panels.
Low E, tinted, fritted glass of helps in reducing glare, lowers the danger to birds.
Provides better insulation value.
Increases acoustical control.
It creates an interesting visual interfaces between the interior and exterior. Light when passed through these patterns it
creates a dramatic play of light and shadows in the interior spaces.
Figure 10. Rainscreen working system
Figure 11. Rainscreen working system 12
Building Envelope:
I will Model it.
Figure 12. Exterior wall assembly
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Building Envelope:
Green Roof System:
The green roof, as an insulation system made of natural local materials, took shape in a variety of vernacular architecture.
• It’s a complex layered system that helps in the better performance of the building along with
giving an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
•Green roofing system improves the Macro climate & urban ecosystem
•vegetation and layers composition benefits the quality of life by delaying peak flood while retaining rainwater, reducing CO2
while producing oxygen and recreating biodiversity.
•Reduce pollution, water retention.
•Reduces heat island effect in urban areas.
•Extends roof lifespan by reducing daily temperature fluctuations and provides shading from ultraviolet light.
•Provides energy savings from additional insulation & evaporative cooling.
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Vegetation
Vegetation blanket
Filter fabric
Drainage layer
Filter fabric
Rigid insulation
Root barrier
Separation sheet
Roofing membrane
Concrete roof slab
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Thanks for your Attention
