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Video: Group 29 Modular Classroom Design

This is our video for Project 1: RARE Architecture.



+ Problems of the current Mod-5
+ Initial model & sketches
+ Design concept, ideas & solution
+ Plan, section & elevation
+ Diagrams
+ Animation & physical model

Model Making

Our modular classroom design consists of LVL portal frame, recycled timber cladding, zincalume metal roofing and glazed windows and skylight. For our physical model's base and structure we use MDF boards that we got it cut using the laser cutter; and foam boards for the walls, ramp, and the roof. Here are some pictures of the physical model that we have made so far.

Diagrams: Ventilation, Natural Lighting, Water Collection & Storage

Here are some diagrams and drawings to better understand our building.

section

North elevation

ventilation

Natural light & skylight

Water collector & storage

Research: Ventilation, Heating & Cooling

Last week Mark Luther suggested that we raise the floor to have a platform or a sub-floor unit, so that we could install a sub-floor ventilation beneath it. Apart from ventilation ducting, the space beneath can be use for water storage as well.

During summer, heat penetrates the space and it becomes very uncomfortable and very expensive as the air-conditioning has to work harder to cool the internal air. With the Ultrafan or powered roof ventilation, it expels hot air by a wind turbine (spinning ventilators) to remove trapped heat. Ultrafan is a low voltage roof exhaust fan; it ran on thermostat that turns the fan on and off as required. Also, it uses less power consumption and low noise attributes. Also, we are going to install air grilles on the side to allow fresh air into the building. The fresh air will then replace the internal hot air.

For heating and cooling, we are going to incorporate the idea of hydronics. Hydronics is the name for the use of water as the heat-transfer medium in heating and cooling systems. A hydronics system may include both a chilled and a heated water loop, to provide for both heating and air conditioning. Chillers are used separately or together as means to provide water cooling, while boilers heat water. The pipes, embedded in the floor, carry heated water that conducts warmth to the surface of the floor where it broadcasts energy to the room.

Here’s a link that gives a better understanding in installing a hydronic system:
http://www.radiant-floor-heating.com/hydronic_radiant_heating_installation.htm

Week 3: Update!

For this week, we have discussed on what our brief is going to be. We chose to do a Mod-5 somewhere we are familiar with, which is around Victoria and we wanted to design a building for primary school children, specifically lower primary. It's going to be more challenging and fun!

Also, for next week I have to do a research on the floor and platform to accommodate the ventilation for the building.



Here are few more examples on the concept of modular+portable.

Video: Modular building construction

Here's a video that I found very useful. It shows how a modular building is being constructed and installed on site.



For more information, do visit http://www.modtech.com/