3 . 2
KEY GENERAL DESIGN ASPECTS
This section outlines architectural and structural considerations that influence the design of large office buildings (eg choice of structural system, materials, core and service distribution design), with the aim of maximising: Adaptability: the ability to change functional and spatial arrangements to suit changing circumstances, thereby increasing the financial resilience of an asset. Space efficiency: maximising usable space, a parameter that is particularly important in buildings seeking to increase their financial value through the quantity and quality of space they are able to offer.
– The opportunity for repetition and modularity: design approaches that both optimise the use of building components.
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
Mass timber buildings can be formed by one-dimensional (post and beam or post and slab type), two-dimensional (platform type) structural elements, or by three-dimensional components (volumetric modular) which are composed of off-site, pre-fabricated walls and floors, plus a series of combinations of these three basic configurations. Although contemporary multi-storey timber construction presents a variety of forms and spatial configurations to meet different contextual, regulatory and design requirements, a common thread seems to be the choice of structural system which maximises the adaptability of internal spaces to meet tenants needs. Like steel and concrete, large timber office buildings are typically frame structures which are defined as post and beam structural systems. These one-dimensional, column- based structures allow for adaptable, open-plan layouts that are easy to organise and reconfigure, with the only permanent obstacles being the load-bearing structure, cores (with their vertical and horizontal circulation and service distribution routes) and possibly some functional areas (wet and high load areas). Furthermore, in post and beam structures, the building envelope has no structural function and can therefore be dismantled and replaced as required.
These key design aspects are then used to inform the examples provided within Section 6 example buildings.
BUILDING FORM
With regards to massing, prismatic, regular building shapes are widely used because they are both simple and suited to maximise space efficiency, structural stability and adaptability.
Prismatically shaped office buildings offer:
– Uniformity and repetition of internal spaces (structural bays) simplifies the organisation of open plan work- spaces. – Maximised natural light and ventilation for work-areas. – Uniform escape distances to lifts/cores, especially if these are positioned centrally. – Simple form that mitigate complexities in a building’s design and assembly, lowering the potential for errors and delays and all0wing for compatibility with existing off-the shelf products and construction techniques (eg non-structural prefabricated, façade materials or internal separation walls etc).
26
TIMBER OFFICES
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online