access to natural light and views. In addition, central cores facilitate fire evacuation procedures and logistics.
early appointment of a services engineer is essential. It is beneficial if they have a clear understanding of ‘plug and play’ systems and can provide detailed construction information rather than performance specifications. Most mass timber office buildings use cores for vertical distribution while the soffit of service and distribution corridors surrounding the core accommodate their horizontal distribution without compromising the clear heights of workspaces. These distribution corridors present a relatively short span (approximately. 3 to 4.5 m grid depth), and consequently a shallow structural beam depth (potentially even a localised post and slab arrangement) that creates a deeper service zone containing primary service distributions such as ventilation ductwork and electrical cabling. Experience shows that this ceiling zone requires a free depth of approximately. 500 mm and that horizontal service runs each serve a zone of a maximum of six bays each without relying on additional vertical risers. This services distribution strategy facilitates future adaptation as office-bays can easily be upgraded or downgraded should heating or ventilation requirements change, furthermore, it is compatible with all office typologies. Service Bay Service Bay T y p ical Bay
By centralising the core, designers consolidate load- bearing elements and streamline vertical circulation; this approach also ensures optimum use of materials and overall structural stability and safety. This optimisation is not just about structural and spatial efficiency, but also about a more adaptable environment capable of accommodating a wide/changing range of functions.
SERVICES DISTRIBUTION
Proper coordination of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services with the building structure is essential, particularly in mass timber office buildings. Avoiding MEP routing holes improves the structural performance of building components and ensures flexibility for future service modifications. Service design is influenced by building occupancy, layout and bay depth and height targets. For this reason, many early design decisions deeply influence the MEP strategy. For example, the choice between natural and mechanical ventilation has a significant impact on massing height, core layout roof and façade design. This is why the Service Bay T y p ical Bay
T y p ical Bay
Service Bay
T y p ical Bay Typical Bay
T y p ical Bay
Core with service risers Core with service risers
Ser
Service channel Service channel
Dow
Service Bay Service Bay
Service distribution Service distribution
Core with service risers
Downstand beam Downstand beam
Service channel
Service Bay Service Bay
T y p ical Bay Typical Bay
Core with service risers
Service distribution
Figure: Services distribution in different core arrangements
Service channel
Downstand beam
TIMBER OFFICES
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