Architectural Detailing Function and Constructability
Please follow instructions (and structure) as discussed in class to develop a case study.
This assignment is meant to introduce the process of a constructability review. The students will review a specific architectural detail (could be commercial or residential; new or existing structure) analyzing its function and constructability within the constructability review framework.
You can select any architectural detail of your interest. Some examples may be (but are not limited to):
1. Intersections (wall-window; ceiling-wall; wall-floor; foundation wall- floor, or any problematic Structure/Enclosure Joint, etc)
2. Common problematic areas (cold roof; roof ice dams; foundation drainage; thermal bridges; foundation drainage; rain screen assemblies; interstitial condensation; air leakage, etc.)
3. Interface of various systems such as provision ofpassages for mechanical and electrical services (ducts, piping and wiring; attic penetrations such as lighting features; electrical outlet boxes, etc.)
From the Building Science point of view students will include in their discussions at least aspects related to the following:
1. How to design details that will be water- and airtight
2. How this details allow to control the flows of heat and water vapor
3. How this details help to adjust to all kinds of movement
4. How the details help preserve structural durability (providing for the ageing of the building)
5. How this details are in fact easy to construct: ease of assembly forgiving details (there is a possibility to actually build and test these)
6. How to implement an efficient use of construction with the details (skills, rehearsing the construction sequence, refining details, prefabricated pieces/assemblies)
7. Aesthetics
Deliverables:
1. Case Study Report
2. Information Sheet: This is a technical summary of the most relevant information of your research. See example “BSCInfo_501_Cavity_Insulation_ Information sheet” . Can be as short as one page as long as it contains the 6 aspects indicated above (summarized); different views of the details with appropriate labeling and relevant assembly instructions
Example details: See Masonry Wall Systems http://www.masonrysystems.org/wall-systems/
