SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING, DESIGN

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 1 [ARC 3514]

ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION AND DOCUMENTATION
NAME : TSAI WAN CHING
ID : 0315185
TUTOR : MS. CHERYL

CONTENT PAGE
1.0 Objective of Project...................................................... 1

2.0 Introduction.................................................................. 2
2.1 Elevation and Sections.......................................... 3

3.0 Modification Systems................................................... 4

4.0 Roof System

4.1 Existing System..................................................... 5
4.2 Precedent Study.. 6
4.3 Modified System.. 7

5.0 Wall System

5.1 Existing System.. 8
5.2 Precedent Study. 9
5.3 Modified System. 10

6.0 Floor System

6.1 Existing System....11
6.2 Precedent Study...12
6.3 Modified System...13

7.0 Basement
7.1 Precedent Study...14
7.2 Proposed System.....15
8.0 Working Drawings...16-27
9.0 Reference List. 28

1.0 OBJECTIVE OF PROJECT

The objectives of this project is:
- to encourage analytical and critical study of the principles, practices and details of construction technology in the existing building
- to encourage students to explore alternative construction systems
- to adapt and implement the alternative construction systems into the design
- to develop skills in producing working drawings

Modifications should be carried out on the following building systems and components:
- roof system
- wall system
- floor system
- new basement level

2.0 INTRODUCTION
Building : Nature Appreciation Centre
Location : Pulau Banding, Gerik, Perak
Pulau Banding is a 243-hectare man-made island located within the majestic
Temenggor Lake. The island sits amidst the 130 million year old Belum
Rainforest, known for the nature based activities such as fishing, camping and
visiting orang asli settlements.

N.T.S

This nature appreciation centre is in an approximation of 800 square meter,

provides
mixed-use facilities of learning area, communal hall, nature informative area,
display area, plant seeds giveaway and refreshment.
The design idea is to learn and conserve nature, by experiencing the space
and a learning process as they get along the nature appreciation centre. Plant
seeds giveaway is one of the methods to commence conservation of nature,
which leads to the end of the journey. In short, the purpose of this nature
appreciation centre is to understand nature before one starts conserving
nature.

N.T.S

2.1 ELEVATION AND SECTIONS

N.T.S

N.T.S

N.T.S

3.0 MODIFICATION SYSTEMS

EXISTING SYSTEM

MODIFIED SYSTEM

Roof

Wood Shingle Roof

Metal Deck Roof

Wall

Timber Wall Cladding

Fixed Glass Wall

Floor

Laminate Floor

Bondek Floor

Basement

Basement Cementitous Waterproofing System

4.0 ROOF SYSTEMS

4.1 EXISTING SYSTEM WOOD SHINGLE ROOF

Wood shingles are thin, tapered pieces of wood primarily used to cover roofs and walls of buildings to protect them from the weather.
Historically shingles were split from straight grained, knot free bolts of wood. Today shingles are mostly made by being cut which
distinguishes them from shakes which are made by being split out of a bolt.
Distinctive shingle patterns exist in various regions created by the size, shape, and application method. Special treatments such as swept
valleys, combed ridges, decorative butt ends, and decorative patterns impart a special character to each building.

Advantages

Disadvantages

- helps to insulate the attic, making the building to breathe and circulate air through
the small opening under the felt rows on where the wooden shingles are rested

- possibilities in suffering photo degradation from ultraviolet light if the roof is

unprotected

- accepts a range of finishes, from fine oils and stains, to solid coatings and paint

- possibilities in suffering degradation by moisture

- low weight compared to different roofing material (most lightweight roofing materials
second to asphalt)

- easy to burn on fire due to poor fire rating

- easy to repair by cutting away shingles and replacing one at the same time if they
are damaged

- the material and installation is more expensive compared with asphalt shingles

- do not rust, unlike metal roofs that have problems in rust particularly during the rainy
season

- susceptible to different bacteria like mold and mildew

4.2 PRECEDENT STUDY - BUCKNER COMPANIES HEADQUARTERS

Architects: Weinstein Friedlein Architects
Location: Graham, North Carolina, USA
Introduction of Building
The new headquarters for a nationwide crane leasing and steel erection business was a longcontemplated update to a venerable, family-run enterprise. Business was good and growing,
but existing space was cramped and poorly arranged, and increasing competition demanded
better teamwork. The owners turned need into opportunity. The Buckner Companies
headquarters in central North Carolina is a showplace for the steel erectors trade, a study in
material salvage and reuse, and a model collaborative work environment.
Roof Design
Designers combed the boneyard for beams, columns, girders, braces, decking and even old
crane parts that could be designed into the project. In the end, 83 tons of steel pieces more
than 40% of all the steel in the building came directly off Buckners yard. The completed
project includes reconditioned columns and girders in its exposed steel frame, reused
corrugated metal deck to support roofs and floors, and salvaged curved wood glue-laminated
roof beams, which were overlapped to create a south-facing clerestory.

Section

Detail Drawing

Roof Structure

4.3 MODIFIED SYSTEM METAL DECK ROOF

Advantages

Disadvantages

- high strength steel and despite its lightness, provides excellent spanning capacity
and wider spreads

- screw-fix on metal deck may cause leakage and corrosion over time

-simple, quick, low-cost fixing with hexagon headed screws

- difficult to replace if damaged than individual shingles

- will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike

- the sound of rain tapping will be noisier than living beneath other roof systems

- can be used on pitches as low as 2

- large panels of metal roof tend to be loosened if installation is not properly done for
expansion and contraction of roof

- available in a wide variety of colors

- inconsistency of color match if a repair is required or a home extension is added

years later as it may be difficult to find an exact match to the existing metal

Type
Base Metal Thickness of 0.42mm Zincalume Trimdek Metal Sheeting

Material Specifications
- masses of 3.26kg/m and 4.28kg/m2
- limit state wind pressure capacities(kPa) for two single span roofs
Span(mm)

600

1500

Serviceability

4.98

1.87

Strength

10.25

4.75

Installation

Detail Drawing

- tolerances in length(expansion and contraction): +0mm, -15mm

- tolerances in width(expansion and contraction): +4mm, -4mm
- sealed joints by using screws or rivets and neutral-cure silicone sealant branded
- allow ends of roof sheets to overlap into gutters by about 50mm
- end-laps are unnecessary as it is available in long lengths
- sheets are supplied custom cut
Manufacturer
Lysaght (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
6, Persiaran Kemajuan, Seksyen 16, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 40200
Tel: +6 03 5519 2000
Fax: +6 03 5510 5428

5.0 WALL SYSTEMS

5.1 EXISTING SYSTEM TIMBER WALL CADDING

Timber wall cladding is the visible external finish of a building, which is often pre-fabricated in panels that are attached to the structural
frame of the building, and cladding systems can be purchased off the shelf. Some definitions suggest that cladding is a non-structural
external finish, as opposed to a load-bearing external construction.
However, cladding can play a structural role transferring wind loads, impact loads and self-weight back to the structural framework. In
particular, wind causes positive and negative pressure on the surface of buildings and so cladding must be designed to have adequate
strength and stiffness to resist this load, both in terms of the type of cladding selected and its connections back to the structure.

Advantages

Disadvantages

- performance easily enhanced by preservative treatment, wood modification, flame

retardants and surface coatings

- combustibility of timber requires vigilant quality control to achieve required fire rating
of separating and compartment walls

- lightweight material offering protective and decorative design functions

- susceptibility to decay of timber when exposed to excessive moisture

- dry installation means external envelope is quicker to install

- additional design and engineering time

- cladding panels may be factory pre-fabricated complete with insulation and breather
membrane

- traditional procurement process

- wide choice of softwoods, hardwoods and modified woods to suite all budgets

- deficiency of site quality control

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5.2 PRECEDENT STUDY

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDING BTV

Architects: Rainer Huchler, Hans-Jrg Allgaier

Location: Wolfurt, Germany
Introduction of Building
The multipurpose building is sited perpendicular to a fairly busy thoroughfare in the village of Wolfurt in Southern Germany. The
design goal was to create a multiuse residential and commercial building that fits contextually into the character of the village. The
front part of the building, oriented to the public, is occupied by the facilities of the bank, whereas the back part, oriented to the
garden, contains apartments of different size and patterns.
Fixed Glass Box Design
Planes of fixed glass box is used to allow light passing through walls, ceilings and floors to activate three-dimensional awareness.
Glass is used as the primary materials, followed by movable timber screens that softens the sunlight. Self supporting C-shaped
channels in length up to 4570mm are held in aluminum peripheral clips at the upper and lower edges.
Concept of Movable Timber Screens
The larch wood lattice works as a memorable sign, with its horizontally moving elements, which wrap consequently around the glass
cube. The lattice serves not only the purpose of protection from sun and sight, but also lends the building a large degree of
homogeneity. The flexible moving elements yield a simultaneously multilayered and attractive image of the facade. The wood lattice
originals the changing play of light and shadow and thus shapes the interior spaces as well.
Movable Timber Screens Design
The larch lattice is composed of horizontal wood strips secured to a frame made of vertical steel channels. Movable panels are
equipped with rollers that are guided in tracks at the top and bottom of each panel. At the top of the roller assembly is attached to
each vertical steel channel, at the bottom it is attached to the most bottom piece of wood lattice. The lattice panels are positioned in
two planes, allowing movable panels to move easily. The innermost lattice is 500mm from the glass enclosure walls on the building,
providing adequate space for maintenance personnel to perform needed service.
Interior Perspective View
Fixed Glass Wall Detail Drawing
Movable Timber Screen Detail Drawing

Section

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5.3 MODIFIED SYSTEM FIXED GLASS WALL

Advantages

Disadvantages

- light weight, 50 kg/m2, is only 1/12 ~ 1/10 of brick wall, 1/7 of concrete precast slab
wall, to reduce the weight of the building wall, reduce the basis and the main
structure of the cost

- manufacturing is high energy consuming due to high temperature required for

processing the raw materials.

- natural light penetrates through glass into the interior, maximizes transparency and
brightness of the interior

- poor in heat preservation, leading to higher costs in the operation of air-conditioning

- tempered glass offers a distinct safety advantage, not only being less likely to break
but also, producing very small fragments that are relatively harmless when it breaks

- the need to precisely perform aesthetic reasons as uneven welds can spoil the
whole effect

- fire-resistant glass that offers increasing levels of protection, which is measured in

defined time periods (30, 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes) to be sure of reaching expected
fire performance

- the panes could not be pulled apart and repaired once sealed although the seal is
not airtight(condensation will appear between the panes

- fulfills the architectural view for external decoration

- glass manufacturing releases air pollutants that contribute to numerous

environmental problems

Type
Standard Maximum Panel of 3' x 10' Fixed Glass Wall
Material Specifications
- individual Panels
- designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.
- LEED friendly system including recycled content
- panel weight limit of 500lbs(over sized units possible)
- custom stainless steel helical bearings rated for a maximum capacity of 350lbs./pair
- performance dependent upon sill, and jamb vertical edge seal choice.
- clear wall, mono seal, or dual seal
- custom tinted and decorative glazing available
- standard nishes: AAMA 2603
- duracron: hartford green, bronze, black, natural clay, white, sandstone
- custom nishes
- class I anodized: dark bronze, clear
- fluoropolymer (50% or 70%)
- veneer and cladding options
- dual color or dual nish options

Glass Jointing

Detail Drawing

Manufacturer
GlassNetwork (M) Sdn. Bhd.
No. 7 Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 9,
Sri Edaran Light Industrial Park, 7th Mile, Jalan Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6.03 - 6253 2939 Fax: +6.03 - 6253 1215

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6.0 FLOOR SYSTEMS

6.1 EXISTING SYSTEM LAMINATE FLOOR

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring
simulates wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer. The inner core layer is usually
composed of melamine resin and fiber board materials.
Laminate flooring has grown significantly in popularity, perhaps because it may be easier to install and maintain than more traditional
surfaces such as hardwood flooring. It may also have the advantages of costing less and requiring less skill to install than alternative
flooring materials. It is reasonably durable, hygienic (several brands contain an antimicrobial resin), and relatively easy to maintain.

Advantages

Disadvantages

- impervious to dents and scratches and protects the photographic layer underneath

- cannot be sanded and refinished if they are damaged

- no defects as laminate flooring is not real hardwood that comes with many imperfect
pieces that need to be thrown out or re-engineered

- need an addition requirement of sub-floor to reduce the sound of foots

- cheaper than hardwood flooring but it gives the same aesthetic value

- hard and unyielding under foot even foam underlayment generally not alleviate this
characteristic

- versatile and obtainable in a range of colors, shades and styles

- release of volatile organic chemicals over time, which can be harmful effects on the
air quality of the surrounding room

- naturally resistant to the growth of mold and bacteria, it can also be treated with
special allergen resistant and anti-bacteria coatings to make them even safer

- no guarantee in lifespan as it is going to be based on the quality of the materials

and the thickness of the wear layer

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6.2 PRECEDENT STUDY KHYBER RIDGE

Architects: Studio NminusOne
Location: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Introduction of Building
The Khyber Ridge house was commissioned by a professional snowboarder. The strategy
takes its cue from the intimate engagement of a shredder following the line of a mountain; it is
one of maximum engagement with the site. The house is distributed along a steep slope,
developing diverse tactical relations to the landscape, the surrounding views and the internal
functions or program of the house.
Floor Design
The exposed board-formed concrete of the base is rustic on the exterior, similar in character
to the surrounding landscape. This is in sharp contrast to the refinement of the temple like
perched upon it. The thick reinforced concrete walls retain the earth and carry gravity loads
down to the foundations. Elevated slabs and ground slab are precast hollow core elements
that are prestressed to increase their efficiency and reduce their mass. The finish flooring,
made of stone pavement(cabra marble) and concrete, is isolated from the structural slabs
using thermal and moisture barriers.
Detail Drawing

Section

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6.3 MODIFIED SYSTEM BONDEK FLOOR

Advantages

Disadvantages

- excellent spanning capacities for greater strength and less deflection

- extra structural support underneath the flooring is required as it is very heavy

additional electrical and pipe work is difficult once flooring has been cemented

- acts as permanent formwork with minimal propping and no stripping of formwork is

required

- auxiliary requirements such as stairs can be difficult to accommodate

- fast and easy to install (590mm wide) with less handling required

- additional electrical and pipe work is difficult once flooring has been cemented

- works as composite slab saving on concrete and reinforcement costs

- cannot be simply dismantled and reassembled

- ribs at 200mm centres creating a safe working platform with slip resistant
embossments

- uneconomical to transport due to the heavy weight

Accessories

Type
Base Metal Thickness of 0.90mm steel strip bondek
Material Specifications
-steel decking is roll-formed from hot dipped, zinc-coated, hi-tensile, steel strip
- masses of 12.48kg/m2 and 7.36kg/m
- tolerance in length(expansion and contraction): +0mm, -10mm
- readily available and custom-cut, in any length from 600mm up to 19500mm (length
tolerance: +0mm,-10mm)
- the sheets shall not be end spliced or jointed
- the sheeting shall not have cantilever portions
- mounding of concrete = 300kg/m2 over an area of 1.6m x 1.6m
- wet concrete deflection of bondek = L/240 or L/130, where L is the distance between
centre f props or permanent supports
Installation
1. Unfasten bondek sheet bundles
2. Place props if required
3. Trim bondek sheets if required and place
4. Fix bondek sheets to steel beams if required
5. Fix steel edgeform
6. Cut penetration
7. Place reinforcement and post tensioning if required(PT Hold Down Clip)
8. Place concrete
9. Allow slab to cure and remove props
10.Bonwedge, bon-nut, bonstrip

Bonwedge - lightweight
bracket for rods to suspend
ceilings or services

Edgeform - a galvanised section

that creates a permanent formwork
at the slab edges

PT Hold Down clip - allows hold

down of post-tensioning ducts

Bon-nut - heavy duty square nut to

suspend ceilings or services

Bonstrip - plastic trim to

cover gaps formed by ribs

Detail Drawing

Manufacturer
Lysaght (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
6, Persiaran Kemajuan, Seksyen 16, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 40200
Tel: +6 03 5519 2000
Fax: +6 03 5510 5428

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7.0 BASEMENT LEVEL

7.1 PRECEDENT STUDY

THE ICEBERG

Architects: CEBRA, JDS, SeARCH, Louis Paillard Architects

Location: Mariane Thomsens Gade, Denmark
Introduction of Building
The Iceberg is located at a prime location on the outmost harbour front in Aarhus new quarter (Aarhus
East) and consists of 208 apartments. Like many other worn-out industrial harbour areas, the former
container port of Aarhus is being transformed into a vibrant new neighbourhood. The inspiration for the
Iceberg originated primarily from the sites extraordinary location with spectacular views over the
Aarhus Bay. Thus, the seemingly simple task was to maximize views and sunlight conditions for every
single apartment and at the same time respect the in- land urban context.
Building Structure
Instead of following the masterplan, which was dominated by closed building blocks, the Iceberg is laid
out as four L-shaped wings, where the street spaces in between open towards the water. In order to
obtain optimal daylight conditions and views over the bay, the building volumes are cut up by jagged
lines.
Section
The roofs rise and fall into peaks and valleys, which create visual passages across the individual
volumes like floating icebergs that constantly refract ones gaze. Thus, even the back wings
residents can enjoy the view. The principle of dividing each building into tops and valleys contributes to
adapt the scale of the buildings to the surroundings and the interior spaces. Instead of being
considered as a block turning inwards the complex be experienced as an open structure, creating more
architectural appeal.
The variety of residences with different balconies, shapes and orientations as well as the combination
of owner-occupied and rented flats aim at creating socially diverse urban surroundings that form a
lively local community: the building complex becomes a neighbourhood instead of a mere series of
housing blocks.

Detail Drawing

Basement Design
A sealed cavity drain membrane system works on the principle of allowing water to continue to
penetrate the structure, but controls it in the air gap and diverts it to a suitable drainage point. Pressure
does not therefore build up against the internal construction and the air gap behind the membrane
allows the structure to breathe. Polystyrene rigid insulation is impermeable to water, gas and water
vapour. The floor was then screeded.

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7.2 PROPOSED SYSTEM BASEMENT CEMENTITOUS WATERPROFING SYSTEM (CAPILLARY SYSTEM)

Description
Water gets through the foundation of buildings either through bulk moisture leaks or
through a process called capillary action. Once inside, the water can create significant
problems for the building, including structural damage, mold, and poor indoor air quality.
Bulk moisture is the flow of water through holes and. Bulk water usually moves with
gravity down and through foundation walls where large openings or cracks allow it to flow
freely into the building. Capillary action occurs when liquid water wicks into the cracks
and open spaces of porous building materials such as masonry block, concrete, or wood.
These tiny cracks and pores can absorb water in any direction, even going upward.
In order to protect the building from water intrusion through capillary action, a barrier or
capillary break must be installed under the slab.
There are two primary ways to install this capillary break and prevent water from wicking
up into the basement or slab-on-grade construction:
1. Install aggregate to a depth of 4 inches and then cover with either polyethylene
sheeting or extruded polystyrene rigid insulation or

Preparation for Pouring Concrete Slab (first methods mentioned above is

chosen)
1. Ensure the soil that will be beneath is level so that when the gravel is
added, a consistent 4 inch minimum thickness is maintained.
2. Polyethylene sheeting is then placed over the entire gravel area and
touches each perimeter wall. Lengths of sheeting laid side-by-side
must overlap at least 6 inch (12 inch overlaps are often easier because
it can be difficult to cut long lengths of polyethylene in straight lines)
and the two sheet surfaces sealed or taped together.
3. A continuous bead of acoustical sealant, butyl rubber or butyl acrylic
caulk forms the most durable bond. Seams may also be sealed with
tape manufactured to seal or patch polyethylene, such as some
builder's tapes and tapes used to repair polyethylene greenhouses.
4. Pour the concrete slab over the sealed polyethylene sheeting.

2. Install sand to a depth of 4 inches, cover with geotextile matting, and then cover with
either polyethylene sheeting or extruded polystyrene rigid insulation

Once the primary capillary break has been installed, a vapor barrier should be installed
directly in contact with the geotextile matting or aggregate to control water intrusion from
water vapor, in one of two ways:
1. Install at least 6-mil polyethylene sheeting and overlap the sheeting at least 6 to 12
inches, or
2. Install at least 1 inch extruded polystyrene insulation to be in contact with the slab
and tape all joints

Manufacturer
Bio Focus Resources Sdn Bhd WaterProofing Specialist Malaysia
No. 51-1, Jalan Puteri 5/10, Bandar Puteri Puchong,
47100 Puchong, Selangor.
Tel: +603 80601929 Fax: +603 80601929

Pouring the slab. The polyethylene sheeting can still be

seen as cement is poured to create the foundation.

Detail Drawing

17

8.0 WORKING DRAWINGS

18

9.0 REFERENCE LIST

Ballard Bell, V. (2004). Wall. Materials for Architectural Design. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.
Buckner Companies Headquarters / Weinstein Friedlein Architects. 15 May 2011. ArchDaily. Retrieved 02 May 2015, from http://www.archdaily.com/?p=135021
Glass Network. (2015). Retrieved April 30, 2015, from http://www.glassnetwork.com.my/

Khyber Ridge / Studio NminusOne. 22 Apr 2009. ArchDaily. Retrieved 06 May 2015, from http://www.archdaily.com/?p=20190
Lysaght Bondek. (2014). Retrieved April 30 2015, from http://www.lysaght.com/product/lysaght-bondek
Lysaght Trimdek. (2014). Retrieved April 30 2015, from http://www.lysaght.com/product/lysaght-trimdek
The Iceberg / CEBRA + JDS + SeARCH + Louis Paillard Architects. 07 Mar 2014. ArchDaily. Retrieved 01 May 2015, from http://www.archdaily.com/?p=483415
Waterproofing System Specialist and Contractor in Malaysia. (2006). Retrieved April 30, 2015, from http://www.waterproofingspecialistmalaysia.com/contact-waterproofing-specialist.htm

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