Spaces, People and Nature - Wood Innovation and Design Centre: Case study 1

Wood Innovation and Design Centre

Case Study 1

Fig. 1 - Parti Plan Diagram

Fig. 2 - Parti Sectional Diagram

SITE SUMMARY

Fig. 3 - Site aerial view (Google Earth), Fig. 4 - Site Analysis Plan

Fig. 5 - Site Analysis section

Fig. 6 - Site Analysis Plan

The Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) for researchers and students who want to gather and share ideas about the innovative uses of wood was built in the city of Prince George where the Nechako and the Fraser rivers flow (fig. 3), in 2014 (Archdaily, 2015). The WIDC is located on the corner of the block where George street and the 5 Avenue meet (fig. 4). It has flat grid ground with a city landscape and is surrounded by commercial buildings and government buildings (fig. 4,5,6).

SPATIAL SUMMARY

Fig. 7 - Plans + Key Section

Fig. 8 - Photograph of the WIDC (MGA, n.d.)

Fig. 9 - Massing diagram

Fig. 10 - Plan to Section diagram

Fig. 11 - Additive Subtractive

Fig. 12 - Symmetry & Balance

PROGRAMME SUMMARY

The WIDC can be divided into an educational space and a leasable office space (MGA, n.d). The lower three floors offer facilities as a university building for the Master of Engineering and Emily Carr University of Art and Design, demonstration area, lecture theatre, classrooms, teaching office and lab, the upper three floors are for government and wood industry-related organizations (fig. 15) (MGA, n.d).

Circulation diagram (fig. 13) shows the huge opened lobby space on the ground floor because the lobby space is a semi-public space where is linked to public stairs and lift to access all floors (fig. 16). Therefore, it has lots of movements by students, researchers and tenants while the other spaces are private for a specific group of people each.

The lobby also changes to demonstration space. Therefore, it can be a reason why the architect designed it as a large opened space with high ceiling (fig.15). Demonstration area is one of the key spaces in the building based on the building purpose, researching, learning and testing for the innovative uses of wood.

Fig. 13 - Circulation To Use Diagram

Fig. 14 - Hierarchy Diagram

Fig. 15 - Programme Analysis Diagrams

Fig. 16 - Public + Private

LANGUAGE SUMMARY

The main material of the building is wood. Wood is flexible to apply a huge range of building types and applications (structural and aesthetic) and renewable. In addition, engineered wood is innovative, adaptable, and efficient for the uses in construction, therefore, the architects tried to bring out those strengths in design and construction.

The WIDC has a strong geometric shape with modern design. Not only the overall shape of the building has a geometric form but also interior spaces (fig. 18). From the 4-6th floors have the same opened (wide) rectangular spaces, and also other floors have rectangular shaped small and medium spaces (fig 24, 25). Using the glued laminated lumber (glulam) grid structure with cross-laminated timber panels (CLT) (fig.19), they emphasise geometric quality well. In addition, they achieved aesthetic quality through the exposed timber structure (fig. 20), especially ceiling (UNBC, 2019), and also through the black envelope (fig. 21). The envelope that consists of glass, charred wood panels and yellow cedar board brings modern image efficiently and aesthetically. If it has been fully covered with natural coloured timber for the whole building, it will be monotonous and dull. However, they selected the mixed uses of glass façade and coloured wood felicitously (fig. 22). Glass and charred wood bring modern and urban image that suit the cityscape and the characteristics of the study (innovation) that will happen in the building, also yellow cedar board make facade brighter, and red-stained wood that was used for canopies as a point colour.

Fig. 17 - Parti Diagram

Fig. 18 - Geometry Diagrams

Fig. 19 - 3D model: Grid shaped glulam structure + CLT panels

Fig. 20 - Photograph of the open ceiling and interior (MGA, n.d.)

Fig. 21 - 3D model: Building envelope

Fig. 22 - Elevation drawing: Building envelope

Fig. 23 - Photographe of the building envelope (MGA, n.d.)

Fig. 24 - Unit to Whole Diagram

Fig. 25 - Repetitive Diagram

DESIGN INTEGRATION

The design objective of the WIDC is to maximize the use of wood in the structural and non-structural application rather than any other material, especially wet material like concrete. Therefore, they decided to use CLT panels for the flooring/ceiling with no concrete topping (Think Wood, 2015) (fig. 26) and reduction of the structure weight.

The flooring/ceiling consists of two layers of CLT panels (fig. 27, 28, 3-ply upper CLT, 5 or 7-ply lower CLT) that have been set parallel and connected with the building structure with HSK epoxy and metal mesh connectors (Boddy, 2015, Naturally:wood, 2019). The gaps between upper and lower layers (floor and ceiling chases) are for the pipes and any mechanical, electrical services to be concealed (Lighting and fire-suppression), and also to eliminate secondary ceiling finishes (UNBC, 2019). Furthermore, the inherent chases from the unique structural system offer flexible spaces where will be reconstituted depending on tenants (Naturally:wood, 2019). Therefore, the flooring system becomes one of a unique point in the building, where is leading the innovative research and design of engineered wood (Naturally:wood, 2019), and also offer aesthetic exposed wood ceiling with the saving of materials and cost for the construction.

Fig. 26 - Photograph of the flooring/ceiling system (Boddy, 2015),(MGA, n.d.)

Fig. 27 - 3D models of the CLT floor/ceiling system

Fig. 28 - Section in detail: Floor/ ceiling as a solution for the design objective

Approved Document M

The WIDC is owned by the B.C. Ministry of Citizens’ Services through the part of it is used as a university building. Therefore, it is not applied to the BC Building Code and is not able to execute as follow a provincial regulation. Accordingly, the building has a building code violation related to the regulation for universal design, it is not a subject that needs to be improved.

If the WIDC was applied the building code ‘Approved Document M’, the violation is from the entrance of the building. There is no tactile paving on the dropped kerb street surface next to the car park using different materials along the access route for disabled people, especially for who have a visual impairment (fig.29). In addition, the car park for disabled people is in front of the main entrance but there are stairs without handrails and corduroy at top and bottom of the steps to access the entrance (fig. 36). The accessible entrance for wheelchairs is located on the other side of the building even if it is not far from the car park for disabled people (fig. 38, 39). There is another parking area as well in front of the accessible entrance (fig. 42), therefore it might be better to offer another parking space for wheelchair users (Approved Document M, section 1). In addition, Harris, who is a wheelchair user, mentioned the door for the accessible entrance was not wide enough (fig.43) (Hinzmann, 2017).

Fig. 29 - Photograph of the dropped kerb (Googlemap), Fig. 30 - Approved document M Vol.2 p.17 - Tactile paving

Fig. 31 - Diagrams of the suggestion for the tactile paving

Fig. 32 - Approved document M Vol.2 p.18 - Car park

Fig. 33 - Photograph of the car park for disabled people (Googlemap)

Fig. 34 - Diagram of the car park measurements

Fig. 35 - Approved document M Vol.2 p.21 - Corduroy

Fig. 36 - Photograph of the stairs (MGA, n.d.)

Fig. 37 - Diagrm of the suggestion for the corduroy

Fig. 38 - Diagram for the location of accessible entrances and route, Fig. 39 - Photograph of another car park (Goolge map)

Fig. 40 - Approved document M Vol.2 p.25 - door

Fig. 41 - Approved document M Vol.2 p.28 - door

Fig. 42 - Photograph of the accessible entrance for wheelchair users (Goolge map)

Fig. 43 - Diagram of the accessible entrance measurements

STRUCTURE

The WIDC which is one of the tall wood building in the world was used only timber for the structure. The concept of the structure is a dry construction that means they did not use concrete or wet materials above the land, except foundation.

The Primary structure is made by prefabricated CLT panels, glulam columns and beams for the whole building. CLT panels stand for the lift core and walls first with self-tapping screws (fig. 47) (Naturally:200d ,2019), glulam columns and beams set from the concrete foundation to roof as a balloon-frame with the glued-in rods and aluminium dovetail Pitzl connectors for the beam to column connection (fig. 46) (Hooper, 2015). The columns and beams with an end-to-end connection transfer ‘vertical loads in bearing parallel to grain and eliminating cumulative cross-grain shrinkage’ (Danzig, 2013). In addition, parallel strand lumber (PSL) beams are also used for the lecture theatre and research lab to transfer column loads in hidden locations (Canadian Wood Council, n.d).

LVL structural mullions with glazing are the secondary structure (fig. 48). The appearance, strength and dimensional stability is the benefit of the LVL mullions, triple-glazed glasses with argon filled and Low-E coatings are sited (Canadian Wood Council, n.d).

The tertiary structure is building envelope made of charred wood panels and yellow (natural) cedar boards depending on the location with tongue and groove system (fig. 49). It is tied into the curtain wall with liquid-silicone air and moisture barrier membrane (Canadian Wood Council, n.d). The charred wood is not only good at visual effect but also durability from insects and moisture.

Fig. 44 - Structure Diagram

Fig. 45 - Iso 3D model - primary, secondary, tertiary structure

Fig. 46 - 3D model - primary structure: glulam posts and beam (typical column-to-column connection and the attachment of beams

Fig. 47 - 3D model - primary structure: CLT panel walls at core with angled clips connection

Fig. 48 - 3D model - secondary structure: glazed facade with LVL mullions

Fig. 49 - 3D model - tertiarystructure: bark envelope (charred wood panels and cedar wood panels)

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

In terms of the location of the building with solar orientation (fig. 50), the south-faced part of the building envelope is fully opened without covering by cedar wood panels, north-faced façade is almost covered all (fig.51, 52). It is to bring sunlight as much as possible into the building during winter. In addition, the surrounding of the building consists of mostly low-height buildings therefore, there are not huge disturbance from the shadow of surrounding buildings (fig. 53, 54, 55).

The two-side of the site has car and pedestrian roads directly, a corner of the building is opened in design with the main entrance by consideration of the pedestrian approach.

A Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research the embodied energy of the WIDC in comparison with a similar baseline concrete building. According to the chart (fig. 62), WIDC is the standard for the environmental performance in seven categories to compare (the wood value = 1.0). The values of the WIDC are lower than the concrete building in all seven categories (non-renewable, global warming, acidification, air pollutants, eutrophication, ozone depletion, and smog potential). In addition, the office building with mass timber systems and LVL curtain walls has a lower environmental impact in overall compared to similar buildings that have reinforced concrete structural system with aluminium curtain wall structures based on the LCA study (Naturally:Wood, 2019).

Fig. 50 - Parti site plan: Orientaion + Natural light + Winds

Fig. 51 - 3D model: building envelope

Fig. 52 - Elevation: building envelope (glazing area + wood panels)

Fig. 53 - Sun orientation

Fig. 54 - Sun infiltration at 12pm (noon)

Fig. 55 - Depth of shadow + sunlight

Fig. 56 - Parti site plan diagram - Topography

Fig. 57 - Parti site plan diagram - view from the building

Fig. 58 - Iso diagram and elevation: Heat Loos Form Factor of the building + glazed openings to total facade area

Fig. 59 - Parti sectional diagram: Ventilation

Fig. 60 - Parti sectional diagram: Natural daylight

Fig. 61 - District energy system of Prince George

Fig. 62 - Diagram of the building life cycle assessment (Naturally:Wood, 2019)

Fig. 63 - Diagram of the environmental impact: wood use

Fig. 64 - 3D model: exposed wood structure (ceiling) - CO² emissions

Fig. 65 - Building element: exterior SIPs walls with cedar cladding

Fig. 66 - Building element - exterior curtain wall section diagram

Fig. 67 - Approved document L2B

Fig. 68 - U-value

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Anderson, B. (2006) Conventions for U-value calculations of the 2nd edn. Walford: BRE Press. Available at: https://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/rpts/BR_443_(2006_Edition).pdf (Accessed: 10 April 2019).

2. Archdaily (2015) Wood Innovation Design Centre/ Michael Green Architecture. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/630264/wood-innovation-design-centre-michael-green-architecture (Accessed: 4 April 2019).

3. Boddy, T. (2015), Apostle of wood. Available at: https://www.canadianarchitect.com/features/1003730141/ (Accessed: 4 April 2019).

4. Canadian Wood Council (n.d.) Wood Innovation and Design Centre, Prince George, BC. Available at: http://wood-works.ca/wp-content/uploads/151203-WoodWorks-WIDC-Case-Study-WEB.pdf (Accessed: 5 April 2019).

5. City of Prince George (2017) District Energy. Available at: https://princegeorge.ca/City%20Services/Pages/Utilities/DistrictEnergy.aspx (Accessed: 9 April 2019).

6. Danzig, I. (2013) Tall Wood in Canada: Feasibility Study, Technical Guide, and Wood Innovation and Design Centre. Available at: http://www.forum-holzbau.com/pdf/IHF_13_Danzig.pdf (Accessed: 5 April 2019).

7. Finch, G. (2014) Building Enclosure Assemblies that Work for Taller Wood Buildings, Available at: https://www.slideshare.net/grahamfinch/tall-wood-building-enclosure-designs-that-work?from_action=save (Accessed: 10 April 2019).

8. Greenspec (2019) Insulation materials and their thermal properties. Available at: http://www.greenspec.co.uk/building-design/insulation-materials-thermal-properties/ (Accessed: 10 April 2019).

9. Hinzmann, C. (2017) Access for all?. Available at: https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/access-for-all-1.21943016 (Accessed 10 April 2019).

10. HM Government (2010) Approved document L2B of 2010 edn. Newcastle Upon Tyne:NBS Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540329/BR_PDF_AD_L2B_2013_with_2016_amendments.pdf (Accessed 10 April 2019).

11. Hooper, E. (2015) ‘Innovative Detail: Wood Innovation and Design Centre’, The Journal of the American Institute of Architects. Available at: https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/detail/innovative-detail-wood-innovation-and-design-centre_o (Accessed: 4 April 2019).

12. MGA (n.d) Wood Innovation and Design Centre. Available at: http://mg-architecture.ca/work/wood-innovation-design-centre/ (Accessed: 4 April 2019).

13. Naturally:Wood (2015) Wood Innovation & Design Centre. Ontario: Wood works. Available at: https://www.naturallywood.com/sites/default/files/documents/resources/wood-innovation-design-centre_0.pdf (Accessed: 6 April 2019).

14. Radloff, B. (2010) Staff Report to Council. Prince Goerge: City of Prince George. Available at: https://princegeorge.ca/City%20Services/Documents/District%20Energy/Cty_Mngr_District_Energy_report_MERGED_HANDOUT.pdf (Accessed: 9 April 2019).

15. Structall vuilding systems (n.d.) R-Value Chart. Available at: http://structall.com/pdf/RValue_Chart.pdf (Accessed: 10 April 2019).

16. Think Wood (2015) Addendum-Survey of International Tall Wood Buildings. Available at: https://www.thinkwood.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/WIDC_bulletin_web_0.pdf (Accessed: 5 April 2019).

17. Time and date (2019), Prince George, British Columbia, Canada – Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylength, Jun 2018. Available at: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/canada/prince-george?month=6&year=2018 (Accessed: 6 April 2019).

18. UNBC (2019) Construction of the Wood Innovation & Design Centre. Available at: https://www.unbc.ca/engineering-graduate/construction-wood-innovation-design-centre (Accessed: 4 April 2019).

ILLUSTRATIONS

1. Figure 26: Boddy, T. (2015), Apostle of wood. Available at: https://www.canadianarchitect.com/features/1003730141/ (Accessed: 4 April 2019).

2. Figure 3, 29, 33, 39, 42: Google map (2018) Wood Innovation and Design Centre. Available at:

https://www.google.com/maps/@53.9147016,-122.7438908,3a,60y,297.24h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssRsAdiMfu7mvkbUseOM6YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (Accessed 4 April 2019).

3. Figure 30, 32, 35, 41: HM Government (2015) Approved document M (2 vols.) of 2015 edn. Newcastle Upon Tyne: NBS. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441786/BR_PDF_AD_M2_2015.pdf (Accessed: 4 April 2019).

4. Figure 67: HM Government (2010) Approved document L2B of 2010 edn. Newcastle Upon Tyne:NBS Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540329/BR_PDF_AD_L2B_2013_with_2016_amendments.pdf (Accessed 10 April 2019).

5. Figure 8, 20, 23, 26, 36: MGA (n.d) Wood Innovation and Design Centre. Available at: http://mg-architecture.ca/work/wood-innovation-design-centre/ (Accessed: 4 April 2019).

6. Figure 62, 63: Naturally:Wood (2015) Wood Innovation & Design Centre. Ontario: Wood works. Available at: https://www.naturallywood.com/sites/default/files/documents/resources/wood-innovation-design-centre_0.pdf (Accessed: 6 April 2019).

7. Figure 61: UNBC (2019) Construction of the Wood Innovation & Design Centre. Available at: https://www.unbc.ca/engineering-graduate/construction-wood-innovation-design-centre (Accessed: 4 April 2019).