Modern Construction Envelopes

523 Pages·2014·60.83 MB·English

by  Andrew Watts

M
MODERN
CONSTRUCTION
ENVELOPES
ANDREW WATTS
SECOND EDITION
MODERN CONSTRUCTION SERIES
C
E
1 2 3

INTRODUCTION 6 METAL WALLS 12 GLASS WALLS 74 CONCRETE WALLS 156

Introduction to Second Edition 6 1 Sheet metal: 14 1 Stick glazing: 76 1 Cast in situ /
From concept to system Fixing methods System assembly cast-in-place: 158
design 8 Openings Framing profiles Parapets, drips and cills
System to digital fabricastion 10 Substrates and Opening lights Finishes
supporting walls Corners As-cast finish
Corners, parapets Spandrel panels Washed finish
and cills Polished finish
2 Unitised glazing: 86
2 Profiled metal cladding: 24 Jointing panels 2 Storey height
Junctions Opening lights precast panels: 168
Parapets and gutters Corner panels, parapets and cills Panel types
Window/door openings Penetrations Thermal Insulation
Insulation, liner trays Silicone-bonded glazing Joints
Developments Acid etched finish
3 Clamped glazing: 96
3 Composite panels: 34 Patch plate glazing 3 Small precast/GRC cladding
Parapets and cills Clamped glazing panels: 178
Window/door openings Opaque glazing Individually supported
Developments Sealing clamped glazing panels
Corners Self supporting
Thermal bridges at cills 4 Bolt fixed glazing: 106 stacked panels
Support methods Parapets and cills
4 Metal rainscreens: 44 Bottom supported glazing Openings
Materials Top hung glazing Sand blasted finish
Fixing methods Corners and tooled finish
Backing walls Seals and interfaces
Construction sequence
Window/door openings (5) Glass blocks: 116
Parapets and cills Fixing glass blocks
Support frames and walls
5 Mesh screens: 54 Cast glass channels
Rigid mesh
Meshes flexible in 6 Steel windows: 126
one direction Small-scale glazing
Fully flexible mesh Large-scale glazing
Mesh used on curves
Perforated metal 7 Aluminium and PVC-U
windows: 132
6 Louvre screens: 64 Windows in openings
Metal louvres Window walls
Glazed louvres Composite windows
Solar shading
Walkways 8 Timber windows: 146
Window walls

Window design
Windows in openings
CONTENTS
4 5 6

MASONRY WALLS 188 PLASTIC WALLS 240 TIMBER WALLS 262
1 Masonry loadbearing walls: Plastic-based cladding 1 Cladding the timber
Brick, stone and 1 Sealed panels: 242 frame: 264
concrete block 190 GRP panels Timber frames
Mortars Polycarbonate cladding Ground level
Parapets Upper floors
Cills and openings 2 Rainscreens: 252 Corners
Flat polycarbonate sheet Roof eaves and parapets
2 Masonry cavity walls: Multi-wall polycarbonate sheet
Brick 200 Profiled polycarbonate sheet 2 Cladding panels
Ground level Plastic-composite flat panels and rainscreens: 274
Window and door openings UPVC board cladding Timber boards
Eaves and parapets UPVC windows Finishes
GRP panels Cladding panels and rainscreens
3 Masonry cavity walls: Plywood sheets
Stone and concrete block 210
Wall structures
Ground level
Openings in walls
Eaves and parapets

4 Stone cladding: 220
Fixings
Cladding to precast concrete
panels
Joints
Closed joints
Movement joints
Stone finishes

5 Terracotta rainscreens: 230
Manufacture of panels
Corner pieces
Fixing systems
Panel sizes
Openings
7 8 9

METAL ROOFS 284 GLASS ROOFS 336 CONCRETE ROOFS 388
1 Metal standing seam 286 1 Greenhouse glazing and 1 Concealed membrane 390
Site-based method capped systems 338 Materials
Prefabricated methods Greenhouse glazing Structural joints
Sealed and ventilated roofs Modern roof glazing Parapet upstands
Roof openings Capped systems Balustrades and plinths
Ridges and valleys Rainwater outlets
Eaves and parapets 2 Silicone-sealed glazing Penetrations for pipes and ducts
and rooflights 348
2 Profiled metal sheet 296 Silicone-sealed systems 2 Exposed membrane 406
Profiled metal decks Junctions Polymer-based membranes
as substrates Use of capped profiles PVC membranes
Profiled metal roof sheeting Rooflights FPO (TPO) membranes
Sealed and ventilated methods Mechanically fixed method
Twin skin construction 3 Bolt fixed glazing: small scale Bonded fixing method
Ridges rooflights 358 Parapets and upstands
Openings Generic structural support Ballasted roofs
Eaves and parapets methods
Ridges and valleys Supporting brackets 3 Planted 410
Bolt fixings System design
3 Composite panels 306 Arrangement of bolt fixings Planted roof components
Single wall composite panels Glazed units Soil depth
Twin wall panels Overflows
Ridges 4 Bolt fixed glazing: large scale Roof junctions
Verges rooflights 368 Rainwater outlets
Eaves Base of glazed roof Balcony planters
Parapets and valley gutters External and internal folds
Small glazed rooflights
(4) Rainscreens 316 Larger rooflights
Panel arrangement
Parapets 5 Bonded glass rooflights 378
Monopitch ridges and verges Generic conical rooflight
Roof geometry Generic rectangular rooflight
Roof soffits Generic monopitch rooflight
Glass roof decks
5 Metal canopies 326
Bolt fixed panels
Fixed metal louvre canopies
Electrically operated louvres
CONTENTS
10 11 12

TIMBER ROOFS 420 PLASTIC ROOFS 462 FABRIC ROOFS 484 REFERENCES 516
1 Flat roof: Bitumen-based 1 GRP rooflights 464 1 ETFE cushions 486 Authorship 516
sheet membranes 422 Eaves and upstands Cushions Index 518
The material Verges Air supply
Roof build-up Abutments The material
Solar protection Sliding roof panels Fabrication
Fixing methods Durability
Parapet upstands 2 GRP panels and shells 474 Performance in fire
Junction with tiled roof Smaller panels and shells
Eaves and verges Larger panels and shells 2 Single membrane:
Cone-shaped roof 496
2 Pitched roof: Tiles 432 Fabric roof principles
Plain tiles Fabric types
Interlocking tiles Comparison of types
Ventilation Thermal insulation
Eaves Acoustics
Ridges Durability
Verges Performance in fire
Hips and valleys Condensation
Abutments
3 Single membrane:
3 Pitched roof: Slates 442 Barrel-shaped roof 506
Roof folds Membrane roof fabrication
Vents Membrane roof edges
Monopitch ridges Suspension points
Dormer windows Membrane folds
Abutments
4 Pitched roof: Metal 452
Standing seam cold roofs
Eaves and valley gutters
Ridges and abutments
Penetrations
Metal tiled roofs
Introduction to Second Edition

MODERN CONSTRUCTION SERIES CONCRETE WALLS
Chapter 3
The series is based around the Modern Construction Hand-
book. Topics from the Walls and Roofs chapters from the
The Concrete chapter compares in-situ (cast-in-place) con-
MCH are developed to provide more comprehensive infor-
crete, and its use of formwork on site, with precast concrete
mation. Books in the series discuss material systems based
and its use of moulds in a factory away from the site. In the use
on the primary material used. The series currently com-
of either technique, the constraints of the panel sizes imposed
prises Modern Construction Facades, Modern Construction
by casting methods influence the use of the material.
Roofs and Modern Construction Envelopes.
AIMS OF THIS BOOK MASONRY WALLS
Chapter 4
Modern Construction Envelopes combines the earlier Mod-
ern Construction Facades and Modern Construction Roofs
In the Masonry chapter the construction methodology is clas-
into a single book with updated illustrations and more explod-
sified by wall construction: loadbearing, cavity wall or cladding
ed views of material systems. This is a textbook for students
attached to a backing wall. Within each construction method,
of architecture, as well as students of structural and environ-
the use of materials is very similar from brick to stone and
mental engineering who wish to broaden their study beyond
concrete block. The differences in the specific use of a par-
the information provided in the Walls and Roofs chapters of
ticular material are shown in the details.
the Modern Construction Handbook. It shows the principles of
the main facade types used today and illustrates this through
typical generic details. The six chapters examine envelopes
PLASTIC WALLS
from the standpoint of the primary material used in their con-
struction, from metal to glass, concrete, masonry, plastics Chapter 5
and timber. Each set of five double page spreads explains a
specific form of construction which is accompanied by drawn The Plastics chapter explores the range of plastics from cellu-
and annotated details. The techniques described can be lar materials, such as polycarbonate, to composite materials
applied internationally. such as GRP, which is a combination of a woven fibrous mate-
rial and a polymer matrix. Newer composite materials com-
bine the economy of plastic with the durability and stiffness of
metal in composite sheet materials. The recent re-introduc-
METAL WALLS tion of plastics into mainstream construction has been pos-
sible due to the improved quality and colour durability of these
Chapter 1
materials. An advantage of plastics in wall construction is that
they can provide translucency, rather than the transparency
The Metals chapter explores the use of sheet metal from
associated with glass, combined with high levels of thermal
a material fully supported on a substrate to its use as a
insulation.
self-supporting material in the form of profiled decking and
composite panels. The use of profiled decking in thicknesses
normally used for shipping containers, rather than buildings,
has led to the introduction of semi-monocoque construction
with this material. Some composite panel systems are being TIMBER WALLS
manufactured without an outer facing of metal sheet to allow
Chapter 6
a separate waterproofing layer to be added.
The Timber chapter shows both recent developments in tim-
ber walls and developments in traditional techniques. The low
GLASS WALLS
levels of embodied energy in this material, particularly in local-
Chapter 2 ly grown timber, have helped to revive the use of this material.
Traditionally shunned for large-scale applications due to its
The Glass chapter investigates the range from framed sys- poor fire resistance, particularly in Europe, the use of timber
tems to point fixed glazing. Windows and shop fronts are dis- is now better understood to reduce the spread of fire. Timber
cussed as separate systems which can be used as full glazing types are also discussed as their selection has considerable
systems in their own right. environmental impact.

MCH_ 6
METAL ROOFS PLASTIC ROOFS
Chapter 7 Chapter 11
The Metals chapter discusses the use of metal sheet in roofs Polycarbonate panels have the advantage of providing well
both as a substrate and as a watertight covering. When used insulated translucent panels that are more economic than
as a substrate, in the form of profiled metal decking or com- those in glass. They are much lighter than glass, allowing
posite panels, a waterproof membrane can be formed in dif- more visually delicate support structures to be used for these
ferent materials. Used as a covering material, metal sheet panels. Glass reinforced polyester (GRP) can produce opaque
can be employed in standing seams, profiled sheet and rain- roof forms that are free of joints, forming continuous roof
screens. Solar shading devices formed from metal are also structures such as shells and domes composed of a mono-
discussed. lithic, lightweight material with a watertight finish on its out-
side face. All these types are explained in this chapter.

GLASS ROOFS
Chapter 8 FABRIC ROOFS
Chapter 12
The Glass chapter sets out the use of the material as both
rooflights and as large glass roofs. Stick framed rooflights The Fabric chapter discusses tensile roof structures, air sup-
and glazing systems are related to those used for walls, ported types and smaller scale canopies. PTFE membranes
but are usually fixed with pressure plates on the two sides can be stretched over supporting structures, typically stain-
parallel with the line of slope. Bolt fixed glazing systems for less steel cables with tubular steel supports. PTFE sheet is
rooflights and roofs follow principles used in wall construc- also used to form inflated 'air pillows' that are supported on
tion. Bonded glass decks and rooflights are a development an aluminium frame. Their advantage of high thermal insula-
of glass block details, which are also discussed. Finally in this tion and lightness in weight makes them an increasingly pre-
chapter, glazed canopies are discussed, focusing on those ferred option for roof structures.
that use point fixings with a minimum of support structure.
QUALIFYING COMMENTS
CONCRETE ROOFS
Chapter 9 The building techniques discussed and the built examples
shown are designed to last for an extended period with a
Roof decks constructed in concrete are covered with a relatively high performance. Consequently, buildings for exhi-
variety of waterproof membranes and finishes. When the bitions and for temporary use are excluded. For addressing
membrane is applied directly to the concrete, thermal insu- an international readership, references to national legislation,
lation and finishes, such as planting, paving slabs or timber building regulations, codes of practice and national stand-
decking are applied. Construction can also be finished with ards have specifically not been included. This book explains
another roofing system, such as metal standing seams or the principles of accepted building techniques currently in
rainscreens in other materials. All these types are discussed use. Building codes throughout the world are undergoing
in this chapter. increased harmonisation because of greater economic and
intellectual globalisation. Building components and assem-
blies from many different countries are often used in a single
building. Since building codes are written to protect users of
TIMBER ROOFS
buildings by providing for their health and safety, good con-
Chapter 10
struction practice will always uphold these codes as well as
assist their advancement. The components, assemblies and
Timber roofs are a traditional form of construction that use
details shown in this book describe many of the building tech-
mainly tiles, slates and shingles in housing projects. In recent
niques used by the building industry today, but this book does
years, the increased use of metal sheet on timber roofs has
not necessarily endorse or justify their use since techniques
led to an increase in more complex geometries that do not
in building are in a continual state of change and development.
need to follow the principles of those traditional lapped roof-
All details shown aim to demonstrate continuity in thermal
ing materials. Flat timber roofs, thin planting and metal sheet,
insulation and waterproofing, together with two defences
in addition to the more traditional single membrane finishes,
against rainwater penetration. Where specific items are not
are set out here.
clearly present on drawings, these principles should still be
followed.
MCH_ 7
From design concept to system design

Build-up of a facade system showing the different layers required to provide supporting structure, thermal envelope, waterproofing, secondary structural
support to facade panels, fixing brackets and facade panels.
Facade and roof systems can be devel- time of the prototype. A dialogue ensures
oped from a sketch concept to a physical that an optimised level of information
prototype through computer based 3D is provided for the prototype: too much
modelling and structural analysis. This information can lead to the facade system
design work is always supported by hand- becoming more expensive than would be
based drawing and hand-based calcula- the case if the fabricator were allowed
tion methods, which allows the process to to provided more economic methods of
move through iterations towards a design manufacture; too little information can
which can can be manufactured from the result in the manufacturer being required
3D computer files. This approach allows to solve design issues that could have
the design team to provide information been addressed and resolved at a much
which can be inputted into machinery earlier stage.
used by the fabricator or manufacturer.
The ability of the design team to provide
these files for direct use in fabrication
avoids the need for a new set of detailed
design proposals to be generated again
from scratch. If a dialogue between
designer and fabricator can be estab-
lished during the design stage, then fur-
ther time is saved in the procurement
MCH_ 8
Structural analysis of the facade panel and support bracket. Analysis of deflection and stresses at an early stage of the
design allows for the overall depth of a complex facade build-up to be established before the design of the building has
progressed to the detailed stage.
Digital model of a physical prototype.
Physical prototype built from digital model.
MCH_ 9