SketchUp Development Week 10

Creating another zone outside what would be the cafe. This space is a seating area for people to eat and relax. We will still need to add more tables and chairs to allow for busier days and larger groups. We have continued using the geometric furniture from one of the other zones to unify the space, and to effectively bring the design together.

Quick Indigo renders to see how the lighting has an impact on the materiality. 

Adding more plant boxes to create a more tranquil public space.

Creating new furniture made of copper, looking into the different placements and layouts into which they could be positioned.

Using indigo renderer to see how the copper looks against the concrete and timber.

Adding ramps to the zones which can't be accessed from ground level. 

Photoshopping people and plantation into the environment.

Changing the sheltering system, adding a geometric structure which is cohesive with the other geometric forms in the design.

Adding rubbish bins in each of the zones.

Precedent Work

Finding spaces with Copper used as a main feature and seeing how copper harmonises with timber and concrete in different environments.

Researching different sheltering systems for bar and studio space.

Metal Research

Physical Properties

Strength

Copper is a weak metal with a tensile strength about half that of mild carbon steel. This explains why copper is easily formed by hand, but is not a good choice for structures.

Toughness
Copper may not be strong, but it is not easy to break due to its high toughness. This property comes in handy for piping and tube applications, where a rupture can be dangerous and expensive.

Ductility
Copper is very ductile and also very malleable. The electrical and jewelry industries benefit from the ductility of copper.

Conductivity
Second only to silver, copper is not only an excellent conductor of electricity, but also of heat. As a result, copper serves well in applications such as cookware, where it quickly draws heat to the food inside.

Corrosion resistant
Copper is low in the reactivity series. This means that it doesn't tend to corrode. Again, this is important for its use for pipes, electrical cables, saucepans and radiators. However, it also means that it is well suited to decorative use. Jewellery, statues and parts of buildings can be made from copper, brass or bronze and remain attractive for thousands of years.

Antibacterial
Copper is a naturally hygienic metal that slows down the growth of germs such as E-coli (the “burger bug”), MRSA (the hospital “superbug”) and legionella. This is important for applications such as food preparation, hospitals, coins, door knobs and plumbing systems.

Non magnetic
Copper is non magnetic and non sparking. Because of this, it is used in special tools and military applications.

Attractive colour
Copper and its alloys, such as brass, are used for jewellery and ornaments. They have an attractive golden colour which varies with the copper content. They have a good resistance to tarnishing making them last a long a time.

Recyclable
Copper can be recycled without any loss of quality. 40% of the world's demand is met by recycled copper.

Steel

Corrosion resistance
All stainless steels have a high resistance to corrosion. Low alloyed grades resist corrosion in atmospheric conditions; highly alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acids, alkaline solutions, and chloride bearing environments, even at elevated temperatures and pressures.

High and low temperature resistance
Some grades will resist scaling and maintain high strength at very high temperatures, while others show exceptional toughness at cryogenic temperatures.

Ease of fabricationThe majority of stainless steels can be cut, welded, formed, machined and fabricated readily.

Strength
The cold work hardening properties of many stainless steels can be used in design to reduce material thicknesses and reduce weight and costs. Other stainless steels may be heat treated to make very high strength components.

Aesthetic appeal
Stainless steel is available in many surface finishes. It is easily and simply maintained resulting in a high quality, pleasing appearance.

Hygienic properties
The cleanability of stainless steel makes it the first choice in hospitals, kitchens, food and pharmaceutical processing facilities.

Life cycle characteristics
Stainless steel is a durable, low maintenance material and is often the least expensive choice in a life cycle cost comparison.

Decision Making

We will use both on the renders and see which metal would be the most aesthetically pleasing. If we were to use copper, it would need to be a copper plated steel because steel is a stronger metal and would easily hold the weight of people and any weather condition or pressure against it.

Greenery and Plantation Research

Phormium cultivars and hybrids (New Zealand Flax)

New Zealand flax brings texture, color and foliage to the landscape year-round, especially welcome in otherwise barren fall and winter gardens. While falling leaves, a visible cue of the changing of the seasons, are always a visual treat, the end result is often a landscape filled with bare branches. Flax fares well alongside its deciduous neighbours with or without their foliage, its large leaves enhancing the landscape in every season.

- Water requirement: Little to moderate

- Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade

- Mature size: 1 to 9 feet tall and wide, depending on species

- Benefits and tolerances: Tolerant of coastal conditions, soil and wind 

- Seasonal interest: Year-round foliage; flowers in spring or summer

- When to plant: Late spring or summer

Chamaedorea Seifrizii (Bamboo palm)

Chamaedorea seifrizii is a small graceful palm that commonly used in landscapes and indoor decoration. It is very popular and is very easy to grow and maintain. It can be used as a foundation planting, at the back of the border to create a textural backdrop for your other plants, or as a unique hedge.

- Appearance: The Chamaedorea seifrizii is a multitrunk palm that grows in clusters without forming a crownshaft. It is usually clumped together to form a srub-like speciments. Slender, long stems are 8-10ft tall and have about 10-15 fronds. Stems are ringed with scars and has cane-like appearance. Each frond has around 10-12 dark green narrow feather like leaflets.

- Flowers/Fruits: If it is exposed to more light, Bamboo Palm will produce gorgeous flowers during summer months. Flowers are yellow and emerge from the lower leaves. The Bamboo Palm is dioecious, with male and female flowers growing on different plants. Flowers are followed by pea-sized red berries that turn black when fully ripen. But be careful with the fruits, because these nice looking berries are not edible and can cause allergic reaction.

- Growth Rate: The Bamboo Palm grows at an average rate and can get up to 8-12 ft tall and 6-8ft wide.

- Light Req: Bamboo palm grows best in shade but tolerates brighter light if gradually acclimated to sunny conditions.

- Water Req: Moderate. Bamboo Palm Tree doesn’t require heavy watering and as most palm trees likes well drained soil.

- Maintenance: Overall this plant doesn’t require much care to maintain its gorgeous tropical appearance. Apply good quality palm fertilizer that has continues release formula twice a year during growing season.

Equisetum hyemale (Winter Scouring Rush)

Best grown in medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates an extremely wide range of soils, however. Will grow in up to 4” of standing water. Spreads to form large colonies in the wild. Homeowners are often more interested in learning how to eradicate this plant from the landscape than how to grow it. It is a very aggressive plant which, if not preemptively restrained, will spread aggressively by branched, creeping rhizomes. Once established, it can be extremely difficult to remove by digging because its rhizomes spread wide and deep, and any small section of rhizome left behind can sprout a new plant. Consider using soil barriers to restrict growth. In water gardens or tub gardens, plant in pots at water bottom to contain growth (both height and spread).

- Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Very aggressive spreader.

- Garden Uses: Water gardens. Japanese gardens. Bog gardens. Stream or pond peripheries. Good plant for covering a wet low spot where nothing else will grow. Interesting plant for large patio containers. Provides strong vertical accent to any planting.

- Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet

- Spread: 1.00 to 6.00 feet

- Bloom Description: Non-flowering

- Sun: Full sun to part shade

- Water: Medium to wet

- Maintenance: Medium

- Suggested Use: Water Plant, Naturalise, Rain Garden

- Tolerate: Heavy Shade

Aspidistra Elatior (Cast- Iron Plant)

Easily grown as a houseplant in St. Louis because, among other things, it tolerates a wide range of temperatures, does not require a humid atmosphere, may be grown in low light, will tolerate less than regular watering and is easily maintained. Best grown with a well-drained, peaty potting mixture. Best sited in bright indirect light, but tolerates full shade. Avoid direct sun. Water regularly from spring to fall, but reduce watering in winter as plant rests. Regular temperatures in summer and minimum 50F in winter.

Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet

Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet

Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer

Bloom Description: Creamy purple

Sun: Part shade to full shade

Water: Medium

Maintenance: Low

Flower: Insignificant

Leaf: Evergreen

Tolerate: Drought, Heavy Shade

Epipremnum pinnatum (Golden Pothos Vine)

These plants grow to giant proportions in their native habitats. They can easily swallow 100-foot trees, and their mature leaves are as broad as basketballs. In home cultivation, they are exceptionally tough, both easy to propagate and maintain.

- Light: Bright, indirect light. Under full sun, the leaves will lose some of their distinctive yellow marbling.

- Water: Keep the soil moist through the growing period. In winter, reduce water, but do not allow the plant to dry out.

- Temperature: They prefer warmth and will cease growing below about 55ºF.

- Soil: A loose, rich well-drained potting mix.

- Fertilizer: Use a time-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, or use liquid fertilizer with every feeding during the growing season. Reduce fertilizer during the winter.

Concrete Research

Concrete

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Standard Ready Mix Concrete

Concrete is produced in four basic forms, each with its own set of distinctive advantages:

- Ready-mix concrete: by far the most common form, accounts for nearly 75% of all concrete produced. Ready mix concrete delivery begins with batching at local plants and delivery in the familiar trucks with revolving drums.

- Pre-cast concrete: used in products that are shaped in a factory where quality control is tightly monitored. Pre-cast products range from huge bridge girders and complex structural components to standardized panels for cladding and smaller concrete bricks and paving stones.

- Concrete masonry: although best known for the venerable 8”x8”x16” building block, today’s masonry units can be molded into a myriad of shapes, configurations, colors, and textures to satisfy a seemingly infinite spectrum of building applications and architectural designs.

- Cement-based materials: these products defy the label "concrete," yet share many of its desirable qualities. The more conventional include mortar, grout, and terrazzo. Soil-cement and roller-compacted concrete: "cousins" of concrete - are used for pavements and dams. Other products include flowable fill and cement treated bases. A new generation of advanced products incorporates fibers and special aggregates to create roofing tiles, shake shingles, lap siding, and countertops. Using cement to treat and stabilize waste is an emerging market.

Architectural/Decorative Concrete

- Exposed Aggregate Concrete: Concrete mixture, with specialty rock, designed to have the surface paste removed while fresh to reveal the decorative aggregate beneath.

- Coloured Concrete: Gray slabs are not your only choice when it comes to concrete work. CEMEX concrete can be produced in a wide range of colors, to make any project a work of art. Our high-quality coloring techniques produce a long lasting, uniform product. Thanks to better concrete coloring, your patios, walkways and driveways can look like works of art.

- Stamp Mix: A concrete mixture designed to be stamped for decorative applications. Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile and even wood.

- Specialty Aggregate Mixtures: Concrete mixture that contains coarse and/or fine aggregate different from normal concrete.

Accelerated Set Concrete

- Rapid setting concrete mixture used when early strength is required.

- Cold weather placements, tight scheduling requirement projects, reduced finishing projects as needed, pavement repairs.

- Accelerated set concrete stiffens and strengthens faster than normal concrete. This reduces finishing time, allows for earlier removal and/or allows traffic on to pavements sooner.

Fibre Reinforced Concrete

- Concrete mixture that includes fibrous materials as an alternative to welded wire fabric for secondary reinforcement. 

- Commonly used in floor slabs, elevated metal pan decks and flat work. Commonly used in floor slabs, elevated metal pan decks and flat work. Also used in insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for homebuilding

- Non-corrosive, improved impact, shatter and abrasive resistant; multidimensional reinforcement; always positioned in compliance with codes.

- Reinforcement throughout the entire concrete section: By adding millions of fibers to the concrete mix, the concrete achieves three-dimensional reinforcement. Increased construction speed: By adding reinforcement to the concrete mix, construction is faster and labor costs are reduced.

- No special equipment required: By adding fiber reinforcement in commonly used concrete mix designs and conventional concrete pumps, no additional equipment expenses are needed.

- Fiber reinforcement also inhibits plastic shrinkage crack formation, reduces plastic settlement cracking, increases green strength, and improves the cohesion of the mix, all of which give you durable, low maintenance concrete.

Flowable Fill/CLSM
- Controlled low-strength material (CLSM) is a self-compacted, cementitious material used primarily as a backfill in place of compacted fill.
- Backfill, structural fill and other uses such as filling-abandoned underground storage tanks, tunnel shafts and sewers.
- Controlled strength, self-leveling, non-corrosive, quick set capability, ease of re-excavation, lower in-place cost in certain applications, worker safety, reduced maintenance, utility identification, reduced project scheduling, design flexibility.

Roller-Compacted Concrete

- Pavement applications, local streets and roads, residential streets, highway shoulders, port facilities, intermodal yards, parking lots, dam construction.

- Lower installation and maintenance costs than asphalt, fastest speed of construction due to paving in lifts up to 9 inches thick, open to light traffic within hours, open to heavy traffic within 1 to 2 days, durable, supports sustainable development.

Self consolidating Concrete

- Self consolidating concrete, also known as self compacting concrete - a highly flowable, non-segregating concrete that can spread in place, fill formwork and encapsulate the reinforcement without any mechanical consolidation.

- Commonly used in structural and architectural concrete elements where reinforcing steel is tight and/or surface smoothness is important.

- Faster placement, improved finish, ease of filling restricted sections, improved consolidation, improved pump ability, improved uniformity, reduced labor costs,  quicker concrete discharge, elimination of vibrators, increased job site safety.

Pervious Concrete

- Pervious concrete pavements are commonly used for commercial parking areas and other light duty applications. Because of its infiltration capacity, it may allow for reductions in pond size. Additionally, many agencies do not count the full pervious pavement as impervious surface for zoning.

- Common applications for the pervious concrete include: Pharmacies, offices, restaurants, banks, subdivisions, retail shops.

- Due to durability concerns, this technology should not be used in: airport runways, heavy truck facilities, or uncovered athletic facilities.

- Placement and finishing techniques for pervious concrete are different from plain concrete. Pervious concrete is actually cast from a no-fines concrete mixture, thus it will not flow. It must be placed with specialty equipment to encourage consolidation without collapsing the void structure. Further, the water content of the fresh concrete must be carefully controlled. Pervious concrete must cure for seven days before opening to traffic.

Insulating Concrete Form Systems

- Insulating Concrete Form Systems (ICFs) are forms for poured concrete walls, that stay in place as a permanent part of the wall assembly. The insulated concrete forms made of foam insulation, are either pre-formed interlocking blocks or separate panels connected with plastic or metal ties. The left-in-place insulated concrete forms not only provide a continuous insulation and sound barrier, but also a backing for drywall on the inside, and stucco, lap siding or brick on the outside.

- Insulated concrete form homes can be designed in any style and will accept any traditional exterior finish, such as siding, stucco, or brick. In addition to the many functional aspects of insulated concrete form homes, consider the sheer beauty that can be added. Insulated concrete form systems accommodate any of today's most popular design features. Cathedral ceilings, tall walls and large openings are just some of the options available. Because concrete can take any shape or form, it can create an unlimited variety of curves and angles.

- The massive concrete walls of insulated concrete form homes provide a remarkably solid feel and safety for your family. Concrete has a proven record of withstanding the ravages of hurricane, tornadoes and fires. In sound transmission tests, insulated concrete form walls allowed less than one-third as much sound to pass through, as compared to wood-frame walls with fiberglass insulation. With double-glazed windows and increased roof insulation, you will rarely hear street or airport traffic, all of which disappears behind your insulated concrete form curtain of tranquility.

- Energy savings and comfort are built into every insulated concrete form system. The thickness, or thermal mass, of the wall configuration buffers the interior of the home from the extremes of outdoor temperature variances. Foam insulation provides a high R-value, so with the combination of the foam and concrete, the wall allows minimal air infiltration. Over the long run, benefits of energy efficiency, disaster resistance and durability reduce the cost of owning a home.

Specialty Concrete

- Abrasion resistant, alternate binders, corrosion inhibited, delayed set, heavyweight, lightweight, mass concrete, micro-silica, shrinkage reduced, shotcrete mixtures, high slump, underwater concrete, Whitetopping/Ultra-thin whitetopping.

Concrete Sealers
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Decision Making

A large area of our design is made of concrete. We thought that using a ready-mix concrete would be the most appropriate method to use, as this is the most common form used for public and transitional spaces. We wouldn't need a concrete much stronger than this because there will not be great amounts of weight applied to it - only the weight of people, and built-in furniture.

Timber Research

Timber - Pine Wood

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Inexpensive

Because it is easily and readily available, pine wood is typically an inexpensive wood to purchase. Pine wood tables are often more affordable than tables constructed of more expensive or exotic woods, such as rosewood. Pine wood tables are an excellent choice if you're on a tight budget. However, craftmanship also factors into price and some pieces of pine furniture can be expensive. For an inexpensive table, look to big box furniture stores but carefully examine the quality.

Durable
Although pine is classified as a soft wood, it is a favorite of furniture makers because of its durability. Pine resists shrinking or swelling, though it can easily dent and become scratched, which some people believe only adds to its rustic appeal. Examine an antique piece of pine furniture to determine how your pine table will wear and if you like the look. Keep in mind that the quality of pine tables will vary according to the manufacturer.

Customisable

Pine furniture is commonly sold unfinished. This is a desirable for do-it-yourself enthusiasts who prefer to stain, paint or even pickle pine furniture for a custom look. Pine furniture also looks good with a simple clear coat of varnish or wax for a natural-looking finish that can suit a variety of decorating styles.

Stylish
Pine wood offers many aesthetic benefits which, although highly subjective, are important to consider. Pine typically has many knots and lines, which results in a piece of furniture that can truly be one of a kind. However, it is possible to purchase pine furniture that does not have knots, although you can expect to pay more. Pine is also a light coloured wood and, when left unstained, can easily fit into both traditional and contemporary decorating styles.

Outdoor Timber finishes

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Paint

Paints are common coatings used on wood and provide the most protection. Latex-based paints and stains are water borne, and oil or alkyd paints are solvent borne. Paints are used for aesthetic purposes, to protect the wood surface from weathering and to conceal certain defects. 

Paints are applied to the wood surface and do not penetrate it deeply. The wood grain is completely obscured, and a surface film is formed. This surface film can blister or peel if the wood is wetted or if inside water vapor moves through the house wall and wood siding because of the absence of a vapor barrier. 

Latex paints are generally easier to use since water is used in clean-up. They are also porous and, thus, will allow some moisture movement. In comparison, oil-based paints require organic solvents for clean-up, and some are resistant to moisture movement. Paints are the only way to achieve a bright white finish. However, they are subject to peeling where moisture is a problem.

Solid Colour Stains 

Solid colour stains, also called heavy bodied stains, are opaque finishes which come in a wide range of colours and are defined as stains. Solid colour stains are made with a much higher concentration of pigment than the semitransparent penetrating stains. As a result they will obscure the natural wood colour and grain. Oil-based solid colour stains tend to form a film much like paint and as a result can also peel loose from the substrate. Latex- based solid colour stains are also available and form a film as do the oil-based solid colour stains. These stains are similar to thinned paints. 

Semitransparent Penetrating Stains

They are moderately pigmented and, thus, do not totally hide the wood grain. These stains penetrate the wood surface, are porous, and do not form a surface film like paints. As a result, they will not blister or peel even if moisture gets into the wood. Penetrating stains are alkyd or oil-based, and some may contain a fungicide or water repellent. Latex-based (water borne) stains are also available, but they do not penetrate the wood surface as do the oil-based stains. 

Stains are most effective on rough lumber or plywood surfaces. They are available in a variety of colours and are especially popular in the brown tones since they give a "natural or rustic wood appearance." They are not available in white. They are also an excellent finish for weathered wood. They are not effective when applied over a solid colour stain or over old paint. 

Water-Repellent Preservatives 

A water-repellent preservative may be used as a natural finish for wood surfaces. It contains a wood preservative, a small amount of wax as a water repellent, a resin or drying oil, and a solvent such as turpentine or mineral spirits. Water-repellent preservatives do not contain any colouring pigments. Therefore, the resulting finish will vary in colour depending upon the kind of wood. The preservative prevents wood from graying by inhibiting mildew. 

Water-repellent preservatives may also be used as a treatment for bare wood before priming and painting or in areas where old paint has peeled, exposing bare wood. This treatment keeps rain or dew from penetrating into the wood, especially at joints and end grain, and thus decreases the shrinking and swelling of wood. As a result, less stress is placed on the paint film, and its service life is extended. This stability is achieved by the small amount of wax present in water-repellent preservatives. The fungicide inhibits surface decay. 

Any type of water-repellent preservative can be used as a natural exterior finish by itself, but only some are paintable. Manufacturers have also developed water-repellent preservatives specifically for exterior finishes. Water repellents are also available. These are simply water-repellent preservatives with the preservative left out. Water repellents are not good natural finishes but can be used as a stabilising treatment before priming and painting. 

Varnishes

Varnishes, synthetic resins and other clear film- forming finishes provide an attractive finish for wood since they allow the natural wood colour and grain to show through. Unfortunately, the durability of these finishes on wood under the action of sunlight and moisture is limited. Regardless of the number of coats applied, the film will begin to crack and peel, and the finish will have to be completely removed by sanding or with a varnish remover before a new coat is added. Alternate finishes such as semitransparent stains and water- repellent preservatives will give a longer service life and are easier to refinish. Exterior marine or spar varnishes may be used with some success on exterior doors and other areas if adequate protection from the weather is provided.

Preservatives 

Wood preservatives are not considered to be finishes. However, wood properly treated with a preservative can withstand years of exposure to severe decay and insect attack without being affected. The common wood preservatives are creosote, penta-chlorophenol in oil, and the newer water-borne salt treatments---all of which are restricted-use pesticides. Creosote and pentachlorophenol in oil result in a dark and oily surface. Odor with creosote is a problem. Wood treated with creosote or pentachlorophenol in oil is not recommended for use around the home where people will come in contact with it. However, wood treated with water-borne salts is suggested for use as patio decks, outside steps, privacy fences and other home uses. This material is generally light to bright green or brown in colour. It can be used outdoors without finishing and will go practically unchanged or weather to a light gray.

Decision Making

For the decking area in our design, we have decided to use a Semitransparent Penetrating Stain over the Pine. This method will retain the appearance and texture of the wood grain, while also protecting the timber from peeling when moisture comes into contact with it- an ideal approach for outdoor decking.

SketchUp Development Week 9

Abstract furniture to complement the geometric, linear forms of the space.

Shelter development in the studio space.

Shelter Development in the bar zone. This first concept became to overwhelming and seemed to dominate the space, it needed to be simplified.

Adding in shelter to the bar area to act as a wind breaker, while also adding aesthetic value to the space. The timber also ties into the study/ studio space.

Developing seating for the area outside what would be the cafe.

This style of tables and seating is inspired by the 'peel up' seating used in the Highline in New York (shown below).

The tables and seating shown below are designed to fold out from the ground so that they can be pulled up when needed and put away to create more space when not needed.

They are inspired by this style shown below.

Creating a relaxing, tranquil zone by incorporating greenery and water into the environment.