Case Study Urbanworks Architecture

CHALLENGES

A new student housing structure was desired on a tight site that previously accommodated another
structure. The building needed to provide a competitively appealing housing facility for University of
Minnesota students.

SOLUTION

A dramatic façade featuring three exact custom colors the architecture team wanted with the perfect
modern layout of fiber cement cladding make this new student housing facility stand out from
neighboring structures to offer a competitive living option for students

The healthy construction market in Minneapolis presented Riverton Community Housing cooperative
with an opportunity to build a new student housing structure near the University of Minnesota, in the
Dinkytown section of campus.

 This area, known for its quirkiness and bustle, was the perfect location for a new student
housing building.
 Close to shops, restaurants, the University and other student housing buildings

An existing 24-unit three-story complex requires:

 Modernization
 upgrades for better efficiency
 the addition of more units

CHALLENGES IN THE PROJECT

 The tight site with busy car and pedestrian traffic

The solution

To move the parking below grade and combine it with the neighboring building.
 “We needed to provide parking to satisfy the neighborhood zoning but not many students have cars,”
says David Haaland, AIA, vice president, Urbanworks Architecture, Minneapolis. “We had to make a
conscious decision about how much parking would be available.”

In addition, construction materials were housed elsewhere and brought to the site a few trucks at a
time to allow ease of movement around the site.

 The soil composition

“It was a clay-based site which we had to remove and replace with clean sand. It took about a week to
accomplish, but we couldn’t let this slow down the project,” says Dan Ackmann, project manager, Frana
Companies, Hopkins, Minn.

Because the building would be located in an area with many student housing facilities, the owners of
this project wanted it to stand out—physically and competitively.

 The City of Minneapolis restricts the types of façade materials on buildings specifying only
durable materials in its zoning districts.

The team looked at several color options, including blues and greens, but chose to go with yellow.

“We wanted bright colors. We ended up with three custom colors of yellow Nichiha Illumination
Panels,” says Devon Lundy, AIA, project architect, Urbanworks Architecture.

A previous large, local project installation that contained 300 continuous feet of Nichiha panels helped
the project team create the ideal install on the Riverton project. “We cut a panel in half and then used
the rest of the panels on the other side,” Lundy adds. Andersen 100 Series windows with the same width
as the panels were installed.

“We broke up the design with another material,” Lundy says.

“There are no more than three panels in a row. Then a thin metal trim transitions to a section of a
different fiber cement product, hiding any gaps.”

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Yellow was the ideal color to contrast another student housing building and library nearby. By using
Nichiha’s Color Xpression System, Urban works Architecture was able to make the exact variation of
yellow in which they were looking. They should learn how to accommodate Nichiha product’s nominal
measurement details in the most efficient manner before approaching this project.

The team should have minimized waste by planning the design in advance, determining the location of
the windows and using 3-, 6-, and 9-ft. panels. The three vibrant hues and the ability to customize the
color made a huge difference. If it was one color, it would be too monochromatic and wouldn’t stand
out. People love the color because it’s so bright and fun, yet still has a cohesive and modern design.
InstalLation
Fiber cement cladding is a very heavy product and requires two people to carry the uncut sheets.
Thin fiber cement cladding is fragile before installation and must be handled carefully because it
is prone to chipping and breakage if improperly handled. Once the product is cut it may again
require two people to install – one to hold the sheet flush against studwork and the other to nail
the product in place.

Cutting fiber cement sheeting can be cut to size in three ways:

 Thinner sheets can be scored with a heavy duty cutting blade and snapped
 Using a hand- or electric-powered "fibro cutter" (Australian term)
 A mechanical saw using a diamond blade (masonry blade) is needed to cut thicker and
denser sheets

When hanging fiber cement sheets, an approximately 5-millimetre (0.2 in) gap is required
between end-joints (cladding seams), later to be filled with caulking made for fiber cement
siding. Metal 150 mm × 150 mm (6 in × 6 in) step flashing is required behind overlapping seams
to prevent sheathing damage from water. Hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails are used to secure
the sheets.

Some caution must be exercised to properly ventilate areas where fiber cement siding (FCS) is
being cut; long-term exposure to the silica dust generated during the installation process can
cause silicosis.

Fiber cement cladding can be painted or stained before or after installation.[2] For areas of
exposure, weatherproof paint must be used. Once the product is fixed the joints are usually
covered with timber battens and the entire wall surface is painted

Our Panel Siding has got you covered.

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Architectural Panels
 Class A fire-rated
 Provide unyielding strength against wood-boring insects and deterioration
 Resists the damaging effects of UV rays
 Protected by a proprietary primer/sealer
 Engineered to guard against moisture
Allura gives architects the freedom to create engaging and sophisticated patterns by extending
architectural lines through the window frames and mullions.

Designed to take the custom work out of installation and offer a cost-saving strategy in an
upscale market with an affordable, modern exterior finish.

With Allura, sustainability is always built in for good measure. Allura remains flexible, weather-
resistant, efficient and dedicated to making the world more beautiful.

Clean & Green

From the symmetrical architectural lines and caulk-free installation to its strong curb appeal and
ageless beauty, Allura Architectural Panels create exceptional long-term value. Allura's Fiber
Cement Panels are backed by an industry-leading 50-year limited warranty.

With Allura, sustainability is always built in for good measure. We promise to remain flexible,
weather-resistant, efficient and dedicated to making the world more beautiful.

At a Glance

 Sustainable and durable

 Designed and tested to withstand hurricane-force winds
 Available in 22 colors and pre-primed and sealed for painting after installation
 ColorMax® application offers popular colors for your design
 Low maintenance alternative to wood
 Virtually maintenance free
 Designed with advanced technology to resist wood-boring insects and rotting

Industry leading 50-Year Warranty

We’re all over it.

From obtaining product dimensions for calculating the amount of product needed for a job, to
locating specific code numbers to verify compliance with local building codes, we make sure
you are always both well equipped and well informed.

Allura Fiber Cement Siding is tested in accordance with ASTM1186 in the U.S. and CCMC
technical guide requirements as required by the National Building Code of Canada. These testing
standards include a stringent review of more than a dozen properties, such as flexural strength,
moisture movement, frost resistance, transversal loading and water absorption. Both the product
and manufacturing process are subject to ongoing third party inspections to ensure that product
quality and performance are maintained.
Doing our part for the environment.

In an effort to be as eco-friendly as possible, Allura is committed to developing sustainable

solutions that offer beauty, style, comfort and performance. Allura Fiber Cement is an NGBS
(National Green Building Standard) product and the only fiber cement siding to guarantee
contribution to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) credits on every project.
For more information, please read our full line brochure.

An Architect’s Guide To: Fiber Cement

Cladding
Become the expert on detailing fiber cement cladding.

If fiber cement were a character from a teen rom-com, it would be the nice guy. The reliable
friend who is not too flashy or too demanding, but stands by you even as you opt for the flashier
date; only to be there with open arms when you go over budget and realize you had the right
answer standing in front of you the whole time.

OK, don’t focus too much on that metaphor; the point is that fiber cement cladding is a great,
durable low-cost alternative to more extravagant cladding options like wood and stone. It is often
a background material, the kind of lightly textured stuff that you could walk by every day and
not really notice. But when you do notice it, you realize that it is actually quite beautiful. Maybe
it is gently washed with gray tones, neatly accented with corner screws or tiled in a nice fractal
pattern.

5. Material is Fire (and Heat) Resistant

Vinyl siding can easily become melted when operating a barbecue grill, running a lawnmower,
or even smoking a cigarette in the vicinity. Likewise in the unfortunate event of a house fire all
(untreated) cedar siding does is become fuel. Fiber cement components on the other hand are 1-
hour, fire resistance rated and will not ignite under direct flame or heat. Fiber cement has a flame
spread rating of 0 and is a Class I material, which for comparison so is brick.

6. Largely Weather Resistant

The fire resistance of fiber cement is great for the safety of your home and family but to get the
most out of the investment the product has to last awhile. Because of it's composition of sand,
cement, and cellulose fibers the fiber cement will not be damaged by hail like aluminum siding
may be. Extreme heat and humidity can also wreak havoc on some siding types but the makeup of
fiber cement makes it dimensionally stable and protected from being damaged in these conditions.
The product will also not wear or deteriorate (excessively) under constant UV exposure
11. Made From Sustainable Materials

Cedar is a sustainable and recyclable material but remember the wood must come from
somewhere. Fiber cement on the other hand is a mixture of sand, cement, and fibers that contain
recycled wood. Disposal plans are still being developed for fiber cement board, mostly because
the product has only been around for 30-ish years and lasts 50 or more. Compared to vinyl siding
production fiber cement is much more sustainable, being inert compared to the toxins that are
released along every level in the life cycle of vinyl.

12. Approved for LEED and Historical Building Renovations

It can be hard to not only fulfill green building recommendations, but also doing so under the guise
of historical building and city permit codes. Fiber cement accomplishes both as evidenced by
Allura siding being eligible for certain LEED credits. In addition, cities such as Rhinebeck and
LaGrange in New York State have approved fiber cement siding for use in their historical district
with many other cities following suit. Both homeowners and contractors have more options when
it comes to finding suitable finishing materials on projects in these areas.

13. Entire Installation Provides Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency for a home is recommended anywhere you can get it. Fiber cement siding as an
entire installed system provides great thermal resistance, comparative to wood but significantly
improved over vinyl or aluminum. Starting with the sheathing layer of plywood, OSB, or foam
and continuing with the house wrap the underlayment of a fiber cement installation does a great
job of preventing heat transfer. Combine that with the density of the siding itself and installing
fiber cement (along with upgrading windows) should provide significant utility bill savings.

14. Installation Isn't That Difficult

One of the supposed biggest disadvantages of contractors installing fiber cement siding is how
difficult it is to work with. Granted the material doesn't cut as fast as vinyl or aluminum and the
long pieces are more brittle than wood but labor costs and resources aren't that increased. Fiber
cement installation is a two person job but any type of siding should be if done with quality. Gaps
do need to be left on edges to account for the expansion and contraction of the fiber cement material
(and in wood) but if anything that increases the cutting tolerances.

15. Fiber Cement Cuts a Variety of Ways

Another common gripe among installers is the disdain with the amount of dust kicked up during
cutting. This is true when using a circular saw but there is more than one way to cut the material.
Using either a dedicated sheer or a drill attachment cuts the material slower, but it does so without
kicking up anywhere near the amount of dust. Plus, even circular saw dust attachments do a great
job of collecting airborne particles without sacrificing cut speed.

16. 50-Year Warranty or More

Many household building products boast about their longevity but do little to back up that claim.
Shingles are a great example, offering a 15 year warranty but one that is prorated to pennies on the
dollar of the original purchase. The Allura 50-year warranty provides up to double the replacement
reimbursement from the 1st to 35th year and full price from the 36th to 50th. This is a huge advantage
for homeowners knowing they'll likely only need to side their house one time and for contractors
knowing that a company stands by their materials.

17. Material Has Been Around 100 Years

Some consumers may feel that a 50-year warranty on fiber cement siding is simply calling a bluff.
After all, fiber cement siding has only been around since the 1970's and is still 15-20 years away
from knowing whether it lasts the full 50 or not. The truth is, fiber cement has been used as siding
since the 1970s but the product itself was patented in 1901 under the name “Eternit” roughly
translated in Latin to mean everlasting. As modern fiber cement manufacturing processes advance
it only makes sense to think that the longevity of the product will extend as well.

18. Also Available in Panels

One of the biggest allures of metal roofing for construction contractors is the fact that 3' X 14'
sections of roof can be covered in seconds compared to laying and layering multiple 12” X 36” of
individual shingles. Fiber cement siding has the ability to offer that increased coverage as well in
the form of architectural panels. The panels come in sizes up to 4' X 10' and are a great way to not
only add unique style, but cut down the installation time as well. Even lap siding products are
available in widths ranging from 4” to 12” and 12' long.

19. Can Be Painted On-Site (Or in the Factory)

The main theme of fiber cement is options. From the various styles and colors available to widths
and more. Another great option is having the fiber cement siding come primed only (paint on site)
or in the finished colors. Painting the siding can be a great way for homeowners to save on some
materials costs or to change the color of the siding down the line using acrylics. Contracts can also
touch up any blemishes that may result in the handling of the materials.

20. Expands and Contracts Less than Wood

Although their will need to be expansion gaps left to account for expansion and contraction in the
changing climate, the amount is much less than wood. This helps the contractor who can get away
with less than an 1/8” gap instead of recutting the plank. Less expansion and contraction also
means that the seam joints will spread apart less, which lessens the possibility of water damage.
Since the boards will shrink and expand less, they should be installed closer together at butt seams
to avoid gaps.

21. Can Be Face Nailed If Needed

While most fiber cement boards are blind nailed for aesthetic reasons, they can also be face nailed
if needed. The ability to face nail a fiber cement board both on the top as well as the bottom or
middle makes it more secure in high wind climates. The nails on the face can easily be covered
with touch up paint and are difficult to distinguish anywhere other than up close. Comparatively,
vinyl or aluminum siding can only be fastened at the top nailing lip.

22. Replacing Single Boards is Easy

In the event that a fiber cement siding board is damaged, fixing and replacing is much easier than
other materials. By simply prying up the adjacent boards in the area the damaged board can be
removed and replaced. Even just sections of the compromised board can be cut out and removed
instead of the entire piece and multiple adjoining rows as with vinyl, aluminum, and other multiple
overlapping siding.

23. Installs Straighter

Aluminum and vinyl siding are considered easy to install because they simply snap into place.
This is both a convenience and a possible risk as a 6'4” 285 pound worker's “tight” snap is different
than the 5'6” 120 pound guy on the other end. Plus, it can be easy to trust the 'snap' instead of
measuring each piece which can lead to a crooked installation that needs to be removed down to
the missed piece. Installing fiber cement takes longer because you need to measure each placement,
but it also ensures the rows are being put on straight. 1. Installed as panels with the joints between
them highlighted, fiber cement siding can become a contemporary, industrial covering for multi-
family dwellings, office buildings, or single family homes. The siding can be painted any color,
with or without contrasting trim to help bring out different architectural features, in this case the
brick and metal trim of the building.

1. Installed as panels with the joints between them highlighted, fiber cement siding can become a
contemporary, industrial covering for multi-family dwellings, office buildings, or single family
homes. The siding can be painted any color, with or without contrasting trim to help bring out
different architectural features, in this case the brick and metal trim of the building.

2. Fiber cement panels can be cast in numerous shapes and sizes as well. With the joints color
matched to the panels, and a mixture of different sizes and shapes, fiber cement gives this building
a fun, fluid, and contemporary exterior that highlights this section. Contrasting with the glass and
the more traditional paneling on the building’s other side, the larger panels help to open up the
space, creating a more streamlined look.

3. The joints between the panels don’t have to be contrasting or left open; filler panels of fiber
cement in the same color as the larger panels help to create a transitional exterior for this building.
With the look and grain of real wood, this helps give the building a contemporary-rustic feel that
complements the fieldstone and the modern window casings.

4. Fiber cement siding isn’t just confined to exterior walls, either. In this case, the two-toned siding
is also used on the soffits and the underside of the overhang. The different colors used on the siding
emphasize the different sizes of the boards, adding depth and interest to the building’s exterior.
5. Fiber cement siding doesn’t have to fall only into the contemporary category; it can also provide
you with numerous looks for more traditional homes. In this case, the majority of the home is
covered in horizontal lap siding that complements the style of the home. Accenting the upper
portion are larger, vertical panels highlighted by contrasting joints that pick up the colors from the
window casings and trim to add additional interest to the design as a whole.

6. The versatility of fiber cement is well highlighted in this contemporary home. Thin board and
batten-style siding covers much of the home’s exterior, while larger, vertically stacked panels with
contrasting joints line the sides. The same board and batten-style siding also covers the underside
of the eaves and overhangs on the home, giving it a sleek, streamlined appearance.

7. Horizontal lap siding isn’t the only way that fiber cement can be used to create a more traditional
covering for the home; in this case shakes, or shingles, are paired with the lap siding to highlight
the upper story of the home. These are paired with other traditional architectural details framing
the windows and running alongside the deck to give the home the style and design of a chateau.

8. Get the look of a rustic cabin, but without the maintenance and expense of wood by mixing
materials. Fiber cement siding pairs beautifully with real wood and stone to help cut down on the
maintenance, while preserving the beauty of rustic retreats. Fiber cement can be painted or stained
in the same colors as wood, and because it’s formed in a mold with real pieces of wood, it’s nearly
indistinguishable from the real thing even close up.

9. Traditional shakes and shingle siding are possible in a variety of different sizes and styles with
fiber cement. The sizes of these shakes varies from piece to piece, giving the home a more
authentic looking exterior, and complementing its architecture and original cladding.

10. Vertical panels with matched joints are a great way to produce numerous effects on your home.
Matched here with traditional horizontal lap siding on the adjacent building, the fiber cement
siding mimics the lines of the roofing, and creates the illusion the building is taller than it actually
is.

11. Who says panels need to be square? Fiber cement siding can be shaped to take on a variety of
different looks, including sharply angled panels that interlock with contrasting joints on the edges.
Paired with a variety of differently shaped panels on either side of the center row, these angled
panels help draw the eye effectively straight up the building’s center.

12. Create a pop of color with fiber cement panels. The smooth panels with contrasting joints
create a very eye-catching look on this building’s exterior. Because the panels are unlikely to fade
or peel, it makes them the ideal surface for creating brilliantly colored exteriors, even in sunny
climates.

Fiber cement siding is far more versatile than many competing materials. Create the look you’re
after for your home or building with fiber cement, and get durability, interest, and beauty in one.
 CASE STUDY
IN
RESEARCH METHODS IN
ARCHITECTURE
(CASE STUDY OF A STRUCTURE)
SUBMITTED BY: MARY GRACE A. DELA CRUZ
SUBMITTED TO: ARCH. GERALDINE PAGUIGAN, UAP