OXPENS FOOD HUB

Excerpts from
Final year individual project
Design report

Mimi Tam

1
 NOTES

The following pages are excerpts from my

final year design report.

If you are interested in reading more about

this project or my other projects, please feel
free to visit my portfolio website:

www.mimitam.myportfolio.com

2
 CONTENTS

Process documentation 5
Structure & tectonics 15
Environmental design 27
4
 PROCESS DOCUMENTATION

Above: a photo of me making sourdough with local baker,

Richard Bertinet, owner of Bertinet Bakery and Kitchen.

5
 A study of Ilimelgo vertical farm, France, 2017, by
Ilimelgo Architectes.

THE
THE VERY
VERY START
START
06.02.2023
6 02 2 23 - 18.02.2023
1 2 2023

The first few weeks of the project was the most

challenging for me. I was excited about the project
but the complexity of the brief left me slightly
overwhelmed. I grounded myself by doing some
massing models to consider orientation, zoning
and massing. Through studying the stall layout
of Spitalfields market, I had a better grasp of the
spatial needs of the market hall. Knowing that
environmental design would be a key driver of the
scheme, I also studied the Ilimelgo vertical farm to
learn more about environmental design for vertical
farms.

6
 DESKTOP REVIEW
19.02.2023

At desktop review, I was given very useful feedback

and suggestions that I later incorporated into my
scheme. The idea of separating different market
stall types by floor emerged from the conversation
with the critic. It was suggested that I can have
some parts of the building uninsulated, as some of
the functions do not require a thermally controlled
environment. It was also suggested that I start
experimenting with different façade options to cater
for the different daylighting needs for each part of
the building.

7
ITERATION
20.02.2023 - 09.03.2023

Building up on the feedback from the desktop

review, I started looking at façade design: how it
responds to light and orientation, how it corresponds
to the structural grid, and how it relates to the roof.
Although none of these façade options were used
in the end, the testing process certainly informed
my later decision of using a simple flat roof and
celebrating the rooftop farm.
I also started to work on environmental strategies,
and it became apparent that the vertical farms
would be a double-ended sword that is very difficult
to resolve, but if done well, it could be a very exciting
part of the environmental strategy.
8
 INTERIM REVIEW
10.03.2023

In preparation for the interim review, I focused on

nailing down the spatial zoning of the building, as well
as establishing the key structural and environmental
strategies. The overall feedback was very positive,
and I was very happy about the positive comments
on the clarity of delivery and visual representation.
It was highlighted that the stall layout of the market
hall could be further refined, as well as the vertical
circulation routes (location of stairs and lifts). These
were the aspects that I focused on refining after the
review.

9
TECTONIC EXPLORATION
11.03.2023 - 30.03.2023

After the interim review, I used the first week to

refine the plan and circulation routes. Inspired by
the notion of ‘reverse detailing’, I started to delve
into the tectonics of the façade, so that I can allow
the construction details to drive the overall design of
the façade. Detailing the junctions was certainly the
most challenging aspect of this scheme, as some
parts of the building were uninsulated, and it was
very easy to overlook thermal bridges. Studying
precedents certainly helped, and I very much
enjoyed the whole process.
During many of the consultant tutorials, overheating
of the vertical farms came as a recurring point for
discussion. I was glad that Aoife introduced me to Key tectonic precedent: Key tectonic precedent:
BIPVs, which eventually became a key feature of Hardman Square Pavilion, Manchester Ballyogan operations and maintenance depot, Dublin
the façade. Sheppard Robson Architects, 2019 Bucholz McEvoy Architects, 2012

10
0

Graphics on the plans clearly
convey the scheme but the
greenery could stand out more
Sectional perspective needs further
development - what activities are
happening in each space? What are
the light fittings like? Could investigate making
Elevations are lively and convey the the planting façade
atmosphere well, but the colour does accessible for maintenance
not reflect the timber materiality by increasing the ‘balcony’
depth.

Where are the

risers on the roof?
There should be Good
an extraction point environmental
somewhere. strategies

Air transfer between the two levels via the façade

could be a fire safety issue - investigate whether
the ventilated façade can be divided by floors.

TECTONIC REVIEW
Perspective views need further development - 31.03.2023
need to start looking at materiality etc.

For the tectonic review, I decided to focus on

fewer drawings but making sure that they are well
resolved. This worked out really well, as I had very
good feedback and most of the comments were
suggestions for refinement. I incorporated most
of the suggestions given by the critic into the next
stage of design development, for instance, widening
the balconies of the planting façade to allow for
maintenance access. The tectonic review was very
reassuring for me, and it felt that the scheme was
finally coming together.

11
REFINING THE DETAILS
01.04.2023 - 04.05.2023

Easter holidays gave me the opportunity to reset,

so that I can be rejuvenated and ready to crack on
with the final few weeks after the holidays. I took a
few days off and took the time to map out how the
weeks following Easter holidays would look like. As
I only focused on one elevation for tectonic review,
I took the opportunity to work on the other façades
over Easter. I took some time to refine the tectonic
details for each of the façade types, so that they can
be modelled in Revit ready for visualisations and
drawings. I also refined the layout of the hydroponics
farm, as this was a key part of the scheme and I
felt that I had neglected it whilst focusing on the
tectonics of the façade.
A week before the review, I realised that my
fire escape distances were way too long, as I
had neglected fixed furniture layout in my initial
estimation. I had a brief moment of panic but was
relieved when I worked out that this issue could be
resolved by swapping the location of the kitchens
and escape stairs, though this change did set me
back slightly in terms of time.

12
2
 FINAL REVIEW
05.05.2023

For the final review, my main goal was to complete

a set of drawings that could convey my scheme
really well and tell its story. Although the comments
about graphical representation was quite mixed, I
was glad that the critic enjoyed my scheme and my
storytelling. I was also relieved that there wasn’t any
major comments about the design. The critic gave
many suggestions for drawings and diagrams that I
could include in my design report, which was quite
helpful. Moving forward, I knew that there was still a
lot to be done for the report but I was very satisfied
with what I have put together for the review.
13
14
 STRUCTURE & TECTONICS

Structural strategy 16
Structural components 17
Construction details
The vertical farms 20
The food hall 24

15
 STRUCTURAL STRATEGY
OVERVIEW

CLT roof / glazed roof with BIPVs

Planting wall CLT floor slabs

support frame
(lightweight steel)

CLT structural walls

Green wall system:

timber slats &
wire meshes

Glulam beams & columns

Timber planting shelves

Steel cross bracing &

lattice girder support frame

Concrete planks
(7000x7000x200mm)

Concrete ground beams

(500x600mm / 300x450mm)

Pad foundations

With carbon reduction as a key driver of the OGFM, it is crucial for the structure to be low in embodied carbon. Hence,
glulam and CLT has been selected as the primary structural material. A regular grid enables structural components to
be modular, which facilitates off-site construction. This is further explained on pg. 62-63.

16
 STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Foundations Secondary structure

Precast concrete slabs, ground beams, pad foundations CLT floors, CLT roofs

West façade: South façade: East façade:

Planting frame, steel & timber Double skin, BIPVs Wood fibre SIPs, red cedar

Primary structure Tertiary structure - façade modules

Glulam columns and beams, CLT structural walls Provides additional lateral bracing to primary structure

17
18
 Food hall
(I, J)

South façade
vertical farms
(F, G, H)

F.

G.

I.
J.

19
 THE VERTICAL FARMS
Construction details

Exploded view - double skin façade

(2 modules)
1. Actuated pivot windows, double glazed
2. Steel lattice girder
3. Photovoltaic glazing (BIPVs)
4. Actuated louvres

3.5m

4.2m

3
4

20
F.

H.

G.

21
 FAÇADE DETAILS
1:10

1
5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
3

6
4

F. Intensive planting roof G. Double skin façade

1. 200mm growing medium 1. Photovoltaic glazing (BIPV)

2. Filter fabric 2. Actuated louvres
3. 50mm drainage layer 3. Stainless steel flashing
4. Waterproof membrane 4. Lattice girder (façade support frame)
5. 160mm rigid insulation 5. Actuated pivot window
6. Vapour barrier 6. Roller blinds
7. 250mm CLT roof 7. Spandrel panel

0 0.1 0.2 0.5m

22
 VERTICAL FARM FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
1:25

1 2 3 4 5

H. Vertical farm intermediate floor

1. 20x600x600mm terrazzo porcelain

paving tiles
2. Adjustable pedestals
3. Water reservoir and drainage layer
4. Waterproof membrane
5. 250mm CLT floor 4

0 0.25 0.5 1m

23
 THE FOOD HALL
Construction details

I. Food hall ceiling & upper floor construction

1. 20x600x600mm porcelain tile
1 2. 20mm polyethylene matting (Schluter)
3. 20mm fibreboard
4. 125mm acoustic insulation with underfloor
heating
5. 95mm floor joist on 25mm sylodyn
6. 250mm CLT floor
2 7. 25mm Baux acoustic wood wool panels, attached
to CLT floor, to manufacturer’s detail
8. 700x350mm / 300x150mm glulam beams on
glulam columns

Glulam column to primary beams junction

4

24
 J. Mezzanine floor & balustrade detail
1. 20x600x600mm porcelain tile
2. 20mm polyethylene matting (Schluter)
3. 20mm fibreboard
4. 95mm floor joist
5. 25mm sylodyn
6. 125mm acoustic insulation with underfloor
heating
7. 250mm CLT floor
8. 25mm Baux acoustic wood wool panels, hung
on suspended grid
9. 15x50mm steel RHS railing baluster
10. 25mm cedar veneered plywood
11. 15x15mm steel SHS (shelf support)
12. 15mm red cedar panel, oiled finish
13. 350x550mm glulam beam
14. 15x55mm steel RHS railing
15. 5mm steel wire
16. 8mm steel ring connector
Detail precedent:
ASI Reisen Headquarters, Natters, Austria, Snohetta, 2020

14 15

10
11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

12
16

13 8

0 0.25 0.5 1m

25
26
 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

Embodied carbon overview 28

Operational carbon overview 29
Natural ventilation 30
Mechanical ventilation 32
Services 33
Building fabric 34
Urban farming 36
Water systems 37

27
 EMBODIED CARBON OVERVIEW
Key strategies from LETI
PRIMARY ACTIONS
Build light: structural design
» Reducing the weight of the superstructure by using
a lightweight timber frame to reduce foundation
requirements
» Restricting long spans - longest spanning beams are
10.5m (in the food hall double height space)
Build wise: local context and longevity
» Using local materials where possible
» Designing with repeating modules to allow for easier
recycling of building materials
» Establishing life expectancy of building components
and selecting materials that corresponds to its
longevity
Build low carbon: material specifications
» Specifying 70% GGBS concrete for foundation slabs
and ground beams
» Using UK grown timber species (spruce and western
red cedar) for structural and façade elements
» Using natural insulation materials (wood fibre) instead
of PIR or fibreglass insulation
Build for the future: adaptability
» Using a regular structural grid and a framed structure
to allow for future adaptability
» Centralised plant system and plant rooms (e.g.
centralised MVHR instead of isolated systems)
» Considering whole life cycle during design
28
REDUCTIONS BY ELEMENT
Building envelope
» Using timber battens instead of steel framing to
support cladding structures
» Limiting the use of metal elements and use mechanical
fixings instead of welding to ensure structures can be
dismounted and recycled at the end of life
MEP
» Avoiding over-provision of plant space
» Stacking plant rooms vertically to reduce duct runs
» ‘Design in’ maintenance and replacement solutions
as MEP components are expected to be replaced 2-3
times during the building’s lifetime
FF&E
» Using mechanically fixed systems rather than adhesive
fix so that components can be demounted and re-used
/ recycled, supporting a circular economy (e.g. acoustic
wood wool panels on a suspended grid)
» Exposing services where possible (e.g. MVHR)
» Exposing CLT soffits and walls where suitable
DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly)
» Using modular, repeatable façade systems to allow for
off-site construction
» Using pre-fabricated structural elements (e.g. concrete
slabs)
» Using pre-fabricated WC pods and kitchen work
stations
 OPERATIONAL CARBON OVERVIEW
Passive strategies

FOR
MF
0.89
ACT
OR

Low form factor Passive solar strategies Dynamic façade

A simple form factor is chosen to reduce overall building Atria design helps introduce daylight into the deep floor Façade strategies are tailored to the function and
heat loss. The building is designed to have vertical farm plan, and vertical farms are located on the south to orientation of individual spaces. Use of recesses, plant
elements with relatively high glazing ratio, hence it is maximise passive solar gains. shading and BIPVs create different daylight conditions
crucial to reduce the fabric heat loss area. according to building function.

Urban farming
The incorporation of urban farming elements not only
contribute to urban greening but also helps improve
building performance and resource efficiency. More details
can be found on pg. 94.
Hybrid ventilation & heat recovery
The building is zoned into 3 ventilation zones according to
spatial function. Natural ventilation strategies are adopted
as much as possible in warmer months, and mechanical
ventilation with heat recovery is used in colder months.
Geothermal & renewables
A ground source heat pump is used for radiant heating
and cooling, as it is a low-carbon energy source. BIPVs are
integrated into the façade and additional PV panels are
located on the roof to harvest solar energy.

29
 NATURAL VENTILATION

ZONING DOUBLE SKIN MECHANISM

The building is zoned into 3 ventilation zones In the vertical and hydroponics farm, the double
according to their respective functions and skin façade operates on an automated system
ventilation requirements. to help regulate indoor temperature in different
climatic conditions.
Zone 1 are occupied spaces which would be
naturally ventilated in warmer seasons and
mechanically ventilated in winter. Zone 2 are
ancillary spaces which require a more controlled
environment (e.g. kitchens, plant rooms), hence
they are mechanically ventilated at all times. Zone 3 Louvres closed
includes the hydroponics and vertical farms, as well
as the ground floor of the market hall stalls. These
spaces are naturally ventilated throughout the year
as they are more tolerable to temperature changes.

Level 2 6°C
In winter, the pivot windows and louvres are closed
to retain heat within the vertical farms. Trickle vents
remain open to let sufficient fresh air in. The air gap
between the two layers of glass heats up due to solar
gains and acts as a barrier to heat loss, which helps
Winter conditions
maintain a warmer temperature indoors.

L1

G/F
Louvres opened

26°C
Zone 1: Mixed mode ventilation
In summer, the pivot windows and louvres are open to
Zone 2: Mechanical ventilation
allow fresh air in. Fresh air displaces the stale air within
Zone 3: Natural ventilation the vertical farms, which exits via the pivot windows at
Summer conditions a higher level.

30
 NATURAL VENTILATION

WIND CATCHER MECHANISM

In both atria, there is a wind catcher system to increase the effectiveness of stack ventilation, especially on hotter summer days
where stack effect is usually not as effective due to air being hotter outside. This system involves automated louvres that utilises
prevailing wind to create a negative pressure, drawing air into the building.

How does a wind catcher work? Wind catcher and stack effect

Louvres on the opposite side of the Louvres automatically open on the side facing
prevailing wind closes prevailing wind to create a negative pressure
inside the building to suck cooler air in Hot air rises to the top, Direction of prevailing wind
eventually escaping from
the roof window
Louvres are closed on On the side facing onto
the sides not facing the prevailing wind, louvres
prevailing wind opened to draw air in

-ve +ve
negative positive
pressure
-ve +ve pressure
-ve

Hot stale air rises and

escapes from the roof
window

Fresh air passes through diffusers and 2. Cooling pipes connected to

sink downwards to lower levels due to geothermal system can help
its lower density (stack effect) cool air on extremely hot days

NW NE

Oxford wind rose

W E
(Wind speed)

>3 mph

>7 mph

>12 mph
SW SE >17 mph

>24 mph
S
>31 mph Above: stack effect in the circulation atrium -
Oxford: southwestern prevailing wind cool fresh air sinks and hot stale air rises
31
 MECHANICAL VENTILATION
MVHR duct sizing and layout

Duct sizing is dependent on the air flow requirements and duct cross-sectional Exhaust
area: outlet

Air flow (m3/s) = Air speed (m/s) x cross-sectional area (m2) Fresh air
inlet
Exhaust
Ducts with circular cross sections (as opposed to rectangular cross sections) are
outlet
selected as they allow air to pass through with less friction. According to CIBSE AHU
Guide B (Part 3 - Ductwork), a maximum air speed of 10m/s is allowed. From this Plant Fresh air
inlet
information, the duct sizes for zone 1 and zone 2 can be calculated as follows:

Zone 1:

Air flow requirements given building regulations part F: 10 L/s per person
Assuming maximum occupancy of 100 people per floor:
10 x 100 = 1000L/s = 1m3/s
Cross sectional area required = 1/10 = 0.1m2
AHU
Diameter of ducts = (0.1 / π )0.5 x 2 = 360mm Plant

Zone 2

Air flow requirements given building regulations part F:

60L/s for kitchen areas and 0.5L/s per m2 for circulation spaces
Cross sectional area required for kitchen areas = Zone 3: Natural ventilation
0.06 / 10 = 0.006m2

Diameter of ducts = (0.06/ π )0.5 x 2 = 280mm AHU

Plant
Air flow requirement for circulation spaces = 0.5 x 70 = 35L/s

Cross sectional area required for circulation areas =

0.035 / 10 = 0.0035m2
Diameter of ducts = (0.1 / π )0.5 = (0.035/ π )0.5 x 2 = 210mm

350mm Zone 2: Fully mechanical ventilation

AHU
300mm Plant
550mm

360mm Acoustic panels

Diagram above: section showing duct layout in zone 1 (main occupied spaces). Zone 1: Mixed mode ventilation
The runout ducts are designed to run parallel to the primary beams so that they can be directed
back to the main branch located within the service corridor.

32
 SERVICES

Ventilated cable trays

MVHR branch ducts

Commercial fire sprinkler

BAUX acoustic
wood wool panels
Suspended strip lights

MVHR ducts
MVHR branch ducts run parallel to main beams (as illustrated on pg. 84) and connect to
Recirculating extractor hood
the main ducts which runs along the service corridor. The main supply and extract ducts
connect to the AHU units, located in the AHU plant room on each floor.

Lighting grid
Ventilated cable trays run parallel to MVHR ducts and support electric conduits. Strip lights
are suspended from the ceiling and are spaced at 3.5m intervals.

Fire sprinklers
Due to the presence of cooking activities and the open plan of the building, a sprinkler
system will be installed. The sprinkler pipework runs parallel to the MVHR ducts.

Water pipes
Water pipes run vertically in risers and through the service void of floors to the open Water pipes &
kitchen islands and back-of-house kitchens. For more details regarding water systems, electric cables
refer to pg. 37.

Recirculating extractor hoods

These are installed in the open kitchen islands in the food hall and community cafe to
deal with humidity, odours and grease from food preparation. This type of extraction is Open kitchen island (food hall)
sufficient for the open kitchens, which are designated for lighter cooking. The back-of-
house kitchens, where the main cooking occurs, have grease removal filters integrated in
the kitchen MVHR system to remove any grease and odours in the stale air.
33
 BUILDING FABRIC
Thermal zoning & buffer spaces

Vertical farm as a
thermal buffer

Open-air covered market

on the ground floor better
suited to fresh produce Thermal line
vendors Waterproofing line

Thermal zoning
Not all parts of the building have the same temperature
requirements. From early design stage, it has been identified

OUTDOORS
that some spaces can be uninsulated and tolerate greater

INDOORS
temperature variations. These spaces include:
Ground floor of the market hall, which is designated for fresh
produce vendors. These products are better sold in an open-
air environment due to moisture and scents.
Vertical farms. These spaces are unoccupied most of the
time and are thermally isolated from the occupied spaces.
Summer, outside temperature 30°C

22°C 26°C 30°C

Buffer spaces
The vertical farms act as a thermal buffer for the indoor
occupied spaces. Although a controlled environment
would benefit plant growth, plants can thrive in a wider
temperature range (compared to a typical indoor space).

OUTDOORS
INDOORS

Having this buffer zone towards the south means that

cooling and heating loads can be reduced in summer and
winter periods respectively.
In extreme temperature conditions, underfloor pipes
connected to ground source heat pump can provide radiant
heating / cooling to these buffer spaces, however this will
only be for a very short period over the course of a year. Winter, outside temperature 6°C

18°C 12°C 6°C

34
 BUILDING FABRIC
U-values

Building fabric performance plays a key part in passive design and helps reduce heat loss and hence operational
energy demand. The building envelope is carefully designed to avoid any thermal bridges: for instance, the use of 2
layers of insulation (rigid and flexible wood fibre) allows the insulation to be lapped to reduce gaps. All construction
build-ups are designed to achieve Passivhaus U-value standards (U ≤ 0.15), as shown in the tables below.

West façade East façade Accessible roof

U = 0.140 U = 0.127 U = 0.142

Material Thickness Conductivity Resistance Material Thickness Conductivity Resistance Material Thickness Conductivity Resistance
(mm) (W/mK) (m2K/W) (mm) (W/mK) (m2K/W) (mm) (W/mK) (m 2K/W)
Rse 0.04 Rse 0.04 Rse 0.04
Red cedar cladding 25 0.12 0.21 Red cedar cladding 25 0.12 0.21 Softwood decking 30 0.12 0.25
Void with battens 30 - 0.18 Void with battens 30 - 0.18 void with pedestals 150 -
Waterproof Waterproof Drainage layer 50 0.27 0.19
membrane 5 0.04 0.13 membrane 5 0.04 0.06 Waterproof
Wood Ƕbre Wood Ƕbre membrane 2.5 0.04 0.06
insulation board 40 0.043 0.93 insulation board 40 0.043 0.93 Wood Ƕbre rigid
Wood Ƕbre Wood Ƕbre insulation 220 0.036 6.11
insulation batts 180 0.036 5.00 insulation batts 180 0.036 5.00 Vapour barrier 2.5 0.04 0.06
OSB 15 0.12 0.13 Vapour barrier 5 0.04 0.06 CLT 150 0.12 0.18
Void with battens 40 0.18 CLT 150 0.12 1.25 Rsi 0.13
Red cedar panels 20 0.12 0.17 Rsi 0.13
Rsi 0.13

Thickness 360 Sum 7.127 Thickness 430 Sum 7.864 Thickness 605 Sum 7.021
U-value 0.140 U-value 0.127 U-value 0.142

35
 URBAN FARMING
Benefits and synergies

Growing a wide range of crops within

an urban setting creates new habitats
that help enhance biodiversity

Green planting wall - helps remove

air pollutants, provide shading and
reduce indoor temperature

Rooftop farming (soil-based) helps

attenuate rainwater and lower
flooding risks. Rainwater collected
via soil substrate can be recycled for
flushing, irrigation and in hydroponics
systems.

Hydroponics and vertical farms - produces

fruit and vegetables in a much more efficient Allotment gardens provide a public
way compared to typical commercial green space for local residents,
farming. Produce is sold or consumed on enhancing the sense of community
site, reducing food miles to zero as well as educate the public on
sustainable ways of producing food.

36
 WATER SYSTEMS

To allotment
irrigation outlets
Mains supply
Clean water supply Rainwater Recirculating hydroponics/ Storage tanks/ water
Supply outlets Treated grey water drip irrigation system treatment plant

1. Rainwater collection
1.
Rainwater falling on the roof decking or soil substrate passes through the
drainage layer, which removes coarse debris. The water is then brought
down gravity-fed pipelines to the treatment plant for further filtration before
it is stored or fed into the hydroponics system. Rainwater Soil substrate & Mains supply
roof drainage layer
The volume of rainwater collected can be calculated using the equation from 2.
Building Regulations part G (Table A5.1):
Daily rainwater yield =
Collection area x annual rainfall x yield coefficient /365
Collectable roof area = 1077m2
Annual rainfall in Oxford = 660mm = 0.66m Water taps
Yield coefficient of flat green roof = 0.5
3.
Daily rainwater yield = 1077 x 0.66 x 0.5 /365 = 0.974m3 (974L)

Treatment Recirculating Hydroponics

plant reservoir (drip system)
2. Water supply
Clean water from the public water supply network is pumped to back
kitchens, toilet sinks and open kitchen stations. The water pipes run in the
service void in the floor.

Irrigation
(roof garden / allotments)
3. Hydroponics
A drip irrigation system is used for the hydroponics farm and vertical
fruit farms. Drip system is considered the most water efficient amongst
hydroponics systems, and is especially versatile as it can support the
growth of larger plants. It is water efficient because excess water drained
from the hydroponics medium is fed back to the reservoir and continuously
Storage tank Toilets Sewage
recirculated. The water in the reservoir is regularly replaced.

37
 Mimi Tam
tammimikw@gmail.com
www.mimitam.myportfolio.com/