future christchurch

growing sustainably

Fritha Hobbs | 1st Semester 2012 Advanced Design 1 | School of Architecture and Planning | Camia Young & Jordon Saunders

11.3% Northland 11.3% Northland

fibreboard particleboard particleboard paperboard paperboard pulp & paper pulp & paper plywood plywood veneer/LVL veneer/LVL sawmill sawmill

3.2% Auckland 3.2% Auckland

30.3% Central North Island 30.3% Central North Island

8.9% 8.9%East Coast East Coast

7.4% Hawkes Bay 7.4% Hawkes Bay

9.5% Southern North Island 9.5% Southern North Island

9.5% Nelson/Marlborough 9.5% Nelson/Marlborough

wooD
noun: 1. The hard fibrous material that forms the main substance of the trunk or branches of a tree or shrub. 2. such material when cut and used as timber or fuel.

timber
noun: 1. wood prepared for use in building and carpentry. 2. trees grown for such wood: contracts to cut timber.

1.8% West Coast 1.8% West Coast

6.2% Canterbury 6.2% Canterbury

Christchurch

11.9%Otago 11.9% Otago/Southland

manageD timber Plantations new ZealanD

Primary wooD Processing Plants new ZealanD

With just 0.05% of the worlds forest resource, New Zealands forest industry supplies 1.1% of the world and 8.8% of Asia Pacifics forest products trade. This is proportionally a huge contribution due to a significant amount of highly productive, sustainably managed plantations across New Zealand. Covering the land is 7% plantation forest (with 24% natural forest) and due to a spike in plantation in the 90s particularly of Radiata Pine whose optimal harvest age is 30 years a significantly larger area of managed plantations will be ready for harvest in the next 5 - 20 years. In Canterbury alone there will be 1.2 million cubic metres of plantation ready for harvest in 2015, increasing to up to 3 million by 2025. The government plans to boost exports to meet this increase in supply, but I believe an increase in awareness of timbers capacity in the built industry would lead to more local demand and an increase in the sustainable use of a resource right at our feet. For these reasons Christchurch is very well resourced for an increase in timber construction, extending beyond just residential demand.

100 80 60 40 20 0 1920

1930

1940

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1960

1970

1980

1990

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new forest plantation 1920-2011

forestry in new ZealanD

SAPWOOD -living cells only found in sapwood -inner region serves to transport water up and down the tree -often lighter in colour HEARTWOOD -all cells in heartwood are dead -often darker in colour than sapwood -often highly decay or insect resistand -may be difficult to penetrate with liquids -may be difficult to dry -no strength difference between heartwood and sapwood in almost all species

sapwood

heartwood

32

TAbLES AND gRAPHS

one year

earlywood latewood

SOFTWOOD - predominantly from conifers and evergreen trees - seeds uncovered - non porous structure - simple cell -ranges in density and not necessarily softer than hardwood

sawn log of douglas fir

composition of growth rings

sapwood

heartwood

fibreboard roads main particleboard railways paperboard pulp & paperforests native plywood planted forests veneer/LVL sawmill wood processing main

plants

new Zealand 1,751,000 ha plantation forests 6,500,000 ha native forests

canterbury region 113,903 ha plantation forests 264,000 ha native forests

HARDWOOD - predominantly from broad-leafed and deciduous trees - seeds within a ripening fruit - porous structure - more complexity and variety in cell structure - ranges in density and not necessarily harder than softwood

sawn log of oak

forest comPosition new ZealanD

forests anD wooD Processing canterbury

Taking a closer look at timber and its structural capacity I investigated its properties at various scales. The growth rings we see are made up of microscopic cell configurations which are responsible for the trees structure and its nutrient circulation.

forest comPosition, wooD ProDuction anD use

3D printed models of wood cellular structure

softwooD anD harDwooD

new cells formed in the cambium zone (outer layer)

test for porosity and movement within cells

radial transport via rays

vertical transport via tracheids and vessels

means of nutrient transportation in living wood

diffuse transport via cell membranes

cambium wall comprises fusiform initials ray initials which multiply to form cell structure of wood

formation of new cells

tracheid (softwood) fibre (hardwood)

water level influence on growth

fusiform initial

multiplies

separates and cell forms

cell and cell wall widens; cell type distinguished

small tracheid/fibre thick walls

large tracheid/fibre thin walls

how and when does a cell go through tranformation?

life span of wood cell transformation: initial growth of cell cell transformation : external force
cell has structural function cell has nutrient transportation function

fusiform initals
cell transformation: initial growth of cell cell shape influenced by factors at time of growth cell transformation : external force such as: wound, insects, fungus, bacteria, fire, weathering, climate death of cell [structure remains]
[fusiform initial multiplies then remains in cambium]

water level influence on growth

resin canal (softwood) vessel (hardwood)

ray initial

multiplies

separates and ray forms ray small vessel/canal large vessel/canal

deterioration of wood

ray initals

movement of nutrients through a tree macro anD micro scale

cell transformation: initial growth of cell

fungal attacK tyPe 1 walls break down cells enlarge / join

walls break down cells enlarge/join

visitor

structure 1 integrated spaces designated circulation carpark - office

fungal attacK tyPe 2 walls disconnect cells contract

carpark - manufacture

[independent of]

fungal attacK tyPe 3 walls break down cells disfigured cells dematerialise

integrated spaces free flow circulation

office - manufacture

extreme climate walls warp and split cells enlarge/shrink

separated spaces designated circulation small goods delivery/pick up

structure 2

wounD cells decay barrier forms to stop

spread of decay new cells and bark envelop decayed cells

barrier cell

new bark

large goods delivery/pick up

inDePenDent structural systems

circulation Diagrams
separated spaces free flow circulation

At the point of each cells initial growth, the trees environment informs how the cell is shaped. Factors such as temperature and water availability affect this. A second type of cell transformation will only happen if there is an external force on the cell, such as a fungal attack or a wound.

cell transformation: external force

circulation oPtions

Studies of these circulations and cell transformations formed the basis of my buildings formal concept. A structurally regular and pragmatic exterior skin envelops the space and confines an environmentally stable condition within, while an organic form permeates the structure, piercing and shrouding it at various points, similar to the way a fungus was observed to move through the cells of a tree. The two forms remain structurally separate.

circulation stuDies

work

visit

exhibition space offices storage vehicular circulation manufacture workshop/laboratory lobby/meet parking seminar/training cafe and bookshop

9540sqm total site area

14650sqm total program area

agenda of worker vs visitor

storage

manufacture offices loading bay

manufacturer

visitor

CLT manufacture loading bay storage lobby/circulation workshop/laboratory exhibition seminar/training parking offices cafe/bookshop

exhibition

workshop / laboratory

lobby / circulation

seminar / training

This organic form serves a similar purpose to a cell whereby it manages the circulation of visitors and responds to the volumes and needs of occupants moving through the space. At the entrance to the offices, for example, the form contracts, inhibiting flow into the space beyond. The exhibition space largely opens up, the walls retracting to allow a visual connection to the manufacture and research workshop space below.

manufacture program total

11200sqm

3450sqm

visit program total

cafe / bookshop parking

14650sqm

Driving formal concePt

program total

Program investigation

ground The building incorporates a range of functions. Primarily it is a space for manufacture of Cross-Laminated Timber and other laminated wood products. Space is also allocated for a research laboratory and workshop. This is a space that could be used to test products performance and develop new products. Columns extending down and two cores distinguish these spaces yet allow for flow of timber and manufacture equipment between them. The flow of production follows a practical layout, beginning at the north end (street front) of the building and moving towards the south end where a product will either be sent away or moved upstairs for exhibition or worked on in the workshop.

first

Receive timber, group and store

Cut timber to lengths

Apply adhesive

horizontal electrical servicing at roof, servicing open plan factory floor two service cores located where bathrooms are located, from roof to floor

services
Lay up panels

sheD massing stuDies ProDuct movement flow

PLAN VIEW

The secondary function is of a learning environment. The design seeks to integrate the two functions and expose visitors to the processes involved in laminated timbers manufacture whilst respecting the requirements for an operational manufacturing plant. An exhibition space and seminar rooms familiarise interested parties with the manufacture process, hovering above the factory. These spaces may also be used in conjunction with the research laboratory and workshop on the ground floor, further offering an engaging experience with the laminated timber products and their potential. The caf and bookshop pierce the glazing just above the loading dock, giving users the opportunity to view the trucks manoeuvring and goods being unloaded.

Press panels

ProDuct movement flow

SECTION vIEW

Cut and shape panels

main entry

This layout is appropriate for long-spanning glulam portal frames. The ridges are oriented in a way that daylighting can come in predominantly on the buildings southern side.

oPtimalexternal sheD form

Package and send

Program oPtions

Program DeveloPment

Program DeveloPment

DuRHAm STREET

MOORHOuSE AVENuE
Manchester St Columbo St Barbados St Madras St

DuRHAm STREET

entrance on corner of Durham street & moorhouse avenue

MOORHOuSE AVENuE

9540sqm

north

site Plan

500m

north

site Plan

500m

view of factory floor looKing into seminar/training room

DeveloPment of formal concePt

looKing over Durham street overPass

site information

glazing with timber mullions

LVL roof purlins

section B

corrugated plastic

corrugated plastic layered over

CLT panels

smooth poured concrete floor

grounD floor Plan

1:500

section A

north

glulam portal frames

first floor Plan

1:500

north

longituDinal section (a)

1:200

transverse section (b)

Plans, sections, materials

1:200

Plans, sections, materials

timber + time

common contemporary timber construction methods timber frame construction

western europe early accomplishments in wood construction have been obscured by achievements in masonry architecture, and subsequently by innovations in steel, concrete and glass
storey-by-storey form of construction primarily wood joints with mortise and tenon, oblique dado and halving joints structural members have a larger and usually square cross-section simple assembly and erection

balloon frame, platform frame

low manufacting depth, high labour input on-site building braced by planks or cladding slender- tall cross-sections close space of uprights

northern europe regional building types reflect local climate and topography four building techniques: stave construction; blockwork; frame construction with horizontal planks; half timbering

horu-ji, japan, ad 677 todai-ji, japan, ad 745

eastern europe mainly extrapolations of log construction (blockwork) NOW east asia timber framed joined by bracketsets: strength and flexibility to withstand incessant earthquakes total absence of any discernible cross-bracing members oshevnevo house, russia, 20th c

panel construction
design freedoms simple form of construction repetitive load bearing ribs of slender, standardised sections building braced by sheeting simple materials procurement storey-by-storey assembly connections achieved by direct contact and with mechanical fasteners short on-site time, different manufacting depths possible.

log construction
highly skilled labour careful selection of wood artistic corner joints rigid plan layout settling allowance high timber consumption

town hall, germnay, middle ages america since, colonization 300 years ago, wood has remained americas primary house-building material

southeast asia as many styles as local ethnic groups houses built on piles that lift the floor of the building off the ground to avoid flooding and threats posed by animals and snakes to improve ventilation and maximize use of breezes

conveyor belt, australia, ad 1910 queen anne row houses, usa, ad 1894

australia and new zealand

borgund stave church, norway, ad 1150

wat yai, thailand ad 1814

gosteli house, switzerland ad 1797

nara, ad 1195

petajavesi church, the hallenhaus, finland, ad 1765 the wehlberg, germany ad 1750 cathedral of the transfiguration, karelia, ad 1714

the norwegian loft, the forbidden city, st catherine church, after ad 1349 beijing, ad 1420 honfleur, france, ad 1466 ,

himeji castle, japan, ad 1609 the main hall of kiyomizudera, japan, ad 1635

suPPorting research: timber innovations over time

suPPorting research: contemPorary construction methoDs

engineered timber has a number of advantages over other wood-based materials:

the wood resource can be optimised by grading and selecting veneer for different parts of a cross section and making a range of products with different properties. there is an increase in strength. the strength of a single piece of timber is as strong as its weakest point, which is usually the largest knot. in laminating, the weakest point of one piece of timber is bonded to the higher strength of adjoining pieces, thus forming a homogeneous structural component of great efficiency. it therefore is possible to manufacture a beam with high strength timber in areas of high stress and utilise more economical lower grades in areas of low stress. the use of thin laminations also permits better penetration of preservative, enables better and more even drying, eliminating checking, and member size is virtually limitless. in addition the thin laminates enable the member to be finished with a curve if desired to accomplish striking architectural features. what this means? multi-storey and long span constructions from engineered timber are not only feasible but very desirable, with affordability against the equivalent in concrete and steel and the added benefit of sustainability and zero carbon construction. in post earthquake canterbury the advantages to timber buildings are numerous: timber buildings are up to a third of the weight of the equivalent concrete building giving huge advantages in difficult soil ground conditions. timber has excellent properties in seismic design, which improves and leads to damage avoidance designs. as a building material it is cost competitive due to increases in productivity and improved manufacturing methods. it is a growing resource with a beneficial value chain. engineered timber

laminated veneer lumber

laminated veneer lumber (lvl) is a structural product manufactured from thin peeled veneers of wood usually 3mm thick, glued with a durable adhesive with the grain running parallel to the main axis of the member. panels of lvl are cut into structural members which have high strength and stiffness. lvl is suited to structural applications such as beams, rafters and columns in a wide range of buildings including houses, commercial, industrial and rural structures. lvl is particularly well suited to rafters and joists, lintels, beams and framing members, truss chords, portal frames, i-beams, box-beams, scaffold planks, formwork.

Primary building material: cross - laminated timber

perpendicular layering of CLT panels

Xlam CLT factory in Nelson

murray grove, london - worlds tallest modern timber multi-storey construction. Completely built with cross-lam prefab panels.

glue - laminated timber

glue-laminated timber (glulam) is the name given to large solid wood members manufactured by gluing many smaller pieces together. glulam is an engineered structural material consisting of a number of graded, kiln dried and selected full length laminations - usually 45 mm thick - bonded with proven adhesives, to form a solid member of practically any length, shape or size.

Cross Laminated Timber is a relatively new technology to New Zealand, whereas it has been developing in Europe for some decades now, and is gaining traction in the united Kingdom and North America. It was conceived in Austria and is now receiving world-wide acclaim. Its popularity has come about in an age of growing environmental consciousness, scarce resources and the need to address our built surroundings with a sustainable vision. Its use in New Zealand is on a small scale; there is only one factory currently operating in Nelson, however there is huge room for development as it can be made using locally sourced timber from sustainably managed forests, of which we have many in New Zealand. It is a form of engineered wood, using layers of planks glued and pressed side by side, which are then stacked vertically to form solid panels of typically 3-7 layers. A CNC router cuts the panels to size and may make highly accurate cuts for windows, doors, services etc. All the panels are manufactured in factory conditions and transported to site. Panels are light enough to lift by helicopter so can be taken across difficult terrain. The adhesive used is formaldehyde and solvent free, creating a toxic-free environment for working with CLT. Commonly panels have been made from Spruce, Larch, Fir and Pine. Although 90% of our managed forests in NZ comprise Radiata Pine, domination of a single species is argued to be detrimental to the ecosystem. Cross Laminated timber panels can be made from a wide range of timbers and dont encourage this demand. Currently there are no provisions in place in the NZS3604 for cross laminated timber use. The NZS3603 for Engineered Design has provisions for solid timber which may be applicable to CLT however rigorous guidelines will need to be established for the material to be used to its potential in New Zealand and by a broad market. weekly progress of cross-lam building put up in six weeks. testing a cross- lam building on a seismic shaking table in kobe, japan. It withstood the test while contents of the building violently displaced.

post tensioned structural components

post tensioned shear walls and post tensioned beams and columns are the latest in engineered timber technology that provide a solution for seismic performance. new generation of earthquake - resistant technology: pairs of rocking walls, joined with energy dissipators, the structure is able to absorbe seismic energy and reduce building damage in earthquake. all structural members local LvL (strength, durability, fire - resistence, equivalent of steel and concrete sustainable

panels fixed to glulam beams

nmit building, nelson

nmit building, nelson

available innovations in new ZealanD

nmit building, nelson

exterior column - floor connection

1:20

interior curveD glulam beam - column connection

1:20

material Details