a compendium of design.
Norwich Union competition:
with support from the RIBA
Considering an area of 1 hectare has been hypothesised a development of 40 plots divided in two different sizes: type 1 and type 2, see the attached schedule. In this contest we have also considered an hydraulic Master Plan in witch canals are arranged for an overall flooding risk reduction in this area. In order to archive a more realistic project we do consider this master plan, undoubtedly, an important step forward.
|
number of units
|
m2
|
tot hectares
|
|
| Plot type 1 |
20
|
210
|
0.42
|
| Plot type 2 |
20
|
270
|
0.54
|
| Communal area |
0.04
|
Plot type 1 is illustrated into the submitted drawings and a schematic plan for plot type 2 is here attached.
Affordability & Sustainability
The scheme has been designed to provide a commercial solution. For this reason materials have been chosen following also this principle and not only sustainability. The external HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) skin needs further research and development. Under this circumstance the proposed solution affordability is not certain. For this reason is not possible to forecast precisely the external cladding cost. Reasonably we may hypothesise an affordability if the overall residential development will be above an estimation of approximately 6 millions pounds (from 22 to 26 units) as in our case (it is reasonable to consider 250K).
In this chapter is also necessary to underline the fact that permeability reduction is one of the items listed into the level 6 of sustainability and, with polymers, it is certainly the easiest target to achieve. Also a manufacturer of recycled PVC-U (like profile-22) has been chosen for this project. There are not particular items to be mentioned with the exception of the Energy Efficiency recommendation and the 70mm PVC-U Casement Window rated ‘A’ by BFRC.
Sustainability today is our duty and level 6 is potentially achievable. Energy efficiency is certainly the first item where to focus our attention on. Thermal insulation is made with rigid polyurethane foam of 145-mm thickness minimum. Additional insulation will be possible with the external skin, made of HDPE, product development. This rigid polyurethane insulation conserves resources, saves energy and has no significant emission to the environment. The main reasons for this choice are two: relevant energy savings and high cost-effectiveness. Furthermore the installation is simple even with curved wall.
