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St andrew'S houSe - glaSgow, uk

leith fruition - edinburgh, uk

izSler laboratorieS - forli, italy

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argyle houSe, edinburgh, uk

adam ferguSon building - edinburgh, uk

beach pavilion - ravenna, italy

external cladding

KEY

insulation

internal finishing

existing structure

external cladding

KEY

insulation

internal finishing

existing structure

inSolation analySiS on South facade - 21St june

inSolation analySiS on South facade - 21St dec

St Andrew House is a mixed use mid-rise skyscraper located in the heart of Glasgow. Completed in 1964, it was at the time one of the first high-rise buildings in the city centre; its location as well as its massing made it a prominent landmark ever since.

The building consists of two distinct parts: a 3-storey podium and the 14-storey tower. It features a high ratio between volume and envelope surface, concrete floor and ceilings and large perimeter glazed areas. Ventilation rates together with elevated heat losses through the fabric add on the heating requirements. Moreover the deep plan precludes a satisfactory daylight penetration, increasing the reliance on artificial lighting. The typical tower floor plan has three zones: a central services core, an outer corridor and offices all around. The office space is mostly cellular.Daylight analysis show an acceptable average DF, although daylight distribution is not really satisfactory. There is a large area of the floorplan where the medium illuminance level (300 lux) is not reached. Standard requirements in terms of quality, flexibility and size of a modern office space are not met. The location of toilets at a mezzanine level is highly nonfunctional and makes it hard to comply with current regulations of disabled access. The building fabric is in very poor condition: the external prefabricated concrete cladding is “failing”, presenting a critical health and safety issue.

Updating the value of air-tightness to meet best-practice standards would reduce the heating loads significantly. Performed thermal analyses show that the annual thermal consumption can be reduced by 60%. Great reduction of heat losses is achieved through replacement of the existing glazing with low-emissive double glazing. As for opaque partitions, dry-wall construction systems offer a range of solution to improve U-values.

Exterior wall construction between floors.

Exterior wall construction between floors with exterior thermal insulation.

Exterior wall construction in front of floors.

Ventilated construction, exterior wall between floors behind cladding.

External shading devices effectively reduce solar gains on summer day, and consequently the cooling loads. Their geometry allows for solar gains during winter.

retrofitting ScenarioS: building envelope

Site Section

42 31

0.26-0.28 W/m²K0.18-0.20 W/m²K0.33-0.35 W/m²K0.28-0.80 W/m²K

retrofitting ScenarioS: paSSive SyStemS and techniqueS

Solar gain compariSon: with and without Shading deviceS

St andrew'S houSe retrofitglaSgow, uk

L3

L4

L5

L6

L7

L8

L9

L10

L11

L12

L13

L14

L15

L16

L17

ROOF

Single-sided ventilation is generally not very effective. Although it can normally meet the basic requirements for office occupancy, it heavily relies on external weather conditions.

Stack ventilation, with thermal buoyancy generating pressure differences that drive the air up along the atrium and out of the stacks on top of it. If the top of the atrium is glazed and carefully designed to maximise solar gains, the stack effect can be enhanced by what is called ‘solar chimney effect’.

The progressive reduction of glazed surfaces in size and number while going up in height can increment the reflectance of the upper atrium. Surface properties for external walls, internal ceilings and floors can be improved for the purpose of enhancing daylight distribution.

Section Showing retrofitting StrategieS

exiSting propoSed

introduction of atrium to improve ventilation

glazing ratio and daylight diStribution

1525

6.525

21.5

1525

1525

6.525

21.5

1525

1525

6.525

21.5

1525

L-2

L-3

L0

L-1

L1

L2

L3

L4

L5

L6

ROOF

FLOOR B

FLOOR C

FLOOR D

FLOOR E

FLOOR F

FLOOR H

FLOOR J

FLOOR K

FLOOR L

FLOOR M

Argyle House is an office block located in the heart of Edinburgh. Its massing and proximity to the Edinburgh’s Castle made it a prominent landmark since the 1960s. The building comprises two 11-storey blocks (7 of which over ground) similar in plan and with specular orientation. The plan has a quite articulated structure, which is inconsistent from floor to floor, as a result of patterns of use overlaid for over 40 years. The two main blocks of office space are connected via a central core of services (or ‘Link’).

Like many buildings of the same era and typology, the floor-to-floor height is very problematic for Argyle House. This issue prevents from a good daylight penetration and it originates constraints to natural ventilation strategies.

External cladding also performs very poorly. The lack of insulation is as prejudicial for winter performance as the deficient air tightness.

The effects of thermal mass were analysed for the three different constructions here displayed. The results show that removing the false ceilings (FC) and exposing the concrete slab (XC) results in a moderate subtraction of heat from the room, that does not affect the air temperatures notably when the workplace is occupied.

It has been found that it is only when night ventilation is introduced that the benign effect of thermal mass (represented as heat losses from the room to the ceiling) becomes relevant. As a matter of fact, the benefits of using an increased slab thickness are not great.

The addition of underfloor insulation results in a reduction of the heat sink capacity for the floor and a corresponding increase of that of the ceiling (much more pronounced after the introduction of night ventilation).

keyribs hide cladding joint ribs hide false joints 3” breeze block

cladding panel’s components two pane windows

suspended ceiling + carpet floor on screed

Exposed concrete ceiling + raised access floor

Exposed concrete ceiling + raised access floor + underfloor insulation

r2

w

b

p3p2p1

r1

p1

r2r1

fc

xc

xci

W

Wp3

p2

r1 r2

P2

P1

retrofitting ScenarioS: recladding

retrofitting ScenarioS: thermal maSS

edinburgh, ukargyle houSe retrofit

On the existing scenario daytime ventilation is provided by opening the perimeter windows. Those comprise two panes, of which the lower is fixed and the upper opens top-hung. Ventilation happens just above the working plane, likely causing papers to blow and fading towards the centre of the floor plate as it meets obstacles on the way.

1. typical window - upper paneAutomatically controlled by a BMS (activated by temperature or CO2 concentration), it opens bottom-hung, to provide a continuous flow of air that does not interfere with office work. They are operated to provide night ventilation.

2. typical window - central paneSide-hung, it can be operated by the occupants, who can thus exert a high level of control on their indoor thermal conditions.

3. window on nv corridorSThe lower pane opens both side-hung and bottom-hung and it can be operated either manually or automatically (for night ventilation), providing a stronger flow of air without hitting occupants and blowing papers.

This diversification would bring the benefits of a much more efficient natural ventilation strategy.

By gathering common office appliances or common areas (e.g. areas for small meetings, coffee tables, hot drinks machine) some small-scale environmental zoning can be implemented. By freeing up the areas from partitions and thus minimising resistance, corridors for cross ventilation can be created.

retrofitting ScenarioS: natural ventilation

baSeline conditionS

adapting the internal office layout

3

1

0

0

0

2

2

2

1

1

3

3

3

exiSting elevation - north and South

propoSed South elevation

propoSed north elevation

15MIN

10MIN

5MIN

The proposal is to help agriculture make the transition to a sustainable and organic system of farming that is ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just, through information, education, research, and integrating the broader community into this effort.

Fruition will help urban residents and the community, develop skills, resources, and leadership capacity to grow food and build local food systems offering public workshops in the city on urban growing topics.

The building design considers the main winds and optimises the solar orientation. Horizontal closed-loop geothermal will cover the main energy demands for the built-up area. Heat pumps will be fed by thin film photovoltaics, placed on top of the sheltered space. Passive solar gains will contribute to the demand of the greenhouse and the enclosed community space, through active and passive ventilation. Anaerobic composting heat will be captured, providing extra energy for the site.

Social network1. Citadel youth center

2. St Mary Primary School

3. Leith Links Children Orchards

acceSSOcean Terminal Bus Hub

Proposed stop for Edinburgh Tram

leith fruition

reinforcing the Social network

keyacceSS - public tranSport

pedeStrian acceSS - walking iSochroneS acceSS - cycle network

leith fruition1

3

2

leith fruitionedinburgh, uk

community space gardensshelteredoutdoor area

rainwatercollection

greenhouse gardening facilities

3

greenhouSe

gardenS

community Space

Shelteredoutdoor area

gardening facilitieS

4

2

1

5

3

6

conceptual Site Section

SuStainable StrategieS

view of the entrance

N

1 2 3 4 5 6

OPAQUE GLAZED

An academic project explored the The overall building programme does not change from the existing.

Five light shafts are introduced in the core strip of the building and services (service ducts and toilets) are moved out to the north facade, to form a thermal buffer zone.

Rooms subject to prolonged occupancy, i.e. offices and academic study rooms are kept mostly facing south, to benefit from passive heat gains.

Syndicate rooms and some offices have an occasional occupancy; thus they are located on the north side of the floorplan, working as a thermal buffer and allowing a better visual interaction with George Square.

A cafeteria and a relax area are introduced at ground floor, with a double-height space that maximises daylight levels on the floor.

exiSting north elevation

rendering from george Square

exiSting South elevation

adam ferguSon buildingedinburgh, uk

KEY

warm exhaust air

sun angle 58°sun angle 11°

low angle sunlight

fresh incoming air

hot exhaust air

winter scenario

summer scenario

high angle sunlight

sun angle 58°

double height space @ gF

programme rearrangement

daylight enhancement

corridor with light shelves @l2

winter ScenarioThe central light shafts receive and distribute natural light to the lower floors, with the help of light shaft. They also contribute to pre-warm the air that is distributed at the floors.

The horizontal brise-soleil on south facade allow for low-angle sunlight penetration, increasing direct solar gain. Internal blinds are used to prevent glare. The double skin allows passive heat gains: fresh air is taken in from the bottom, purified and humidified through a layer of vegetation, and pre-warmed as it goes up, distributing to the upper floors. Air is taken in from top-lights at the north elevation and cooled down by radiant panels on the ceiling.

Summer ScenarioFresh air is taken is at the bottom of south-facade and passed through a layer of vegetation to cool it down. Solar radiation triggers a stack effect both on the double skin and on the light shafts: hot air is drew up and expelled from the chimneys (top skylights for the light shafts).

The brise-soleil are adjusted to maximise shading and reject direct sunlight.

Due to a growing demand from both public and private sectors I.S.Z.L.E.R. (Experimental institute of Zooprophylaxis for Lombardia and Emilia Romagna) has decided to relocate to a new, larger facility. The new headquarters in Forlì, Italy are a state-of-the-art facility, technologically equipped to carry on best-practice research for birds diseases.

With over 3750 sqm, the compound comprises of laboratories biosafety levels 1-2 (provision for L3) and offices within the main 3-storey building, animal facilities and autopsy rooms in a detached block. A z-shapes entrance block allocates a large reception, offices for head doctors, a small library, a 110 seats conference room with foyer, also available for public use and the new seat for the veterinary association.

The interrelation of mixed and very different activities required a careful management of the design process, to meet the very stringent requirements in terms of functions, access and biosafety. Much attention was given to project specifications, to ensure that best-practice levels of acoustic and thermal insulation were met.

weSt elevation

view of South entrance

forli, italyi.S.z.l.e.r. laboratorieS

Basement

first floor

ground floor

roof

+18.00

+22.50

+17.85

+22.35

+26.85

+14.35

+14.70

Thermal brick :: 300 mm

External Alucobond cladding

Mineral wool insulation on battens :: 120mm

Solar shading in Alucobond (fastened on window frame)

Aluminium windows , low-e glazing ext 55.2 with acoustic PVB20mm air cavityint 44.2 with acoustic PVB

Pre-fabricated concrete element

Exterior plaster on mineral wool insulation (on battens) :: 120mm

Interlocking pavers on sand

Stabilized aggregate :: 150mm

Infill with aggregate

8mm HDPEwaterproof barrier

3mm Bituminouswaterproof coating

Double waterproof coating

Light weight concrete / screed for slope

Polystyrene ins. ::120mm

Vapour barrier

Ceramic tiles finishing

Concrete screed :: 40mm

Light concrete screed :: 100mm

Second floor

firSt floor

ground floor

Section - Scale 1:25

view of internal courtyard

n

On April 6, 2009 an earthquake of 5.9 magnitude hit mostly the city of L’Aquila, Abruzzo and caused huge damages to public and private structures and to the artistic and cultural heritage of the area. As a consequence 67,000 people were made homeless.

A design competition called the C.A.S.E. project (Anti-Seismic and Eco-Friendly housing) was launched by the Italian Government, comprising dwellings for 15,000 people and located in 19 different areas within the municipality of L’Aquila.

Submissions to the design competition were required to embed the criteria of quickness, low environmental impact and flexibility. The use of innovative constructive technologies, such as MMC and particularly dry construction, is intended to maximise the speed of construction, to meet the tight deadlines.

The proposed design is aimed at providing a variety in terms of typology and size. Additionally, it accommodates change, providing some high flexibility and adaptability to suite different users in the future (i.e. collective residences for students, elderly people, etc).

GROUND FLOOR FLAT

1. Entrance

2. Living room

3. Bedroom

4. Bathroom

5. Bedroom

6. Master bedroom

7. Bathroom.

FIRST FLOOR FLAT

8. Entrance

9. Bedroom

10. Master bedroom

11. Bathroom

2 unitS

3 unitS

4 unitS

townhouSeStypologieS Scheme

ground floor

Section - perSpective view

firSt floor

keyaa

ab

bb

c

cc

9

8

2

56

47

3

1

11

10

l’aquila, italyc.a.S.e. project

PROGETTAZIONE E REALIZZAZIONE DI EDIFICI RESIDENZIALI AL DI SOPRA DELLE PIASTRE SISMICAMENTE ISOLATE

PIANTA PIANO TERRA - Scala 1:100

PIANTA PIANO PRIMO - Scala 1:100

Lastre di cartongesso

Veletta di cartongesso

Piano primo

PIANTE DELLE AREE DI COLLOCAZIONE DEI CONTROSOFFITTI

Piano primo Piano terra

Piano primo

ALLOGGIO T1 - Monolocale Sup. 33 mq

PIANTE DELLE TIPOLOGIE - Scala 1:300

ALLOGGIO T2 - Monolocale Sup. 33 mq

ALLOGGIO T3 - Bilocale Sup. 47 mq

ALLOGGIO T4 - Bilocale Sup. 56 mq

ALLOGGIO T5 - Trilocale Sup. 64 mq

ALLOGGIO T6 - Trilocale Sup. 74 mq

Piano terra

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

A

B

T1 _33 sqm 1 bedroom flat

T2 _33 sqm 1 bedroom flat

T3 _ 47 sqm 2 bedroom flat

T4 _ 56 sqm 2 bedroom flat

T5 _ 64 sqm 3 bedroom flat

T6 _ 74 sqm 3 bedroom flat

A. OUTER WALL_external render

_natural cork panel + vapour permeable membrane

_cellulose fibre insulation

_OSB panel

_cellulose fibre insulation

_gypsum-fibre panel

B. INTERNAL SLAB_flooring in laminate boards

_screed

_thermo-acoustic insulation

_load-bearing cross-laminated timber

_gypsum suspended ceiling

SUPER-STRUCTURE

SUB-STRUCTURE

SEISMIC ISOLATORS

typologieS Scheme

houSing block

Structural Scheme

Section

key

GF

L1

L2

free beach sea

sea breeze

pavilionsand dunespine trees forest

Located on the coastline comprised between rivers Bevano and Savio, the site is part of Parco del Delta del Po, an area of great naturalistic and landscape importance.

The design of a beach pavilion is intended to complete the main University sports centre in Lido di Classe (Ravenna), as the seat for nautical activities and beach sports; it is connected to the latter via a cyclist and pedestrian path.

Prefabricated cabins are employed to host toilets, changing rooms and small depots; they define the edge between spoiled beach and natural reserve.

The evolution of design concepts shows the intention to minimize the impact on the natural landscape by adopting a mimetic shape. The final ‘facade’ is made up of both natural and technological texture that aims to a reconciliation between natural and anthropic.

5. driftwood

External cladding made with fine driftwood collected along river Bevano.

4. hemp knotS

Knot strings are hemp based (with hemp is grown locally) with nylon reinforcements.

2. rcb SyStem

Roofing sails are moved with a RCB system, located inside the bamboo culms.

1. SailS patchworkRoofing canvas are made with a patchwork of re-used sails

3. ba m b o o c u lm sFramework made from Guadua Angustifolia bamboo culms (diameter up to 14cm).

conceptual Section

title of projecttitle of project

+ =

lodge a 100 Sqmsmall refreshments & relax area

promoting area

lodge b 74 SqmC.U.S.B. sailing school & events area

other facilitieSMen changing rooms

Women changing rooms

Keeper’s shack

Deposit /repair shop

16 sqm

16 sqm

16 sqm

50 sqm

1 2 3

n

evolution of deSign concept

floor plan

view from the beach

+44 (0) 779 0507402

andrea.botti@gmail.com

www.andreabotti.com