Here’s the latest construction plans + internal details from our recent meeting with ARKit. Click the image below to view or download the designs:
Archive for the ‘Meetings’ Category
Design Update – Construction Plans & Internal Details
Embodied Energy Meeting
The Project Team met today to discuss the Embodied Energy of the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project. The total embodied energy of the Project will be measured and assessed by Dr Robert Crawford.
We discussed the challenges that would be met with measuring the embodied energy…
– The hardest part about the analysis is getting the quantities
– Assumptions can be made based on past knowledge but it wouldn’t be as accurate
– Also need to consider how much of each material goes into construction
– Specification of each material required (i.e. thickness, density) to make a better assessment
– Difficulty in comparing materials (i.e. How to figure out comparable quantities for different types of materials)
– Acquiring life-cycle assessments (LCAs) from the manufacturers of products used can be difficult
– Considering the build-up of materials, durability and the recurrent embodied energy
– Ensuring the energy savings is greater than the energy output
– How the design life for the build would affect the embodied energy
In the next few weeks, the Project’s Architect and Engineers will work together to come up with a detailed material analysis, with details about their quantum of area and volumes to be used in the Project. This will then assist Dr Robert Crawford in assessing the embodied energy, allowing for us to come up with the most ecologically friendly product and material solutions for the build.
Meeting with Project Architect
Today we had a meeting with Craig Chatman (ARKit). At this point we are close to finalising the structure of the build.
Points of discussion included:
– Sewage/ plumbing issues
– Electricity
– Transporting the build
– Material analysis
The following were discussed during the material analysis:
– Walls –wall lining options (e.g. plywood, bamboo, cork)
– Flooring systems –floor structure options
– Internals & finishings –e.g. bamboo, plastic, paperock compressed paper.
– Kitchen appliances –fridge, dishwashers, oven, etc.
– Bathroom finishes
After considering all the possible materials, final decisions are yet to be made. With the help of our other team members, Tai Hollingsbee and Dr Robert Crawford, we’ll be able to compare the embodied energy of each product and choose the most eco-friendly one.
The performance of our building should be finalised by the end of this month in which we will have a clear idea of the materials and appliances that will be used in the building.
At this rate, we hope to begin construction August 2013. Stay tuned for future updates!
Design Development Meeting – March
On March 7th, 2013, the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project Team had a design and development meeting at GHD. Attendees included Craig Chatman from ARKit, Tai Hollingsbee and Chris King from GHD, and Ralph Alphonso from Barley Store. The main purpose of this meeting was to discuss the best combination of systems and construction materials to be used that would achieve the smallest ecological footprint possible.
Points of discussions were:
– the insulation system
– solar panels
– water/ irrigation system
– wood as construction material
Some of the possible technologies considered included:
– phase-change material (PCM) for heating
– rainwater collection as an eco-friendly water source
– hot water ring
– fake grass (e.g. summer envy)
– PV-cells
Overall, various materials and systems were brought to the table. The meeting saw even more opportunities for a sustainable build and the designs were further developed.
There are still various issues to be considered before making final decisions about the materials and technologies including:
– costs
– impact on infrastructure
– embodied energy
We will resolve these issues in future meetings.
(To see the sketches that were drafted at the meeting, click on the image below)
5×4 Hayes Lane Project to apply the One Planet Living Principles
On the 30th of April, 2012 the Project Team met to discuss the One Planet Living Principles.
Meeting objectives:
– To familiarize everyone with OPL principles
– Visioning session on what we want to achieve
– What the client will have to contribute and how it will impact their lifestyle
– Map out strategies around what we can put in place, what’s cost effective, how it’ll look at various stages of the project
We have drafted our strategies towards One Planet Living for the Project. Click on the image below to read the details!
Environment & Design Meeting
Today reps from GHD and One Planet Living, Barley Store Productions and ARKit had an initial meeting to discuss the direction of the project, aims, visions and expectations. The results of the brainstorming session are on the printout below.
Some of the points of discussion were:
-Construction
-Operation
-Sustainable transport, food, water, materials
