LOCAL PROJECT
GARETH GRIFFITHS IMAGING
GARETH GRIFFITHS IMAGING
The function of the sawtooth CLT façade corrects the north-south line , meaning that the sun in the east strikes the CLT panel and can ' t directly enter the building . of different glazing types , orientations and shading types . Thus , we identified the optimum combination of orientation vs shading vs glazing type .
“ Through an iterative process with many stages of analysis , modelling and interpretation initial modelling , the various options were refined to assess which combinations worked best in conjunction with the architecture and budget .
“ Modelling confirmed that the zigzag ( pleated ) façade that we adopted for building levels 2 and 3 performs as well as a straight deeply shaded façade and allows for more glazing without external shading devices that could obstruct views to the outside and reduce the amount of internal natural light .
“ So , the design significantly reduces the amount of direct sunlight entering the building , which in turn means that the internal spaces can largely rely on our mixed mode system and not need air conditioning to remain comfortable ,” she adds .
ARCHITECTURAL CRITERIA
“ Our role as architect is to combine the logic and practicalities of engineering with the creative arts ,” says Sean Mahoney , the Ridge Project Lead Architect , StudioMAS .
GARETH GRIFFITHS IMAGING
The atrium , referred to as the ‘ central street ’, helps to pull air through the building , in through the windows and out through the rooflights .
According to Mahoney , structurally graded engineered timber is the most natural choice for walling on a sustainability building , where the aim is to incorporate biophilic design principles . The developer and client wanted something that would raise the bar into the realm of natural ventilation and people-centric design .
“ A surface made from a natural material which is predominately local , sustainable and at room temperature . It is as green as you can get under the design parameters ,” says Mahoney . “ This was a collaborative process with Arup , best illustrated by the zigzag timber façade and the atrium with its roof light drums . Both
10 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 // www . timberiq . co . za