West LA Steelhouse
UCLA Winter 2008
Instructor: Jurg Lang
RUMBLE 2008 - selected project
The structure is comprised of a series of rigid steel frames that are prefabricated in sections and assembled on-site. These frames are linked together laterally with a stressed skin system consisting of the outer shell of the building as well as the metal deck of the flooring; both are 2” deep corrugated metal decking welded directly to the steel frames. This system allows for a great degree of flexibility in terms of creating openings as well as creating a cohesive system that both holds the building up and encloses space.
The portals created by discontinuities in the frame & skin system allow for natural ventilation to enter the building. The skin in these areas are designed to compress the air, creating a venturi effect, which should suck the warmer, static air from the interior of the space. In addition, there is a vertical space along the rear wall that acts as both a heat chimney and a light well serving the north spaces, radiant heat in the concrete floors, solar water heaters and pv panels on the roof.
The living wall system is in response to the air flow patterns that the building uses to naturally ventilate itself. As the air passes over the skin before entering through a portal, the air is cooled by the living wall, allowing for even more cooling in the interior. This is opposed to a metal skin, which would radiate a significant amount of heat and actually dramatically heat the ventilation air before entering the building.
Instructor: Jurg Lang
RUMBLE 2008 - selected project
The structure is comprised of a series of rigid steel frames that are prefabricated in sections and assembled on-site. These frames are linked together laterally with a stressed skin system consisting of the outer shell of the building as well as the metal deck of the flooring; both are 2” deep corrugated metal decking welded directly to the steel frames. This system allows for a great degree of flexibility in terms of creating openings as well as creating a cohesive system that both holds the building up and encloses space.
The portals created by discontinuities in the frame & skin system allow for natural ventilation to enter the building. The skin in these areas are designed to compress the air, creating a venturi effect, which should suck the warmer, static air from the interior of the space. In addition, there is a vertical space along the rear wall that acts as both a heat chimney and a light well serving the north spaces, radiant heat in the concrete floors, solar water heaters and pv panels on the roof.
The living wall system is in response to the air flow patterns that the building uses to naturally ventilate itself. As the air passes over the skin before entering through a portal, the air is cooled by the living wall, allowing for even more cooling in the interior. This is opposed to a metal skin, which would radiate a significant amount of heat and actually dramatically heat the ventilation air before entering the building.
