Introduction to Blog

Introduction:

            As a student in University College London’s Project Management for Construction programme we went on a trip to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. This trip was part of first-year Materials module.  As part of a young cast of students, a majority of them were excited by the trendy nightlife and the loose-set legal rules towards a certain substance. However, by the end of the trip, we have seen much more to these cities. From new friendships to new lovers, the trip was eventful to say the least. But most importantly, we familiarized ourselves with the innovative and creative thinking that some of the architecture used. Rotterdam, I believe is the younger of the cities. It is trendy and artistic. The buildings are mostly skyscrapers and modern; Large and new, just the way youngsters like them. The buildings are based on food, shopping and nightlife. This is seen between the New Markthal, Lijnbaan: the pedestrian shopping street. On the other hand, Amsterdam is historic, while innovative and creativity is seen in the 3D Canal House for example, it is mostly 17^th century canals. Interestingly, in Amsterdam bicycles are the favored way of transport while Rotterdam is more public transport and car-oriented.

The cities are different but both amaze, it was well worth it!

Look through the blog to check some of the places we visited. Enjoy!!

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3D Canal House

3D Printed Canal House:

            3D printing has been gaining momentum in the past decade and has become a fascinating technology with endless potential. 3D printing allows you to translate a digital file into a physical product. Like the architect working on this project mentioned on our tour, “this closes the gap between what we can imagine and reality.” The possibility to translate a digital file into a physical product makes the prospects exciting for any architect or construction related person. This would cut costs extensively in transportation, and eliminating waste. It would also create a possibility of sending models via Internet for architects in global projects.

            A canal house was chosen as a site of the first 3D built house, as it is a symbol of Amsterdam. Choosing this house shows that innovative ideas can be incorporated into traditional houses that have existed a long time ago (3dprintcanalhouse.com).

            While 3D printing has its advantages in terms of replacing traditional building techniques, it has its disadvantages too. For all its lack of waste and more high-level detail, A 3D printed house still needs to comply with building regulations. The material used needs to be fireproof, well insulated and have a solid foundation. One wouldn’t want their house to blow away in a storm. The future however seems bright; research is being carried out to solve these in the future.

            The Kamermaker which is the large 3D printer device used is basically a large version of the Ultimaker. This is the small desktop 3D printer the architects use to print models.

 

 The picture on the left is the Ultimaker 

 On the right is the Kamermaker is seen

The Kamermaker, like any printer needs to be adjusted and to be tested to find the optimal settings. During the first tests, the material would have some unforeseen deficiencies. However, after each printing, the Kamermaker is adjusted its printing is enhanced.

 

Picture shows the development of the material

            For the materials used, the Kamermaker prints using bioplastics. The granulate that goes into the Kamermaker is called Macromelt. It is industrial glue developed by Henkel. Broken down, it is 80% vegetable oil. The disadvantage to this material is that it melts at 170 degrees Celsius (3dprintcanalhouse.com). This is very low and would not meet any fire safety regulations for building permits. To solve this problem is tough as the Kamermaker needs a material that melts at relatively low temperature and then hardens post-printing. This therefore means that the canal house is still far off from getting a permit to live in.

The Image on the right shows pieces that are manhandled and put together to build a room in the canal house

References

·      3dprintcanalhouse.com,. '3DPRINTCANALHOUSE By DUS Architects'. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.

Witte Huis

Witte Huis

The Witte Huis, which translates to White House building, was built in 1897-1898. The 11-storey structure was the first skyscraper of Europe. This building was built by the brothers van der Schuyt(architectureinrotterdam.nl).  They contracted Architect W. Molenbroek to carry out the work.

While American skyscrapers at the time used steel framework, the architect chose to build the Witte Huis building used thick load-bearing brickwork walls. The brickwork was glazed which made it better to maintain than other bricks. Due to the use of brickwork and not steel, the foundations of the skyscraper needed to be more resistant to the heavy structure. This also led to a lot of iron incorporated into the flooring.

On the left, you can see a simple representation of load bearing walls versus frame.

this structure was made practical only because a lift was incorporated which at the time was very new. The building also had gas, electricity and a central telephone which were considered modern at the time (ibid).

 Some of the moulding done in the building was terracotta. This was high quality clay, which is a substitute to stone. This type of clay weathers well when properly made and is not affected by atmospheric influences. Of course, if new material was proposed and the building was done today, a lighter steel framework without load bearing walls. This would make it faster to build and can be more easily manipulated.

The image presents terracotta moulding done on The Henry Cole Building at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

            The Witte Huis building suffered during World War II, and was only valued again after its purchase by Westermeijer Groep in 1977. This led to a refurbishment giving it a new lease of life. (ibid)

References

•       Architectuurinrotterdam.nl,. 'Architecture In Rotterdam | The White House'. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.

New Markthal

New Markthal

The Architect firm MVRDV has built new Markthal with INBO engineers also participating in constructing this large indoors market hall. Property developer firm Provast contracted these firms. The idea behind the development is to incorporate an all in one development. The New Markthal incorporates 228 Apartments, 100 fresh market produce stalls, food related retail units, preparation and cooling space, supermarket, 1.200 parking spaces (MVRDV). This is incredibly savvy from an investment point of view as it creates a public space in the middle whilst the luxury well placed apartments are very valuable.

Architect Winy Maas from MVRDV successfully gave the market as much resemblance to being open through the 15mm thick glass-clad façade. In doing so, the customers feel outside with additional protection from adverse weather conditions such as rain or wind. Also the orientation of openings of the building, are North and South, as to not have the direct sunlight bothering customers at the market through the glass.

 The glass-clad façade had a cable net fitting to support it, thus keeping it barely visible. The cable façade may be seen on the left.

       

     Given that half of the apartments face the market, it is only reasonable that the material used on that side takes particular care to block both noise and smell. The windows on these apartments are triple-glazed. These windows are seen below:

The arch of the building has a concrete base, which was made in situ, as pre-fabricated concrete wouldn’t have been practical for this unique building as it is not a ‘square’ building. A mastic sealant is used to put all the materials together as to take account the materials thermal expansion or contraction. Also there is a rain screen membrane to protect from possible rain going through cracks.

           

 

 

References 

·      MVRDV,. 'MARKET HALL'. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.