My strategy was to use the standard Universal Beams and Columns (UB305x102x25, in mm) provided by the Revit catalogue. These are steel members, and provide sufficient structural support for the building. I have used the exterior structure walls of the L-shape building design to produce the main horizontal and vertical gridlines (see screenshot above).
Beam and Columns Used
Ground Floor Layout
After analyzing the BIM Autodesk Clash Coordination tool, I have confirmed that there are no clumns blocking any doors, stairs, elevators or incoventiently placed in any open spaces like corridors and smaller rooms. The beams have also been dislplaced vertically, to sit underneath the ceiling/floor of the storey above. The two key areas of clashes identified in the coordination tool was
a) the beams with the internal walls
b) a beam was placed across the skylight
I readjusted the spacing of the beams, so that the skylight remains unobstructed. I believe this design is a simple and efficient solution, although for my personal project I would like to look into more natural beams and columns like timber, for where its feasible.
First Floor Layout