Glenn KatzYour Design Journal entries this week should highlight your design thinking that influenced your decisions about:
- your overall strategy and the features of the structural system
- the material and framing system selected
- the locations of structural columns and major framing elements
- any special structural challenges
For my design/structure I used a simple but effective beam and column system. The columns are the same in every floor. The beam system follows the grid lines I drew that respect the 40’ rule and highlight the modular layout. The beam system frame rooms and the system is exposed when people look up. I decided to keep it non hidden because we save money on ceiling and materials. This is not just an economic incentive but also sustainable, because the less materials we use, the better!
The materials I used for the columns were W shaped columns that are 12 x 40. Standard and hoping my structural engineer will be happy with this choice. The beams are W shapes 12 x 26. I decided to keep my beam systems all horizontal but the middle section is vertical.
Some challenges I faced where the first floor which has a double height atrium. However, with the organized beam system and modular design, I was able to work around it. I also had difficulty navigating the stairs and leaving that gap open. My stairs are at an angle so that was a bit hard to navigate. Another structural challenge was addressing the beam systems that trespass the four triangular atriums.
beam system with the floors showcasing the gaps - stairs and 1st floor double height atrium
section showcasing the relationship of beams to floor
skeleton of structure
interior of level 3 - showcases the beam relationships to the wall. I decided this room was important to show because it had the most walls because its dedicated to offices and meeting rooms.