The basic construction methodology is as follows, flat roof frame construction with primary custom steel UB’s and secondary UB/UC construction, also supporting the pre fabricated steel mullion framework for windows. Hollow core pre-cast concrete slab is used within the 1st and 2nd levels that span between the UC’s . The roof rakes at a 2degree pitch over the course of the warehouse toward the eastern side of the site. Similarly to the showroom, the parapet on the eastern side conceals the gutters and down pipes and maintains the roof profile from street level. The ground floor is a 250mm thick concrete slab poured with 2 layers of Rio mesh. 1000 X 1000 Pad footing are located below the slab where the UB’s pass through then welded to the base plate.

complete model front view

complete model front view

structural window mullion

secondary structure UB/ UC support framework for expressed window mullion

Primary structure UB/ UC

After re evaluating the site and understanding the importance of integrating the showroom with the warehouse, the faceted language provided structural lines which project from the warehouse becoming the folding planes within the façade of the showroom. This allowed a great abundance of natural light as the surrounding envelope of the showroom now faced up, further emphasizing the product on display. After deciding to reduce the second floor area in the showroom and create a split level, 2 floors were added to the warehouse on levels 1 and 2 above ground above the entry.

Architecture lives in the details…for my construction and structures 2 major project I decided to take a close look at the design aesthetic and detailing used by Rem Koolhaas from OMA architects. I decided in particular to study the Seattle Public Library and understand his design rationale and detail construction methodology as I undertook design on my warehouse and showroom complex. Thus the opportunity to design a building that amalgamated both functions seamlessly using hard lines and a faceted façade brought to fruition my concept design for No 3 Grunge Street. The poetry in the architecture lay within the simplicity of understanding and controlling the geometric façade three dimensionally as the surfaces responded to one another turning the corners of the building retaining a strong gesture.

Week 11 & 12 further developing the final model