Detailing
Considerations
Successful architectural detailing requires attention
to many factors. As with most aspects of building, it
is often necessary to think laterally to achieve results
that are both poetic and satisfy pragmatic goals.
All successful design and detailing efforts will consider
these factors. The designer may make value judgments
through the process, placing the importance of one aspect
above another. The critical thing is to be aware of
these considerations and to understand the consequences
of favouring any one over the other.
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First off, it is important to be able to clearly identify
the detailing objectives. These may come under headings such
as:
- cost
- appearance and aesthetics
- buildability
- materials usage
- routine maintenance
Environment
It is also important to consider the specific environment
that the details are to exist in. It is critical to acknowledge
and design for:
- prevailing winds and wind patterns created by the landscape
or other buildings
- rain and other weather that can be expected
- UV exposure
- dust and pollutants that may be in the air and settle
on the building
- corrosive elements in the air such as salt spray
- moisture, either rising from the ground, or as general
humidity
Specific environments can vary from site to site and even
on different faces of the same building. While exposed concrete
masonry may be appropriate on the sunny north face of a house,
its use on the south side of a damp site could quickly see
mould and other organic growth develop, even with regular
cleaning. If inappropriate materials are used or poor detailing
choices are made, the building appearance can deteriorate
quickly.
Material properties
Concrete has a number of special and unique qualities that
make it an ideal construction medium, particularly in domestic
applications. These include:
- high durability
- thermal mass benefits when used appropriately
- ability to form and shape
- enclosure of space and structure in one material
- ability to form integral surface finishes and colour
- relatively inert and compatible with most other buildings
materials
- excellent acoustic and fire resistant properties
Along with these qualities are some inherent limitations
that the designer should bear in mind:
- once cast it is difficult to change
- not sufficiently waterproof on its own
- sharp corners or edges can be vulnerable to mechanical
damage
Once the decision to use a concrete structure in a residential
project is made, the designer and the builder must find ways
of optimising the positive attributes while minimising the
negative aspects of concrete. The best way of ensuring this
is through adequate and considered planning.
Maintenance
Planning for routine maintenance of the building, and in particular
of the details, must be borne in mind. All materials and details
perform better when they are maintained. Such maintenance
may include washing, replacement of seals and sealants and
re-application of waterproofing coatings. Decisions made by
the builder or designer may place high demands on the homeowner
to maintain certain details. Often the homeowner is not consulted
or considered at the time, a point that is particularly true
of homes built speculatively. Homeowners, where appropriate,
should be consulted with over maintenance issues. In all cases,
they should be made aware of routine maintenance requirements.
References:
More details can be seen in CCANZ's Residential
Concrete : Detailing and Specification Guide.
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