| NEWS | DESIGN | BUILDING | DESIGN TOOLS | BUILDING CULTURE |
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A School with Daylight | |
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Builder's Guide to Perimeter Slab Insulation | |
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New School Embodies Environmental and Social Concerns | |
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New School Embodies Environmental and Social Concerns An exposed concrete structure supporting ramps and steel fire escape bridges links the two blocks and acts as the entrance to the school. A third structure, in the interior court, is a light steel supervisor's observation and office tower. Carving into the Earth The three stories of basements occupy the entire site excluding the required setbacks, and their excavation and piling took four months. To make these basements livable, a "tanking" solution was adopted. They were made watertight, like a tank, by virtue of the integrated walls and raft footing acting as one. There are no weak joints where water might infiltrate. In addition, "light grabbers" were designed that extend up to the courtyards, bringing natural lighting and cross ventilation down even to the lowest level. Environmental Control Systems Energy-efficient materials and products were detailed and specified, including insulation of all roofs and exterior walls, double glazing where required, low wattage lighting, and a solar heating system. This example of Dar Al Aytam's private initiative might encourage others to participate and contribute to the reduction fossil fuel consumption and emissions even in developing countries. Unfortunately, a cost benefit analysis of photovoltaics for electricity generation indicated a payback period that was unacceptably long. Despite its abundance, solar energy has not been widely harnessed in this part of the world yet. We also addressed the problem of water depletion. Water is a scarce resource in this part of the world and a cause of political conflict. We built large water reservoirs to collect the otherwise wasted rainwater. A process of "reverse osmosis" filters and chemically treats waste or brackish water to make it potable. The stored capacity can support the institution during one to two months of drought for use in drip irrigation and water closets. A computer-controlled building management system allows the resident engineer to monitor all these mechanical equipment systems and components, ensure their smooth operation, and identify the location of any problems. Structure and Materials Because of a restrictive local construction industry, the size of the project, the tight construction schedule, and the flexibility of the medium, we chose concrete as the primary construction material. Structural and nonstructural steel was also used to support the solar panels, a main staircase, fire escape routes, and playground canopies. Other materials include galvanized steel and exposed concrete block, both painted and unpainted. These low-maintenance, low-cost materials give an industrial look to the school. With the budget in mind during material selection, we also considered the materials' effect on the environment. We avoided materials whose production would have contributed to soil erosion or deforestation. For example, we clad the school with glass-reinforced, textured concrete instead of the traditional stone cladding required by the local building code. In conclusion, we are proud to have been a major contributor to a project that establishes Dar Al Aytam in the vanguard of offering much needed social help and of protecting the environment. Wissam Jabr is principal and founder of Bureau of InterNational Architecture in Beirut. Project Credits Architect: Wissam Jabr, Bureau of InterNational Architecture
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