Archive for April, 2013

Embodied Energy Meeting

Posted on: April 23rd, 2013 by Barley Store

The Project Team met today to discuss the Embodied Energy of the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project. The total embodied energy of the Project will be measured and assessed by Dr Robert Crawford.
We discussed the challenges that would be met with measuring the embodied energy…
– The hardest part about the analysis is getting the quantities
– Assumptions can be made based on past knowledge but it wouldn’t be as accurate
– Also need to consider how much of each material goes into construction
– Specification of each material required (i.e. thickness, density) to make a better assessment
– Difficulty in comparing materials (i.e. How to figure out comparable quantities for different types of materials)
– Acquiring life-cycle assessments (LCAs) from the manufacturers of products used can be difficult
– Considering the build-up of materials, durability and the recurrent embodied energy
– Ensuring the energy savings is greater than the energy output
– How the design life for the build would affect the embodied energy

In the next few weeks, the Project’s Architect and Engineers will work together to come up with a detailed material analysis, with details about their quantum of area and volumes to be used in the Project. This will then assist Dr Robert Crawford in assessing the embodied energy, allowing for us to come up with the most ecologically friendly product and material solutions for the build.

Project Timeline

Posted on: April 12th, 2013 by Barley Store

We’ve drafted a timeline for the project, which you can view below. We are close to finalising the structure of the build and should be ready to apply for our building permit in June, 2013. If all goes according to plan, construction will commence early August, 2013.
Click on the image below to view the full Project Timeline:

Construction Sequence

Posted on: April 11th, 2013 by Barley Store

Here’s a sneak preview of the 5×4 Hayes Lane building will come together… proposed by ARKit.

Images by ARKit.

Meeting with Project Architect

Posted on: April 11th, 2013 by Barley Store

Today we had a meeting with Craig Chatman (ARKit). At this point we are close to finalising the structure of the build.
Points of discussion included:
– Sewage/ plumbing issues
– Electricity
– Transporting the build
– Material analysis
The following were discussed during the material analysis:
– Walls –wall lining options (e.g. plywood, bamboo, cork)
– Flooring systems –floor structure options
– Internals & finishings –e.g. bamboo, plastic, paperock compressed paper.
– Kitchen appliances –fridge, dishwashers, oven, etc.
– Bathroom finishes
After considering all the possible materials, final decisions are yet to be made. With the help of our other team members, Tai Hollingsbee and Dr Robert Crawford, we’ll be able to compare the embodied energy of each product and choose the most eco-friendly one.
The performance of our building should be finalised by the end of this month in which we will have a clear idea of the materials and appliances that will be used in the building.
At this rate, we hope to begin construction August 2013. Stay tuned for future updates!

First interview with Dr Robert Crawford

Posted on: April 9th, 2013 by Barley Store

Prior to the construction of the build, we interviewed all members of the Project Team. Here’s the first interview with Dr Robert Crawford who’s in charge of measuring and assessing the Project’s Embodied Energy.
Issues discussed:
– Opportunities for minimizing the carbon and energy input of the Project
– The input-output based hybrid assessment approach that will be used for quantifying the embodied energy and emissions, which is more comprehensive than using traditional industry based process analysis techniques
– The benefits of the prefabrication approach used to construct the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project
– Other considerations for selecting construction materials, such as recyclable content
– Opportunities to showcase the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project to other design & architect students as an ideal outcome of the project

Craig Chatman speaks about Design Development

Posted on: April 8th, 2013 by Barley Store

Watch Craig Chatman speaking about the design response of the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project.
Issues discussed:
– The design solutions of the mini tower
– The interesting dialogue between private and public realm of the dwelling considering it’s location
– The constraints of the build due to its small scale
– Being able to offer a design solution which talks about circulation, movement and flow
– Showcasing the engineering of the project within the structure of the building

First Interview with Craig Chatman

Posted on: April 8th, 2013 by Barley Store

Prior to the construction of the build, we interviewed all members of the Project Team. Here’s the first interview with Project Architect & Builder, Craig Chatman.
Issues discussed:
– An overview of ARKit & Offsite Constructions
– The importance of Sustainability, Design & Construction in the build environment
– The educational benefits and the contribution to the build environment as his motivation to get involved
– Examples of similar projects overseas
– The unique prefabrication solution for the 5×4 Hayes Lane build, made specifically for the site
– Constraints to the site due to limited accessibility and the Project’s scale
– The collaboration process of the Project Team

Tai Hollingsbee speaks about Environment & Design

Posted on: April 4th, 2013 by Barley Store

Tai Hollingsbee discusses the design philosophy for the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project.
Issues discussed:
– High performance building envelope
– Top-end technology and strategy to provide for the rest of the build’s systems

First Interview with Tai Hollingsbee

Posted on: April 4th, 2013 by Barley Store

Prior to the construction of the build, we interviewed all members of the Project Team. Here is the first interview with Principal Engineer of GHD, Tai Hollingsbee.
Issues discussed:
– The paradoxical attitude on sustainability in Australia
– Why Tai Hollingsbee got involved with the Project
– How the Project addresses the issues of livability in cities and densification
– The Project’s unique ambition towards monitoring and accounting for its ecological footprint
– GHD’s unique integrated design service, which can optimize the design of the Project
– Challenges the Project might face, including public perception and financial viability
– A satisfied occupant as the desired outcome of the Project

First Interview with Peter Felicetti

Posted on: April 4th, 2013 by Barley Store

Prior to the construction of the build, we interviewed all members of the Project Team. Here’s the first interview with Structural Engineer, Peter Felicetti.
Issues discussed:
– The economic benefits of sustainability
– Why Peter Felicetti got involved with the Project
– The holistic approach of the 5×4 Hayes Lane Project
– Implementing ‘Spanman’ into the design process
– The possible challenges due to the scale of the project
– The importance of good communication amongst the Project Team