Renovating Newton Building - Essay Example

Introduction Smart systems in construction are the elements, sensors and the components which are used to analyze and control the materials, the means, and the conditions of building and ensure that it meets the Approved Document stipulations in construction. It is the use of integrated infrastructural designs, facility and building systems, communications, and systems in building and technological solutions with an aim of ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency in constructions. The aim of these systems in building is to provide a comfortable and a safe working condition for those building, ensure reduction in the construction time of the building, provide the correct setting for the construction of the building and ensure reduced labor costs. In designing smart systems to be used in construction of buildings, the architecture needs to come up with the areas that need fixing and the benefits that these systems accrue. The end result is the combination of smart and green buildings where energy is optimized, cost is reduced and environmentally friendly buildings are erected. This ensures water efficiency, environmental quality, innovation and design and permanent monitoring systems when the sustainable sites are erected (Johnstone & Terry, 2000). Smart systems in construction will incorporate the use of data networks, video distribution and surveillance, power management, lighting control, wireless systems, cabling and Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) control systems. In constructing the Newton’s building, there are various issues that were incorrectly done and the building needed to be redesigned once more. The places which needed to be reconstructed include the roof, outside walls, foundation, mechanical systems, electrical systems, the accessibility, life and fire safety ,hazards, finishes and the inside corridors. Smart systems have to therefore be used and applied in these areas with constraints to make the building stand strong and to the standard required. Envelope Smart systems can also be applied in cladding. In this case, a metal has to be bonded to another in order to prevent corrosion. Strong and proper materials should be used in cladding the envelope of the building. Previously the building was built with materials of Tectiva Calico to concentrate the vertivals and Tectiva Pebble for the back and front heights. The proposed smart system components in this case include separated lamellas which could be slanted forty five degrees. The vertical lamellas would be done with designed flashings. Roofing In roofing Newton’s building, eight inch fiber glass was used and was found to prevent bats in to the house. The topvents for ventilation purposes for the house. However, the renovation of the building in this area using smart systems would involve the use of seamless gutters, siding installations, stone-coated steal of graceful curves which are water proof, low profile finish (James, 2001). This gives the building a weather tight roof which is environment friendly. Outside walls The outside walls of Newton’s building lacked a top floor level which serves to prevent people from radiation. The dividers were clad with Cellotex and fiberglass batt and there is no visible air sealing around the windows. The people who were to reside in this building needed to be shielded from electromagnetic radiations which mostly pass through the windows and walls. The external wall should be fitted well and strong enough to prevent residents from heavy down pour. The proposed measures in Newton’s building are the use of solid board on the outside walls which have the capability of protecting its resident from intensive external heat. The proposed measures to use in reconstructing the new building using new cladding would include the use of low frequency electromagnetic radiation blocking materials. These consist of metals and aluminum plats and foils which should be put one over the other in the building, use of light Tectiva pebbles, rain screen cladding to enhance the outward appearance of the building. Low frequency electromagnetic radiations can be protected but very costly during construction. Still, the contractors can embrace the use of transformers with big power, elevator motors or simply install electric meters and cabinets. Again the use of blocks, concrete, wooden walls and breaks can block most of the high frequency radiations. Foundation Newton’s building was found to have a poor foundation. On the basement walls were less water proof and wharfs were uncovered. This envelop needed to be improved for purposes of air fixing, water resistance and protection. The recommended smart system in this case would therefore include the use of base isolation system (James, 2007). These are the structural elements for protecting buildings from earthquakes and consist of sliding or shear units, a tunable isolator and an isolated raised floor-system. Besides more and enlarged windows need to be added. The smart solution to ensure proper ventilation of this building involves the use of Demand Control Ventilation, (DCV). This approach involves measuring the level of occupancy of the building as it constantly changes over the day and then varying this occupancy level with the amount of air entering the building from the outside. The approach ensures that energy is saved by ensuring fresh air and reducing the rate of carbon dioxide emission which may lead to excess energy used. Mechanical systems The mechanical systems in Newton’s building were also found to have defects. The contractors did not protect the warming channels from heat loss; the building was too chilly during the winter, had insuffient air circulation. The kitchen had a chimney and a gas supply tank which also needed to be fitted and kept safe. The proposed measures in this case include keeping the gas tank on the upper floor. Using smart systems, the building requires that the constructors do the following in order to improve it (Michael, 2008). Modern energy sources needed to be used to regulate the heating system in the building. The heating system selected should however be reliable convenient and cost effective. These include use of large stoves that can emit hot air. This kind of air would be emitted by installing large central duts in the house. Besides hot water systems would be essential in distributing the heat throughout the building. The building can also be fitted with a district heating system whereby water heaters are centrally located and heat energy is continuously distributed throughout the building. Properly fitted and working water pumps should be in the building. Natural gas if available requires little maintenance can be adapted in the house as well as liquid petroleum gas put in mobile tanks (James, 2006). New cladding in this case will serve to ensure that the fuel in the building chosen is cost effective, protects the residents of the building and emits less carbon Again, steam heating system can be fitted in the house the rooms in this building should have radiators which serve to condense the steam in to water thus the idea of heating. Properly fitted and large window should also be fitted in this kind of building to enhance air circulation and ventilation. Reference James, H. (2001). Rating boiler capacities. London: Ink Works Press. Johnstone, K., & Terry, C. (2000). Building codes and standards: United Kingdom. London:Science Publications. James, M. (2006). Heat transfer and currents. London: Inkpress. C Quality assuarnce in public buildings. Chicago: Jack Stone and Sons publishers. Michael, H. (2008). Approved building standards for public buildings. Texas: Academic.nk press. James, T. (2007). Materials and heat capacity: Masonry structures. London: Inkbird publishers. Read More