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MODULAR

COORDINATION

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MODULE – why ?

increase in demand

modern industrial society economic growth

dynamic development

rapid expansion

increase in standards

increase in expectation

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MODULE – why ?

• to match demand with

capacity to build

• improve effectiveness

• improve quality

• improve cost effectiveness

The modular system is a

link in the industrialisation

of the

building industry

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MODULAR OFFERS

• dimensional coordination - simplify &

clarify

• limitation of variants in dimensions….

promotes

• Standardization…. permits

• Prefabrication…. encourages

• industrialization increase production

through increased productivity

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dimensional coordination

• system of dimension that can create clarity

and order

• dimensional coordination:

– the application of a range of related

dimensions to the sizing of building

components and assemblies and the

buildings incorporating them

• modular coordination:

– dimensional coordination using the

international basic module, multi modules,

sub modules and a modular reference

system

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dimensional coordination

• the FUNCTION which determines principal

dimensions, room dimensions, etc.

• the CONSTRUCTION METHOD which

determines the dimensions of individual

components, connections, etc.

• selection of dimensions :

• dimensions are interrelated and need to be correlated

• to achieve harmony in form, function and

construction method as well as

economically justified

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limitation of variants

1 in building trade, there are numerous components with uniform functions but with variations in dimensions e.g. doors, windows, storey height

2 standardisation of dimensions:

- agreement on preferred sizes

- remove arbitrary variations

- allowance for justified functional

and production requirements

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standardisation

limitation of variants leads to

standardisation

flexibility ○

creativity ○

design innovation ○

should not limit

○ specalisation in

manufacturing of selected

components

○ open building industry

○ distribution of work –

manufacturers, fabricators,

installers

facilitates

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levels of standardisation

○ National standardisation

– MS 1064

○ Client standardisation

– elements, processes

– schools, hospitals, offices

○ Manufacturer standardisation

– products, materials, sub-assemblies

○ Project standardisation

– procedures, building elements

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prefabrication

use of prefabricated building components requires key

players to operate on a common dimensional

system

prefabrication calls for agreement on accuracy

of the production – tolerances

clear and unambigous

to lay down limits within which

variations on a given dimension can

be tolerated

suitable degree of accuracy

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functional requirements - dimensions of rooms & building

components are repeated and uniform in rooms with the same function

structural conditions - structural details having the function are

given the same dimensions

principle of repetition

Repetition of uniform dimensions

○ facilitates design

○ simplifies construction work

○ allows industrial production

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rhythm in architecture

monotony and tedium

principle of repetition

architectural masterpieces

creativity and flexibility

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rhythm in architecture

monotony and tedium

principle of repetition

architectural masterpieces

creativity and flexibility

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Many of nature’s

form are

composed of

IDENTICAL

ELEMENTS

– yet the effect is far from

monotonous

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modular coordination

an international standarisation of dimensioning system

principal aim

to achieve

dimensional compatibility

between building dimensions, span, or spaces

and the sizes of components or equipment

by using related

modular dimensions

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basis of modular coordination

○ the use of modules (basic modules & multi modules)

○ a reference system to define coordinating spaces and

zones for building elements and componentsrules for

positioning of building elements within the reference

system

○ rules for sizing of components in order to determine

their work sizes

○ rules for defining preferred sizes

○ communication between participants in the building

process

○

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the use of modules

M = 100 mm Basic module

the smallest module to be used to coordinate position and

size of components, elements and installations, related by

reference 3D points, lines and planes

Multimodules

3M, 6M, 9M, 12M . . .

planning modules for main dimensions of framework : span,

storey height etc.

Submodules 2 4

M M

for sizing of components requiring increment smaller than M

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the use of modules

Mh = 3M (300 mm) horizontal planning

module

the horizontal planning module for structural framework is

based on the functional requirements of the building and the

components to be used for economic design

Mv = 1M (100 mm) vertical planning

module

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reference system

modular planning grid :

modular grids : used mainly during planning /

design stage

○ based on determined multi modules

○ for design of structural framework

○ modular components are placed in the

modular grid

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For small scale

drawings to

clarify

relationship

between

components -

1M x 1M

1M

1M

Basic Multi Modular Grid

basic modular grid

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formed with intervals of multi modules

squares with same intervals or rectangular

used in key plans, showing layouts and

positioning of main building components

nM

nM

Square Multi Modular Grid

multi modular grids

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nM

nM

Square Multi Modular Grid

multi modular grids

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interrupted modular planning grid

band of interruptions are regularly spaced in both

directions

band of interruptions can be modular or non

modular

Tartan Grid

nM n’M

tartan grids

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Tartan Grid

nM n’M

tartan grids

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modular grid & modular components

1. modular planning grid is used mainly for the design

structural framework

2. modular component must normally be kept within

its modular zone but technical considerations may

require certain connections which entail the

components exceeding their modular zones eg.

tongue and groove, bolted connections

3. with simple, uniform modular components, there

is no conflict with the modular grid, however at

connections, either grid must give way or special

non modular components must be used

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modular grid

& modular

components

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positioning of building elements

design

selection of components

design of components

decisions concerning

position, dimensions,

performance

production schedule

assembly of components

construction components

architectural design

structural design

services design

structural

components

non structural

components

finishes

BUILDING PROCESS

production

transportation

Installation

manufacturers

suppliers designers

manufacturers

suppliers

designers

contractors

manufacturers

suppliers

catalogues of

components

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• boundary reference

• axial reference

• interaxial reference

• flush reference

Modular reference systems enables designer

to relate sensibly elements of construction-

envelope, horizontal and vertical elements

types of references

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boundary grid

coordinates the position of the building components

determines the nominal size of components

placement of component within two Parallel modular coordinating grids or planes so that it fills the space or zone.

boundary reference

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axial grid

coordinates the position of a components by placing

the component so that the middle-axis coincides with

a modular coordinating grid of plane

axial reference

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coordinates the position and dimension of

building component by a reference

interaxial grid

interaxial reference

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flush grid mo

du

lar

zo

ne

coordinates the position of

components by placing

one surface of the

component flush on to a

modular coordinating grid

or plane

Flush Reference

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Coordinating Size

coordinating spaces - accommodate components with

allowance for joints and tolerances

work size + one joint

work size

coordinating size

½ joint

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deductions from coordinating sizes to accommodate

allowance for jointing to coordinate components

adjacent to one another

work size = manufactured size

considerations for determining work size

○ manufacturing process

○ stocking method

○ transportation

○ handling on site

○ assembly

○ other relevant cost

work size

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mc provides coordinating systems and effective mean

for identifying suitable locations of components joints

every joint should relate to a joint reference plane

joint reference

coincide with modular

plane

joint reference plane

displaced from

modular plane

joints

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modular coordination provides a coherent system of

tolerance for building components and spaces

concept of tolerance - certain degree of accuracy in

production and placing (manufacture and assembly)

considerations for tolerances

○ product tolerance

○ installation tolerances

○ interfacing tolerance

tolerances

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preferred sizes

• preferred sizes - to rationalise the

prefabrication process and to keep cost

down

• preferred sizes limit variations

• selection of preferred sizes to suit

•function • construction method

• material of component

economic

production

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preferred sizes

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communication

mc aids communication between

participants in building process through

established :

basic principles

terminology

drafting conventions

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terminology

• coordination size : a size of component which

accommodates the work size with allowances

for joints and tolerances to permit assembly

• work size : manufactured size - a dimension

used by manufacturer to ensure that the

actual dimension lies between the maximum

and minimum dimension

• preferred size : a size chosen for specific

purposes – technical or economic reasons

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drafting conventions

modular reference

plane

modular axial

plane

modular

coordinating

dimensions

non modular zone

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hierarchy of planning

not always possible to completely use

modular preferred dimensions and sizes

due to:

economic and functional

considerations

Order of priority:

2. Elements of building - eg. Col., beams.

3. Components -eg. Doors, windows

4. Finishes and built-in equipment

1. Planning grid

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Determines positioning & dimensioning of

main building components

modular design rules

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main building components

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MH = 3M (300mm)

Facades

are placed flushed on the outside to

a modular reference plane

external

internal

n x 3M

planning approaches horizontal planning

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Cross walls and structural frames (beam and column) are

placed according to two alternatives:-

n x 3M

3M

the structural part of the component is placed at the

axis between two modular reference planes spaced at

3M apart.

INTERAXIAL PLANING (Alternative 1)

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the structural part of the component is placed between

a technical coordination space (not necessarily

modular because of technical or economic reasons)

n x 3M

t1

BOUNDARY PLANING (Alternative 2)

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are placed flushed on either side of the modular

reference plane or line

n x 3M

n x

3M

Partitions

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facades are always placed

on the outside of the modular line

external

n x 3M

internal

for crosswalls (structural) or

columns, use alternative 1 or

alternative 2

n x

3M

t1

BOUNDARY PLANNING

n x

3M

3M

INTERAXIAL PLANNING

partitions are placed flushed

to the modular line

n x 3M

n x

3M

horizontal planning - summary

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~ running wall panels can always be modular

n x 3M

3M

inserted wall panel

running wall panel

~ column placed axially – distance between axial is modular

~ column size – less than 3M or larger

~ if columns are modular, inserted wall panels can be modular

INTERAXIAL PLANNING (Alternative 1)

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~ coordination with a technical space

~ column can be designed economically

~ technical size can be non modular

n x 3M

inserted wall panel

running wall panel

modular size

~ inserted and running wall panels are modular if technical size

is modular

BOUNDARY PLANNING (Alternative 2)

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n x 3M

inserted wall panel

running wall panel

t1

~ if technical size is not modular, inserted wall panels are

modular but running wall panels cannot be modular

BOUNDARY PLANNING (Alternative 2)

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MV = M (100mm) Floors are placed within a modular

floor zone of n X M increments

Floors to floor heights are vertically placed n X M increments

n3 x M n1 x M

n2 x M

vertical planning

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main controlling dimensions

intermediate controlling dimensions

vertical controlling dimensions

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Roof Zone

WindowSill height

Zone

Floor

HeightDoor Head

Change of Floor Level

Floor to Floor Height

Ceiling HeightFloor to

Fig 3-10 : Vertical Controlling Dimensions

roof zone

floor zone

floor to

ceiling height

storey height

vertical coordination

main controlling dimensions

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Roof Zone

WindowSill height

Zone

Floor

HeightDoor Head

Change of Floor Level

Floor to Floor Height

Ceiling HeightFloor to

Fig 3-10 : Vertical Controlling Dimensions

roof zone

floor zone

floor to

ceiling height

storey height

door head height

window head height

window sill height

intermediate controlling dimensions

vertical coordination

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modular floor plane coinciding with upper

surface of floor covering

vertical planning

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Modular floor plane coinciding with

upper surface of rough floor

Modular floor plane coinciding with upper surface of structural floor

vertical planning

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modular design rules - summary

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building parts - perceived as components

influencing factors :

positions and sizes of components

tolerances allowed between them and their coordinating spaces

building process = assembling of components

components and finishes

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designing with components

must be conceptualised

early in design stage

bearing on choice of

planning grids and

approaches

structural components

• columns

• beams

• floor slabs

• walls

• Staircases

• lift cores

non structural components

o cladding

o partition

o doors, windows

Finishes

• ceiling finishes

• floor finishes

• wall finishes

components and finishes

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components are dimensioned and placed

inside, within the horizontal and vertical

planning module

monolithic 3-D components

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monolithic 3-D

components

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• components are dimensioned within the horizontal

and vertical planning modular increments.

• the load bearing and self bearing parts if any, are on

the outside of the modular planes.

non-monolithic 3-D components

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non-monolithic 3-D

components

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basic dimensions - 3M / multiples of 3M

dimensions fit into modular grid

planning structural grid

dimensions are for finished dimensions

BOUNDARY PLANNING

DISPLACEMENT OF GRID PLANNING

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

columns

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BOUNDARY PLANNING

DISPLACEMENT OF GRID PLANNING

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

columns

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beam depth are in the increments of M

floor zone with false

ceiling

• beams

accommodated

in floor zone

• beams depth

only affect

services, not

walls / partition

below

Floor Zone

beams

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Floor Zone

Beams with

false ceiling

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distance between base

of beam and floor slab

must be modular to

accommodate the

components below

Window Head

Height

Floor to Floor Height

Beams without false ceiling

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Window Head

Height

Floor to Floor Height

Beams without

false ceiling

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floor zone:

space allocated for floor assembly

extends from reference plane of ceiling

to the finished floor surface above it

ceiling accommodated within the floor zone

composition may vary

top of floor zone = top of floor finish

base of floor zone - bottom of ceiling of the

floor below

Composition

of Floor Zone

Screed

Slab

Service Space

False Ceiling

Bottom of Floor Zone

Top of Floor Zone Floor Finish depth in sub-modular

increments of 0.5M or

0.25M

precast slab-fit into

structural grid :12M

Floor slabs

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Composition

of Floor Zone

Screed

Slab

Service Space

False Ceiling

Bottom of Floor Zone

Top of Floor Zone Floor Finish

Floor slabs

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width – multiples of n x 3M, n x 6M, n x 12M

thickness – within module zone of n xM

length - coordinating size in multiples of n x 3M

adaptation area

nxM

n x 3M

n x 3M

nxM

Alternative 1

Alternative 2

width n x 3Mn x 6Mn x 12M

Precast floor slabs

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adaptation area

nxM

n x 3M

n x 3M

nxM

Alternative 1

Alternative 2

width n x 3Mn x 6Mn x 12M

Precast floor slabs

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length of walls determined by planning grid

dimensions and finished wall dimensions

in cases wall do not fill the whole wall zone,

where structure allows, wall should be lined

with one side of the zone to minimise number of

adaptation pieces

COMPONENT WALLS

precast load bearing Walls

77 COMPONENT WALLS

precast load bearing

Walls

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dimensions - for doorsets

controlling spaces be preferred dimensions - to allow

the doors be fitted without undue adjustments

(adaptation pieces fitted in walls or partitions)

Door Component

Floor

Zone

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

Doors

79 Door Component

Floor

Zone

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

Doors

80

dimensions - for windowsets

sill reference plane may coincide with floor

reference plane

window head reference plane may coincide

with ceiling reference plane

COORDINATING

WINDOW HEIGHT

COORDINATING

SILL HEIGHT

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

COORDINATING WINDOW SIZE

windows

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COORDINATING

WINDOW HEIGHT

COORDINATING

SILL HEIGHT

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

COORDINATING WINDOW SIZE

windows

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length of flights and

landing dimensions

are modular

goings, risers and

widths of flights are as

required by statutory

requirements

stairs located in

between floor

coordinating line

top of stair coincides

with top of floor zone

SECTION

TOP OF FLOOR ZONE

FLOOR ZONE

n x 3M

n x

3Mn

x 3M

n x 3M

PLAN

stairs

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SECTION

TOP OF FLOOR ZONE

FLOOR ZONE

n x 3M

n x

3Mn

x 3M

n x 3M

PLAN

stairs

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external dimensions be modular to

relate to other elements

more than one lift - whole assembly is

treated as a single element

LIFTS AND LOBBY

SINGLE LIFT

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

LIFTS AND LOBBY

SINGLE LIFT

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

Lift cores

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LIFTS AND LOBBY

SINGLE LIFT

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

LIFTS AND LOBBY

SINGLE LIFT

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

n x 3M1

n x 3M2

Lift cores

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Example

- Plan

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Example -

Elevation

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floor zone

window head ht

window sill ht

Example - Window

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HDB PREFABRICATION TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

Close coordination at design stage resulted

in highly buildable building

More than 75% of precast columns, beams

and slabs designed to one standardised

size

Many architectural features were modulated

and precast for better quality and finish

90

HDB PREFABRICATION TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

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Structural components –

standardised to a single size

Precast elements - arched

concrete lattices, ring water

tanks, curved auditorium walls,

perimeter fencing wall

Buidability and aesthetics

could be achieved without

compromising one another

Buildable Features

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Buildable Features

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High buildable design -

construction period shortened

considerably

Precast structural frame - precast

columns, beams, hollow core

slabs abd planks

Architectural features - precast

lightweight concrete panels,

prefab, infill aluminum panels

Structural steel truss, precast

parapet, precision blocks, dry

partition

YUSOF ISHAK SECONDARY SCHOOL

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YUSOF ISHAK SECONDARY SCHOOL

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THE FRENCH SCHOOL

standardised grids and repetitive

floor layouts, use of flat floor slabs

resulted in less columns and bigger

span

integrated roof system, lightweight

concrete blocks - no plastering

needed, faster construction

monospace lift - expedite

construction and increase usable

space

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THE FRENCH SCHOOL

97

Modular horizontal and vertical

grids, repetitive floor layouts, use of

system formwork for efficiency

Precast columns, beams, slabs and

staircases - on-site and off-site

RC external walls - use of jumping

formwork enabled walls to be cast

three storey ahead of each floor

slab

WOODSVALE

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WOODSVALE

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Architect commissioned to design

a maintenance-free building and

create an elegant facade

Flat floor slab system for free

space, 90% of columns and beams

standardise

Full height glazing and metal

cladding used as envelope for

quality finish

NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD CENTRAL REPOSITORY

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NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD CENTRAL REPOSITORY

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POPOVICH HALL - THE UNIVERSITY OF

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Successful integration of cast

stone and brick resulted in a

building that was contextual to the

existing campus

the juxtaposition scale between

cast stone and brick module and

the playful movement between

curved and orthogonal plane made

for an exciting project

102

POPOVICH HALL - THE UNIVERSITY OF

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

103

THE KING FARM OFFICE BUILDING

The proportion of massing and

articulation of base, body and

top contributed to the building

monumental appearance

The attention to detail and use

of natural light made the

building visually exciting and

the consistency of colour and

finish was well done

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THE KING FARM OFFICE BUILDING

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THE EMORY UNIVERSITY PARKING DECK

Project commended for the ability to

transform a difficult façade into a

work of art. The window and bay

patterns create a rhythm along the

façade developing a human scale

not often found in parking decks.

The architectural façade is express

as an applique to the concrete

structural frame in a contemporary

and genuine fashion was well done

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THE EMORY UNIVERSITY PARKING DECK

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THANK YOU