INTRODUCTION TO THE MATERIALS USED
It is the constraints of the design brief that dictated what the building should be constructed out of. As the building is built to be able to be removed in case of flooding, the materials used had to be easy to construct and transport. The way in which the materials were joined also had to have careful consideration, as it had to be strong enough to last, yet joinery that would be undone in case the building had to be moved. For example, the Cor-Ten steel is attached with screws and a rubber sealant to a metal bracing, that is joined onto the exterior of the timber frame. If the bracing is removed from the frame, then the cladding and outer layer, could be easily removed.
WHY THE MATERIALS USED WERE SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS PROJECT
Cor-Ten Steel
The Cor-Ten steel used in the project plays a very important role in the success of the building. The steel rusts when exposed to the elements, and this rust is what forms a protective layer. This type of steel alloy gives a greater level of resistance to weathering when compared to most other steel and this is very important for this site, which is situated next to the River Thames, as it is exposed to a lot of adverse weather conditions. This rust serves two purposes, one as the protective layer, but also as an aesthetic one. The rust gives the structure an appearance of a boat hull, which helps set the context of the building wedged between a boat yard and an old warehouse.
This is a study of the oxidization of corten steel over time, done in watercolour after researching how the material changes its appearance . As soon as the material catches the moisture it will start to oxidize and rust is created as the result of it. The tonality and the shade of the oxidization will vary according to the position in which the building is installed to the cycles of sun/rain that it is subjected to.
Timber Frame
Timber is very commonly used in construction throughout the World. The use of Timber Framing offers many structural benefits, that explain why it has been used on this site. It can rapidly be erected, normally within 2 - 3 days, which on a site that is exposed to the natural elements, it is important to be able to build quickly. As it is made of simple structural forms, it can be taken down, with relative ease, which is important for a site that is meant to be moveable. Generally, there larger spaces between the frames allow for greater flexibility when it comes to structural design, meaning that the interior space can easily be redesigned without affecting its form, allowing windows and doors to be placed after construction has finished. And along with most other materials used in this project, it can easily be recycled.
Steel Mesh Flooring
The Steel Mesh Flooring is used on this site as a raised platform between the two buildings. Steel is an iron alloy that contains carbon to make it stronger and is commonly used in construction. The reason that the steel framework has been used here, is that it allows the water to pass straight through it while being a stable platform to walk upon. This site is meant to be easily removable incase of flooding, so this means that the Steel mesh Flooring is a perfectly suited material, as it is light, strong easily transportable. After speaking to the people who work at the centre, one bad aspect of using this material here is that when wet, the surface becomes slippery and isn't very safe to be carrying boats around as the surface has no friction.
Sheeps Wool Insulation
Sheep's wool has been used to insulate the two main buildings. It is a natural, sustainable and renewable material. As this site is next to the River Thames, where the ground can get very wet, it was important to use a material that could withstand moisture without compromising its thermal efficiency. The wool fibres are breathable, which means they can absorb and release moisture without reducing its performance in insulating the building, meaning that Sheep's Wool is perfect as insulation for this site. Sheep's Wool also causes no irritation and is perfectly safe to touch, and as this site is to be used by children, this is an important aspect to consider.
Cobblestone
During the excavation of the site to prepare for construction, cobbled stones were found. Around the new site these stones have been recycled. Cobbled stones were originally used in the pavements of streets. Cobble is a generic geological term for any stone having dimensions between 2.5–10 inches deep. The cobbled stones seen at the Cremorne riverside centre are made of granite and are rectangular in form – these are then placed in a regular pattern. The connotations of cobbled stones now clarify that the street is more than just ‘normal’. The modern use of cobbled stones leans towards the street or area being deemed of more value, along with being seen as artistic and unique in comparision to the asphalt that is commonly found around the UK.