Contemporary Case Study Projects

National Works Yard, Vancouver, B.C. - Details

The National Works Yard in Vancouver, B.C., designed by Omicron Architecture and Engineering, is a LEED Gold facility. Many finishes were eliminated on both the exterior and interior of the facility through the effective use of Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel - in concert with exposed Parallam members and architectural concrete.

National Works

Wide flange sections are used throughout this project, with a combination of welded and bolted connections. The welded connections were done in the shop for better quality control and the bolted connections done on site for ease of assembly. The large spread of this triangular supports would have required that the designers understand restrictions for shipping dimensions. The base connection can be seen to use a simple base plate with bolts. The diagonal members are bolted to the base using lap plates and bolts. The bolts use a contrasting finish to the dark rust colour that has been applied to the balance of the structure. This creates a highlighted detail from the bolting of the connection.

 
National Works

Wide flanges can again be seen at the top of the support for the roof extension. This frame sits out from the environmental facade by about 900mm. This allows operable windows to function without interference. The welding of the members of the frame keeps the frame clean looking. If pigeons are an issue in the area it would be important to protect any ledges formed by the structure from invasive roosting. This can be discreetly done using proprietary anti-roosting products.

The hierarch of the members can be seen in the use of the T steel sections to support the exposed Parallam beams.

 
National Works

Steel is also used to cap the ends of the Parallam beams and prevent absorption of water in the end grain of the wood. A decorative tension rod joins the steel end cap to the frame, creating a more interesting looking detail. The wood framing that runs perpendicular to the larger extension beams is being used to support the galvanized steel decking so that it can span parallel to the main beams.

 
National Works

The detailing of the exterior support system has been carried through quite consistently to the interior atrium of the lobby of the building. The same base support design has been used to allow a simple bolted connection of the angled steel support system to the base. Bolts are only used where site erection has dictated the need. Welded connections are used fairly consistently in the fabrication of the balance of the structure.

The large concrete base support extends from the ground floor to support framing at the second floor level. The angles shape of this concrete support complements the design of the steel framing. Very simple framing connections are possible for the beam to concrete connection.

 
National Works

A view up to the exposed structure on the underside of the roof again shows consistency between the exposed detailing on the exterior and interior of the building. An innovative "arm" us used to provide a tree like support to the steel beams that span across the atrium and support the skylight framing. The skylight uses integrated PV to assist with environementally friendly electricity generation for the building.