Building Construction 2 Project 1 Report

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 2 _ ARC 2513
CHEONG SIEW LEONG 0310845
PHANG JUNE EE 0311954
TAN MING LONG 0311069
TAN WEI HOW
TUTOR: MR LEE XIA SHENG

2. Introduction
In this project, we are required to design and build a shelter which can support the weight of a 60kg or heavier person for a s long as possible. Besides that, external forces such as wind and
rain are in consideration also. Accurate structural joints and skeletal structure based on the selected materials are to show in the construction of the shelter. Load bearing and non-load bearing
structures are identified before the construction in order for the load to transfer effectively.
Initial Design And Sketches
In the first place, we actually scavenge what
we could get from the construction trash.
We ended up collecting timbers and nipah.
All the timbers we collected are actually
still in good condition. Therefore we decided
to design something that has easy access
into it and a comfortable space in it.
Besides that, we also want the space inside
the structure to be ventilated so that it is
comfortable to stay in. Therefore, we
started with a cubical and started to
manipulate with the form. Through the
process of designing this shelter, we were
also inspired by the malay traditional house
as we also collected some nipah for roofing
purpose. Therefore, we decided to create a
slant at the back of the shelter, which
allows us to lay the nipah on it. Initially,
we taught of leaving the sides of the
structure empty, but in the end covering it
up with wire mesh. This is to create a
boundary and ventilate the space within in
the same time. In the process of
constructing the shelter, our design was
improving better and better, as what we
designed on the paper was based on
theories.

3. Skeletal Construction Design
The material for our skeletal construction is timber. Besides that, we also used wire mesh for the envelope and nipah for the roof. We decided to use bolts and nuts for the timber joints. We
also used halved joints for the timber bracing.
Screw
Bolts and Nuts
L- Bracket
Cable Tie
Nylon Rope
Halved Joint

4. Construction Process
1. Removing the nails and cutting the timber that was collected from the garbage
dump into designated dimension.
4. Setting up the whole structure by using bolts and nuts and screws.
5. Cut the board into designated dimension for platform purpose and
the wire mesh to act as the skin of the skeletal structure.
2. Sanding the surface of the timber to create a smooth surface.

5. 3. Drilling holes on the timber to insert bolts and nuts.
1. Setting up the main structures for
our shelter. Joining the timbers
together by using bolts and nuts.
Timbers are already being cut into
our designated dimensions.
6. Folding the nipah leaves to put on top of the roof.
Construction Steps
2. Fixing the horizontal structures for
the shelter by using timber. L-Brackets
are being used to join the
timbers together as using bolts and
nuts are not appropriate in this
manner.
3. Fixing the bracing on the
structure. This is to reinforce the
structure and preventing it from
moving left and right. Screws are
being used to fix the bracing on the
structure. Halve join is created in the
middle part of the bracing to join
both braces together.
4. Fixing the wood pallet that we
collected on the shelter acting as the
structure for the roof of the shelter.
Brackets, bolts and nuts are being
used to fix the wood pallet on the
structure. After that, plastic panels
are being installed on the wood pallet
for roofing purpose. The plastic panel
is being placed against the direction
of the wood pallet as this is the
proper way of installing roof panels.
Due to the lack of material, we
installed the plastic panel
horizontally, knowing that it should
be installed vertically to allow the
water to flow through.

6. Load and forces
Front elevation Side elevation Front elevation Side elevation
Distribution of dead load towards the ground
Testing
In this test, a person weighted 60kg is required to sit inside the shelter in order to test
the strength of the shelter. The result shows that our shelter is capable of holding a
person’s weight. Besides that, we also tested our shelter of holding two person’s weight
in order to see how much weight that can our shelter take. It is also a success. With the
strength and the material of our shelter, we then assume that our shelter is able to
carry up to 200kg-300kg. During the testing day, it just happens to rain after our
presentation. Therefore, we decide to try whether our roofing structure is working or
not. We moved our shelter under the rain and had a group member of us to sit in the
shelter. The result was outstanding; our roofing structure is a success. The nipah and
plastic sheet roofing with insulating layer is able to hold off the rain water from slipping
through. With the joints that we used in this structure, it allows us to dismantle and
reassemble the structure easily. Therefore, it is convenience to carry the structure
around.
Distribution of live load towards the ground

7. person’s
shelter during the rain
Conclusion
Overall, we have successfully demonstrated our understanding on the skeletal construction by creating a strong, weather proof and aesthetically beautiful shelter. Besides that, we also learned
a lot of useful lessons in the process of making the shelter. For example, we learned how to use the drilling machine located in the workshop. Mr.fendi also provided us some practical
knowledge in this shelter making process. This is important for a future architect as the competitive market of construction industry will require the architect to understand even more
engineering knowledge besides design knowledge. This is to lead the team in a better way and to produce a more desirable outcome in a project. It is also important for architects to produce
something that is more sustainable rather than just about designs. Therefore, as an architect student, we must be all around to create sustainable designs. Just as the idiom said, architects
are jack of all trades but master of none.