The document summarizes a group assignment to analyze the construction of Paradigm Mall in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. It includes an introduction to the mall and objectives of the assignment. Key areas analyzed include the flat roof, roof shade, skylights, ventilation, and fixed windows using aluminum frames. The group recommends replacing the flat roof with a pitched roof for better drainage and longer lifespan.

1. 1
Construction Technology BLD60104 Assignment
Lecturer: Ms Azrina Md Yaakob
Building chosen: Paradigm Mall
Name ID
Lu Siau Vay 0318567
Tan Kiah Chun 0324414
Siong Jia Yii 0318239
Tan Jia Yi 0319476
Yong Sing Yew 0318766
Welson Lum Wei Jiunn 0319514

2. 2
Content
No Pages
1 Cover page 1
2 Content 2
3 Objectives 3
4 Introduction 4-8
5 Roof 9-14
6 Windows 15-20
7 Doors 21--38
8 Stairs 39-48
9 Conclusion 49
10 Reference 50-51

3. 3
Objective
In a group of six people, we are required to choose a shopping mall at first.
We have chosen Paradigm which is located in Petaling Jaya as our assignment
requirement. After taking all the photos of the shopping mall, we have to illustrate the
type of the building with plan in the report. Then, identify and explain the types of
roof, windows, doors and staircase as well. The most important part is to compare
and contrast with other types and recommend an alternative to replace the existing
type of roof, windows, doors and stairs.
In this group assignment, students get deeper relationship between every one
of the group because group work is very important in this assignment. By searching
the information about the assignment, students tend to learn more about the
knowledge of construction technology, especially the structure of a building. Other
than that, this assignment provides students to demonstrate their ability and
willingness to work together.
Therefore, students can gain a lot of knowledge after doing this assignment,
but not just learning things from lectures or books and study for examination.

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Introduction
Paradigm mall is located at Jalan SS7/ 26A, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling
Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. It is strategically located along the Lebuhraya
Damansara – Petaling Jaya, so when you drive along LDP highway, you can
definitely see this awesome building with awesome exterior design.
Besides than driving to Paradigm mall, you can get on the shuttle bus service
from Kelana Jaya LRT station. If you are coming all the way from the KLIA or KLIA2,
you can take the Aerobus with charges of RM10. These routes are with high
frequency of trips, so you do not have to worry even you are rushing. For further
information of getting to Paradigm Mall, you can go to their website which is
http://www.paradigmmall.com.my/Getting_Here/ or you can call the hotline with +603
7801 1188.
Paradigm Mall offers you more than you can imagine, spread across six levels
and 1 million square feet of retail paradise. In case you get lost, you can find the
directory in the mall. If you want to do a preparation before getting to Paradigm Mall,
you can go to their website and search for the clearer floor plan, like what shops are
inside the plan. The website is located at
http://www.paradigmmall.com.my/Floor_Plan/.
*The photos below show every floor plan of Paradigm Mall.

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Level LG
Level CC

6. 6
Level G
Level UG

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Level 1
Level 2

8. 8
Level 3

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Roof
A roof is an essential covering that is placed on houses and buildings and even such
items as automobiles. Roofs have been constructed in a wide variety of forms—
flat, pitched, vaulted, domed, or in combinations—as dictated by technical,
economic, or aesthetic considerations.
The earliest roofs constructed by man were probably thatched roofs that were made
of straw, leaves, branches, or reeds; they were usually set at a slope, or pitch, so
that rainfall could drain off them.
Roof act like a huge umbrella in receiving and deflecting all the potentially harmful
weather that a structure would otherwise receive, a roof itself normally sustains
damage. High winds can damage or remove the roof's shingles. Continued exposure
to rainwater can damage the valleys on the roof. Holes and roof leaks are always a
major concern. Because of this, a roof should be checked at least twice annually and
after major windstorms to spot any damage early.

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Types of roof in Paradigm Mall- Flat roof
Type of roof used in Paradigm Mall is flat roof.
A flat roof is a roof which is almost level in contrast to the many types of
sloped roofs. The slope of a roof is properly known as its pitch and flat roofs have up
to approximately 10°. Flat roofs are an ancient form mostly used in arid climates and
allow the roof space to be used as a living space or a living roof.
Advantages of flat roof
By far the biggest advantage of using a flat roof is the expense. From the initial
building and installation to the materials most often used to cover the roof, flat roofs
are fairly cheap. A flat roof is also extremely affordable both for initial installation and
the maintenance and upkeep. Flat roofs are more suitable for complex buildings or
structures with various levels, such as shopping mall like Paradigm Mall.
Disadvantages of flat roof
The disadvantages of flat roof are limited capacity for insulation. It is also contrast in
style with other buildings in the vicinity. There is also only little space to
accommodate services.

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Roof shade
There is also a white roof shade located in front of the main door of Paradigm Mall,
which taxi and cars can drop off or pick up passengers at this place.
Roof shade is used for protecting commercial buildings from the heat and damage of
the sun. By shading a building and its outdoor spaces we can reduce summer
temperatures, improve comfort and save energy. This roof shade can also provide
shield from rain so that people will not get wet when entering Paradigm Mall during
rainy days.
Skylight
Skylights are fitted into your roof, allowing light to travel
through and into the interior of a building. Skylights are
light transmitting fenestration which are elements filling
building envelope openings forming all, or partially of,
the roof of a building's space for day lighting purposes. It
is a great environmentally friendly solution for brightening
the building, saving you money on your electricity bills,
and getting the most out of hard to use spaces.

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Air ventilation
There are also air ventilation on ceiling in paradigm mall. Ventilation is accomplished
by introducing “clean” air into a space. This air is either mixed with the air alreadr
present in the enclosure to give “mixing” or “dilution” ventilation, or is used to
“displace” air in the space to give “displacement” or “piston flow” ventilation. Air
ventilation is installed to maintain a comfortable environment for the occupants. This
includes maintaining comfortable temperatures and relative humidity levels uniformly
throughout the space.

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Comparison between flat roof and pitched roof
Types of roof Features Advantages Disadvantages
Flat roof
- Roof which is
almost level in
contrast to the
many types of
sloped roofs
-Slope of a roof is
properly known as
its pitch and flat
roofs have up to
approximately 10°
-Cost
effectiveness as
minimal surface
area means less
materials, labour
and time for
construction.
-designed to hold
standing water to
some degree
- Maintenance:
The lifespan of
a flat roof is
typically around
20 years,
meaning it
requires a lot of
maintenance
and eventually
a repair
Pitched roof
- A roof sloping
downward in two
parts at an angle
from a central
ridge, so as to
leave a gable at
each end.
- Lifespan: Sloped
roofing will almost
certainly last
significantly
longer than flat
roofing, with more
durable and
weather-resistant
materials
- more complex
design,
requiring
additional
materials and
man-hours,
making the
cost a bit more
than that of a
flat roof.

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Recommendation
Besides flat roof, we recommend pitched roof for replacement.
We recommend this because this type of roof has aesthetic look. On the more
practical side, pitched roofs are more efficient in water evacuation compares to flat
roofs which have the tendency to retain water on the top of building and stagnant
water can damage the exterior of structure and also the furniture or carpet inside
once it finds a way to go down.
Morover, pitched roof can last significantly longer than flat roof, with more durable
and weather-resistant materials. The inside of the building will also be more
effectively insulated, therefore not suffering from extreme temperatures.

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Windows
A window is an opening in a wall, door, roof or vehicle that allows the passage of
light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. It provides a means for admission of
natural daylight to the interior of a building and
serve as a means of providing the necessary ventilation of dwellings. Windows can
be made from a variety of materials or a combination of these materials such as
timber, metal and plastic and can be designed to operate in various ways by
arranging the sashes to slide, pivot or swing, or hang as a casement to one of the
frame members.

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Type of windows in Paradigm Mall- Fixed Windows
Location: 1) exterior wall
2) wall of the highest floor
FIXED WINDOWS IN ALUMINIUM FRAME
Picture windows can be found in Paradigm Mall, which are one type of fixed
windows. This means they can’t be opened or closed. These large expanses of glass
have one use — to frame a beautiful view. Picture windows are often found in homes
with high or vaulted ceilings and they’re often installed as an arched window over
vaulted areas, doors, and other windows
ADVANTAGES OF FIXED WINDOWS
Fixed windows no mechanical parts to break. This eliminates the costs associated
with purchasing replacement parts. The lack of mechanical activity also means the
windows cost less than other similarly sized windows with moving parts. Picture
windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but even small picture windows
allow lots of natural light in.

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DISADVANTAGES OF FIXED WINDOWS
The fixed windows cannot be used as an emergency exit.
The only way to clean the outside of the window is to go outside – there are no “tilt-
outs” to make cleaning a breeze. If they don’t contain coatings to reduce solar heat
gain, the room may feel hot and stuffy. An air conditioner can solve the problem, but
more energy will be needed to cool the room, especially in hot climates.
There are 4 types of fixed windows:
 Bay windows
 Bow windows
 Glass block
 Picture windows
a)Bay Windows
-used with a non-operational picture window as the center window and two side
windows that do open, bay windows provide an open feeling as well as ventilation.
b)Bow Windows
-similar to bay windows, bow windows provide a feeling of more space in your home.
Bow windows are made from multiple windows, at least four, to provide a curve to the
window design. You can use picture windows or operational windows in the design.

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c)Glass Block
-these fixed window blocks allow light into your home, but no ventilation. They are
often times used in the home's interior such as in bathrooms but can also be used in
the home's exterior. From translucent to clear, glass block can provide varying degrees
of privacy as well.
d)Picture/Fixed Windows
- picture windows cannot be opened but provide unobstructed views in areas where
you don't need or want any ventilation. Picture windows can be used with other
windows that open to have the best of both types in your home.

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Comparison between fixed window and glass block window
Types of windows Features Advantages Disadvantages
Fixed windows
-cannot be
opened or shut
-transparent and
has wide range
of view
-Various of shapes
and sizes
- Low maintenance
-cannot be
opened
-hard to clean
from inside
Glass block
- ideal for
brightening
exterior
applications and
conserving
energy
-high security
-Low cost
-energy efficiency
-limiting size of
the wall elements
of fragility
-uneven welds
can spoil the
whole effect

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Recommendation
Other than fixed windows, we also recommend glass block to be used on the building.
The reasons why glass block is recommended to replace fixed windows are glass
block is cheaper than fixed windows. This type of window also have the ability to allow
in light while still offering privacy, and as an additional layer of security for basement
and ground floor windows.

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Door
A door is a screen used to seal an opening into a building or between rooms within a
building. Typically doors have an interior side that faces inside of a space and
exterior side that faces the outside of that space. It can be designed to swing from
one edge, slide, slide and fold or roll to close an opening. Doors normally consist of a
panel that that swings on hinges or that slides or spins inside of a space. There are
different type of doors which provide different usage depends on the designs of the
building.
Different types of door
Double French Door Sliding Door Flush Door
Swing Door Batten (matchboard doors) Dutch Door
Panel Door

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Types of Door in Paradigm Mall
1. 2.
3. 4.

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1.Glass Swing Door
Location: (1) Side entrance of Paradigm Mall (Single swing door)
(2) Entrance of Surau in Paradigm Mall (Double swing door)
We found two types of swing door in Paradigm Mall which are single swing door and
double swing door. Swing door is a door pivoted or hung on double-sided hinges so
that it can open either way. It is also door that swings open on being pushed or
pulled from either side, then swings closed by itself.
Advantages of swing door
There are many advantages of swing door. One of it is doesn’t need to install a knob
or other devices help to open and close it. Swing door also give an advantage of a
person to pass through the door quickly and easily. This type of door is often a better
option than other types for a shopping mall. This is because it more convenience if
compare with others.
Disadvantages of swing door
The main disadvantage of a swing door is that it requires a certain space to swing
into and this clear space is not available in some places.

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Comparison between Swinging Glass Door and Folding Glass Door
Door types Features Advantages Disadvantages
Swinging Glass Door - It is
transparent
- Door that push
and pull to open
and swing
closed by itself.
- Easily to open and
close
- Low maintenance
- Allow natural light
pass through
(Glass)
- Easily broken since
it is made by glass.
Folding Glass Door - Door that can
fold to open
- Install with few
panel so that it
can fold up and
stack neatly
- Have better
appearance
(better design)
- Increase
impression of space
- Easily to open and
close
- It can be very
expensive
- Difficult to install

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Recommendation
Other than swinging glass door, we recommended folding glass door to be used on
the side entrance of Paradigm Mall.
The reason why we recommend folding glass door is because its designs and
appearance which looks more attractive and aesthetic than a swinging door although
it is more expensive and hard to install when compared to swing door. Moreover, it
has almost the same function as the swinging door

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2.Flush Door
Location: Service room of Paradigm Mall
Flush door have simple and flat surface on both sides. This type of door is more
closely associated with function rather than style. This type of door may have a solid
or hollow core.
There are 2 type of flush door:
(i) Solid-core door
(ii) Hollow-core door

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(i) Solid-core door
This type of door have a solid particle board or woodblock core which is covered with
layers of veneer. These doors are much heavier than a hollow-core door. Solid-core
door provide better sound insulation and have less tendency to warp.
(ii) Hollow-core door
This door have a lightweight core made of various materials that are covered with
layers of veneer too. This type of door is significantly less expensive than solid-core
doors. It is usually used as an interior doors.
Advantages of Flush door
Flush door offer simplicity in design and less cost. It has good stability against twisting
and the door surface offers a degree of resistance to stains, scratches and crash that
would easily damage wood. Flush door also consume less time when it comes to
installation.
Disadvantages of Flush door
This type of doors are factory made and therefore correct size of door must be given,
as subsequent alterations are very difficult.

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Comparison between Flush Door and Panel Door
Door types Features Advantages Disadvantages
Flush Door - Plain and
smooth-surface
- For internal use
- Little or no design
- Cheaper
- Low
maintenance
- Have better fire
resistance, sound
attenuation.
- Look simple if
compare to panel
door
- Subsequent
alterations are very
difficult
Panel Door - Consist of vertical
members called
stiles horizontal
members called
rails
- Panels can be
solid wood,
plywood, and
particleboard or
have glass inserts.
- Have better
appearance
- Provide
aesthetic look
- Easily to install
- It is expensive if
compare to flush door
- Need daily cleaning
as dust retain more
on door if compare to
flush door.

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Recommendation
Besides than flush door, we also recommended panel door as substitution.
The reason why we recommended panel door is because it have better appearance
and design than a flush door. The function of panel door are almost the same with
flush door. By the way, we still think that the flush door is more suitable for the door
of service room because flush door have better resistance to scratches and crash.

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3.Sliding Doors
Sliding door is a type of door which open horizontally by sliding. A sliding door
consists of one fixed panel attached to two hangers on rollers which slides along a
track. A sliding door also feature with a stopper either end to prevent the door from
sliding right off the track.
There are two types of sliding doors can be seen in Paradigm Mall which are
automatic sliding doors and manually slide door.
a)Automatic Sliding Doors
Location: Main entrance door of Paradigm Mall
Automatic slide door consists of a sliding door operator which is a device that
operates a sliding door for pedestrain use. The door will be opened automatically
when the device sensored that there is people pass by and it will close back
automatically as well.
Advantages of Automatic Sliding Door
The advantages of automatic slide door is it can conserve energy. They save energy
from heating and air-conditioning that would have been required otherwise. It only
open when there is passing-by traffic is near and will close spontaneously. So,
automatic door will help to saving up on the electricity costs. Next, its accessibility

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provided for disable people easy to access, since they are not obliged to open and
close the door by themselves.
Disadvantages of Automatic Sliding Door
The disadvantages of automatic sliding door is when there is a cut down of electricity
and will cause the automatic sliding door to jam shut. In this situation, the door must
be force to open.
There are 3 types of sliding door:
a.) Standard sliding doors
b.) Curved sliding doors
c.) Angular sliding doors
a)Automatic Standard sliding doors
Standard sliding door range offers a reliable solution for straight-line opening doors
suitable for straight opening doors at any location. This door is commonly use at any
shopping malls or shops.
b) Automatic Curved sliding doors
This type of door provide entrance area with an enticing and individual atmosphere.
The door can be designed as inwardly or outwardly half-circles and segments, as full

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circle configurations, and even as oval or double segments units. Automatic curved
sliding door provide top quality of drive systems.
c) Automatic Angular sliding doors
It is an exceptionally modern, highly attractive entrance and assembled to
customers’ requirements. This type of door can use for the door which is located at
the edges of a place. With no restrictions, the door system opens and closes,
providing the highest level of safety and convenience.

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Comparison between automatic sliding door and revolving door
Type of door Features Advantages Disadvantages
Automatic sliding door -Normally are
found in shopping
mall or shops
-transparent.
-It is useful in the
crowded mall or
shops to allow
large amount of
people in and
out at the same
time.
-There will be a
collision or
interference for
people who going
in and out by the
door.
-If power was cut
off, the automatic
door will jam shut
and cause
interference.
Revolving door
-a transparent
door to allow the
user of door to
estimate the
timing to enter to
the door.
-Some of the
revolving door is
cover by the
automatic curved
sliding door at the
outward.
-Keeps out cold
air and helps to
drive down
heating costs.
- keeping out
internal
environment
from outside
noise
-Reduce the
possibility of
collision of
people who are
going and
coming.
-It only allow
certain amount of
people to enter
with the small area
in the revolving
door.
-If there is a large
amount of people,
they are required
to queue for
sometimes.

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Recommendation
Besides automatic sliding door, we recommend revolving door for the replacement.
This is because revolving door can prevent the cold air inside the shopping mall from
going outside. Normally there will be two revolving doors which each for enter and
another for exits. This is to prevent the collision between people especially in a
crowded buildings. Revolving doors also a designed which will provide more
attractive attention like elegance feeling to peoples.

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b) Normal sliding door
Location: disable’s toilet.
Advantages of Normal Sliding Door
The advantages of normal sliding door is it can be efficient insulators that ensuring
the environment keep cold in summer and keep warm during the winter. It is easy to
access, which little forces is needed to open the door. Next is space saving. Sliding
door operate without a hinge. It can simply slide along the tracks to open instead of
swinging which occupied spaces. Lastly, it is environmentally friendly as it is made of
wood which is renewable and durable material.
Disadvantages of Normal Sliding Door
The disadvantages of normal sliding door is complication of installing. The
installation process involves more than just nailing the door into a set of hinges.
Installation of sliding door included tracks on top and bottom of the door frame and
position them perfectly so the sliding door will not be crooked during sliding. Next,
the tracks of the sliding doors is a magnet of dirt. There will be dirt attach to the
tracks. In this case it is difficult to keep the tracks clean anytime especially on
exterior sliding door. Lastly, the sliding door will face door jams problem over a long
time due to dirt and the rust of metal tracks.
 Sliding door is the most suitable to build in disable’s toilet because it only
required a little force to open and close.

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4.FIRE DOOR
Fire door is a door with a fire-resistance rating used at part of a passive fire
protection system to reduce the spread of fire or smoke between compartments and
to enable safe egress from a building or structure. A fire door must be easily and
light to open without key. There are many types of fire door with different withstands
of fire resistance. A fire door with a coding of (S) mean the fire door has the ability to
resist the passage of smoke with a cold smoke seal installed between the frame of
door and door. All the fire door must have self-closing devices and a glazing window.
Types of fire door in Paradigm mall
Fire door with a push bar to open Fire door with hand bar to open
Both type of the fire doors used in Paradigm mall are made of wood.
Advantages
Wooden fire door are cheaper compare to other materials like steel and aluminium. It
does not rust when its surfaces are exposed to the environment. Timber is also a
materials which can be found easily. It is also light in weight and easy to install. The
most important part is it is easy to open during emergency due to the light weight.
Disadvantages
The lifespan of timber door is short as it will spoil when exposed to the moisture and
the material itself is considered weak as well. It is difficult to repair and normally the
spoiled timber door will replace by a new timber door. So this will cost for some
labour work. Lastly, the handle of the timber door is a good heat conductor and this
will cause the handle become hot easily during fire.

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Comparison between timber fire door and metal fire door
Type of door Feature Advantages Disadvantages
Timber Fire Door -It is commonly
used in
commercial
block
-Easily to open
due to its light
weight and allows
people to escape
with fastest
speed during fire
emergency.
-It will
automatically
close back due to
its self-closing
devices.
-Not a very good
heat resistant.
-Cannot withstand
fire which has
high temperature
for a long period.
Metal Fire Door
-It is commonly
used in factories
-It is a very good
resistant which
can withstand a
high temperature
of fire in a longer
period compare
to timber fire
door.
-It is durable
compare to
timber fire door
and require a low
maintenance.
-It is slightly
heavier than
timber fire door.
-Expensive
compare to timber
fire door.

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Recommendation
Besides timber fire door, we recommend metal fire door for replacement.
We recommend this because metal door has good heat resistance. This is important
because during fire emergency, metal fire door can withstand the fire for longer
period which allow sufficient time for the fire-fighters to save the victims who was
trapped inside the building.

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Stairs
Stairs is a complete flight of steps between two floors. A staircase is one or more
flights of stairs leading from one floor to another, includes landings, handrails, newel
posts and additional part. Stairs may be a required component from structures and
buildings. It provided convenient access floors, roofs, levels and other walking
surfaces that not accessible by other means. There are different types of stairs which
provide different usage used in construction depends on designation of staircases or
the form of place allocated.

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Types of staircase in Paradigm Mall
1.
2.

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1.Half- turn stair
Location: Emergency exit
Concrete half-turn stair/U-shaped stair/switchback staircase
Half-turn stairs are basically 2 parallel flights of straight stairs joined by a landing that
requires 180 degree turn in the walk line.
Advantages of half-turn stairs:
Half-turn stairs can be easier to fit into an architectural plan. This type of stairs offer
some architectural interest. The landing(s) can offer a resting point part way up the
stairs, especially for old person.
Disadvantages of half-turn stairs:
Half-turn stairs are a bit more difficult to build.

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These may be of three types:
i) Dog-legged or newel half turn stairs.
ii) Open newel half turn stairs.
iii) Geometrical half turn stairs.
i) Dog-legged stairs
This name is given because of its appearance in sectional elevation. It comes
under the category of newel (or solid newel) stairs in which newel posts are
provided at the beginning and end of each flight. These may be of two forms: (i)
with half space landing, and (ii) with quarter space landing and winders.
Generally the half space landing type, (i.e. without winders) is more common.
There is no space between the outer strings of the two flights.

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ii) Open newel half turn stairs
Open well or open newel half turn stair has a space or well between outer strings.
This is the only aspect in which it differs from the dog-legged stair. The additional
width is required between the two strings may vary from 15 cm (min) to 100 cm.
When the space left is more, a small flight containing two to four steps may be
introduced at the turn, between the two quarter space landings.
iii) Geometrical half turn stairs
The essential features of this type of stairs are that the stringers and the hand
rails are continuous, without any intervening newel post. These may be either
with half –space landing or without landing.

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Comparison between Half-turn Stairs & Winder Stairs
Stair Types Features Advantages Disadvantages
Half-turn Stairs - Two flights
of steps
parallel to
each other
- 180° turn at
one large
landing
- Useful when
there need
many raisers
but small floor
space
- Provision of a
place to rest
and the
reduced
distance of fall
- Probable to need
more floor space
than a straight
stair
- More difficult to
construct than
straight stairs
Winder Stairs - Pie-shaped
stairs which
are
substituted for
a landing
- Less space
required than
L-shaped
stairs and
double landing
stairs
- Less safe than L-
shaped stairs and
double landing
stairs due to the
lack of step
uniformity of
winders
Requirement to build a half-turn stairs is that the length and width of landing of the
stairs should not be less than the width of stairway. Its landings should have a
minimum vertical clearance of not less than 2000mm. Landings must be less than
750mm and have a gradient which not steeper than 1:50.
On the other hand, the width of winders should be sufficient at midpoint. The going of
winders should be constant.

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Recommendation
Besides half-turn staircase, we recommend double winder staircase for
replacement.
This is because double winder stairs require less spaces to build compared to half-
turn stairs. The requirement of building up double winder stairs is also simpler than
half-turn stairs. They are similar to each other and both 180°turn in the walk line.

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2. Straight stairs with pebble wash
A straight staircase can be defined as one having a single, straight flight of stairs that
connects two levels or floors in a building. It is commonly used in construction
especially home buildings.
Advantages of straight stairs:
Straight stairs is cheaper than other types of stairs because of its construction process
is much simpler and less time consuming. A person traveling up or down the stairs
has a clear view of the entire flight and this enhanced safety. It is easy to accommodate
additions or modifications on straight stairs.
Disadvantages of straight stairs:
Because there is no visual barrier between two floors connected by straight stairs,
there is often lack of privacy. Since straight stairs consist of more stairs and is taller
than staircase with platform/landing in between, resulting a fall from top of stairs can
be quite severe and caused serious injuries. It is also problematic for old people to
climb all the stairs at once. Straight staircase require more space compared to curved
stairs or platform stairs.

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Comparison between Straight Stairs & Spiral Stairs
Stair Types Features Advantages Disadvantages
Straight Stairs - Simple design
- No turns
- Used most in
home
construction
- Easy to
construct
- Less expensive
- Long open
space or high
ceiling required
- Difficult to
accommodate in
the floor plan
Spiral Stairs - Spiral stairs:
twists around a
centre pole, from
which steps
radiate out
- Can be used
where little space
is available
- Ideal for access
to attic,
basement rooms,
and lighthouse
- Better
aesthetics
- Hard to climb
- Not safe as
they have winder
steps
- Not suitable for
primary stair
Requirement to build up straight stairs is that it should comply with general design
requirements on risers, goings and slope.
In contrast, the radius to the centre-line of spiral stairway cannot be less than
600mm. The maximum width of curved stairway should be 750mm.

48. 48
Recommendation
Besides straight stairs, an alternative type of stairs that can be used for replacement
is winder stairs.
This is because winder stairs require less spaces than many other types of stairs. It
have more visual interest which suits to be the stairs in the entry of a shopping mall.
Winder stairs seem to create a more seamless transition, visually, as they meander
around corner. Its compactness made them attractive in sustainable design. Winder
stairs and straight stairs are similar to each other but winder stairs are more
preferable for modern buildings like Paradigm Mall.

49. 49
Conclusion
In conclusion, this assignment cannot be done without every single one of us.
Teamwork is the key point of a group assignment and this is what we have learned
for. Other than that, we also learned being organized. We have learned how to finish
the tasks given by the lecturer in time. From deciding which mall we were going to do
until finishing the report, we have planned the work organically and done according
to the plan.
Besides that, this assignment also helps us on improving our understanding of
the structure of a building. We have learned how to apply the principle of
construction technology into practice. By doing the assignment, we have improved
our skills on thinking and problem solving. We are able to find out the solutions for
every problems that we found.
Lastly, Paradigm Mall is an iconic lifestyle mall and the interior and exterior
design is so beautiful that it can even take your breath away! You’ll definitely get a
sense of liveliness, fun and vibrancy that will totally change the way you shop at
Paradigm Mall. Enjoy if you are at Paradigm Mall!

50. 50
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