1. FLOATING STUDENT RESIDENCE
Evelyne Hornblower
Yan Claprood
April 2005

2. Assessment of original design
-This project called for an original design for the construction of a floating student residence accommodating 6 to 8 students
-It is prefabricated in order to have better control of waste and better building conditions and quality control
-The exterior finish was mainly made of wood which is a semi local material. The barge is made of reinforced concrete floating foundation with thermal insulating foam
-The size of the openings were treated differently according to cardinal points
-Inoperable double glazed windows were used
-This residence accommodates 6 people
-Rooms were placed according to the sun orientation
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3. Assessment of original design - site analysis and changes
It is set in the Lachine canal, the floating residence is intended to rest in an inlet, this helps with the current problem of using green land to build on
To make it a more environmentally friendly building we intend to:
-Rethink the use of water
-Reduce energy use in methods of construction (Researching materials and methods of fabrication
-Improve quality of life, providing outdoor green space
-Improve the use of energy HCLV
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4. No changes were made to the main floor
Original plans
Our Original Basement plan could accommodate 3 students and had little place for septic systems and water treatment
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No changes were made to the main floor

5. No changes were made on the main floor
Changes made to plans
Changes within our new plans promote higher density living by accommodating more students in the same area designated to original plans
No changes were made on the main floor
Rooms were oriented in a way to get maximum natural lighting
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Extra bathroom were added to facilitate the dwellers

6. Moisture retention membrane
Changes made to plans
grass terrace
A roof garden and terrace for the dwellers has been added. This creates an accessible green area for the students. It also acts as thermal and noise insulation. It also retains water and is a great place to reuse gray water and collect rainwater.
Roof garden
Plant level
Soil
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Filter sheet
Perforated decking
Moisture retention membrane
Root and water impermeable membrane

7. Materials- the importance of low maintenance materials that are suitable for water was important in our selection of materials
Since wood tends to rot and needs excessive treatment in order to be safe near water,
and since metallic materials tend to corrode over time with exposure to water and oxygen
we opted to change our original decision of wood for Insulated concrete panels, which although use foam as insulation it’s high r-value (R-30)makes it very efficient, and creates less waste in a controlled environment of pre-fabrication
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8. Prefab concrete panels with foam insulation also a structural element
Methods of construction- prefabrication of walls
Slab with radiant heating
Prefab concrete panels with foam insulation also a structural element
Concrete barge specially made
Main Structure rest on concrete Panels

9. Materials- types of slabs
The slabs of each floor shall be heated and cooled with radiant floor heating concrete which is connected to a geothermal closed loop system. The heat exchange is done through the water from the lake. A series of pipes runs through the slab letting the water from the ground heat the slab making the hot air rise naturally. While in the summer the slabs are cooled by the water’s lower temperature

10. Heating system- Geothermal closed loop system
-For every 1 KW of energy used from water, user gets 4KW back
Use of geothermal heating during the winter in conjunction with hydro electric heating and heat radiant slabs, used with good insulation from prefab walls, can reduce heating costs up to 75%

11. Cooling system- Geothermal closed loop system
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Geothermal cooling in conjunction with triple glazed operable windows, in its location near the water eliminates the need for air conditioning, making it more cost effective.

12. Dominating wind comes from the South West
Air ventilation-dominating wind analysis of natural ventilation
Dominating wind comes from the South West

13. Air circulation is made easier with a main circulation in the middle
Air ventilation
original
Air circulation is made easier with a main circulation in the middle
recent design

14. Summer sun study
-The summer sun at it’s peak in Montreal forms an angle of 67 degrees
the overhang on the top level creates a barrier against the sun
-while sun shade devices are to be added to the top floor windows which are now operable and triple glazed
- the roof has a pergola that creates a natural shading device on parts of the terrace. And the glass of the staircase

15. Winter sun study
-The orientation of windows and size of openings are such they let in maximum amounts of light during the winter, helping in natural heating and lighting of the spaces.

16. Drainage and septic system
-Rainwater and gray water will be collected in order to be used on the green roof and garden, also all waste will ideally be used as composting for the roof garden
Rainwater and gray water collecting tank
Waste composting unit attached to septic tank

17. A view of the roof garden

18. Overall view of the new design