FINAL PRODUCT!

After 2 months of designing, eating, and sweating; it was time for the final product. Through a collaboration between all 4 groups - SIPs, Framing, Planning, and the Fireplace group; we came to a comprehensive, yet cohesive design for the cottage. This process really made us realize how pulling together as a team is really essential to the success of any design project. 

FINAL RENDERING - DARIA I.

BEDROOM VIEW - ZUZANA K.

 This is the final design proposal for the Sunday Design Team. The final poster was created by Gloria P. to showcase our comprehensive design concept for the cottage - bringing together the wet module designed by the Planning group, with the living and kitchen spaces designed by the Fireplace group, together with the building structure designed in a collaborative effort by the the Framing and SIP groups.

The image is a blow-up representation of the Pefferlaw project. It displays in sequence the structural elements that make up the house. From exterior to interior the home is comprised of recycled wood slats as a decorative cladding used from the recycled trees on the site on top of SIP panels constructed a few kilometres off site. The panels are attached to PCL structural columns, and purlins that are exposed to the interior. On the river side of the property, the house will be surrounded by glass cladding and a nano wall that allows users to flow in and out of the home with ease allowing nature and the outdoors to become one with the interior space.

Day 5/6

SIPS FROM SCRATCH

The afternoon spent in Pefferlaw was a highly productive time period.  The goals of the day were to set-up a system to construct the SIPs, begin constructing them, and continue work on the model.  Testing of stains for the Douglas fir panels of wood on the SIPs was done to determine desired colours and effects that varnish can have on the selected type of wood.  Since this is the first execution of this style of home, every detail needs to be accounted for and analyzed in advance of the build.

The first task for one group of students was to test the glue that we are using to construct the SIPs.  Not only does this allow its strength to be tested, but is also ensures the glue will be properly applied to each and every panel.  We selected PL Premium, and used caulking guns to distribute the glue.  Small pieces of fir were used to test the method of glue placement, as well as the necessary thickness needed to seal the Plastifab foam to the wood.  The group of students building the model continued to construct individual SIPs for the building.

The next group of students transported 2x4s and 2x8 across the factory to be cut in half and then used to support the plywood panels at the assembly area.  In order to maintain our concept of re-use, we attempt to divert our garbage from the landfill.  The plastic that wrapped every grouping was foam was cut into the same size piece as the plywood is.  The plastic allows for protection of the aesthetically pleasing side of the fir to be protected from damage or scratches. 

Before any gluing of the SIPs could begin to occur, the SIP need to be set-up exactly as it would be constructed to determine how to place enough pressure on the system.  Between the metal supports we have in the construction side of the factory, 2x4s, 2x8s, plywood, foam, and cedar pieces needed to be tested and re-tested at least 10 times to achieve a high pressure situation.  This pressure would ensure an even distribution and seal of the glue between the foam and plywood.

SIP CONSTRUCTION IN A NUTSHELL
1. PLACE PLYWOOD ON FLAT SURFACE AND SPREAD GLUE EVENLY

 

2. PLACE FOAM CAREFULLY ON TOP OF PLYWOOD

3. SPREAD MORE GLUE EVENLY AND PLACE SECOND SHEET OF PLYWOOD ON TOP OF FOAM

4. EVENLY WEIGH DOWN THE COMPLETED SIP AND LET DRY

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT, SIPs in 4 EASY STEPS!

Another group of students spent the afternoon testing different finishes for the staining of the SIPs.  This was done outside to ensure proper lighting and a true understanding the value of colour that comes from the staining.  The following stains were tested on boards and analyzed:

·         Plain Satin

·         Linseed Oil

·         Semi-Gloss

·         Plain Tung Oil

·         Black Semi-Gloss

The following 50/50 mixes were also tested:

·         Tung and Semi

·         Tung and Satin

·         Linseed and Satin

·         Linseed and Semi

·         Black Semi-gloss Tested in 20%, 50%, and 100% volumes

·         Black with satin- Tested in 30%, and 50% volume

Overall, every category was additionally tested with 1 coat, 2 coats and 3 coats to also consider different opacities.  A red with semi gloss was also tested, but did not mix well or work out at all when the girls began the application process.  The conclusions drawn by this group so far are to use black plain on the exterior of the house, plain semi-gloss for the interior walls, and 50% black semi-gloss for the interior module.

Day 4

The Framing Group started the day hard at work. They were responsible for creating the scale model - from using the table saw to cut scale size columns, and SIP panels to putting it all together. 

While they were busy working away, the rest of us went to the site to take a look at the construction progress, and help transport the the recycled hemlock siding back to the warehouse. 

We also spent a lot of time chipping away at the 4 inch thick ice that had settled around the foundation. An hour of breaking ice with shovels is probably what made my triceps sore for the next couple of days!!! 

Next, we made our way back to the warehouse and of course we were hungry! I know you're all wondering about this week's potluck theme...

MEXICAN!!!

After many taquitos, salsita, and some others dishes that were not so Mexican, our tummies were full and we got back to work. 

Our next task, was to carry the rebar, give our triceps more of a workout, and lay the rebar again. 

 

The rebar was laid, our stomachs were full, and are muscles were in pain... the day was done and it was time for long drive home followed by a long nap.