Architectural Studio

Independent studios work as efficient productive spaces, especially for designers. Fortunately, designing a small studio workspace can be functional, modern, and sustainable. This studio can simply be a shed made out of recycled wood, while providing enough insulation for the harsh cold weather conditions. This step-by-step process outlines careful spatial considerations through encouraging viewers to research their local climate and determine the most sustainable solutions, whilst providing an ideal working environment tailored to the designer's creativity.

Drawings & Renderings:

1. AutoCAD
2. 3D Rendering Software (i.e. Revit)

3D Model:

1. Glowforge Pro Laser Cutter OR any laser cutting machine
2. Weldbond glue OR wood glue
3. 5MM Plywood
4. 3MM Clear Acrylic (optional)

The studio will be located behind a residential building in Hamilton, ON.

Draft a site plan on AutoCAD to help determine exact location of the studio, as well as existing buildings and topography. Including property lines and setbacks will be helpful in this step.

First and foremost, research on the surrounding environment is essential for designing a studio with sustainable features. This helps determine specific methods for sustainable and resilient design.

A. Zoning information - description of zoning requirements

1. Setbacks (from property lines and from existing house)
2. Min. 1.2 M setback from the Interior Side Lot Line and Rear Lot Line
3. Height limitations
4. Max. 6.0 M height
5. Maximum area
6. Max. 75.0 SQM gross floor area of principal dwelling
7. Min. 12.0 SQM landscaped area within rear yard
8. Name of zone
9. Residential zoning

B. Climate zone information

As shown as climate zone map above.

Fig. 1. Abdulghani, K., et al. Extended climate zone map of Canada, https://doi.org/10.4224/21274555.

1. Number of degree days
2. In 2023, Hamilton amounted a total of 3,396 degree days (“Heating Degree days”).
3. Maximum and minimum temperatures
4. Throughout the year, Hamilton typically varies from -8°C to 26°C.
5. It is rarely below -16°C or above 31°C (“Hamilton Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature”).
6. Wind directions/monthly with maximum winds
7. Prevailing winds are from the southwest and northeast directions (Zeng, Leo, et al.)
8. Monthly with maximum winds (Nov 2023 - Oct 2024)

Next, draft a floor plan of the studio on AutoCAD with a maximum building area of 30M SQ. This studio specifically is used by an architectural designer, but the selection of the client is open. Drawing space, bookshelves, and storage are included in this studio. The laser cutter helps the designer build 3D scaled models. Furthermore, a kitchenette containing a utility sink, mini refrigerator, and microwave must be included. As well as a powder room.

Here is a checklist on what to include:

1. Studio space
2. Storage
3. Kitchenette including:
4. Utility sink
5. Mini refrigerator
6. Microwave
7. Powder room

Remember to include the section line on the floor plan(s).

Draft a roof that is suitable for the studio location climate. Here, a 3/12 pitched roof is proposed, so as to bear the heavy snow during the winter.

Draft at least one (1) section. This helps assess how the space is used and reveal areas of improvement for vertical relationships and spatial dynamics.

To further investigate lighting and electricity in this studio, simple layouts/diagrams can be created if desired.

Make sure to use the correct symbols, some examples are shown and labelled in the images above. Include the schedule next to the lighting layout and a legend for the symbols next to the electrical layout.

Remember to draft a reflected ceiling plan when creating a lighting layout, and use a floor plan with light line weights to demonstrate the electrical layout.

Perform a sunshade study using a 3D digital software (i.e. Revit). Differentiate the studio and existing buildings using different colors/hatches.

Sunshade studies should be taken according to the following dates and times:

1. June 21 (summer solstice)
2. March 21 & September 21 (same result)
3. December 21 (winter solstice)

All dates at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Outcome of sunshade study

In the June solstice, the sun is at its highest point. Leading to shorter shadows especially at midday. To fulfill the need of more shadow, the porch area of the studio allows users to stay protected from the high solar exposure. It is during the summer when users can take full advantage of plenty of sunlight and use it to illuminate the studio, considering the amount of windows on the south side.

During the March and September solstice, the shadows are moderately long as it is between the summer and winter extremes. There is an equal balance of shaded and sunny zones, best for practicing passive cooling and heating systems. South-facing windows are ideal for capturing sunlight during the day and releasing heat during periods of sunlight absence. 

In the December solstice, the sun is at its lowest hence extended shadows and large shades. This leads to prolonged shadows from the south existing building. To promote heating, the studio will be constructed with high-performance insulation envelopes to reduce the loss of heat, as well as consider strategic artificial lighting during the absence of sunlight exposure. 

Using a 3D rendering software like Revit, create a digital 3D model of the studio. The importance of this step is to gain a better understanding of the massing and overall structure of the small building.

It is through the renderings where resilient and sustainable design approaches become prominent. Such as the pitched roof, steel roof cladding, and recycled timber.

C. Resiliency approach

Based on the chosen site, think of climate resiliency concerns. Consider specific resiliency design examples to help combat these climate concerns.

1. Cold climate/harsh winter, rain/flood, forest fire (as the site is near a dense area of trees)
2. Specific examples:
3. Cold climate/harsh winter
4. High-performance insulated envelopes, enough to minimize heat loss during the harsh cold winter, while using less energy
5. Pipe insulation to prevent freezing during the cold
6. Rain/flood
7. Pitched roof design to withstand heavy loads of snow, ice, and rain.
8. Drainage system, recessed facade/window to improve deflection and reduce rainfall exposure, as well as rigid foam board in the wall and continuous insulation directing away from the wall to improve drainage
9. Forest fire
10. Enhanced wood cladding for fire resistance and limited combustibility 
11. Steel roof cladding, a non-combustible material to increase fire resistance

D. Sustainability approach

Also think of sustainable design choices.

1. Daylight, heat gain, sun location- maximizing solar energy through strategic window placement, in order to allow plenty of natural light to lessen energy consumption. 
2. Materials- locally obtained materials, vernacular structural material, like timber obtained by recycled trees from the local area, to reduce embodied carbon and energy needed for construction.
3. Construction of walls, room, floor (envelope)- Cellulose fiber insulation inside stud walls that is made from recycled materials, while reducing heat loss.
4. Fresh air- strategic window placement/building placement, to improve natural air circulation, northeast gets the most prevailing/dominant winds, porch is also there
5. Power- LED lighting inside, as it promotes energy-efficient lighting, reducing carbon footprint and overall energy consumption.

Now for the physical 3D model, prepare the laser cut files. Use a scale of 1:50, as this is quite a small-scaled project and creating a bigger model will capture details better.

From AutoCAD, convert it to a PDF then SVG file and send it over to the Glowforge Pro to laser cut. Don't forget to warm up the machine and carefully place the 5MM plywood inside before laser cutting.

Optional:

Windows and doors may be cutouts of the wood, or they may be portrayed through the use of acrylic. In this case, repeat the same process; just replace the plywood in the machine with 3MM clear acrylic.

To add floor hatchings or any other details, set the Glowforge to "engrave" rather than "cut", so it can engrave these elegant details.

Assemble 3D Model with Weldbond (if using acrylic) or wood glue.

Finished!

This guide has achieved:

1. Plans and sections
2. Renderings
3. 3D model
4. Climate research for resilient and sustainable design solutions
5. An efficient, productive space for a creative client