WEE

K 8

# 640263 KATHRYN RANDALL-DZERDZIn Detail #1

1. Interrogation of design detailsThis detail’s primary function, as a gutter, is to di-vert water off and away from the building. As an area that is intended to be inundated with water, the metal sheeting of the gutter is folded into the building to form a lock with corresponding sheet-ing within the wall structures.

Pro – prevents typical water penetrationCon – possible water penetration in particularly heavy/atypical rainfall, despite an overflow tank.

WATER FALLS TOWARDS THE GUTTER

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22. Composition1. Metals

Aluminium fascia – resists corrosion, aesthetically pleasing.Metal deck roof – lightweight, but easily transfers heat requiring additional insulation.

2. InsulationWithin roof and walls prevents excess heat and noise transference.

3. Internal liningMust be protected from water penetration, particularly in such a potentially wet area.

4. CladdingCompressed fibre cement resists water penetration, impact and termites1.

1. Go Hardware 2013, ‘Compressed Fibre Cement’, Available: http://www.gohardware.com.au/shop/plasterboard-sheeting/fibre-cement-sheeting/compressed-fibre-cement/270202 [2013, September 26].

3. Sustainability and Environmental analysisWhatever construction occurs, energy will always be consumed. Energy is consumed in the acquisition and manufacturing processes involved in creating constructing materials, as well as the transport to the intended site, becoming embodied in the product. Associated with en-ergy use, is carbon production. When produced using non-renewable ‘dirty’ energy sources, excess carbon dioxide is contributed to the atmosphere as a by-product of the manufacturing process.

Metals (1) have the potential to be recycled. This re-quires additional energy to reform old materials to create new ones, but is undoubtedly more energy efficient than sourcing new materials.

More interest may be taken in the flow of water after it leaves this gutter. Storage of this water in a rainwater tank for future use is the most environmentally friendly option as water directed straight into the storm-water drains may carry with it contaminants washed off the roof surface.

4. Economic implications of decisionsThe use of a metal deck roof, and associated high-heat transference required additional insulation (2) at an ad-ditional cost. A cost-benefit analysis of materials must be undertaken to determine the most economical use of funds and efficient implementation of materials.

WATER FALLS TOWARDS THE GUTTER

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