OXPENS FOOD HUB

Excerpts from
Final year individual project
Design report

Mimi Tam

1
 NOTES CONTENTS

The following pages are excerpts from my Process documentation 5

final year design report.
Structure & tectonics 15
If you are interested in reading more about Environmental design 27
this project or my other projects, please feel
free to visit my portfolio website:

www.mimitam.myportfolio.com

2
 PROCESS DOCUMENTATION

Above: a photo of me making sourdough with local baker,

Richard Bertinet, owner of Bertinet Bakery and Kitchen.

4 5
 A study of Ilimelgo vertical farm, France, 2017, by
Ilimelgo Architectes.

THE VERY START

06.02.2023 - 18.02.2023
DESKTOP REVIEW
19.02.2023

The first few weeks of the project was the most

challenging for me. I was excited about the project At desktop review, I was given very useful feedback
but the complexity of the brief left me slightly and suggestions that I later incorporated into my
overwhelmed. I grounded myself by doing some scheme. The idea of separating different market
massing models to consider orientation, zoning stall types by floor emerged from the conversation
and massing. Through studying the stall layout with the critic. It was suggested that I can have
of Spitalfields market, I had a better grasp of the some parts of the building uninsulated, as some of
spatial needs of the market hall. Knowing that the functions do not require a thermally controlled
environmental design would be a key driver of the environment. It was also suggested that I start
scheme, I also studied the Ilimelgo vertical farm to experimenting with different façade options to cater
learn more about environmental design for vertical for the different daylighting needs for each part of
farms. the building.

6 7
ITERATION
20.02.2023 - 09.03.2023
INTERIM REVIEW
10.03.2023
Building up on the feedback from the desktop
review, I started looking at façade design: how it
responds to light and orientation, how it corresponds In preparation for the interim review, I focused on
to the structural grid, and how it relates to the roof. nailing down the spatial zoning of the building, as well
Although none of these façade options were used as establishing the key structural and environmental
in the end, the testing process certainly informed strategies. The overall feedback was very positive,
my later decision of using a simple flat roof and and I was very happy about the positive comments
celebrating the rooftop farm. on the clarity of delivery and visual representation.
I also started to work on environmental strategies, It was highlighted that the stall layout of the market
and it became apparent that the vertical farms hall could be further refined, as well as the vertical
would be a double-ended sword that is very difficult circulation routes (location of stairs and lifts). These
to resolve, but if done well, it could be a very exciting were the aspects that I focused on refining after the
part of the environmental strategy. review.

8 9
 Sectional perspective needs further
development - what activities are
happening in each space? What are
the light fittings like? Could investigate making
Graphics on the plans clearly Elevations are lively and convey the the planting façade
convey the scheme but the atmosphere well, but the colour does accessible for maintenance
greenery could stand out more not reflect the timber materiality by increasing the ‘balcony’
depth.

Where are the

risers on the roof?
There should be Good
an extraction point environmental
somewhere. strategies

Air transfer between the two levels via the façade

TECTONIC EXPLORATION
could be a fire safety issue - investigate whether
the ventilated façade can be divided by floors.

11.03.2023 - 30.03.2023

After the interim review, I used the first week to

TECTONIC REVIEW
refine the plan and circulation routes. Inspired by Perspective views need further development - 31.03.2023
the notion of ‘reverse detailing’, I started to delve need to start looking at materiality etc.
into the tectonics of the façade, so that I can allow
the construction details to drive the overall design of
the façade. Detailing the junctions was certainly the For the tectonic review, I decided to focus on
most challenging aspect of this scheme, as some fewer drawings but making sure that they are well
parts of the building were uninsulated, and it was resolved. This worked out really well, as I had very
very easy to overlook thermal bridges. Studying good feedback and most of the comments were
precedents certainly helped, and I very much suggestions for refinement. I incorporated most
enjoyed the whole process. of the suggestions given by the critic into the next
stage of design development, for instance, widening
During many of the consultant tutorials, overheating
the balconies of the planting façade to allow for
of the vertical farms came as a recurring point for
maintenance access. The tectonic review was very
discussion. I was glad that Aoife introduced me to Key tectonic precedent: Key tectonic precedent:
reassuring for me, and it felt that the scheme was
BIPVs, which eventually became a key feature of Hardman Square Pavilion, Manchester Ballyogan operations and maintenance depot, Dublin
Sheppard Robson Architects, 2019 Bucholz McEvoy Architects, 2012 finally coming together.
the façade.
10 11
REFINING THE DETAILS
01.04.2023 - 04.05.2023

Easter holidays gave me the opportunity to reset,

so that I can be rejuvenated and ready to crack on
with the final few weeks after the holidays. I took a
few days off and took the time to map out how the
weeks following Easter holidays would look like. As
I only focused on one elevation for tectonic review, FINAL REVIEW
I took the opportunity to work on the other façades
over Easter. I took some time to refine the tectonic 05.05.2023
details for each of the façade types, so that they can
be modelled in Revit ready for visualisations and
drawings. I also refined the layout of the hydroponics
farm, as this was a key part of the scheme and I For the final review, my main goal was to complete
felt that I had neglected it whilst focusing on the a set of drawings that could convey my scheme
tectonics of the façade. really well and tell its story. Although the comments
about graphical representation was quite mixed, I
A week before the review, I realised that my was glad that the critic enjoyed my scheme and my
fire escape distances were way too long, as I storytelling. I was also relieved that there wasn’t any
had neglected fixed furniture layout in my initial major comments about the design. The critic gave
estimation. I had a brief moment of panic but was many suggestions for drawings and diagrams that I
relieved when I worked out that this issue could be could include in my design report, which was quite
resolved by swapping the location of the kitchens helpful. Moving forward, I knew that there was still a
and escape stairs, though this change did set me lot to be done for the report but I was very satisfied
back slightly in terms of time. with what I have put together for the review.
12 13
 STRUCTURE & TECTONICS

Structural strategy 16
Structural components 17
Construction details
The vertical farms 20
The food hall 24

14 15
 STRUCTURAL STRATEGY STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
OVERVIEW

CLT roof / glazed roof with BIPVs

Planting wall CLT floor slabs

support frame
(lightweight steel)

CLT structural walls

Foundations Secondary structure

Precast concrete slabs, ground beams, pad foundations CLT floors, CLT roofs

Green wall system:

timber slats &
wire meshes

Glulam beams & columns

Timber planting shelves

Steel cross bracing &

lattice girder support frame

Concrete planks
(7000x7000x200mm)

Concrete ground beams

(500x600mm / 300x450mm) West façade: South façade: East façade:
Planting frame, steel & timber Double skin, BIPVs Wood fibre SIPs, red cedar

Pad foundations

Primary structure Tertiary structure - façade modules

Glulam columns and beams, CLT structural walls Provides additional lateral bracing to primary structure
With carbon reduction as a key driver of the OGFM, it is crucial for the structure to be low in embodied carbon. Hence,
glulam and CLT has been selected as the primary structural material. A regular grid enables structural components to
be modular, which facilitates off-site construction. This is further explained on pg. 62-63.

16 17
 Food hall
(I, J)

South façade
vertical farms
(F, G, H)

F.

G.

I.
J.

18 19
 THE VERTICAL FARMS
Construction details

Exploded view - double skin façade

(2 modules)
1. Actuated pivot windows, double glazed
2. Steel lattice girder
3. Photovoltaic glazing (BIPVs)
F.
4. Actuated louvres

3.5m

4.2m

3
4
H.

G.

20 21
 FAÇADE DETAILS VERTICAL FARM FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
1:10 1:25

1 1 1
5 5

1 2 3 4 5

2
2 2

1 21 32 43 54 65 76 7
3 3
3

H. Vertical farm intermediate floor

1. 20x600x600mm terrazzo porcelain

paving tiles
6 6 2. Adjustable pedestals
4 4
3. Water reservoir and drainage layer
4. Waterproof membrane
5. 250mm CLT floor 4
7 7

0 0.25 0.5 1m

F. Intensive planting roof G. Double skin façade 5

1. 200mm growing medium 1. Photovoltaic glazing (BIPV)

2. Filter fabric 2. Actuated louvres
3. 50mm drainage layer 3. Stainless steel flashing
4. Waterproof membrane 4. Lattice girder (façade support frame)
5. 160mm rigid insulation 5. Actuated pivot window
6. Vapour barrier 6. Roller blinds
7. 250mm CLT roof 7. Spandrel panel

0 0.1 0.2 0.5m

22 23
 THE FOOD HALL
Construction details

I. Food hall ceiling & upper floor construction J. Mezzanine floor & balustrade detail
1. 20x600x600mm porcelain tile 1. 20x600x600mm porcelain tile
1 2. 20mm polyethylene matting (Schluter) 2. 20mm polyethylene matting (Schluter)
3. 20mm fibreboard 3. 20mm fibreboard
4. 125mm acoustic insulation with underfloor 4. 95mm floor joist
heating 5. 25mm sylodyn
5. 95mm floor joist on 25mm sylodyn 6. 125mm acoustic insulation with underfloor
6. 250mm CLT floor heating
2 7. 25mm Baux acoustic wood wool panels, attached 7. 250mm CLT floor
to CLT floor, to manufacturer’s detail 8. 25mm Baux acoustic wood wool panels, hung
8. 700x350mm / 300x150mm glulam beams on on suspended grid
glulam columns 9. 15x50mm steel RHS railing baluster
10. 25mm cedar veneered plywood
11. 15x15mm steel SHS (shelf support)
3 12. 15mm red cedar panel, oiled finish
13. 350x550mm glulam beam
14. 15x55mm steel RHS railing
15. 5mm steel wire
16. 8mm steel ring connector
Detail precedent:
Glulam column to primary beams junction
ASI Reisen Headquarters, Natters, Austria, Snohetta, 2020
4

14 15

9
6

10
11

7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

12
16
8

13 8

0 0.25 0.5 1m

24 25
 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

Embodied carbon overview 28

Operational carbon overview 29
Natural ventilation 30
Mechanical ventilation 32
Services 33
Building fabric 34
Urban farming 36
Water systems 37

26 27
 EMBODIED CARBON OVERVIEW OPERATIONAL CARBON OVERVIEW
Key strategies from LETI Passive strategies

PRIMARY ACTIONS REDUCTIONS BY ELEMENT

Build light: structural design Building envelope

» Reducing the weight of the superstructure by using » Using timber battens instead of steel framing to
a lightweight timber frame to reduce foundation support cladding structures
requirements » Limiting the use of metal elements and use mechanical
» Restricting long spans - longest spanning beams are fixings instead of welding to ensure structures can be
10.5m (in the food hall double height space) dismounted and recycled at the end of life
FOR
MF
0.89
ACT
OR

Build wise: local context and longevity MEP Low form factor Passive solar strategies Dynamic façade
» Using local materials where possible » Avoiding over-provision of plant space A simple form factor is chosen to reduce overall building Atria design helps introduce daylight into the deep floor Façade strategies are tailored to the function and
» Designing with repeating modules to allow for easier » Stacking plant rooms vertically to reduce duct runs heat loss. The building is designed to have vertical farm plan, and vertical farms are located on the south to orientation of individual spaces. Use of recesses, plant
recycling of building materials » ‘Design in’ maintenance and replacement solutions elements with relatively high glazing ratio, hence it is maximise passive solar gains. shading and BIPVs create different daylight conditions
» Establishing life expectancy of building components as MEP components are expected to be replaced 2-3 crucial to reduce the fabric heat loss area. according to building function.
and selecting materials that corresponds to its times during the building’s lifetime
longevity

Build low carbon: material specifications FF&E

» Specifying 70% GGBS concrete for foundation slabs » Using mechanically fixed systems rather than adhesive
and ground beams fix so that components can be demounted and re-used
» Using UK grown timber species (spruce and western / recycled, supporting a circular economy (e.g. acoustic
red cedar) for structural and façade elements wood wool panels on a suspended grid)
» Using natural insulation materials (wood fibre) instead » Exposing services where possible (e.g. MVHR)
of PIR or fibreglass insulation » Exposing CLT soffits and walls where suitable

Urban farming Hybrid ventilation & heat recovery Geothermal & renewables
The incorporation of urban farming elements not only The building is zoned into 3 ventilation zones according to A ground source heat pump is used for radiant heating
contribute to urban greening but also helps improve spatial function. Natural ventilation strategies are adopted and cooling, as it is a low-carbon energy source. BIPVs are
Build for the future: adaptability DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) building performance and resource efficiency. More details as much as possible in warmer months, and mechanical integrated into the façade and additional PV panels are
can be found on pg. 94. ventilation with heat recovery is used in colder months. located on the roof to harvest solar energy.
» Using a regular structural grid and a framed structure » Using modular, repeatable façade systems to allow for
to allow for future adaptability off-site construction
» Centralised plant system and plant rooms (e.g. » Using pre-fabricated structural elements (e.g. concrete
centralised MVHR instead of isolated systems) slabs)
» Considering whole life cycle during design » Using pre-fabricated WC pods and kitchen work
stations

28 29
 NATURAL VENTILATION NATURAL VENTILATION

ZONING DOUBLE SKIN MECHANISM WIND CATCHER MECHANISM

The building is zoned into 3 ventilation zones In the vertical and hydroponics farm, the double In both atria, there is a wind catcher system to increase the effectiveness of stack ventilation, especially on hotter summer days
according to their respective functions and skin façade operates on an automated system where stack effect is usually not as effective due to air being hotter outside. This system involves automated louvres that utilises
ventilation requirements. to help regulate indoor temperature in different prevailing wind to create a negative pressure, drawing air into the building.
climatic conditions.
Zone 1 are occupied spaces which would be
naturally ventilated in warmer seasons and
mechanically ventilated in winter. Zone 2 are
How does a wind catcher work? Wind catcher and stack effect
ancillary spaces which require a more controlled
environment (e.g. kitchens, plant rooms), hence
they are mechanically ventilated at all times. Zone 3 Louvres closed Louvres on the opposite side of the Louvres automatically open on the side facing
prevailing wind closes prevailing wind to create a negative pressure
includes the hydroponics and vertical farms, as well inside the building to suck cooler air in Hot air rises to the top, Direction of prevailing wind
as the ground floor of the market hall stalls. These eventually escaping from
the roof window
spaces are naturally ventilated throughout the year
as they are more tolerable to temperature changes. Louvres are closed on On the side facing onto
the sides not facing the prevailing wind, louvres
prevailing wind opened to draw air in

Level 2 6°C
In winter, the pivot windows and louvres are closed
to retain heat within the vertical farms. Trickle vents
remain open to let sufficient fresh air in. The air gap -ve +ve
negative positive
between the two layers of glass heats up due to solar pressure
-ve +ve pressure
-ve
gains and acts as a barrier to heat loss, which helps
Winter conditions
maintain a warmer temperature indoors.

Hot stale air rises and

escapes from the roof
L1 window

Fresh air passes through diffusers and 2. Cooling pipes connected to

sink downwards to lower levels due to geothermal system can help
its lower density (stack effect) cool air on extremely hot days

NW NE

G/F
Louvres opened

Oxford wind rose

W E
(Wind speed)

>3 mph

26°C >7 mph

Zone 1: Mixed mode ventilation >12 mph

In summer, the pivot windows and louvres are open to SW SE >17 mph
Zone 2: Mechanical ventilation
allow fresh air in. Fresh air displaces the stale air within >24 mph
Zone 3: Natural ventilation the vertical farms, which exits via the pivot windows at S
>31 mph Above: stack effect in the circulation atrium -
Summer conditions a higher level. Oxford: southwestern prevailing wind cool fresh air sinks and hot stale air rises
30 31
 MECHANICAL VENTILATION SERVICES
MVHR duct sizing and layout

Duct sizing is dependent on the air flow requirements and duct cross-sectional Exhaust
area: outlet

Air flow (m3/s) = Air speed (m/s) x cross-sectional area (m2) Fresh air Ventilated cable trays
inlet
Exhaust
Ducts with circular cross sections (as opposed to rectangular cross sections) are MVHR branch ducts
outlet
selected as they allow air to pass through with less friction. According to CIBSE AHU
Guide B (Part 3 - Ductwork), a maximum air speed of 10m/s is allowed. From this Plant Fresh air
inlet
information, the duct sizes for zone 1 and zone 2 can be calculated as follows:
Commercial fire sprinkler

Zone 1:

Air flow requirements given building regulations part F: 10 L/s per person
Assuming maximum occupancy of 100 people per floor:
10 x 100 = 1000L/s = 1m3/s
Cross sectional area required = 1/10 = 0.1m2 BAUX acoustic
AHU wood wool panels
Diameter of ducts = (0.1 / π )0.5 x 2 = 360mm Plant
Suspended strip lights
Zone 2

Air flow requirements given building regulations part F:

60L/s for kitchen areas and 0.5L/s per m2 for circulation spaces
Cross sectional area required for kitchen areas = Zone 3: Natural ventilation
0.06 / 10 = 0.006m2 MVHR ducts
MVHR branch ducts run parallel to main beams (as illustrated on pg. 84) and connect to
Diameter of ducts = (0.06/ π )0.5 x 2 = 280mm AHU Recirculating extractor hood
the main ducts which runs along the service corridor. The main supply and extract ducts
Plant
connect to the AHU units, located in the AHU plant room on each floor.
Air flow requirement for circulation spaces = 0.5 x 70 = 35L/s
Lighting grid
Cross sectional area required for circulation areas =
Ventilated cable trays run parallel to MVHR ducts and support electric conduits. Strip lights
0.035 / 10 = 0.0035m2
are suspended from the ceiling and are spaced at 3.5m intervals.
Diameter of ducts = (0.1 / π )0.5 = (0.035/ π )0.5 x 2 = 210mm
Fire sprinklers
350mm Zone 2: Fully mechanical ventilation Due to the presence of cooking activities and the open plan of the building, a sprinkler
system will be installed. The sprinkler pipework runs parallel to the MVHR ducts.
AHU
300mm Plant Water pipes
550mm

Water pipes run vertically in risers and through the service void of floors to the open Water pipes &
kitchen islands and back-of-house kitchens. For more details regarding water systems, electric cables
refer to pg. 37.

Recirculating extractor hoods

360mm Acoustic panels
These are installed in the open kitchen islands in the food hall and community cafe to
deal with humidity, odours and grease from food preparation. This type of extraction is Open kitchen island (food hall)
Diagram above: section showing duct layout in zone 1 (main occupied spaces). Zone 1: Mixed mode ventilation sufficient for the open kitchens, which are designated for lighter cooking. The back-of-
The runout ducts are designed to run parallel to the primary beams so that they can be directed
house kitchens, where the main cooking occurs, have grease removal filters integrated in
back to the main branch located within the service corridor.
the kitchen MVHR system to remove any grease and odours in the stale air.
32 33
 BUILDING FABRIC BUILDING FABRIC
Thermal zoning & buffer spaces U-values

Building fabric performance plays a key part in passive design and helps reduce heat loss and hence operational
energy demand. The building envelope is carefully designed to avoid any thermal bridges: for instance, the use of 2
layers of insulation (rigid and flexible wood fibre) allows the insulation to be lapped to reduce gaps. All construction
build-ups are designed to achieve Passivhaus U-value standards (U ≤ 0.15), as shown in the tables below.

Vertical farm as a
thermal buffer

Open-air covered market

on the ground floor better
suited to fresh produce Thermal line
vendors Waterproofing line

Thermal zoning
Not all parts of the building have the same temperature
requirements. From early design stage, it has been identified

OUTDOORS
that some spaces can be uninsulated and tolerate greater

INDOORS
temperature variations. These spaces include:
Ground floor of the market hall, which is designated for fresh West façade East façade Accessible roof
produce vendors. These products are better sold in an open-
U = 0.140 U = 0.127 U = 0.142
air environment due to moisture and scents.
Vertical farms. These spaces are unoccupied most of the
time and are thermally isolated from the occupied spaces. Material Thickness Conductivity Resistance Material Thickness Conductivity Resistance Material Thickness Conductivity Resistance
Summer, outside temperature 30°C (mm) (W/mK) (m2K/W) (mm) (W/mK) (m2K/W) (mm) (W/mK) (m 2K/W)
Rse 0.04 Rse 0.04 Rse 0.04
Red cedar cladding 25 0.12 0.21 Red cedar cladding 25 0.12 0.21 Softwood decking 30 0.12 0.25
22°C 26°C 30°C
Void with battens 30 - 0.18 Void with battens 30 - 0.18 void with pedestals 150 -
Waterproof Waterproof Drainage layer 50 0.27 0.19
membrane 5 0.04 0.06 Waterproof
Buffer spaces membrane 5 0.04 0.13
Wood fibre Wood fibre membrane 2.5 0.04 0.06
The vertical farms act as a thermal buffer for the indoor insulation board 40 0.043 0.93 insulation board 40 0.043 0.93 Wood fibre rigid
occupied spaces. Although a controlled environment Wood fibre Wood fibre insulation 220 0.036 6.11
would benefit plant growth, plants can thrive in a wider insulation batts 180 0.036 5.00 insulation batts 180 0.036 5.00 Vapour barrier 2.5 0.04 0.06
temperature range (compared to a typical indoor space). OSB 15 0.12 0.13 Vapour barrier 5 0.04 0.06 CLT 150 0.12 0.18

OUTDOORS
INDOORS

Void with battens 40 0.18 CLT 150 0.12 1.25 Rsi 0.13
Having this buffer zone towards the south means that
cooling and heating loads can be reduced in summer and Red cedar panels 20 0.12 0.17 Rsi 0.13
winter periods respectively. Rsi 0.13

In extreme temperature conditions, underfloor pipes Thickness 360 Sum 7.127 Thickness 430 Sum 7.864 Thickness 605 Sum 7.021
connected to ground source heat pump can provide radiant U-value 0.140 U-value 0.127 U-value 0.142
heating / cooling to these buffer spaces, however this will
only be for a very short period over the course of a year. Winter, outside temperature 6°C

18°C 12°C 6°C

34 35
 URBAN FARMING WATER SYSTEMS
Benefits and synergies

Growing a wide range of crops within

an urban setting creates new habitats
that help enhance biodiversity

Green planting wall - helps remove

air pollutants, provide shading and
reduce indoor temperature

Rooftop farming (soil-based) helps

attenuate rainwater and lower
flooding risks. Rainwater collected
via soil substrate can be recycled for To allotment
flushing, irrigation and in hydroponics irrigation outlets
Mains supply
systems.
Clean water supply Rainwater Recirculating hydroponics/ Storage tanks/ water
Supply outlets Treated grey water drip irrigation system treatment plant

1. Rainwater collection
1.
Rainwater falling on the roof decking or soil substrate passes through the
drainage layer, which removes coarse debris. The water is then brought
down gravity-fed pipelines to the treatment plant for further filtration before
it is stored or fed into the hydroponics system. Rainwater Soil substrate & Mains supply
roof drainage layer
The volume of rainwater collected can be calculated using the equation from 2.
Building Regulations part G (Table A5.1):
Daily rainwater yield =
Collection area x annual rainfall x yield coefficient /365
Collectable roof area = 1077m2
Annual rainfall in Oxford = 660mm = 0.66m Water taps
Yield coefficient of flat green roof = 0.5
3.
Daily rainwater yield = 1077 x 0.66 x 0.5 /365 = 0.974m3 (974L)

Hydroponics and vertical farms - produces Treatment Recirculating Hydroponics

plant reservoir (drip system)
fruit and vegetables in a much more efficient Allotment gardens provide a public 2. Water supply
way compared to typical commercial green space for local residents, Clean water from the public water supply network is pumped to back
farming. Produce is sold or consumed on enhancing the sense of community kitchens, toilet sinks and open kitchen stations. The water pipes run in the
site, reducing food miles to zero as well as educate the public on service void in the floor.
sustainable ways of producing food.
Irrigation
(roof garden / allotments)
3. Hydroponics
A drip irrigation system is used for the hydroponics farm and vertical
fruit farms. Drip system is considered the most water efficient amongst
hydroponics systems, and is especially versatile as it can support the
growth of larger plants. It is water efficient because excess water drained
from the hydroponics medium is fed back to the reservoir and continuously
Storage tank Toilets Sewage
recirculated. The water in the reservoir is regularly replaced.

36 37
 Mimi Tam
[email protected]
www.mimitam.myportfolio.com/