Russian Character

MATERIALITY

Structural System
The proposed design synthesizes the use of concrete, steel, and wood in a fashion that is both complementary and sensitive to the material properties of each. Steel was chosen as the primary structural system as it is the most structurally efficient and cost-effective in the context of the building’s interwoven volumes and sloping configurations. The largest span of 20 m was most effectively achieved with a steel system, which also stays within the recommended design and construction cost. Columns with a cross section of 426 mm are placed on a rhombic grid whose unit’s measure 25.5 x 16.7 m.
Trusses are used in areas of larger spans across the gymnasium and the larger multi-functional auditorium. The trusses above the gymnasium follow the rhombic grid and also determine the positioning of the clerestory windows. All glazing throughout the building is operable in order to create a climate that is easily controlled by the inhabitants.
The structure of the green roof is a sandwich metal plate supported by steel beams. The roof is designed to withstand the load of the green roof assembly above, as well as wind, snow, and rain loads. The floor construction consists of a concrete slab and subfloor beneath various finishes.

Material Finishes
At the entrance, the floor finish is a concrete topping, but where softer finishes are necessary, for example, in the gymnasium space, the concrete topping is replaced by wood flooring. Wood in combination with wooden cast concrete,
as a finish material for walls, floors, and ceiling, is chosen in association with building traditions in Russia and will add warmth to the spaces where it is used.
The exterior wall assembly is finished with cladding designed to withstand decay and deterioration caused by the elements. It consists of a combination of new and recycled wood, as well as prefabricated and board-formed concrete elements. The wooden board formwork for the concrete is chosen to provoke a dialogue between the use of wood and concrete throughout the building. Prefabrication of concrete will also allow for greater quality control and efficiency of construction.
Perforations in the walls follow the patterned motif that is also used for the grid of the floorplan. These perforations allow for lighting effects that dance across interior surfaces as sun angles change throughout the day. The perforations enhance the visual and spatial connection to outside spaces without overheating interior spaces with large volumes of glazing and direct sunlight.
Interior wall finishes are similar to those used for exterior cladding. In some select areas, interior finishes are chosen from Russian patterns and textile designs. Colors of the textile patterns enliven and lighten the spatial quality of the building’s interiors.
Materials will be locally sourced where possible to reduce transportation costs and lower the consequent environmental impact. Recycled materials will also be considered, such as the use of reclaimed wood for wall finishes and flooring.

SITE CONDITIONS

Energy and Climate Concept
The concept elements and strategies focus natural systems utilizing the local climate conditions to provide high comfort and to minimize energy consumption. Renewable energy like geothermal and wood respect the locally available resources. All components are instrumental to create a concept which is environmentally sound and reflects the site potentials in order to minimize the impact and provide high comfort at the same time.

Local Climate
The energy and climate concept reflects and incorporates the climatic conditions in Moscow. Ambient temperature ranges between -25°C and 30°C and the day / night temperature swing is about 15°C. Hence, a hybrid ventilation concept as implemented; to utilize the moderate ambient temperatures for natural ventilation, whereas during cold seasons, a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery will provide fresh air. The wind will support the natural ventilation system. Daylight is used and maximized by skylights and transparent façade elements. Geothermal energy will be used for heating in winter and free cooling in summer.

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

Ventilation
A hybrid ventilation system including earth duct for pre-heating and cooling is suggested. The mechanical mode is in operation during the winter months to retain energy. If the ambient temperatures are appropriate, the mechanical system will be switched of and be replaced by natural ventilation. The local climate offers the chance to naturally ventilate the building during 40% of the operation time throughout the year.

Stratification
Due to the room heights of 8-12.5 m in the auditorium and gymnasium, a high comfortable displacement ventilation system is used. Such a ventilation approach allows for temperature stratification, which is a key factor to reduce ventilation rates and cooling demand at the same time. The fresh air is brought into the room at floor level, distributing along the floor and rising up due to temperature differences. The warmer air accumulates below the ceiling where it will be exhausted and recovered in winter.

Radiation
Radiant heating and cooling systems are ideal to provide thermal comfort in high spaces. The large advantage is that water based radiant systems are more efficient because water has a higher capacity and can deliver more energy compared to an air heating system. This reduces fan power and electricity consumption. This technology is highly comfortable because air change rates can be reduced and draft risk is minimized.

Climate Control
Human comfort is supported if the user has the control of his climatic situation. A key element is control of air flow rate. Hence, operable windows will be controlled by the users in order to provide a healthy and comfortable working environment. Thermal mass of the green roof provides insulation by day and radiates heat during the night, reducing overnight heating loads.
Rain Water
Rain water will be collected and recycled to support water demand for irrigation systems and grey water systems.

Renewable Energy
The energy concept focuses on renewable and locally available resources, including, for example, a geothermal system for heating and cooling as well as a wood boiler for peak load heating. The energy generation strategy using a heat pump coupled with direct cooling fits perfectly to the temperate levels of a radiant heating and cooling system as suggested. Hot water and high temperature heating will be provided by the wood boiler only. Optional photovoltaic cells generate renewable power, which will be either directly used or buffered into the public power grid.

Daylight
Clerestory windows bring natural daylight into the entire depth of the spaces, reducing the demand for artificial lighting, and lowering energy consumption and operation costs.

Views
Transparent façade elements provide a connection to outside and allow for glare free daylight, which is an essential factor in terms of user satisfaction and comfort. Recent research found a well daylight and glare-free environment leads to increased comfort, athletic performance, and concentration capacity by a factor up to 15%. Exterior shading systems are equipped with daylight redirection louvers to reflect daylight into rooms even if the sun screen is closed.