Foundation, Wall, Ceiling and Roof Assembly

1 - 22 GA Zinc Flat Lock Seam Soffit (Finish)
2 - Vapour Proof Membrane (Moisture Control)
3 - 13mm Exterior Gypsum Sheathing (Structure, Thermal & Moisture Control)
4 -100mm Rigid Insulation (Thermal Control)
5 - Continuous Air Barrier (Thermal Control)
6 - 19 mm Exterior Grade Plywood (Structure, Thermal & Moisture Control)
7 - Semi Rigid Insulation (Thermal Control)
8 - Support beams (Structure)
11 - Purlin (Structure)
12 - Perforated Metal Vent (Moisture Control)
13 - Curtain Wall (Thermal & Moisture Control)
14 - Curtain Wall Back Box (Support)
15 - Solid Hardwood (Finish)
16 - Perimeter Foundation Insulation (Thermal Control)
17 - Cast-In-place Concrete (Support)
18 - Continuous Wood Blocking/Stud/Joist (Support)
19 - Bent Structural Steel Plate (Support)
20 - Suspended Metal Framing (Support)
21 - I-Beam (Support)
22 - 2 Ply Modified Bitumen Membrane (Moisture Control and Finish)
23 - 2% Sloped Gutter (Moisture Control and Finish)
24- Structural Metal Stud (Structure)
25 - Rigid Insulation Foundation (Thermal)
26 - Gutter (Moisture Control and Finish)
27 - Water Drip Edge (Moisture Control)

This section of the pavilion is the detail within the structure that stood out to me. The structure’s use of straight and curved surfaced through zinc panels created this really interesting form that I wanted to understand. I was curious of how something like this could be built in a Canadian climate and still look fairly new to this day.

This section, highlights several key points that make the structure from the foundation, wall, ceiling and roof assembly. However, while dissecting the drawing, I came to gravitate towards the Wall to Ceiling detail. I wanted to understand how something like this is still standing with all the thermal breaks and water proofing gaps that I seemed to notice.

Current Wall to Ceiling Assembly

1 - Vapour Proof Membrane (Moisture Control)
2 - Semi Rigid Insulation (Thermal Control)
3 - Continuous Air Barrier (Thermal Control)
4 - I-Beam (Support)
5 - Suspended Metal Framing (Support)
6 - 19 mm Exterior Grade Plywood (Support)
7 - 22 GA Zinc Flat Lock Seam Soffit (Finish)
8 - Perforated Metal Vent (Moisture Control)
9 - Spray Insulation (Thermal Control)
10 - Curtain Wall Back Box (Support)
11 - Curtain Wall (Thermal & Moisture Control)
12 - Batt Insulation (Thermal Control)
13 - 13mm Exterior Gypsum Sheathing (Thermal & Moisture Control)
14 - Purlin (Structure)
15 - 2 Ply Modified Bitumen Membrane (Moisture Control and Finish)
16 - Structural Metal Stud (Structure)
17 - Galvanized Steel Plate (Support)
18 - Concrete Block (Support)
19 - Wood Block (Support)
20 - 100mm Rigid Insulation (Thermal Control)

1 - 100mm Rigid Insulation (Thermal Control)
2 - Semi Rigid Insulation (Thermal Control)
3 - Spray Foam Insulation (Thermal Control)
4 - 13mm Exterior Gypsum Sheathing (Thermal & Moisture Control)
Modification 1: Metal in general is susceptible to temperature change. The Steel
I-Beam could cause a temperature change and cause condensation,
which potentially could result in rust or mold as water drips down. In
order to improve this, I propose that rigid insulation should be placed
between the beams. Then adding additional 13mm exterior plywood
sheathing on the interior and exterior for added air vapour barrier.
Modification 2: The dropped metal ceiling.
On the exterior side, the current assembly does not include any type
of vapour membrane, just an air barrier. Condensation could occur
within the ceiling once temperature changes as there is no roof air
vent provided for the air to escape. To prevent this from happening, I
propose using rockwool insulation as it is vapor permeable, so the water
is repelled from the ceiling and directed toward the vent. It also acts as
sound proofing and fire protection. Another option would be using spray
foam insulation would provide additional thermal and vapour barrier.
Modification 3: On the interior side, I propose using rockwool as well along the drop
ceiling channels to mitigate thermal loss. While dampening sound and
while providing fire protection. Along the window, I propose putting spray
foam insulation as the current window wall assembly does not provide
information regarding the caulking of joints. This could allow water and air
to seep through, which could soak the batt insulation rendering it useless .

1 - Continous Air Barrier (Thermal Control)
2 - Vapour Proof Membrane (Moisture Control)
3 - Exterior Gypsum Sheathing (Thermal & Moisture Control)
4 - Adjusted Perforated Metal Vent (Moisture Control)
5 - Caulking (Thermal and Moisture Control)
Modification 1: The current assembly of the dropped metal ceiling poses risks of condensation and potential damage due to insufficient ventilation and membrane protection. To address this, I propose adjusting the layering by attaching a continuous air barrier, exterior gypsum sheathing, and a vapor barrier membrane beneath the ceiling. This will prevent water buildup and ensure proper ventilation, mitigating risks of rust and damage. Additionally, using rockwool within the metal ceiling channels will avoid thermal or vapor breaks.
Modification 2: The interior side of the ceiling does not have a seal where the gypsum board meets the window box, this could cause potential thermal break as air seeps through the cracks of the assembly. I propose the use of a vapour membrane wrap around the gypsum board to seal that connection but also to percent humid air from shedding moisture.
Modification 3: On the roof detail. The concrete block is a permeable material, and the steel beam can become a conductor for heat or cold if the temperature drastically changes within the structure. I propose, wrapping the vapour proof membrane on top of the steel beam.
Modification 4: Applying caulking along the window wall detail to prevent air leakage. As well as adjusting the air vent water drip edge, to drip over the window wall box rather than within it.

1 - Vapour Proof Membrane (Moisture Control)
2 - Fire Stopping & Foam Gasket (Thermal Control)
3- 22 GA Zinc Flat Lock Seam Soffit (Finish)
4 - Semi Rigid Insulation (Thermal Control)
5 - Ridge Vent (Moisture Control)

Design Modification: As mentioned in the modifications I proposed, there is a potential for air temperature to change within the ceiling. As the assembly allows air to freely travel in and out. Which could potentially cause damage in the future, such as rust, which could lead to the dropped ceiling to sag downwards which is common for that type of assembly. Beyond the changes to the assembly, I propose a design change. Which is to provide a ridge vent to the peaks of the assembly to allow the hot air to escape, while preventing air flow downwards. These overall changes could allow the space to be used year round, especially during the colder months as a place for refuge from the cold air. Additionally, these changes could add years to the building life expectancy.

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