Module Overview

The Building Technology: Prefabrication for Multi-Cell Buildings module is an intermediate module that focuses on the construction technology of contemporary multi-cell, multi-storey, engineered, timber mid to wide span structures with particular focus on structural systems, prefabrication, climatic / environmental design, the relationship between structure and fabric, sequential assembly and the make-up and performance of the building envelope. 

The module explores the following issues: 

• Categories of structure and the issue of architectural structure. 

• The development of timber structures 

• Contemporary engineered timber structural typologies 

• Relationship of structure to building fabric 

• The nature of the building matrix; primary, secondary and tertiary. 

• Introduction to climatic, environmental and energy issues affecting building design, layout and the technical detailing of the building fabric, with analysis of exemplar case studies. 

• Acoustic performance and attenuation in buildings. 

• Facade cladding systems such as curtain walling and glazing systems, rainscreen, twin wall, sheet metal coverings, fibre cement and timber cladding. 

• The nature and properties of different cladding materials and methods of fixing, jointing and tolerances 

• Managing rainwater on buildings 

• The building process, site operations and sequential assembly 

• Prefabrication and modular construction  

The module also aims to develop the learner’s understanding of the principles of structural design applied to a multi-cell, multi-storey engineered timber structure.