During Week 2, I continued developing the ESD of FCJ College Benalla (the art college I mentioned last week), progressing into a deeper level of detail within the Better Building model.
A key focus and new technique that I learnt was implementing the wall system feature in Better Building. This feature allowed me to construct more accurate wall assemblies that closely align with the original architectural drawing. Therefore, I can have higher accuracy of the J1V3 simulation result compared to last week’s model that has uniform R-value of 1.8 across all walls. This level of detail on the wall system will also let me try condensation (hygrothermal) modelling in the future.
Furthermore, I learnt how to put PV arrays into the model and how to interpret the results. Good news is, this project on improving the building sustainability will be presented to the architect that designed the building and I think this is a great opportunity for me to get feedback directly from her.
In this week I also had an opportunity to do a site visit to one of the ongoing aquatic centre projects that Peddle Thorpe handled (Torquay, Victoria). For me, this is really exciting and educative since it is my first time jumping in an aquatic centre project. I was fascinated on how all the façade systems was engineered to make sure it can control humidity inside the pool while also retains excellent thermal properties.
I also had the chance to sit on the RFI and site meeting which provide valuable exposure to real-time problem solving and coordination between stakeholders. This experience was particularly fascinating as it highlighted the complexity of on-site decision making and reinforce the importance of clear communications and technical accuracy in project delivery.