Advanced Topics in Architecture Technology

Building Design and Construction for Coastal Environments

This Course has been approved for sustainability credits; credit for environmental technology has been applied for.

ARC 6611 / Spring Semester 2012

Prof. Michael Kuenstle, AIA

Abstract
This design research oriented graduate seminar course focuses on a comprehensive study of the "best
practices" for residential single and multifamily design and construction for coastal environments. The
course presentation and materials emphasize the importance of design innovation facilitated with the
integration of new building technologies to advance a more sustainable approach to building design and
construction for coastal areas of Florida. The knowledge of the subject ascertained in this course can be
applied to similar coastal environments found throughout the world and the application of the design
technologies implemented with the research project (environmental simulation and digital modeling using
Rhino Paneling Tools and Grasshopper linked to fabrication techniques) can be easily integrated into
other areas of the architecture design and construction process.

Fig. 1. Simulated hurricane force wind flow over a low rectangular building
located downwind of an escarpment

Course Introduction and Organization

As Florida's vulnerable coastal landscape continues to develop, with some of the best design opportunities
in Florida still located either on or in close proximity to beachfront properties, the technical guidance for
evaluating and mitigating natural hazards in these sensitive environments through sustainable site
planning, design, and construction practices has become critical knowledge for architects working in the
state. A primary objective of this seminar course is to provide students with a better understanding and
awareness of these complex and interrelated issues. The semester research advances through a structured
framework of topical lecture presentations, class discussions, participation in digital modeling and
fabrication workshops, and possible field trips to construction sites.
The course study is supplemented with a student design research project. The design research project is
intended to provide students with meaningful opportunities to build a strong foundational knowledge base
from which design opportunities in coastal design and construction can be identified, explored and
evaluated. Basic computer modeling skills, an interest in learning how to incorporate the process of
parametric and performance based modeling as an integrated design tool, and a genuine interest in the
subject are a prerequisite for the course. The course is limited to 12 students.

Design Research Project

The research project this semester will be structured as a two part (analysis + design) project that will
develop in parallel with the course presentations. At the end of the term, students are required to submit a

final report of their design research results, including validation of the design study results and graphic
out-put (poster format) for possible exhibit at an international conference.

Research Project - Phase 1

Research and Analysis for Coastal Site Assessment Study
With this phase of the design research, students learn how to access an extensive knowledge base from a
diverse range of resources for design guidance and technical expertise for working in coastal regions of
Florida. Drawing upon this critical information, students are able to perform preliminary site assessments
and analyses of given coastal areas within the state and are able to gain valuable insight into the essential
processes, procedures, and technologies involved in coastal design and construction. Developing a
critical foundation for understanding the conventional boundaries and limitations imposed by an excess of
building codes, rules and regulations allows students to conceptualize those conditions in a search for
design opportunities within the given conditions. Example analysis projects can be found on the class
website.

Research Project - Phase 2

Parametric Design Study for Proto-type Protective Building Skins and Cladding Systems
This phase of the design research project builds on a previous study to develop proto-type hurricane
shutter designs and other storm resistant building components using parametric and performance based
design processes. The design research project will focus on developing proposals for the possibility of
designing a protective building skin for application in coastal environments. During this phase of the
design research, students learn how to develop and evaluate criteria for parametric modeling and learn
techniques to generate digital model proto-types. The criteria for the modeling processes will be derived
from the analytical data gathered and evaluated in phase 1 of the research. The resolution of the design
research project is determined through the simulation, testing and fabrication of the scaled building
components - in this project more than likely a conceptual wall section will be developed to integrate the
protective skin layer into the building wall system - this can be achieved working with a physical
construction at scale of 3/4" = 1'-0" using student designed components. (Think of the reality of a family
of components populated to a surface)

Fig. 2. Preliminary proto-type hurricane shutter - stackable component design perforated and folded
with snap together connector

This approach to design research facilitates new opportunities for mass customization of building
components to meet the unique requirements found in coastal environments. Emphasis will be placed on
the component design and its performance using shape optimization and variation within a single family
of components. Possible examples might include a flat-lock cladding system design with adaptive pleats
and folds formed from sheet metal to adapt to varying surface stress distributions due to high winds, or a
component design that could be used as a mold in a precast concrete cladding system. In the instance, an
objective for the design could be to protect the building from the impact of wind borne debris during a
storm event.

General Course Outline / Topics

Environmental and Regulatory Factors
Dune Ecologies
Site Analysis and Design
Wind Loads / Wave Action
Velocity Zones
Breakaway Walls
Architectural Design Examples
Design and Construction Guidelines
Cost Analysis

Course Grading
Final Report on Design Research Project 75%
Class Participation 25%

Fig. 3. Hunt House, Steinhatchee, Florida

custom single family residence on Gulf of
Mexico, Clark + Kuenstle Associates - student
field trip

Reference Text:
On the Water: Palisade Bay, Nordenson, Seavitt, Yarinsky, MOMA 2010.
Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA 55, Third Edition (free for students enrolled in course, also
available online)
Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA 54 / March 1984,
FEMA Technical Bulletins
Florida Building Code, Florida DEP and State Statutes (available online)
American Society of Civil Engineers, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, ASCE
7-10.
See website for additional information
http:\\web.dcp.ufl.edu\kuenstle\coastal%20construction.htm