Group 04 Marie Short House in Australia

Arch 3114
STUDIO U4 Structure & Passive Environmental Design

Case Study Research
Marie Short House

Term 2 2012-2013
NG SIN TING, CINDY
WONG HIN NGA, NICOLA
YUE KA HIN, JASMINE
1155016370
1155016614
1155009432
Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

SITE ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ANALYSIS
KOPPEN CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION
Kempsey
The Koppen Climate Classification is one of the

most widely used climate classification systems. The
system is based on the concept that native vegetation
is the best expression of climate. Thus, climate zone
boundaries have been selected with vegetation
distribution in mind. It combines average annual
and monthly temperatures and precipitation, and
the seasonality of precipitation.There are 5 types of
climate in total, they are A, the tropical moist climate; B,
the dry climate; C, the moist sub-tropical mid latitude
climate; D, the moist continental mid-latitude climate
and E, the polar climate.
Under this system, Kempsey belongs to Cfa (Humid
subtropical climate).
Latitude: 3104S, Longitude: 15250E

Climate Zone: Humid subtropical climate(Cfa)
Total Area: 3,308km
Elevation: about 10m above sea level
Kempsey is a town in the Mid North Coast region
of New South Wales, Australia. It is located 15
kilometres inland from the coast of the Pacific Ocean
and roughly 345 kilometres north of Sydney.It has an
area of 3,308km with a population of over 28,500 in
2006.
SITE ANALYSIS
TOPOGRAPHY
The Macleay River is at the heart of the Kempsey as it
carves its way from the mountains of the New England
Plateau to the sea at South West Rocks. It rises as the
Guyra River and merges with a number of tributaries
including the Apsley, Chandler and Styx. The original
mouth of the river was at Grassy Head however, during
the 1893 flood, a new entrance was forced at South
West Rocks.
CLIMATE ZONE Cfa

Humid subtropical climate: Cfa, Cwa, under the
division C, normally lies on the southeast side of all
continents, generally between latitudes 25 and 40
north and tend to be located at coastal or near coastal
locations. However in some cases the climate extends
well inland, most notably in China and the United
States.
Vegetation
Kempsey
Kempsey, with 73% native vegetation cover, has

some spectacular natural scenery, numerous national
parks and nature reserves, extensive waterways,
biologically diverse ecosystems, and productive
agricultural country. These diverse landscapes provide
important habitat for a large number of native plant.
The abundant vegetation therefore serves as shelter
for many species such as insects and snakes.
TEMPERATURE
For the coldest month, the mean temperatureis between -3C/ 26.6F and 18C/ 64.4F. For the warmest month, the
mean temperature would above 22C/ 71.6F. It is either accompanied with a dry winter or has no distinguished dry
season.
PERCIPITATION
Significant amounts of precipitation occur in all seasons in most areas, and though in regions bordering on semi-arid
climates(usually at the western margins), irregular droughts can be common and catastrophic to agriculture. Winter
rainfall(and sometimes snowfall) is associated with large storms that the westerlies steer from west to east. Most
summer rainfall occurs during thunderstorms and an occasional tropical storm, hurricane or cyclone.
Arch 3114 Term 2 2012-2013, STUDIO U4 Structure & Passive Environmental Design
Case Study Research
NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

CLIMATE ANALYSIS
TEMPERATURE
SUN DURATION
The highest average temperature: 23.1C (Jan)

The lowest average temperature: 12.9 C (Jul)
Annual temperature difference: 22.8C
The highest average sunshine duration:

14h/day (Jan)
The lowest average sunshine duration:
10h/day (Jul)
The temperature in Kempsey varies throughout the

year, having clear temperature difference in four
seasons.
The warmest time of year in Kempsey is in January
when it is 23.1C on average, while the coldest time of
year in Kempsey is in July (6.8C).
In each month, the difference between the highest
and the lowest temperature is always about 10C, it is
quiet a large difference.
Kempsey has sufficient sunlight most of the day

around the year.
PERCIPITATION
Kempsey rains a lot and its average annual rainfall
is1220mm. The chance of rain is the highest in
February (41.1%), while it is the lowest in August
(20.6%). The average rainfall in February is the highest
(150mm), it is the lowest in September (65mm). That
means Kempsey has humid summer due to unstable
tropical air masses or localized convection, or onshore
tradewinds. However, because most of the heaviest
two- and three-day rainfalls in the world occur in this
coastal zone as a result of east coast lows forming to
the north of a large high pressure system, there can be
great variation in rainfall from year to year. Kempsey
has a dry winter with often negligible rainfall between
July and October.
SUN ANGLE
Wind
Max sun angle(12pm):

March: 68
June: 57
Sep: 68
Dec: 82
Major wind direction:

Summer(Dec-Feb): North east
Autumn(Mar-May): North west
Winter(Jun-Aug): West
Spring(Sep-Nov): North east
The sun angle in summer is higher than that in winter. More direction light makes Kempsey become hotter in summer
and while in winter, defused light gives less heat.
The major wind direction is from north east. Among the whole year, the average wind speed is around 7knots, which
belongs to light breeze(2 on the Beaufort scale).
Case Study Research
Date: 1974 to 1975, expanded in 1980

Architect: Glenn Murcutt
It is originally designed for a client, but
later Murcutt bought it for himself and
expanded on the original plan.
It is constructed of simple, readily
available materials.
Timber from a nearby sawmill form the
framing and the walls.
Ma
ria
Riv
er
of air through the living space.

The roof is ordinary corrugated metal.
Wide eaves provide cooling shelter from
the sun.
Site conditions
Be
ra
ng
hi
R
oa
d
- Location: in the marshy farmlands of

Kempsey Australia, northern coastal
NSW
- Sits in near-flat ground above a
marshy sub-tropical flood plain,
surrounded by the lush vegetation of
woods and grasslands.
- The Maria River runs at some distance
along the west side of the property,
while the east side is bordered by a
dam.
- Natural air movement limited; extreme
rainfall and humidity in the summer
- Contribute to a site that desperately
requires maximum ventilation in
summer, sun penetration in winter
- The abundant vegetation that grows
on the property also serves as shelter
for many species such as insects and
snakes. The house should perform in
such a way as to eliminate the comfort
hazard such intruders can pose.
Site Plan 1:4000
Case Study Research
N
0
200
400
600
800
1000cm
Site Plan 1:200

Case Study Research
11
11
12
10
11
1 screened verandah
2 living room
3 dining room
4 kitchen
5 bedroom
6 sitting room
7verandah
8 washroom
9 shower
10 store
11 dressing room
12 laundry room
N
100
200
300
400
500cm
Plan 1:100
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100
200
300
400
500cm
Section 1:100
100
200
300
400
500cm
North Elevation 1:100
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100
200
300
400
500cm
Modular Plan 1:100

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Ma
Riv
er
Be
ra
ng
hi
oa
d
ria
External circulation
Internal circulation
Case Study Research

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES APPLIED TO THIS HOUSE
The following table showing how this project response to the site and what environmental strategies are adopted by the architect. The climate concerns are on the x-axis, while the architectural elements
are on the y-axis. The diagram and caption means the house fulfill the climatic concern. The blank means that the house does not deal with that climatic concern duing its design process.
Prevent excessive heat gain(summer)
Promote ventilation
Introduce natural light(winter)
Living area
Living area
Bedroom
Living area
Living area
Planning
N
Bedroom
Bedroom
Bedroom
Summer/Spring
Day
By arranging the long axis of the house in east-west direction, the architect
can protect a larger surface in the shade.
Long axes in east-west direction, so that more natural light can get into the
house.Moreover, the living area can receive the sun of the majority of day.
Long axes in east-west direction, so that more prevailing wind

can get into the house during summer and make the house
cooler.
sun l
ight
sun
Louvred windows are

being opened to allow
air to get out.
lig
ht
Roofing
75
30
Lower the blinds to prevent light getting into the house.
Remove the blinds to allow the natural light to get into the house so to make the
house brighter and warmer.
Case Study Research
Curved corrugated metal

sheets overlap to provide
horizontal ventilation slots.
Rain water(management/disposal)
Resist Natural Harzard
Planning
Living area
Bedroom
pipes to collect rainfall
Insect screen
Roofing
Insect screen
pipes to collect rainfall
Peak roof can drive away the rain water quickly so to prevent trapping
rainfall on the rooftop..
There are insect screens on louvered windows so to protect the house from insects.
Case Study Research
Roof is made of curved corrugated metal sheets,

there are some windows that consist of 3 layers:
blinds, insect screens and glass louvers.

Prevent excessive heat gain(summer)
Introduce natural light(winter)
Promote ventilation
ig
sun l
ht
sun
lig
ht
Opening
and
metal louvers
metal louvers
opened
closed
75
opened
30
Adjust the angle of the louvers between
31to 90(to the horizontal) can prevent
the direct light getting in.
Lower the metal louvers to prevent direct light getting into the house.
The metal louvers are adjusted to allow the natural light to get into the house so
to make the house brighter and warmer.
The double layer louvers system allow air to move in.
Foundation
Heat
The house is being elevated so to prevent direct heat gain from the ground.
The house is being elevated so to allow air to move

underneath void space, bringing the humid air away.
Case Study Research

Rain water(management/disposal)
Resist Natural Harzard
Opening
Insect screen
Insect screen
and
opened
The double layer louvers system prevent rain water.
There are insect screens on louvered windows so to protect the house from insects.
3 layers of Opening:
1. steel louvers - control the level of light
2. glass louvers - vary the degrees of ventilation
3. insect screen - prevent insects
Foundation
820mm
The house is being elevated up to 820mm so to prevent large amount of snakes.
Case Study Research
1 : 35 Section
Case Study Research
1 : 100 Exploded Axonometric
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
1 : 100 Sectional Axonometric

Case Study Research
100
200
300
400
500cm
Structural static diagram 1:100
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LOAD DIAGRAM
Dead load
King Post Truss
fter
Ra
al
gon
ia
or d
King Post
Tie beam or chord
Red - Tension
Blue - Compression
Compression force
Tension force
Wind
d)
nd
ard
o
dp
v
siti
win
nw
e (i
win
wi
dn
eg
ativ
e(
po
iv
sit
(in
r
wa
wi
nd
ne
ga
tiv
(u
pl
ift
n
wi
po
e
itiv
(i
rd
a
nw
wi
nd
ne
ga
tiv
(u
pl
ift
up
lift)
Compression force
Tension force
Case Study Research

MODELS
1:100 Model
This model is mainly for showing the envelope of Marie Short House, for example, how's the
claddings and louvers work. It also tells a little bit about the structure as well as timber frame.
Case Study Research

1:50 Model
Case Study Research
This model is mainly for showing the structure of Marie Short House, for
example, the timber frame construction, foundation, primary and secondary
elements.
Bibliography
Farrelly, E. M.. Three houses: Glenn Murcutt. London: Phaidon Press, 1993. Print.
Murcutt, Glenn, and Maryam Gusheh. The architecture of Glenn Murcutt. Tokyo: TOTO Shuppan, 2008. Print.
Murcutt, Glenn, Francoise Fromonot, and Charlotte Ellis. Glenn Murcutt: buildings + projects 1962-2003. London: Thames & Hudson, 2005. Print.
Source
http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/environment/soe/pubs/regional-state-of-the-environment-2012.pdf
http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/environment/soe/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempsey,_New_South_Wales
http://www.windfinder.com/windstats/windstatistic_port_macquarie.htm
http://www.ozetecture.org/2012/marie-short-glenn-murcutt-house/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Hemisphere
http://en.climate-data.org/location/1253/
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/natureconservation.htm
http://www.oktravel.com.au/au/nsw/kempsey/
http://www.windfinder.com/windstats/windstatistic_kempsey_airport.htm
Case Study Research

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Arch 3114

STUDIO U4 Structure & Passive Environmental Design

Marie Short House

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ANALYSIS

KOPPEN CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION

The Koppen Climate Classification is one of the

Latitude: 3104S, Longitude: 15250E

CLIMATE ZONE Cfa

Kempsey, with 73% native vegetation cover, has

Case Study Research

NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

The highest average temperature: 23.1C (Jan)

The highest average sunshine duration:

The temperature in Kempsey varies throughout the

Kempsey has sufficient sunlight most of the day

Max sun angle(12pm):

Major wind direction:

Case Study Research

NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

Date: 1974 to 1975, expanded in 1980

of air through the living space.

- Location: in the marshy farmlands of

Site Plan 1:4000

Case Study Research

NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

Site Plan 1:200

Case Study Research

NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

Case Study Research

NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

North Elevation 1:100

Case Study Research

NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

Modular Plan 1:100

Case Study Research

NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

Case Study Research

NG Sin Ting|WONG Hin Nga|YUE Ka Hin

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

Prevent excessive heat gain(summer)

Introduce natural light(winter)

Long axes in east-west direction, so that more prevailing wind

Louvred windows are

Lower the blinds to prevent light getting into the house.

Curved corrugated metal

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

Resist Natural Harzard

pipes to collect rainfall

pipes to collect rainfall

Roof is made of curved corrugated metal sheets,

Marie Short House|Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia|Glenn Murcutt

Introduce natural light(winter)

The double layer louvers system allow air to move in.

The house is being elevated so to allow air to move

Case Study Research