CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DESIGN PROPOSAL

4.1 Introduction

This section discusses the preliminary design proposal and exceptional characteristics that will
form the bedrock for the proposed Kuje train station. The design solution for the proposed
design will be based on the space requirement, similar case studies, site location criteria and
schematic designs etc.

The design will also look at the building will consume less energy and at the same time generate
its own energy through renewable means in other to achieve net zero energy efficiency.

4.2

4.2.1 Site Location Map

The proposed train station will be located along Airport Road, Kuje area, an outskirt town,
bordering the capital city, Abuja.

Plate 4.1: Showing location map of the proposed site

Source: googlemaps.com

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Plate 4.2: Showing location map of the proposed site

Source: theabujainquirer.com

4.2.2 Site Selection Criteria

Site selection is the first step in a sustainable design process. The site must be compatible
with the planned purpose of the development and suitable for construction.

The site is selected on the basis of the demand of the station requirements and construction.

In determining the choice of site for this project, the following factors were considered:

 Location

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The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (27.97 days). The month with the
lowest number of rainy days is December (0.33 days).

Kuje experiences three weather conditions annually. This includes a warm, humid rainy season
and a blistering dry season.

In Kuje, the wet season is oppressive and overcast, the dry season is humid and partly cloudy,
and it is hot year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies
from 62°F to 94°F and is rarely below 56°F or above 101°F.

Kuje experiences extreme seasonal variation in the perceived humidity.

The muggier period of the year lasts for 9.4 months, from February 15 to November 27, during
which time the comfort level is muggy, oppressive, or miserable at least 29% of the time. The
month with the muggiest days in Kuje is August, with 31.0 days that are muggy or worse.

Plate 4.3: Lagos Temperature Graph

Source: www.weatherspark.com

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Plate 4.4: Lagos Humidity Graph
Source: www.weatherspark.com

4.3.7 Site Features and Infrastructure

The site is serviced by telecommunication lines that pass through the site; electric lines also
run through the site because of the adjoining structure present. Plumbing lines and drainages
will be constructed around the site so as to recycle the waste water

4.3.8 Noise Sources

Since the site is located in a low-density area in an outskirt town, the site is relatively free
from unwanted noise. Possible noise source is limited to vehicular sound from the access
road.

4.4 Site Analysis (Physical and Climatic)

The site is a virgin land and comprises trees, shrubs and grasses; it is bounded on the South
and the West by access roads and on the North and South by surplus Land. There are some
existing buildings around the site.

Sunrise and Sunset: At 6.25am, the sun rises from the east and sets in the west at 6:15pm. It
gets hotter in the mid-day at about noon. The sun path will determine the buildings
orientation and window sizes.

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North-east trade wind: The wind is responsible for dryness and harmattan as it blows from
the Sahara Desert. This wind is prevalent within November to February. The building will be
orientated to minimize the effect of this wind on site.

South-west trade wind: This wind blows from the Atlantic Ocean and it is responsible for
driving rain. The roofing material should be such that it can act as a buffer against noise
during heavy rains and in conjunction with main construction materials, that will resist the
adverse effect of weather and climate.

Soil type and vegetation: well aerated sandy soil at the top soil of the site, rich loamy soil
exists in abundance on the site as well, which support the trees and scant shrubs that exist on
the site as well.

Accessibility: The site is accessible via the Airport Road, which borders the site along its
southern axis.

Drainage: An existing drainage passes through the southern and eastern part of the site; this
will be incorporated and utilized in the proposed construction.

Plate 4.5: Site analysis

Source: Authors field work 2022.

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shell, mimicking the structure of a flower basket sponge. The curved framework has a
responsive shading system of triangular louver cladding that double as solar panels and
strategic glazing in place that provides natural light and produces a dramatic effect in the central
space.

Plate 4.6: Design Concept

Source: Authors field work 2022.

4.5.3 Brief Analysis

The following space units would be provided in the proposed train station design with their
various services or contribution to make up the general form is as

(i) Ticket booths

(ii) General waiting hall

(iii) First class waiting room

(iv) Station superintendent office

(v) Information station

(vi) Engineering department;

A. Station workshops

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4.5.4 Functional Relationships

All the spaces proposed and designed are functionally related as shown in the diagram;

Plate 4.7: Bubble diagram.

Source: Authors field work 2022.

4.5.5 Schedule of Accommodation

The space provided for various functional spaces are based on the standard requirements. The
standard requirements for each space are determined by an inventory features and type of
activities in a building so as to carry out space analysis.

4.6 Specifications and Construction

4.6.1 Materials and Finishes
4.6.1.1 Walls

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Interior walls would be constructed with polystyrene material 225mm held in place by
cement mortar and rendered with 50mm thick cement plaster. POP concrete would be used
for mortar joint finish.

4.6.1.2 Floors

Cast in place waffle slab floor of ratio 1:4:6 cement, water, and aggregate mixing ratio, and
reinforcement size specified by the project Structural engineer, finished with “FABBO
MARMOLEUM SPORT” floor finish in certain places and 20mm thick polished granite tiles
in others

4.6.1.3 Ceiling

The main celling is gridlock lattice structure made of laminate wood, that forms the third
layer of the roof facade

4.6.1.4 Roof

The roof is a steel gridshelll lattice roof with glass fiber reinforced concrete panels on one
side and laminated wood panels on the other.

Plate 4.8: Cross section of the roof detail

Source: Author field work 2022.

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