Sustainable Buildings in Maracaibo, Venezuela

Facoltà di Ingegneria Edile -‐ Architettura
Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Ingegneria Edile – Architettura
Tesi di Laurea
NEW BEGINNINGS
A sustainable residential project in the city of
Maracaibo, Venezuela
RELATORE:
Prof Gabriele Masera
TESI DI LAUREA DI:
Michele Casarin Baglieri Matr #764982
Anno Accademico 2011-‐2012

ABSTRACT (ENGLISH)
The thesis seeks to design a sustainable residential building in the city of

Maracaibo, adapting to the actual situation in terms of urbanism, architecture,
climate, materials and economical situation. Nowadays in Venezuela, there is a
lack of proper regulations limiting the effects of individual projects in a broader
scale; furthermore, there is incongruence between local climate and practiced
architecture, resulting in the highest energy consumption per capita of America.
The existent economical situation is causing the scarce and rise of costs in
materials, especially cement and steel bars, main components of the most
frequent construction systems. Labor is unqualified and expensive, especially in
long term projects. The author proposes a three story residential building,
presenting architectural and engineering plans, using a light platform frame
system with the local specie “Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis”, which Venezuela
has the biggest planted forest in America with more than 622000 ha, offering
guaranteed supply and competitive prices. The construction system is proved to
be an effective alternative for residential buildings in the country. It successfully
accomplishes and exceeds compared to traditional construction systems
regarding parameters like comfort, esthetics, costs, maintenance, safety and
durability. Furthermore, it is proven that is possible to reduce considerably the
energy consumption of buildings; the use of a lot of insulation or high
performance windows are not economically feasible due to low electricity prices
but strategies like orientating well the building for ventilation and day lighting
purposes plus the effective placement of shading devices are the most effectives
ones.
Keywords: social urbanism, culture, wood, platform frame system, natural

ventilation, natural lighting, energy consumption
2

ABSTRACT (ITALIANO)
La tesi si pone come obiettivo quello di progettare un edificio sostenibile

destinato ad uso residenziale nella città di Maracaibo, in grado di integrarsi alle
attuali condizioni urbanistiche, architettoniche, climatiche ed economiche. Al
giorno d'oggi in Venezuela mancano delle regolamentazioni adeguate in grado di
limitare gli effetti dei singoli progetti su una scala più ampia. Vi è inoltre una
forte incongruenza tra il clima locale e la progettazione architettonica, avendo
come risultato il consumo di energia pro capite più alto in America. La
situazione economica attuale sta causando una riduzione della disponibilità e
l'aumento dei costi dei materiali da costruzione maggiormente utilizzati, in
particolare del cemento e delle barre in acciaio. La mano d’opera non è
qualificata ed è costosa, specialmente in progetti a lungo termine. L'autore
presenta un edificio destinato ad uso residenziale di tre piani, proponendone il
progetto architettonico e la sua ingegnerizzazione. Si utilizza Il sistema
leggero del tipo “platform frame” e la specie locale "Pinus caribaea var.
hondurensis ", che il Venezuela vanta la più grande piantagione d’ America con
più di 622 mila ettari, garantendo la fornitura necessaria e dei prezzi competitivi.
Si dimostra che tale sistema costruttivo rappresenta una valida alternativa per la
costruzione di edifici residenziali in questo paese, in grado di assolvere alle
diverse esigenze in termini di comfort, estetica, costi, manutenzione, sicurezza e
durabilità, mostrandosi migliore rispetto alle soluzioni tradizionali. Inoltre, viene
data prova della possibilità di ridurre notevolmente i consumi energetici degli
edifici attraverso delle strategie passive; l’utilizzo di una gran quantità di
materiale isolante o di finestre performanti non è economicamente vantaggioso
mentre l’attenzione al posizionamento e all’orientamento dello stabile per creare
zone d’ombra e sfruttare la ventilazione naturale rappresentano una soluzione
migliore.
Keywords: urbanismo sociale, cultura, legno, sistema legggero “platform

frame”, ventilazione naturale, illuminazione naturale, consumo energetico
NEW BEGINNINGS 3

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My father and mother, for their unconditional support and love, education and
inspiration.
To Aitite, for believing in me always and teaching me to believe in myself.
To my brothers and Vanessa, for being with me and cheering me up every

moment.
My tutor, Gabriele Masera, and my professor, Massimo Tadi, for two great years
of learning, inside and outside the university. For giving much more than
knowledge.
To Fran, for being a good friend and being there for me in the moments I needed
the most.
To Amr, for being always available to discuss ideas with me and still think it is
not a favor.
4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION/AIM ..................................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER I -‐ BACKGROUND STUDIES ....................................................................................... 3
1. GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 3

2. URBAN AND ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY ....................................................... 4
3. ACTUAL SITUATION .................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 URBAN SITUATION ......................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 ARCHITECTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION SITUATION ................................................................................. 12
3.2.1 architecture ............................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.2 residential housing typologies ........................................................................................................ 13
3.2.3 materials and construction systems ............................................................................................. 15
3.2.4 Services ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
3.2.5 Labor .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.3 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ........................................................................................................................... 17
3.4 PUBLIC SPACES ............................................................................................................................................... 18
3.5 ENERGY ........................................................................................................................................................... 18
3.6 GUIDELINES AND RECCOMENDATIONS ....................................................................................................... 20
4. URBAN REGULATIONS ................................................................................................................. 21
4.1 RESIDENTIAL POLYGONS .............................................................................................................................. 22
4.2 OTHER POLYGONS .......................................................................................................................................... 25
4.3 DISTRIBUTION OF POLYGONS ....................................................................................................................... 28
5. CLIMATE ...................................................................................................................................... 30
5.1 AIR TEMPERATURE AND REALITIVE HUMIDITY ........................................................................................ 30
5.2 WIND VELOCITY AND DIRECTION ............................................................................................................... 31
5.3 SOLAR RADIATION ......................................................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER 2-‐ URBAN ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ....................................................................... 33
1. POTENTIAL AREAS IN THE CITY-‐ WHERE TO BUILD .................................................................. 33
1.1 DISTRICT ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................................................... 33
1.2 SECTORS ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................................................ 34
1.2.1 group of sectors to study ................................................................................................................... 34
1.2.2 urban quality indicators .................................................................................................................... 34
1.2.3 market prices of sectors .................................................................................................................... 37
2. ANALYSIS OF URBAN DESIGN AREA ............................................................................................ 38
NEW BEGINNINGS 5

2.1 LIMITS OF DESIGN AREA ................................................................................................................................ 38
2.2 DENSITY ........................................................................................................................................................... 39
2.3 ZONING REGULATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 40
2.4 URBAN QUALITY INDICATORS IN DESIGN AREA ........................................................................................ 41
2.5 STREET NETWORK AND SECTIONS .............................................................................................................. 41
2.7 EXISTENT FACILITIES .................................................................................................................................... 45
2.8 NOLLIS MAP .................................................................................................................................................... 46
2.9 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINT MAP ................................................................................................... 48
3. CASE STUDIES .............................................................................................................................. 49
3.1 BOGOTA ........................................................................................................................................................... 49
3.2 MEDELLIN ....................................................................................................................................................... 51
4. CONCEPT ..................................................................................................................................... 53
5. DRAFT MASTER PLAN ................................................................................................................. 55
4.1 RESIDENTIAL AREAS ...................................................................................................................................... 56
4.1.1 residential typology ............................................................................................................................. 56
4.1.2 distribuition ............................................................................................................................................ 57
4.2 PUBLIC/COMMERCIAL SPACES .................................................................................................................... 57
4.2.1 BOULEVARD ........................................................................................................................................... 57
4.2.2 main square and library .................................................................................................................... 58
4.2.3 open commercial area ........................................................................................................................ 61
4.2.4 SPORT AREAS ......................................................................................................................................... 61
4.2.5 pedestrian network ............................................................................................................................. 61
4.4 URBAN QUALITY INDICATORS ...................................................................................................................... 63
4.5 DENSITIES ........................................................................................................................................................ 63
4.6 STREET NETWORK AND SECTIONS .............................................................................................................. 64
4.8 POLICIES .......................................................................................................................................................... 66
4.8.1 municipality-‐Private investors relationship ............................................................................. 66
4.8.2 new regulations ..................................................................................................................................... 67
4.8.3 transportation ........................................................................................................................................ 67
4.9 SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................................ 68
CHAPTER III – ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN .............................................................................. 69
1. SELECTION OF PLOT ................................................................................................................... 69

1.1 TARGET CLIENT .............................................................................................................................................. 69
6

2.2 LOCATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 69
2. SELECTED PLOT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................... 70
2.1 ACTUAL STATE AND GEOMETRY .................................................................................................................. 70
2.2 URBAN REGULATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 71
2.3 PRICE AND ECONOMICAL FEASIBILITY ....................................................................................................... 71
2.4 SWOT ................................................................................................................................................................ 72
2.5 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINT MAP .................................................................................................... 73
3. CONCEPT ..................................................................................................................................... 73
4. FINAL OUTPUT ............................................................................................................................ 74
4.1 BASEMENT ...................................................................................................................................................... 74
4.2 GROUND AND TYPICAL FLOORS ................................................................................................................... 74
4.3 GARDEN ROOF ................................................................................................................................................ 75
4.4 SERVICES ROOF ............................................................................................................................................... 75
4.5 FACADES .......................................................................................................................................................... 75
CHAPTER IV – STRUCTURAL DESIGN ...................................................................................... 76
1. STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS ....................................................................................................... 76

1.1 BUILDING A AND B ................................................................................................................................... 76
1.2 BASEMENT .................................................................................................................................................. 76
1.3 STEEL VERANDA ....................................................................................................................................... 76
2. MATERIALS ............................................................................................................................. 77
2.1 WOOD .............................................................................................................................................................. 77
2.2 STEEL ............................................................................................................................................................... 78
2.3 CONCRETE ....................................................................................................................................................... 78
3. CODES ....................................................................................................................................... 78
4. LOADS ....................................................................................................................................... 78
4.1 GRAVITY LOADS .............................................................................................................................................. 78
4.2 WIND LOADS ................................................................................................................................................... 79
4.3 EARTHQUAKE LOADS ..................................................................................................................................... 79
5. COMBINATION OF LOADS ................................................................................................... 80
5.1 ULTIMATE LIMIT STATE ....................................................................................................................... 80
5.2 SERVICEABILITY LIMIT STATE .......................................................................................................... 80
6. STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS .......................................................................................... 81
6.1 BUILDING A ................................................................................................................................................. 81
6.1.1 BEAMS AND FLOORS .......................................................................................................................... 81
6.1.2 STRUCTURAL WALLS ......................................................................................................................... 82
NEW BEGINNINGS 7

6.1.3 EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE ............................................................................................................ 84
6.2 BUILDING B ................................................................................................................................................. 87
6.2.1 BEAMS AND FLOORS .......................................................................................................................... 87
6.2.2 STRUCTURAL WALLS ......................................................................................................................... 89
6.2.3 EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE ............................................................................................................ 89
6.3 BASEMENT AND STEEL VERANDA ......................................................................................................... 91
CHAPTER V – TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN ................................................................................ 92
1. CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM ............................................................................................................. 92

1.1 MATERIAL ....................................................................................................................................................... 92
1.2 ADVANTAGES ................................................................................................................................................. 93
1.3 PROCESS ........................................................................................................................................................... 94
1.3.1 Preparation of panels .......................................................................................................................... 94
1.3.2 Construction ............................................................................................................................................ 95
1.4 CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 95
2. SUSTAINABLE APPROACH ........................................................................................................... 96
2.1 ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE .......................................................................................................................... 96
2.2 BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN ............................................................................................................................ 97
2.2.1 Natural ventilation ............................................................................................................................... 98
2.2.2 shading ...................................................................................................................................................... 99
2.2.3 Layout ..................................................................................................................................................... 103
2.2.4 reduction of heat island effect ...................................................................................................... 103
2.2.5 air conditioning .................................................................................................................................. 104
2.3 ENERGY MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................................................. 104
2.3.1 reduction of energy consumption .............................................................................................. 104
2.3.2 production of energy ........................................................................................................................ 104
2.3.3 Embodied energy ............................................................................................................................... 104
2.4 WATER MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................... 105
3. ENVELOPE ............................................................................................................................ 105
3.1 EXTERNAL WALLS (EW) ......................................................................................................................... 105
3.1.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 105
3.1.2 u value .................................................................................................................................................... 106
3.1.3 temperature profile .......................................................................................................................... 106
3.1.4 glaser diagram .................................................................................................................................... 107
3.1.5 other options ....................................................................................................................................... 108
3.2 INTERNAL NON STRUCTURAL WALLS (IW) ........................................................................................... 109
8

3.2.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 109
3.3 INTERNAL STRUCTURAL WALLS (ISW) .................................................................................................. 110
3.3.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 110
3.4 INTERMEDIATE FLOORS (IF) .................................................................................................................... 110
3.4.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 110
3.5 GROUND FLOOR (GF) ................................................................................................................................. 110
3.5.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 110
3.5.2 U VALUE .................................................................................................................................................... 111
3.6.3 TEMPERATURE PROFILE ........................................................................................................................ 111
3.6.4 GLASER DIAGRAM .................................................................................................................................... 112
3.6 BASEMENT ROOF (BR) .............................................................................................................................. 113
3.6.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 113
3.7 BASEMENT FLOOR (BF) ............................................................................................................................ 113
3.7.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 113
3.8 GREEN ROOF (GR) ...................................................................................................................................... 113
3.6.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 113
3.6.2 U VALUE .................................................................................................................................................... 114
3.6.3 TEMPERATURE PROFILE ........................................................................................................................ 114
3.6.4 GLASER DIAGRAM .................................................................................................................................... 115
3.4 WINDOWS ................................................................................................................................................. 116
3.4.1 description ............................................................................................................................................ 116
3.4.2 u value .................................................................................................................................................... 116
3.4.3 glass properties .................................................................................................................................. 116
3.5 MEAN RADIANT TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................... 117
4. DAYLIGHTING ..................................................................................................................... 118
4.1 DESIGN .......................................................................................................................................................... 118
4.2 RESULTS .................................................................................................................................................... 118
5. THERMAL SIMULATION ................................................................................................... 121
5.1 PARAMETERS .......................................................................................................................................... 121
5.2 RESULTS .................................................................................................................................................... 123
5.2.1 only natural ventilation .................................................................................................................. 123
5.2.2 Hybrid system with shading. natural ventilation and air conditioning ..................... 125
5.2.3 Hybrid system without shading. natural ventilation and air conditioning .............. 130
5.2.4 Hybrid system with shading. standard local constructions ............................................ 131
5.2.4 Summary AND CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................... 132
6. FIRE RESISTANCE ............................................................................................................... 133
NEW BEGINNINGS 9

6.1 CAUSE OF FIRES IN WOOD BUILDINGS ..................................................................................................... 133
6.2 WOOD BEHAVIOR AGAINST FIRE .............................................................................................................. 134
6.3 PLATFORM FRAME SYSTEM BEHAVIOR AGAINST FIRE ......................................................................... 135
6.3.1 Floors and Roofs ................................................................................................................................. 135
6.3.2 Walls ........................................................................................................................................................ 135
6.3.3 Services and connections ............................................................................................................... 136
6.3.4 Layout ..................................................................................................................................................... 136
6.4 SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................... 136
7. CONTROL OF SOUND ......................................................................................................... 137
7.1 DESIGN .......................................................................................................................................................... 137
7.2 AIR AND IMPACT SOUND TRANSMISSION COEFFICIENTS ..................................................................... 137
7.3 REVERBARATION TIMES ............................................................................................................................ 138
8. DURABILITIY ............................................................................................................................ 139
CHAPTER VI – BUILDING SERVICES ...................................................................................... 141
1. HOT AND COLD SERVICE WATER .................................................................................. 141

1.1 COLD WATER TANK DIMENSIONING ........................................................................................... 142
1.2 HOT WATER TANK DIMENSIONING .......................................................................................................... 142
1.3 PIPE DIMENSIONING ................................................................................................................................... 142
2. SEWAGE WATER ....................................................................................................................... 142
3. RAINWATER ............................................................................................................................. 143
4. SOLAR COLLECTORS ................................................................................................................. 143
5. AIR CONDITIONING .................................................................................................................. 144
6. LIGHTING ................................................................................................................................. 146
CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................................. 147
BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES ............................................................................................... 148
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LIST OF PLANS

Architecture
Technological
A-‐01 Location map
T-‐01 Typical Plan
A-‐02 Basement
T-‐02 Section a
A-‐03 Ground Floor
T-‐03 Details 1
A-‐04 1s and 2nd Floor
T-‐04 Details 2
A-‐05 Green Roof
T-‐05 Details 3
A-‐06 Solar Roof
T-‐06 Details 4
A-‐07 South Elevations

A-‐08 North, East and West Elevations
Services
A-‐09 Internal Elevations
I-‐01 Cold/Domestic Hot Water Basement
A-‐10 Sections
I-‐02 C/DHW Ground Floor
A-‐11 Renders
I-‐03 C/DHW Green Roof

I-‐04 C/DHW Solar Roof
Structural
I-‐05 C/DHW Building A
S-‐01 Foundations
I-‐06 C/DHW Building B
S-‐02 Basement
I-‐07 Sewage Basement
S-‐03 Typical Floor
I-‐08 SW Ground Floor
S-‐04 Green Roof
SW 1s and 2nd Floor
S-‐05 Solar Roof
I-‐09 SW Green Roof
S-‐06 Construction Elevations
I-‐10 SW Building A
S-‐07 Plywood Configuration
I-‐11 S Building B
S-‐08 Structural walls
I-‐12 Roof Rain water
S-‐09 Structural details 1
I-‐12 A/C
S-‐10 Structural details 2

S-‐11 Structural details

INTRODUCTION/AIM
The present thesis seeks to design a residential building that adjusts perfectly to
the actual situation of the city of Maracaibo, in terms of urban scale, architecture,
energy efficiency, use of materials and economically. Nowadays in Venezuela,
there is a lack of proper regulations treating the typology, architectural features
and energy efficiency of buildings. Furthermore, the existent economical
situation, with high prices and scarce materials, applies an additional constraint
to the project when choosing materials and systems. The thesis, as a secondary
objective, will try to educate the population when buying an apartment or house,
analyzing characteristics of it, that actually aren’t taken care of in Maracaibo, as
its energy efficiency, sustainability, hygroscopic behavior, acoustics and lighting
requirements.
The thesis will start doing a thorough background study in the history and
development of the urbanism and architecture of the city, as well as the actual
situation, urban regulations and climate. Then in the beginning of the Urban
Chapter, using the information researched in the first chapter, an ideal district
and sector to build the residential zone will be chosen, which will be studied and
analyzed in several aspects. After this, a conceptual master plan will be produced
for the sector chosen for the project. Following the urban design, the architecture
chapter will be concerned to choose a specific plot, which will also be studied to
then produce the residential building with its architectural, structural,
mechanical and technological plans.
2

CHAPTER I -‐ BACKGROUND STUDIES
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Maracaibo is a city and municipality

located at the north west of
Venezuela, in the north of South
America, 10 degrees latitude over the
equator. Is the second largest city of
the country after Caracas (its capital)
and has over three million inhabitants
covering more than 550 km2 in its
metropolitan area. It has a population
density of approximately 3950
inhab/km2 (2,63 inhab/ha) but not
uniformly distributed, has an
extension of 50 km North-‐South and
20 km West-‐East. The city dominates
Figure I.1
the entrance to The Maracaibo Lake,
the biggest lake in Latin America with an area of 13820 km2, where 70% of the
petroleum extracted in Venezuela is done, making Maracaibo one of the most
important economical centers of the country.
Maracaibo is one of the hottest cities of
Venezuela. The city is located at the
denominated Maracaibo plain. It has low
fertility, typical of a dry-‐tropical forest. It
presents a great number of rivers, sewers
and gorges. The city hosts the most
important universities of the occidental
region, receiving thousands of students each Figure I.2
year.
NEW BEGINNINGS 3

2. URBAN AND ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY
The privileged location of the city converted it to an important port for cultivated
products between Europe (specially Spain), North America, Venezuela and
Colombia. In this moment the city grows towards the lake with typical regular
grids and an empty square hosting
the most important buildings, like
the a typical Spanish configuration
“Ley de indias” (Figure I.3 and I.4).
In the beginning of the XX century,

petroleum was found in the lake,
transforming the city from a port
to a transaction center of oil
exploitation, bringing an
incredible economical growth
attracting people from Europe and
other parts of the country. Then an
emerging population settlement
appeared, separated from the Figure I.3
traditional city geographically and for its urban texture (Figure I.5), especially
because the historical area was already compacted. This new settlements started
disintegrating the city, concentrating oil executive houses and the commercial
elite of Maracaibo along with
complementary activities such as
clubs, schools among others,
constituting a different urban
space, with fenced zones, isolated
buildings and wide avenues that
connected this areas with the
traditional city where the rest of
the activities were. These
Figure I.4
connections between the
4

settlements and the historical area are nowadays principal motorways of the city
(Bella Vista Avenue and Delicias Avenue).
In order to properly interpret the existence of this new nucleus, it is necessary to
analyze the application of municipal ordinances at the beginning of XX century
whose result by 1926 was the territory division of Maracaibo into three zones:
the urban zone, built in such a dense manner, whose boundaries coincided with
Figure I.1
the nineteenth city, the enlargement zone which embraced the terrains
belonging to the city, and the rural zone; the enlargement zone distinguished
itself as a peripheral residential suburb while the traditional urban zone still
maintained the control of the administrative dynamics of the city.
The creation of another settlement out of the historical nucleus was located in
the enlargement zone. Conceived as “a shift outward” from the consolidated
territory of the colonial sketch and as a result of a synergic process of
accumulation of ordinances decisions of the municipal government, as well as
lodging needs of oil enterprises staff.
During 1927, other ordinances emphasized the differentiation between the new
settlements and the historical nucleus, determining the type of construction,
isolated buildings with retirements on the four facades and continuously aligned
NEW BEGINNINGS 5

buildings with the street, respectively (Figure I.6). The petroleum colonies also
differentiated because it had: self-‐ capacity and independency with adequate
equipment and services; in tune with inhabitants’ hierarchy; located in the urban
territory as separated enclaves through a metallic fence that restricted the access
to local inhabitants. It had a foreign architectonic language, unknown for the
people of Maracaibo. The result of this process was the disintegration of the
traditional urban tissue creating a new place with different spatial organization
and urban texture. The architecture of the traditional contrasted greatly with the
new nucleus, where nineteenth big houses and Californian or neocolonial villas
were built.. This represented the population abandonment of the historical
precinct in order to occupy the new settlement territory.
During almost twenty years, the population speedily grew and was located in the
Figure I.2
empty spaces that separated both settlements, originating also the opening of
these settlements and requirements of new housing (Figure I.7) According to
population data, Maracaibo in 1950 had 235.760 inhabitants, and in 1961 almost
doubled, to 421.872 inhabitants, were half of it where outside the historical city.
6

Between 1950 and 1960, the national government built the
lake bridge -‐ to join the city with the eastern coast where
the petroleum exploitation camps were located -‐, the
municipality executed a route system whose master axes, at
a highway level, transformed the lineal morphology that
had characterized Maracaibo. Such morphology was
expressed by a northern-‐southern prevailing development,
as well as a concentric ratio city designed starting from a
virtual nucleus: the historical precinct.
The new architectonical types of modernity such as: great

scale hospitals, shopping centers and multifamily buildings
among others, were implanted in the new nucleus pushing
Maracaibo to modern architecture. New tall buildings (10 Figure I.3
floors) and residential blocks were constructed where isolated houses used to
be, accompanied by informal constructions of high level of poverty in the
peripheral area. All these new functions (hospitals, supermarkets, department
stores, etc.) developed the new vocabulary, big glassed surfaces, geometrical
compositions, simple volumes, plane roofs, overhangs and framed concrete
structures, that defines an architecture that separates from decoration.
In the 60s, the city expands and consolidates, especially horizontally, thanks to
the regulation plan established in the 1953. Constructed route systems that were
supposed to behave as constraint rings to limit urban expansion to the sides, did
the opposite, and encouraged the growth to the south and west. Routes, zoning
and the implementation of different construction densities established by the
plans of the municipality, tried to restore the image of an integrated city, based
on functional coherence that recognized an integrating and relational netting of
both nucleus: the modern city and historical city. This couldn’t be accomplished
due to the quick growth of the economy of the nation, which caused the city to
expand, making the municipality policies obsolete. In 1965, Venezuela had more
than 70% of its population concentrating in the urban zones. In the main axes,
the existing residential buildings were substituted with commercial buildings. In
this era we have the development of an anonymous commercialized architecture,
NEW BEGINNINGS 7

where the promoters want to
earn more investing less. The
local government developed an
urban plan for the historical
nucleus, constructing rapid
transit avenues that
surrounded and limited the
area, destroying some parts to
improve the northern-‐southern
vehicle connection, cutting the
historical relation of the city
with port and its lake. (Figure
I.8)
From the beginning of the

1970s, we see the
transformation from a
horizontal to a vertical city.
Figure I.4
More than 70% of the
investment is done in tall buildings, with one or two apartments by floor, as a
result of the current policies that encourages densification and construction of
this typology. Defined by a homogeneous style, dominated with the white color,
balconies and simple volumes. The city consolidates in the west and south, but
keeps growing to the north. There are specific zones that are valued more than
others by real state companies, mainly because of its location and services,
creating an unbalanced investment in the city clearly seen comparing with the
poorer areas (Figure I.9).
In the decade of the 80s, the city continues to grow in the north direction with
the construction of new residential and commercial developments, it also
increased in the quantity of informal and uncontrolled settlements, in the
interstitial spaces and in the borders, resulting in an urban tissue characterized
by superposition of the formal and informal city. These interstitial spaces are
product of the creation of new poles, especially in the north part of the city, and
8

the roads to connect them to the
central areas, leaving void
spaces between them.
Tall buildings still

predominated, now with more
complex volumes with
extrusions and intrusions, that
broke geometrical purity of
them, finished with red clay
tablets that will characterized all
the tall buildings. The city
changes from being white to red.
A new typology of residential

development starts to appear,
Figure I.5
the gated communities, mainly
in the north side where more area was available, but then imitated in other areas
of the city.
From 1990 we see the north part of the city consolidated, filled with new big
commercial developments and gated communities. These were groups of 10 to
90 houses (one or two stories), isolated or paired, surrounded by green and
sport areas and a perimeter walls, which offered security and privacy. Tall
buildings are still dominant, now getting to 20 floors, for a medium-‐high class,
searching always a better view to the lake, and mainly with clay tablets (red or
beige) or projected granite. The regional government begins to rehabilitate the
historical center, create new parks and public spaces around the city.
Due to the exploitation of petroleum, a low cost energy policy was implemented,
to compensate socioeconomically the population and incentive industrial
development. Great investment in the production of electricity with hydropower
during the 60s, a cheap and renewable resource, created a culture of energy
unconsciousness.
NEW BEGINNINGS 9

3. ACTUAL SITUATION
3.1 URBAN SITUATION
The city is divided in 18

“parroquias” (districts), each of
them subdivided in sectors,
having different densities and
characteristics. (Figures I.10
and I.11)
Nowadays in the policies of the

municipality, there is no more
anticipation but only expansion
attendance.
The uncontrolled growth of the

city has characterized it in a
dual way, where its internal
structure, is composed by two
Figure I.6-‐ “Parroquias of M aracaibo”
parallel cities, the legal and
controlled one confronted and
superposed to the illegal and
uncontrolled. We have a
fragmented territory were we
have the dominance of urban
voids and unoccupied terrains,
with tendency to grow to the
external belt where the
services are still absent, but
creating new centers. So we
have a polycentric city with
overlapping areas between city
and rural.
Figure I.11-‐ Distribuition of densities in the city
10

According to the municipality1 we can divide Maracaibo in two areas:
• Consolidated area: with

services and infrastructure,
product of 50 years of
development. This area is
almost free of informal
constructions, are compacting
and at the same time
expanding.
• Non-‐consolidated area or
periphery: with informal
constructions, no
organizations and no proper
services, with an accelerated
growth due to the low price of Figure I.12
land and bad economical situation of the country.
Actually, there is a negative growth curve and 60% of the constructed areas are
informal buildings, especially in the perimeters of the city (non consolidated
area). Also, there is a 40% deficit, which means 78000 residential units.
Maracaibo is growing to the west mainly and in a less accelerated way than
before, we can distinguish certain elements that defines it; depletion, in some
zones of available land to urbanize (formal e informal); processes of population
redistribution and spatial re-‐composition; slow growth of certain zones of the
city like the consolidated area, opposed to rapid growth in the periphery of this
areas, that need to be controlled.
According to Quijano-‐Rodriguez2, starting from the concept of “urban plans

demarcation” between the formal and informal, Maracaibo city territory can be
planned, dividing the urban part into three strips (Figure I.10), according to type

1 Reference 1
2 Reference 2
3 Reference 7
4 Reference 9 NEW BEGINNINGS 11
5 Reference 9
of soil occupation and implementing for each strip different actions of planning,
depending on the evaluation of the present situation:
• The consolidated strip of the regulated city, conformed by the territory

developed during the early decades of XX century until 1990 decade,
whose most characteristic exponent is residential zones of “walled villas”
which induce to new processes of urban disintegration, by multiplication
these typical enclaves of the XXI century, the same way petroleum
colonies did in the origins of modern city. In both cases, city
fragmentation was created along with settlements reproduction “that live
behind locked doors” trying to be different because of social and/or
professional status, or for personal and family security necessity.
• The strip of deregulated urban expansion, in a continuum process of
occupation that combines -‐ more or less chaotic-‐ irregular zones of
population invasion with dispersed residential developments, relatively
controlled, in a sort of local habitats mix differentiated by socioeconomic
levels. This strip suffers different types of interventions from public and
private organisms, sometimes motivated by common interests or by
conflicts.
• The urban rural-‐urban transition strip that put together irregular
occupation areas along with protected zones because of environmental
and security reasons (sometimes constructed over). This is the case of the
Protected Zone of Maracaibo, legally configured in order to contain the
urban field growing.
3.2 ARCHITECTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION SITUATION
3.2.1 ARCHITECTURE
There is a rupture of the relation between the city and the lake, and architecture
is not anymore adapted to the weather or related to the history. We see
throughout the city the trail of the different architectural styles, mixed with a
high level of improvisation. The superposition of the informal and formal, legal
12

and illegal city, can also be seen on the architecture level, where luxurious
houses are next to informal illegal houses.
3.2.2 RESIDENTIAL HOUSING TYPOLOGIES
• Isolated Single-‐family housing
They respond to the minimum density possible and they have mixed
architectural features that depend on the owner, usually done without an
architectural project, much less adapting to the context, resulting in unorganized
heterogeneous streets with no urban sense.
Is the less safe typology, because the access is directly from the exterior to the
interior of the house, and usually is too expensive to hire night guards.
Usually is the most expensive typology because all the costs are covered by the
user, including the plot, construction and maintenance.
Among the advantages we have the adaptability to the needs and taste of each
user, and the possible utilization of any construction material.
They are really common in all social and economical classes, but especially in low
classes.
• Single-‐family, double-‐family, paired or continue housing
These are similar to the typology explained before but responding to a slightly
higher density. They have the same advantage of adaptability to the user, but
they are safer, thanks to the participation as a neighborhood that seeks for the
security of everybody. The costs are partially shared, especially night guards and
some maintenance costs. Usually they share the same urban and architectural
characteristics.
They are the most used by low and medium-‐low classes. There are examples
where higher classes use this typology after closing the whole street with a gate,
creating improvised gated communities.
NEW BEGINNINGS 13

• Gated communities
These are group of houses (between 5 and 100) with similar architectural
characteristics surrounded by walls and with a controlled access to it through a
gate, resulting in one of the safest typologies. Inside they share common facilities
like small parks, sport courts and areas for events, offering safe spaces that are
always used by all the users of the community together. The costs of
maintenance for the common areas and security are shared.
They respond to a lower density than the previous ones due to the ratio between
living and common areas. Several authors affirm that they are defragmenting the
city and creating walled communities where people can hide, breaking the
relationship with the city. Mostly medium, medium-‐high and high classes use
them.
• Multifamily medium buildings
Going up results in higher density than the previous typologies. These are
apartments distributed in usually three to five floors and with less common
areas than gated communities. They are usually safe, controlling the access and
with night guards. All the apartments of the building share the maintenance and
security costs. They do not affect the skyline of the city, they can present some
constraints regarding the materials to use and they are allowed in almost all the
city. They are easily adapted to different densities and contexts. Mostly medium,
medium-‐high and high classes use them.
• Multifamily tall buildings
They share most of the advantages of the previous one. They have the highest
density and can have six to twenty floors. They affect the skyline of the city and
can be done only with reinforced concrete structure. Actually, no solar
availability or shadows studies are done when constructing, and they affect
greatly the urban context of the place where is built.
They are the most expensive ones due to the materials used and the offered
view, because of this, are used mostly by medium-‐high or high classes.
14

Frequency of typologies in Maracaibo (according to municipality)
Type Quantity (units)

Small Houses 185082
Apartments in tall-‐medium 47587
buildings
Big Houses 29820
Informal Houses 27310
Apartments in small buildings 3067
Paired or continued housing 790
Others 939
294595
Housing typologies in Maracaibo

(2001)
0% Small Houses
1% 1%
9% Apartments in tall-‐medium

10% buildings
Big Houses
16%
63%
Informal Houses
Apartments in small

buildings
Paired or continued housing
Table I.2
3.2.3 MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS
Actually, the main used construction system is a concrete frame with plastered
clay block or concrete block walls. In the last 10 years steel frame structures
have become popular but still overruled by concrete, mainly due to the existent
NEW BEGINNINGS 15

construction culture and lack of trained workers and welders in the city.
Alternative construction systems based on expanded polystyrene are beginning
to increase its popularity among higher-‐class housing.
Despite having a constant and large wood production in the country, is mainly
used in construction for decorative roofs, castings, scaffoldings and minor
entertainment structures. Mostly because culturally its associated to termite
problems and there is a lack of knowledge of modern wood structural systems.
Nowadays, due to economical and political factors, most traditional construction

materials like cement, steel bars and steel profiles can’t be found on the local
market, complicating the construction and increasing costs in the country. Labor
is not prepared well and is becoming more and more expensive, mainly due to
the creation of new labor unions. The country has one of the lowest gas fares in
the world, making transportation really cheap.
Due to the difficulty of having a secure supply of materials for construction, the
actual promoters and construction companies are obliged to increase the price of
the market, to take into account the risks and possible costs that can rise during
the project
3.2.4 SERVICES
Nowadays in the city there’s more demand than supply of potable water,
resulting in unexpected constant interruptions of the service. For this reason,
almost every residential unit has a water tank and a pump, even apartments, to
store water and use it when needed. Also, this lack of water creates problems
when gardening green areas. In some periods the interruption of the service is so
extended, that users need to pay water supply trucks to deliver water.
Another service that is crucial nowadays is the air conditioner, which due to the
weather and lack of appropriate construction systems has become a great initial,
service and maintenance expense.
16

3.2.5 LABOR
In Venezuela, the labor is unqualified and usually analphabet, resulting in the

need of a great quantity of them to accomplish any job. They need constant
supervision and are used to build without using technical drawings, resulting
almost always in mistakes during the construction phase. Furthermore, due to
recent unions, labor its becoming more expensive every day. New fines and
privileges have to be given to each person for each day of the construction on
site.
Other than this, due to numerous labors and their ignorance inside the
construction site, often accidents occur resulting in great problems not only
morally, but also legally.
3.3 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The public transportation is based on different means:
• Buses: with several routes around the city, they are inefficient and
insufficient for the demand, they don’t respect traffic regulations and
stops, but they are really economical;
• “Carritos por puesto” (car by stops): they are private old cars that
circulated in specific routes, they charge two fairs (long and short), they
stop in any place in the route and they are the cause of most traffic
accidents in the city;
• lastly, there are several taxi companies that complements transportation,
which are more expensive.
• Actually, a superficial metro project is being developed (rapid transit),
projected to cover transportation deficiency in the future, but until now,
only a small route has been done.
NEW BEGINNINGS 17

According to Garcia Karin3, there is a deficiency on public policies, planned
routes, street infrastructure, vehicles conditions, satisfaction of customers and
workers. Recommending to the municipality to review the existing policies and
adapt new ones.
The hot humid climate, growth of the insecurity and the insufficient public
transportation gives as a result a city dominated by private cars.
3.4 PUBLIC SPACES
The city lacks of public spaces and parks. It has squares around the city that are
unmaintained, unsafe and not very used. There are also dispersed throughout
the city a lot of sport facilities, which are the most used public spaces in the city.
It is worth to mention that it also has a big important park called “Vereda del
Lago”, which is used everyday by thousands of people from every social class.
The park has pathways; different courts and sport facilities, used by people from
different classes, surrounded by the lake, an excellent natural context. The
problem is that is insufficient for the volume of people that enjoys the park
everyday.
Nowadays, the municipality is increasing the security, refurbishing several

squares and public spaces, as an attempt to give back the city to the people.
3.5 ENERGY
The Venezuelan energy sector has been developed basically thanks to the oil as
an exportation product. Beginning the 40s starts the exploitation of this
resource, which generated an economy based in the intensive use of energy. This
permitted a low energy cost policy as a social-‐economical compensation for the
population and industrial development. In the 60s, a lot of investment starts for
creating a great capacity for hydroelectric energy production.

3 Reference 7
18

The idea of infinite
energetic resources created
high consumption patterns
in the country without
considering the importance
of a policy for efficient use
of it. This is evident when
you compare the average
electric energy
Figure I.13-‐ Distribution of energy consumption in the
consumption per capita of different socio-‐economical sectors (%)
Venezuela with other
countries. Different studies shows that a Venezuela citizen uses annually two and
4 times more than a Colombian and Brazilian citizen respectively. Occupying the
sixth position in energy consumption in the world. As seen in Figure I.13, the
residential sector spends 35% of the total energy use, followed by the industrial
and commercial sectors. 4
Maracaibo, in the Zulia state,

has an average consumption
in the residential sector of
almost 900 kWh each month,
being the highest per capita
in Latin America. (Figure
I.14)5
According o studies done by

the electric company, this is
mainly due to four factors:
consumption habits of the Figure I.14-‐ Annual energy consumption per capita
population, systems (kWh)
inefficiency, the local climate conditions and lack of relation of architecture with
the weather. Almost 76% of the energy spent in the residential sector is by air

4 Reference 9
5 Reference 9
NEW BEGINNINGS 19

conditioners and 45% of residents have at least one air conditioner. The use of
foreign tendencies in architecture of new buildings has forgotten completely the
effect of local conditions.
In the last 20 years, there has been a violent expansion in Maracaibo, increasing
its population in 220,6% and energy consumption in 234%. During this period,
regulations didn’t control design parameters to take advantage of the wind, use
of green areas or any protection against solar radiation. The most popular
construction systems used don’t adapt to the weather either.
During the last part of the decade, from being a exporter of energy to other
countries, Venezuela has encountered an energy crisis, were weekly
programmed interruptions of supply of energy affect the whole country daily.
Also, different fines are being applied to customers that spend more than a
certain limit established with the average consumption of the city, having to pay
fines as high as 200% the electric bill. Nowadays, a non-‐mandatory thermal
regulation with incentives is being established in the city followed only by
limited designers and constructers. Great unhappiness exists among the citizens
due to before mention fines and energy supply interruptions.
3.6 GUIDELINES AND RECCOMENDATIONS
According to the municipality6, the consolidated strip should be compacted

before continue building in the peripheral area, and the characteristics of certain
areas in the first strip that actually are working perfectly and expanding, should
be imitated, where people feel safe and enjoy all the services they need.
According to Quijano-‐Rodriguez7, each strip could be intervened, from a socio-‐

environmental point of view, depending on the supporting capacity of the
territory. The consolidated strip with a high occupation level, as well as high soil
values, but of low density – except some specific zones of building concentration
in heights – only permits, at this moment, a proper planning of this century:

6 Reference 1
7Reference 2
20

strategic projects plans, isolated and with a “low resolution”, in terms of the
urban total.
The deregulated strip will immediately and in short terms, require programs to
endow basic infrastructures of aqueduct and sewage systems. The transition
strip can be conceived as a vast extension, even without urban qualities that
have broken the exact limits established by illegal occupancies of territory
The integration of these three strips can be the result of an urban politics that
until now, Maracaibo planners have not tried out and have ignored in decades.
This is the configuration of public space, understood as a total public space and
as a compliment of the urban route net that distributes mobility of the whole
population: from your house, passing through secondary ways that ends in great
avenues until joining the master net of main street and avenues.
This politics of integration would create such an environment to cover different
demands of all population groups of the city, designed for better flowing of the
tours made by the inhabitants; organizing the elements at service to the citizen
to minimize the effects of insecurity, the lack of information which blocks the
orientation in the urban territory; tiredness of waiting for transportation along
with high temperatures exposure. This public space differs in opposition from
those “confined public spaces” that represent a square, a park which configure
with distinct elements to enjoy other activities, such as recreation, games and
promenades among others.
4. URBAN REGULATIONS
As explained, Maracaibo can be divided into three strips, consolidated, transition
and rural. The zoning regulations are made only in the consolidated area
(urbanized) and transition area (in development).
The urban areas (consolidated strip) of the municipality of Maracaibo are

divided in different polygons: residential, central area, coastal, commercial,
industrial and urban facilities (educational, governmental, social-‐cultural, port).
NEW BEGINNINGS 21

Setbacks
22
on certain variables like: their use, area or percentage of construction respect to
The different urban residential and commercial polygons are defined depending
green areas, setbacks, environmental conditions, density, accessibility and

volume or height restrictions. The residential areas will be explained with more
PR1 or PR2 4/3/3

(F/S/B)
10 mts
Max height PR1 or PR2
(3 levels)
Max density PR1 or PR2 250 hab/ha
Green areas `PR1 or PR2 10%
Construction
PR1 or PR2 45%
area
Commercial
PR1 or PR2 CV, CR and CL
use
Isolated, paired or continue single-‐ Multifamily 3
4.1 RESIDENTIAL POLYGONS
Uses PR1 or PR2

family or double-‐family houses level housing
Plots, urbanizations and
Description Physical-‐spatial hardness
gated communities
Polygon Planned residential areas Single-‐family residential area
details.
Code
PRP
PR1

>10 levels
4/3/3 <10 levels 4/3/3
NEW BEGINNINGS 23
6/3/3
<1200 m2 1200-‐10000 >10000 m2 <1200m2 32m >1200m2
12m (4levels) 26m (8levels) 32m (10levels) (10levels) 47m (15levels)
<1200 m2 <10000 m2
>10000 m2 480hab/ha 580 hab/ha
380hab/ha 430hab/ha
<10000 10% >10000 15% <10000 10% >10000 15%
>4levels
<1200m2 45% >1200m2 30% <4levels 45%
30%
CV, CC and CL CV, CC and CL
Isolated, paired or continue single-‐ Isolated, paired or continue single-‐
Multifamily housing
family or double-‐family housing. family or double-‐family housing.
Change from single or double family
housing to multifamily housing

Moderate intensity use residential
Low intensity use residential area
area
PR2
PR3

>10
>10 levels
24
<10 levels 4/3/3 <10 levels 4/3/3 levels
6/3/3
6/3/3
>1200m2
<1200m2 47m
62m 62m (20levels)
(15levels)
(20levels)
680 hab/ha 7680 hab/ha
>10000
<10000 10% >10000 15% <10000 10%
15%
>4level
>4levels
<4levels 45% <4levels 45% s
30%
30%
CV, CC, CR and CL CV, CC, CR and CL
Isolated, paired or
continue single-‐ Multifamily Isolated, paired or continue single-‐
Multifamily housing
family or double-‐ housing Change or from
family single or hdouble
double-‐family ousing. family
Change from
family single or double family housing
housing. to multifamily housing,
housing to multifamily housing inserted in influence areas over main
axis
High intensity use residential area High intensity use residential area
PR4
PR5

4.2 OTHER POLYGONS
• Central Area polygon (PAC)
Constitutes the urban center with metropolitan characteristics, where most of the
historical buildings are located, having specific regulations for each plot. This
polygon is divided in different sub polygons:
• Historic polygon (PH):
Where most buildings with cultural value are located, where conservation,
restoration and consolidation actions are promoted. There are six sub-‐polygons,
from PH1 to PH6, where different densities, commercial activities and geometrical
constraints are applied depending on the location.
• Urban renovation polygon (PRU):
In these areas actions will be subjected to the conditions of the existent buildings
and oriented to the construction of new which will have mix uses, adapting to the
formal conception and special context of the existent urban tissue. There are three
sub-‐polygons, from PRU1 to PRU3, where different densities, commercial activities
and geometrical constraints are applied depending on the location.
• Historical-‐residential polygon (PRH):
It is a transition area with residential use composed with sectors with different
historic tissue. Conservation and modification are promoted, depending on the
grade of intervention on each urban component like quality of construction, façade
and structure of the plot. There are three sub-‐polygons, from PRH1 to PRH3.
Depending on the location of them, certain residential and commercial typologies
are allowed, with specific geometrical and architectural characteristics that are
related with the historical tissue of the area. Densities are gradually changed
throughout these polygons.
NEW BEGINNINGS 25

• Coastal polygon (PC):
Corresponds to the coastal area of the municipality, where special regulations are
applied on residential and commercial uses, depending on the specific plot of the
coast.
• Commercial polygons (C):
It is dispersed throughout the city, in superposition with other polygons. Each of

them have different architectural and geometrical constraints. It is classified in:
• Local Commerce (CL):
Commercial activities that satisfies the most immediate needs of the residents of a
sector in a local scale, that can be reached by foot and only detailed sales.
• Special neighborhood commerce (CVE):
Commercial activities that satisfy normal and complementary needs of the

residents of a sector in a local scale that can be reached by foot or car and only
detailed sales.
• Neighborhood commerce (CV):
Commercial activities that gives a service or sells consumption goods that satisfies
normal and complementary needs of the residents of a sector in a local scale that
can be reached by foot or car and only detailed sales.
• Communal commerce (CC):
Commercial activities in a city scale, that gives a services, sells consumption goods
in low or high quantities, satisfying eventual and complementary needs of
residents, which can be reached by foot or car.
• Recreational commerce (CR):
Commercial activities that gives personal or massive services, or sale of

consumption goods, oriented to recreational and passive activities, in closed or
open spaces.
26

• Industrial Polygons (PZI)
Corresponds to all the industrial areas mainly located in the south of the
municipality. It includes industrial services, concrete companies, activities that
may be hazardous for residents and offices that offer services and goods for
industries.
• Urban Facilities (PA, PE, PAG, PLUZ, PSC, PRD and PP):
LUZ polygon (PLUZ): all the plots owned and developed by the University of Zulia
(LUZ)
Assistance polygon (PA): areas assigned to offer medical and rehabilitation

assistances
Educational polygon (PE): areas assigned to offer education in any level and to
assist education in any way
Governmental-‐Administrative polygon (PAG): areas assigned for governmental,

administrative activities and public services.
Recreation-‐sport polygon (PRD): green open areas for recreation and sports,
includes parks, squares, gardens, zoo, among others.
Port polygon (PP): areas assigned for activities related to the port.
Sociocultural polygon (PSC): areas assigned for social and cultural activities and
events, like theatres, churches, libraries, museums, among others.
• Non-‐urbanized polygons
Suburb Consolidation polygon (PCB): areas developed spontaneously without a

defined urban structure, with different sized plots, mostly single-‐family bad quality
houses that lack of infrastructure of basic services.
New residential developments (NDR): those empty lots located inside the urban
polygonal of Maracaibo, where immediate growth and future residential
development will happen.
NEW BEGINNINGS 27

4.3 DISTRIBUTION OF POLYGONS
We can identify, as explained

before, different zones in the city
that are characterized by their
specific urban behavior.
The residential zones are

distributed mostly in the
consolidated strip (east of the city)
and part in the transition strip.
(Figure I.15)
We can observe the density

distribution in the city, going from
the lightest color (PRP) to the
darkest (PR5), having the highest
Figure I.15-‐ Residential polygons
density in the west of the city,
around the main axes (Bella Vista Avenue, 5 de Julio Avenue, Delicias Avenue, El
Milagro Avenue), then gradually decreasing its
concentration away from this area to the West of
the city, where the transition strip begins. This
density is expressed by tall and medium
buildings, as well as concentrated commercial
activities. The gradual change its expressed by
the change of this typology of building, to lower
buildings, then double family and single family
housing.
Figure I.16
28

The concentration in this area is mainly because it
has the best infrastructure for basic services
(electricity, water, streets) and because is the
safest. The municipality, as we can clearly see in
the regulated polygons, wants to finish
consolidating this area and making it grow in a
radial way, expanding to the north, south and west,
with the same characteristics.
The central area (Figure I.16), where all the

Figure I.16
cultural and historical value of the city exists, is
located in the place where the city originated near Figure I.17
the lake, having residential and commercial uses
also, but with more strict regulations. In the past
years this zone has been neglected and it lost its
place as entertainment and cultural center, serving
nowadays only for governmental and commercial
purposes.
The coastal area (Figure I.17) has special

regulations in matters of residences and
commercial activities, with a special care on Figure I.18
conservation areas and the port. The industrial

zone is located almost all in the south of the city,
where different industrial activities and services
are placed. The urban facilities are dispersed
around the city trying to fulfill its functions
uniformly.
The commercial areas (Figure I.18) are distributed

intermittently throughout the city, but having also
Figure I.19
NEW BEGINNINGS 29

higher concentration in the central-‐western area, in superposition with
residential, coastal, industrial and urban facilities areas.
The non-‐consolidated strip, or transition strip, can be divided in two areas, the
suburbs consolidation polygon and the new residential developments (Figure
I.19). They lack of proper services and planning and it’s filled with informal
housing.
5. CLIMATE
The city of Maracaibo is located on the Zulia state, at 10° north latitude and 5 m
altitude, in the limits between the equatorial zone and the tropical zone, next to
two large masses of water, The Maracaibo Lake and the Venezuela Gulf, that
connects it to the Caribbean sea. Due to its geographical position, it’s
characterized by high insolation and almost same duration of day and night. Its
location near the Caribbean sea and the influence of the masses of humid air
from the Northeast Elysean winds, generate a high level of humidity, classifying
the city as a hot humid climate.
5.1 AIR TEMPERATURE AND REALITIVE HUMIDITY
ElThe
Gráficotemperature
4 muestra losand humidity
valores levels are nima
de tempera- very promedio
high. During
es de the day Lathe
26,9°C. temperatura
temperature
tura media varies from
horaria mensual 25,3°C tpor
registradas o 34,9°C
la es- and
mediathe relative
es de h umidity
29,6°C y la from 50% tes
amplitud o de 5,9°C. serv
tación meteorológica instalada en el IFA (año Igualmente se observa en el gráfico, que en el
11
65%, constant throughout the year. During the night the temperature oscillates que
1997). Se observa que la temperatura máxima periodo diurno la temperatura varía de 25,3 a
from 23,6°C and 28,3°C and the relative humidity from 75% to 92%. (Figure I.20
promedio anual es de 32,9°C, la temperatura mí- 34,9°C. Ello demuestra que en el área urbana exis- 2.1
and te un incremento de 2°C. I.21) DE
°C
35
ENE
FEB
MAR
32
ABR
es d
MAY Cau
JUN
de l
29
JUL
AGO
SEP
del
26
OCT cua
NOV
23
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
DIC mos
7m
HORAS
GRAF. 4 Temperatura media horaria mensual. IFA
no s
Figure I.20-‐ Annual average temperatures de v
en l
%
100
30 velo
ENE
FEB
90
MAR
ABR
80
MAY
med
JUN
de la ve
29
JUL
AGO
SEP
del año
26
OCT cuatro p
NOV
23
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
DIC mos en S
7 muest
The average maximum annual temperature
HORAS is 32,9°C and the minimum 26,9°C.
GRAF. 4 Temperatura media horaria mensual. IFA
no son lo
The average temperature is 29,6°C with a maximum daily amplitude of 5,9°C.8 de vient
en los m
%
100 velocida
ENE
FEB
90
MAR
ABR
La e
80
MAY
medio m
JUN
70
JUL 2,3 m/s,
m/s.
AGO
60
SEP
OCT
50
NOV
DIC
Seg
40
1 3 5 7 9 11 11 15 17 19 21 23 mayor p
HORAS
valecien
GRAF. 5 Humedad Relativa. Estación IFA
Figure I.21-‐ Annual average relative humidity

12. DE OTEIZA, P. Base de datos: la velocidad del viento en Maracaibo. LUZ. ISA. 1983
5.2 WIND VELOCITY AND DIRECTION
The annual average wind velocity is 3,66 m/s in rural areas and 1,5 m/s in urban
areas. The maximum values registered were on the first four months of the year
and the minimum values on September, October and November, exactly contrary
to maximum and minimum temperature values. (Figure I.22)
m/s importancia
6,00
similar a la
5,00 tas dos orie
4,00 valecer la d
dos horarios
3,00
tos de baja
2,00 rante las pri
1,00 los vientos d
nar la direc
0,00
ENE FEB MAR ABR MAY JUN JUL AGO SEP OCT NOV DIC
primeras h
HORAS 8,9,10,11 y 1
Figure I.22-‐Wind velocities VELOCIDAD DEL VIENTO ción del vie
GRAF. 6 Velocidad del viento. Estación Caujarito.
máxima tem
dio nocturn
nocturno, re
°C
35 ción urban
30
promedio p
y la direcció
25
8 Reference Entre los me
20 8, values from urban weather stations
y 2 pm apro
15
10
NEW BEGINNINGS 31 es del ESE a

5
m/s
0
ENE FEB MAR ABR MAY JUN JUL AGO SEP OCT NOV DIC
Most of the times the wind comes from the NNE-‐NE (8 months), the rest of the
year oscillates between NE and SSE-‐SE. The prevailing average wind direction is
30°NNE and the secondary average wind direction is 10°NNE. (Figures I.23 to
I.28)
Figure I.23-‐ Wind direction Figure I.24-‐ Wind direction

frequency in hours with minimum frequency in hours with maximum
velocity temperature
Figure I.25-‐ Wind direction frequency Figure I.26-‐ Annual average wind
in hours w ith maximum velocity direction frequency during the night
and day
5.3 SOLAR RADIATION
The percentage of average monthly insolation varies from 49% to 79%. The
months with highest solar insolation correspond to the ones with less
precipitation. You can observe an annual average of 7,6 hours of insulation over
12 possible hours. The global radiation reaches annual average values of 784
W/m2 and daily average values of 233 W/m2
32

CHAPTER 2-‐ URBAN ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
6. POTENTIAL AREAS IN THE CITY-‐ WHERE TO BUILD
1.1 DISTRICT ANALYSIS
The first step is to choose which is the ideal district and sector of the city to build
a new residential project.
The analysis done on the urban development through the history of the city and
on the actual situation and distribution gave a clear answer on where to build:
the consolidated strip, especially in the densest areas where the city is growing
radially. This way following also the recommendations done by the municipality
and other authors that advises to imitate and expand existing compacted areas.
In these zones basic services infrastructure have good quality and safety levels
are higher. So we should look especially in the districts “Parroquia Olegario
Villalobos”, “Parroquia Santa Lucia” and “Parroquia Chiquinquirá”, but especially
in the first one, where is more dense and has the best services infrastructure.
(Figure II.1)
Figure II.1-‐ Potential districts: Olegario Villalobos, Santa Lucia and Chiquinquirá

The district “Parroquia Olegario Villalobos”was chosen.
NEW BEGINNINGS 33

1.2 SECTORS ANALYSIS
1.2.1 GROUP OF SECTORS TO STUDY
Observing closely Parroquia Olegario Villalobos, we can notice medium-‐low

quality sectors surrounded by high quality sectors, making them potential areas
where the latter are going to eventually expand.
From the district chosen, 14 sectors will be further studied, in which the best
residential areas are located. (Figure II.2)
Figure II.2-‐ Parroquia Olegario Villalobos and 14 sectors

1.2.2 URBAN QUALITY INDICATORS
To better define the potential areas to develop, an analysis in term of urban

quality indicators will be done. These indicators are composed by four
categories: security, quality in terms of public spaces and facilities, quality of
streets and basic services and quality of buildings. For each category, a value of
0, 0.5 or 1 is established, going from low to high. Sectors that have an up-‐arrow
in a certain category are currently improving that aspect. Then, the values of the
different indicators are summed to obtain the overall quality. See Table II.1 for
further explanation of the parameters followed to assign values.
34

Low (0) Med (0.5) High (1)

-‐Just a few or bad
-‐No public spaces
public spaces and
Quality of public and just a few -‐Good public
some facilities
spaces and facilities spaces and good
-‐Almost none
facilities -‐Bad public spaces facilities
public spaces and
and no facilities
great facilities
-‐Unpaved streets -‐Streets in bad -‐Streets in good
Quality of street -‐No water supply conditions conditions and
and basic -‐No electricity -‐Non-‐continuous continuous water
services supply supply of water or and electricity
electricity supply
-‐Buildings that do
not respect the
urban zoning
-‐Buildings that
regulations -‐Buildings that
respect part of the
-‐Buildings that do follow the codes
codes and are well
Quality of not respect -‐Buildings that are
maintained
buildings building codes well maintained
-‐Well maintained
-‐Unmaintained -‐Buildings with
buildings with
buildings good architecture
good architecture
-‐Architecture that
doesn’t consider
the context
Medium crime
Security High crime rate Low crime rate
rate
Table II.1-‐Urban quality indicators parameters
We can notice different things after evaluating the urban quality indicators in
Figures II.3 to II.6. There is a clear deficit of public spaces in almost all sectors
NEW BEGINNINGS 35

and there is no intention to improve this situation. Almost all sectors have a good
quality of streets and basic services and relative good security, something
reasonable knowing this district is one of the most expensive of the city. We can
also observe an improvement of the quality of buildings in a lot of sectors,
replacing old with new buildings, showing the development of the area and
bringing afterwards an improvement in other indicators.
Figure II.3 Figure II.4

Figure II.5 Figure II.6

36

Looking at the overall quality indicators, in Figure II.7 we can see how certain
high quality sectors (Creole y Virginia, La Lago, Bella Vista Colonia, Bellas Artes,
Bella Vista Costa Verde) with quality values between 3 and 4, surround other
sectors with low quality (Bella Vista San Rafael, Don Bosco Bartolo and Canada
Virginia). In the future the latter are going to improve due to the expansion of the
good quality sectors.
Figure II.7-‐ Overall quality and future e xpansion

1.2.3 MARKET PRICES OF SECTORS
A comparison of the different market prices9 of a square meter of new residential
buildings is made, contrasting them with the overall quality indicators of each
sector. (Figure II.8)

9 Prices are from January 2011
NEW BEGINNINGS 37

Figure II.8-‐Market prices Bsf/m2 of residential buildings

7. ANALYSIS OF URBAN DESIGN AREA
2.1 LIMITS OF DESIGN AREA
Taking
advantage actual
low prices of this
low quality
sectors and
anticipating the
growth of the
other sectors, a
project of urban
design is going to
be made to help
Figure II.9-‐Future e xpansion
this undeveloped area to adjust and improve the quality of life of neighboring
areas. The conceptual master plan is going to include the sectors “Bella Vista San
Rafael”, “Don Bosco Bartolo”and “Canada Virginia”, with a total area of 436.950
m2. (Figure II.9)
38

2.2 DENSITY
The densities of the 3 sectors were obtained from demographic reports from the
municipality, calculating an average of 4 person per family per residential unit
following recommendations given by the local regulations. (Table II.2 and Figure
II.10)
“Canada “Don Bosco-‐ “Bella Vista-‐

Virginia” Bartolo” San Rafael”
Area (m2) 132254 85833 218856

364 188 456
Population families=1456 families=752 families=1824
inhabitants inhabitants inhabitants
Existing density (inhab/ha)
110 87.65 83.36
110
Maximum density
(inhab/ha) 380-‐480 580 580
380-‐480
Table II.2-‐ Densities

Figure II.10-‐ Distribution of Densities
NEW BEGINNINGS 39

2.3 ZONING REGULATIONS
The existing zoning regulations establish commercial zones in the perimeter of

the area to design and purely residential zones inside (Figure II.11). We can
notice the difference between the high density that actually exists in the sectors
where the regulations establish PR2 and lower actual density where the
regulations establish PR3. When the zone has the term CV, it means that it allows
neighborhood commercial buildings, as explained in the previous chapter. The
different regulated parameters of zones can be seen on Table I.2.
Figure II.11-‐ Zoning in design area

40

2.4 URBAN QUALITY INDICATORS IN DESIGN AREA
Analyzing the urban quality

indicators we see that improvements
should be made on public spaces,
facilities and building quality of the
three sectors. The sector Canada
Virginia needs also improvements in
the quality of the streets. The
achievement of these will in the
future bring better security
conditions. (Figure II.12)

Figure II.12

2.5 STREET NETWORK AND SECTIONS
Observing the existing street network (Figure II.13), we notice a privileged

location with important highways near the sectors. The 67th street handles a
great volume of cars and buses that exceeds sometimes its capacity, producing
traffic problems. The 62th street is fast traffic street, handles a great volume of
cars but there are no traffic problems due to their velocity. Avenues 3F and 3C
sometimes have traffic problems. Bella Vista avenue, El Milagro avenue and 72th
street are important streets with a lot of commercial activities.
We notice also an unorganized and inefficient distribution of local streets inside
the sectors, mainly due to the necessity to give accessibility to the inner part of
really big blocks.
NEW BEGINNINGS 41

Figure II.13-‐ Street n etworks in design area
Looking at the existent street sections and the ones given by the regulations
(Figure II.14 to II.18), we notice they are designed for a city predominated by
cars, neglecting pedestrians. The sections established by the municipality are not
always respected, especially the regulated distance for shoulders. The sidewalks
are always small, with obstacles (post lights, trash, etc.) and are hardly used The
electricity cables are hanging between them creating a bad image of the
neighborhood and increasing the risk of accidents. The local access streets are
often in bad conditions. Some of the local streets are often too big for the volume
of cars that uses it. (Figure II.19).
Figure II.14
42

Figure II.16
Figure II.15

Figure II.17
NEW BEGINNINGS 43

Figure II.18

Figure II.19-‐Existent streets

The only means of public transportation near the area are buses and car by
stops. As explained in Chapter I, these are not effective and are insufficient for
the demand. Anyways, the area has a good location to reach walking to any stop
or route. We can notice that the most important street regarding public
transportation near the design area is the 3C avenue. (Figure II.20)
44

Figure II.20-‐ Public transportation n etwork

2.7 EXISTENT FACILITIES
Figure II.21-‐Facilties
NEW BEGINNINGS 45

Looking at the existent facilities, we notice a lack of public spaces like parks,
squares, courts and public libraries. Other type of facilities like schools, hospitals
and hotels are sufficient in the area.
2.8 NOLLIS MAP
We notice in the first Nolli’s map (Figure II.22) a high void to built volumes ratio.
In the second one (Figure II.23), the area marked grey is the private void. We can
see how a great part of the voids are private and not public, giving a hint of
where the area for new public spaces can be taken from.
We can see how the density of construction area increases from east to west and
the organization of them from west to east, most of them respecting the setbacks
(Figure II.24). We can also see the potential areas we can use for new public
spaces without demolishing existent buildings.
Figure II.24
46

Figure II.22-‐ White void, black built
Figure II.23-‐ White public void, grey private void, black built

NEW BEGINNINGS 47

2.9 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINT MAP
Figure II.24-‐ Opportunities and Constraint map
• Marked in green we can see some areas taken from the Nolli’s map that
can be transformed in public spaces with minimum demolishment.
• In black are marked all the tall buildings, they are relatively new and the
cost to demolish them is too high, so they have to remain intact.
• Then you can also see marked the existent public facilities that are also
not going to be changed, like the church, clinic, school, electric substation
and the afternoon school
• Near the school we have a big void that has a lot of potential to be a public
space. It is also near a group of tall, so this public space can work for this
people and for the school.
• The light yellow area, “Canada Virginia” sector, has the oldest, less
maintained and cheap buildings of the design area; it’s also the most
unorganized one. For these reasons, is the first part that needs to be re-‐
developed.
• To the west part of the design area we have a commercial zone and to the
east we have a residential zone. The sectors located at the north part of
48

the design area need improvement also as indicated by previous studies,
so probably the project will continue growing in that direction.
• Some blocks are too big, creating informal housing inside that is only
accessible through provisional roads.
• Outside the northeast part of the design area, there is a large plot that in
the future can possibly become a big commercial or residential project.
• Buildings should be oriented according to the sun and wind to reduce
energy consumption.
• Below the design area, in the 62th street, we have several bus routes and
a lot of traffic, just in front of the school. This makes it perfect for a bus
stop that can be used by kids going to school and at the same time solve
the traffic problem.
• There is an electric substation located at the middle of the design area
that can be dangerous.
• In the 3C avenue, according to the zoning regulations we can have
commercial activities, something needed for the big residential area to the
east. It also has a lot of important bus routes, marking a potential place to
locate a bus stop, especially near the intersection.
• The potential of the area near 3C Avenue plus the need for reorganization
of the “Canada Virginia”sector, makes this area ideal for a big public space
combined with commercial activities.
8. CASE STUDIES
Several case studies with a similar situation, culture and climate as Maracaibo
were selected. These can be compared and serve as an experience to know which
policies or measures work in this context and which doesn’t.
3.1 BOGOTA
Bogota, at beginning of 1990, was catalogued as the worst city in Latin American,
with the highest crime rate, a lot of traffic and unhappy population. Then an
independent candidate for major called Antanas Mockus won the elections. He
NEW BEGINNINGS 49

had a philosophical background
and radicalized the city with his
crazy policies. He was a humanist;
he changed the whole team of the
municipality and hired the most
talented professionals to occupy
those positions, with a zero
corruption policy. He implemented a lot of new laws to reduce the crime rate,
closing nightclubs at 1:00 am, firing all corrupt traffic officials and hired mimes
to their job, as an effort to get to the people. He did a lot of lectures in schools to
prevent and reduce domestic
violence. We can say that his great
achievement was to change the
way of thinking of people living in
that city, to break with the
difference and spite between the
social classes, he reduced the
violence and the crime rate just
with simple measures and policies.
He focused also in improving the education of the city, not only in school but
with different lectures and conferences to all ages and classes, teaching how to
behave ethically as a human being.
After his three-‐year period,

another independent candidate
won, called Enrique Penalosa.
From the beginning you can tell he
loved the city and wanted to do
good things, just by listening to the
way he talked about Bogota. He
continued some of the policies
instated by Mockus but he focused
more on changing the city physically. He believed on the quality of life through
50

urban design. He started recovering and building public spaces all around the
city. He expropriated well-‐located plots to build new parks, like “Bogota’s
Country Club” and the flea market in the center of the city. He changed the
section of the streets, enlarging the sidewalks and creating bike paths. To solve
the traffic problem, he instated a policy called “Pico y Placa”, which allows you to
drive your car only three days a
week. He also created a new way
of public transportation, a state of
the art bus system, called
“Transmilenio”, that work safe and
efficiently. He tried to eliminate
the difference between social
classes, making them use the same
bike paths and public
transportation system, to achieve at the long term a reduction of crime rate. He
built a city for people, not for cars, and doing this he achieved a great change on
the quality of life of people.
Nowadays, Bogota is considered a sustainable, safe city, with low crime rates and
with general happiness among the population. People constantly use the public
spaces, their bikes and care for the city. Is without a doubt one of the cities with
better quality of life in Latin America.
3.2 MEDELLIN
Is the second most important city of

Colombia after Bogota. For many
years it had had serious drug and
terrorism problems with one of the
highest crime rates of the continent,
which in less than 10 years they
managed to change, thanks to the so
called social urbanism.
NEW BEGINNINGS 51

The city won an international
prize, next to San Francisco in USA,
with the most sustainable public
transportation, creation of bicycle
pathways and new parks.
Like in Bogota, they believed that

improving the infrastructure of the
city would have a direct impact on
the quality of life and behavior of
people, that urban design and
architecture are powerful tools to
change the social aspects of the
city. And they believed that those
improvements cannot be only in
privileged zones of the city, but it
has to be all around, and that is
necessary to create public spaces for the citizens to encounter. They built new
public facilities like libraries and sport courts, new means of public
transportation, bicycle paths, squares and other public spaces, where the private
and public sector relationship was
really important. For them the
education is the engine for
transformation.
Once again, going to the deep base

of the development, we see the
main objective is to achieve social
equality. Their concept, social
urbanism, has been really effective
in the last years, increasing the quality of the city greatly.
52

9. CONCEPT
After all the background studies and analysis done in the city, we can conclude
there is an urban tissue with predominant private spaces and no public ones.
The lack of public spaces and the inefficient design of the existing ones, summed
with climate and safety issues, originate a society that likes to be indoors in
private spaces.
There is also no transition between the private space and the public space,
creating an environment that difficult the enjoyment of the latter.
The analyzed case studies are from similar culture, like the Colombian, where
crime rates were really high. We can take from their experience that to improve
the quality of life of inhabitants is necessary to achieve social equality and to
make people enjoy the city they live in. It is necessary to design communities
with public spaces, improving the quality of life through urban design.
“New Beginnings: Returning the city to the people”
The vision is to create a project where people would come out of their houses
and enjoy the city as they did many years ago.
The concept of the project

will be the creation of new
public spaces and a
transition between them
and private spaces, creating
intermediate areas that
incentives motion,
strengthening the natural
surveillance and the sense
of belonging of the spaces, Figure II.33-‐ Concept Transition of spaces
as well as giving hierarchy

to the public domain.
NEW BEGINNINGS 53

It is necessary to implement and prove to the inhabitants that the concept of

OPEN COMMUNITIES works better than gated communities, where social classes
are more differentiate and a defragmentation of the city occurs. The layout of the
project would allow future neighboring areas to adapt the same design
philosophy and create a grid throughout the city.
Figure II.34-‐ Conceptual network
Identifying in the opportunities and constraint map showed previously, the first
phase of the project should connect al the potential new public spaces and add
the necessary grids to support it. It is important to create a strong pedestrian
network along the project.
54

Another important aspect
is the MIX OF USES in the
project; this ensures
volume of people in all
areas increasing the
overall safety. As
REFERENCE 10 stated, is
always better to have
different activities being
done in the same place
almost forcing human
interaction
Figure II.35-‐ Concept plan

10. DRAFT MASTER PLAN
The draft Masterplan is just a presentation of ideas and concepts that the author
thinks should be followed when designing an urban project of the same scale. It‘s
also recommended to follow the design guidelines presented by REFERENCE 4.
Figure II.36-‐ Masterplan 1

NEW BEGINNINGS 55

Figure II.37-‐ Masterplan 2

4.1 RESIDENTIAL AREAS
4.1.1 RESIDENTIAL TYPOLOGY
The typology to use is a small-‐medium multifamily building, with three or four

floors height.
As seen in the regulations, the municipality is trying to compact and increase the
density in these zones, also trying to imitate the surrounding areas that are
working well. This typology allows us to graduate the density we need but
always giving to the citizens a decent residential unit, near the ground.
Isolated or paired houses don’t have the density enough to really achieve this
and the cost is too high. A tall building achieves the density needed, but it has
permits and materials restrictions; also, we believe this typology doesn’t adapt
well to the actual context of the zone, especially with small residential houses
surrounding the plot. According to REFERENCE, this typology also destroys the
concept of community.
56

Medium multifamily buildings adapt well for different densities and contexts,
and could easily replace in the future the existing houses in the zone.
This typology adapts to the density we need in this zone, is allowed by the
regulations of the plot and its economically feasible.
4.1.2 DISTRIBUITION
The residential buildings are placed in the masterplan decreasing density from
north to south. Also, having commercial-‐residential building next to the public
spaces in the north and the boulevard. This design aspect is important in the
project, because it increases the overall safety of the area ensuring always
volume of people.
The other goal was to place transition public spaces next to any residential
building and also grouping them, trying to form the grid or network explained
previously.
4.2 PUBLIC/COMMERCIAL SPACES
Using all the voids identified in the nollis map and strengthening their
connection was the main change.
4.2.1 BOULEVARD
This is created in a renovated

vehicle/pedestrian access in the
redeveloped area. The idea is to make
a commercial and recreational linear
boulevard that connects the north
main square with the bus stop and
school in the south, creating a low
traffic street with a tree line
separating cars from pedestrian. This

Figure II.38-‐ Example 1
area could be closed on Sundays to
make it car free.
NEW BEGINNINGS 57

Along the boulevard different activities are encountered: residential, cultural,
recreational, sport, educational and commercial.
Figure II.39-‐ Examples 2 and 3
4.2.2 MAIN SQUARE AND LIBRARY
This is the most important public area of the project, where different axis arrives.
A great amount of different activities are done here.
• There is a residential-‐commercial building in the north limit and just

crossing the street
• Cultural and educational: there will be a public library with a green slope
roof that allows students and citizens to relax while reading a book.
(Figure II.40)
• Sport: there will be a skate park behind the library with two basketball
courts.
• Commercial: in front of the library there are several commercial shops.
(Figure II.41)
• Recreational: a big fountain is placed in the main square as a landmark
and as recreation for kids in hot days. During the nigh, water shows can
be done to attract more people. (Figures II.42 and II.43)
• Transportation: an important bus hub is placed in the area, with
dedicated street to avoid traffic problems.
58

Figure II.40-‐ Example of library and slope

Figure II.41-‐ Example of commercial area
NEW BEGINNINGS 59

Figures II.42 and II.43-‐ Examples of fountains
60

4.2.3 OPEN COMMERCIAL AREA
In the west part of the project, there was a big void next to some residential
buildings, a school and some commercial units. An open commercial area, with
several roofs to provide shade, will complement the existent units and also adapt
perfectly to the current activities of the street.
Figure II.44-‐Example of open commercial areas
4.2.4 SPORT AREAS
As explained in the background studies, sport activities are the best public space
catalyzers of the city.
Different sport courts and areas are placed throughout the project. Especially a
soccer court near the open commercial center, the sport park near the library, a
couple courts near the school and a futsal court in one of the transition spaces.
4.2.5 PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
Certain sidewalks are enlarged and others are created to achieve an integral and
looped network. With this layout all three sectors and its public spaces are well
communicated, especially bus hubs and main squares. (Figure II.45)
NEW BEGINNINGS 61

Figure II.45-‐ Pedestrian Network
62

4.4 URBAN QUALITY INDICATORS
Certain predictions can be made of how the urban quality indicators are going to
change after the project.

Figure II.46-‐ New Urban quality indicators

We can observe that in the sector Canada Virginia that is completely changed, all
the indicators are 1, achieving all the objectives. The other sectors are also
influenced by the redevelopment of Canada Virginia and also by the new public
spaces in their areas.
4.5 DENSITIES
Now the density of Canada Virginia is increased near the limits given by the
municipality.
“Canada “Don Bosco-‐ “Bella Vista-‐

Virginia” Bartolo” San Rafael”
Area (m2) 132254 85833 218856
1130 203 456
Population
families=4500 families=812 families=1824
NEW BEGINNINGS 63

inhabitants inhabitants inhabitants
Existing density (inhab/ha)
341 94 83.36
110
Maximum density
(inhab/ha) 380-‐480 580 580
380-‐480
Table II.5-‐ New densities
4.6 STREET NETWORK AND SECTIONS
The difference can be more noticeable on the sector that was redeveloped,
eliminating internal informal streets and creating two more formal and
organized ones.
Figure II.48-‐ New street network
The street sections now are wider, taking space from the setbacks and unused
shoulders. New bicycle lanes are created. Special consideration should be made
for the shading of the sidewalks, to ensure its use as a stationary public space
also (case study of Bogota).
64

Figure II.49-‐ New Street sections
NEW BEGINNINGS 65

The greatest innovation in the project regarding public transportation is the

creation of new special hubs located in strategic locations, as well as the creation
of branches of the main street that only buses use to arrive to their stations.
These design aspects reduces traffic and increases the efficiency of the public
transport. Also, it makes it safer for citizens to use it.
Figure II.50-‐ Bus routes and hubs
4.8 POLICIES
4.8.1 MUNICIPALITY-‐PRIVATE INVESTORS RELATIONSHIP
It is really difficult to see or make any change by designing carefully individual
residential or commercial projects of small scale. That’s why is important that
the municipality takes in command, not only participating actively in the design
of large scale projects, but also laying the background (metaphorically and
physically) for private investors, to ensure the quality of each project, in other
words, ensure the quality of the sum of individual parts.
66

Nowadays, private constructors try to give the least possible requested by the
municipality, resulting in projects that may work for a few years and at a small
scale, but also fragmentizes the city.
The municipality, according to the author, has two possible roles to fill:
• It can assume the job of urbanizing the city and prepare each plot for the
private investors, like in the case study of Bogota.
• It can increase the requirements for any project, from small to large scale,
obliging constructors to the proper urban, architectural and thermal
analysis.
4.8.2 NEW REGULATIONS
• Incentives and fines associated to thermal efficient building regulations.

• Incentives to sustainable projects, following for example LEED guidelines.
The use of green roofs, solar collectors, solar panels, grass pavement,
among other things, should be encouraged and prized.
• Free car Sundays in main streets of the city.
• Large scale projects for the city should be assigned with contests and it
should involve the community on the decision taking phase
4.8.3 TRANSPORTATION
It is imperative that the municipality reforms completely the public

transportation in the city, following the recommendations of REFERENCE11 .
Among the aspects that should be improved are: transportation infrastructure
(quantity and quality), bus routes, training of drivers an safety.

11 Reference 6
NEW BEGINNINGS 67

4.9 SUMMARY
The projects vision could be summarized in several points, that the designer
should follow to further design the area or to design other areas.
• TRANSITION BETWEEN SPACES, PUBLIC TO PRIVATE

• MIX OF USES (COMMERCIAL, SPORTIVE, RESIDENTIAL, RECREATIONAL,
CULTURAL)
• STRENGTHING OF PEDESTRIAN NETWORK (NEW AND ENLARGING
EXISTING)
• IMPROVING PRIVATE CONSTRUCTORS/MUNICIPALITY RELATIONSHIP
• SUSTAINABILITY
68

CHAPTER III – ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
1. SELECTION OF PLOT
1.1 TARGET CLIENT
After analyzing the existing market in the city, we find apartments and houses
with sizes from 120 m2 to 450 m2, and with an average price of 8000 bs/m2
(800 euros/m2). This makes really hard to buy an appropriate place for middle
or middle-‐high class newly wed, new families, students, foreign, just graduated,
among others. If they have good economical status, they have to buy a big
apartment or house; if they don’t, they have to live rented or in an unsafe zone
with deficient services.
So the target apartment size is between 70 m2 and 110 m2, for the target users
mentioned before, that need a small place for maximum 3 or 4 persons, one or
two bedrooms, but with good services and safety, in a nice, accessible zone of the
city.
The size of the plot depends on the available investment and specific feasibility
of each plot, but considerations should be made to fit all the required programs,
including at least one or two parking spaces per apartment and the percentage of
green areas by regulation.
2.2 LOCATION
After all the studies done in previous chapters, we can conclude that the most
appropriate zone for this project will be in the district “Olegario Villalobos” and
in one of the three sectors studied.
The target user is going to be mostly young people or people starting a family, so
the plot should have assistance facilities nearby like hospitals, supermarkets and
schools; as well, it should be located near important ways and public
transportation routes. Noise pollution, safety, quality and traffic of the street,
water availability and view, are considerations that also should be analyzed.
NEW BEGINNINGS 69

From the three sectors, the best one to build is “Don Bosco-‐Bartolo”, because it
has the best quality-‐price ratio and it has more potential.
The selected plot is located in 3D avenue between 65th street and 65th A street, in
Don Bosco-‐Bartolo” sector in “Parroquia Olegario Villalobos”.
2. SELECTED PLOT DESCRIPTION
2.1 ACTUAL STATE AND GEOMETRY
The plot has 1480m2 in an irregular shape similar to a parallelogram, with a

front to the street of almost 30 m and a depth of around 50 m. The plot is
oriented with its larger side in W-‐E direction.
It has also an irregular topography, where one strip of the plot has a slope that
reaches 2 meters depth, contained by a concrete wall. Furthermore, it has an
existing house of 115 m2 in bad conditions and unused.
Almost exclusively residential one or two floor houses surround the plot, with
different architectural characteristics and different setbacks. There is only one
tall building at the end of the street and several medium height buildings.
Figure III. 1-‐ Actual state
70

2.2 URBAN REGULATIONS
The plot is in a PR-‐2 polygon, which is a low intensity residential area, that
allows from single-‐family to multifamily housing, with a maximum density of
430 inhab/ha.
Of the total area, it requires at

least 10% of green areas and
allows a maximum of 30% for
construction. It allows a
maximum of 8 levels (26 m) and
has setback restrictions for the
front, side and back of four, three
and three meters respectively. It
is also required to provide at
least one parking spot per
apartment and two visitors
parking spots.
Figure III.2 -‐ Setbacks
So for this plot we have:
Maximum construction area: 1480m2 x 0.45= 666 m2
Green areas: 1480 m2 x 0.1= 148 m2
Maximum inhabitants: 65
2.3 PRICE AND ECONOMICAL FEASIBILITY
The price is BsF 1.750.000 (€175.000).
The actual price per square meter in the zone is around bsF 9000 (€900). There
is a rule of a thumb to determine the feasibility of the project: the cost of the plot
has to be around 10% of the total income of the sale of the apartments.
NEW BEGINNINGS 71

Area of Average Income Cost
Cost of
Construction Apartments Size of from of
Levels plot
area (m2) constructed apartments apartments land
(bsF)
(m2) (m2) (bsF) (%)
3 666 1598.4 99.9 14385600 1750000 12.16
4 666 2131.2 133.2 19180800 1750000 9.12
5 666 2664 166.5 23976000 1750000 7.29
8 666 4262.4 266.4 38361600 1750000 4.56
Table III.1-‐ Economical feasibility
We see that even with 3 floors, the plot is economically feasible.
2.4 SWOT
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
Good water Irregular Exposed to the No shadows
availability topography wind created by other
volumes
Good economical Existing house in Located in a broad Empty streets that
feasibility the plot street with good may compromise
quality and no safety
traffic
Shape of plot well Several trees and Inside area of Surrounded by
orientated for dense vegetation expansion of other bad, informal
insolation control cover the plot, good quality architecture with
and use natural creating permit sectors no relation with
ventilation problems the context
No view of the No drainage Lack of
lake problems compliance with
urban regulations
Existing concrete Near hospitals,
wall in the plot schools and
commercial zones
72

2.5 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINT MAP
Figure III.3-‐ Opportunities and constraint map
3. CONCEPT
The project’s aim is to prove:
• Validate the material and the construction system as viable alternative for
residential buildings in the city. This can be achieve by successfully
realize the project and accomplish the standard parameters regarding
comfort, esthetics, costs, maintenance and durability. To this, we need to
know the advantages and disadvantages of the material and construction
system and design accordingly.
• Design taking in consideration the context and the climate, trying to
reduce as much as possible the energy embodied and consumed in the
NEW BEGINNINGS 73

building. This aspect covers design parameters from the shape and
orientation of the building to the selection of proper services.
Due to the previous reasons, the overall concept of the thesis applies: NEW
BEGINNINGS. The use of materials and strategies that were used many years ago
and achieve with them a more efficient building, giving a leap forward to the
obstacle that now the country encounters.
4. FINAL OUTPUT
From the final project, all the regulations presented at the beginning of the
chapter are applied, regarding heights, parking, densities and areas. All plans,
elevations and sections can be seen in the annexes. (From A-‐01 to A-‐11)
The orientation and volume of the building obeys the direction of the sun and
wind (explained later in chapter V) and also the need for modular elements to
exploit the prefabrication advantages of the construction system.
4.1 BASEMENT
The basement can be accessed by car through the ramp or going down the main
stairs. It has 28 parking spots (1.5 per apartment) and 18 storage rooms (1 per
apartment). Near the storages it has also the services room, where the potable
tank, rainwater tank, filters and pump are placed.
4.2 GROUND AND TYPICAL FLOORS
The entrance from the front façade can be done through the main access,
guarded by a small vigilance stand. It also has aligned with the street, two visitor
parking spots, a small room for services and a trash-‐room.
The main access would take you to an open-‐air lobby, where a second glass door
is, which lets you in to the private lobby. In front of the building there is a big
open green space with a small children playground. In the private lobby there is
an elevator for 5 people maximum and the main stair nucleus. From this point
you can access each apartment from a buffer zone covered by a metallic grate
covered with climbing plants.
74

There are two three floors high separated buildings, A and B. The first one has 4
80m2 apartments in each floor and the latter one has two 110m2 apartments in
each floor.
The small apartments have a kitchen/living/dinning area, a laundry room, a

small service bathroom, the main bathroom, a big main bedroom and a small
balcony. The big apartments have a kitchen/living/dinning area, a laundry room,
two big bathrooms, a big main bedroom, a secondary bedroom and two small
balconies.
We can observe the security layers in the project, a special requirement for
residential buildings in the city.
4.3 GARDEN ROOF
In the last floor, there is a green roof that works as a common recreational space
for all the apartments. It has a design done with different local plants, benches
and a small bar to accommodate reunions.
4.4 SERVICES ROOF
It is the highest roof that covers the nucleus and supports 10m2 of solar
collectors.
4.5 FACADES
The north façade is protected by recycled wood shading devices that gives
privacy, controls light and heat from entering the building.
The south façade is protected from the external environment by a buffer zone
created with metallic grates and climbing plants.
The east and west facades are protected only in the windows.
The material used for the exterior finishing is the white fibrocement board,
which has other functions other than esthetics.
NEW BEGINNINGS 75

CHAPTER IV – STRUCTURAL DESIGN
The plans can be found in the annexes (S01-‐S11)
1. STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
1.1 BUILDING A AND B
These buildings will be done using wood platform frame system, which has
structural solid wood studs separated at 40 to 60 cm, braced by plywood boards,
making a rigid structural panel. The floor will be done with wood beams and
plywood boards, supporting a layer of lightweight concrete. In the roof , the same
system will be used, but supporting a green roof.
The wood studs support vertical loads and the plywood boards the horizontal
loads (especially its connectors).
1.2 BASEMENT
It will be done with reinforced concrete. The containment walls support the soil
loads and also transmit vertical forced coming from the wood structural walls. In
the interior columns will be used, allowing more free space for parking spaces.
The roof the basement will be a reinforced concrete solid slab, serving as floor to
the first level of the buildings.
A mat slab will be used as foundation, increasing its depth where columns and
walls are placed.
1.3 STEEL VERANDA
This structure is made on steel, allowing a quick construction. As a measure to

enhance the construction process and to allow better behavior of the project
against fires, this structure was chosen to be separate from the wood buildings.
Steel tubular elements will be used for beams and columns; the floors are made
with a steel deck and a small concrete slab.
76

2. MATERIALS
2.1 WOOD
The studs and the plywood boards are going to be made with “Caribbean pine”
(see Chapter V for characteristics). The beams are going to be made with
“Mureillo”. These two species of wood are part of the same group C, according to
the structural classification done by REFERENCE 17, establishing their
mechanical properties. These values take in consideration several modifying
factors that are not going to be taken in consideration, to be able to use the
Eurocode 5 in every step of the design. (Table IV.1)
Properties Reference Modified

Minimum modulus of elasticity 55,000 55,000 kg/cm2
Avereage modulus of elasticity 90,000 90,000 kg/cm2
Density 500 500 kg/m3
Flexure 100 207 kg/cm2
Parallel compression 80 160 kg/cm2
Perpendicular compression 15 24 kg/cm2
Shear 8 24 kg/cm2
Parallel tension 75 155.25 kg/cm2
Table IV.1-‐ Caribbean Pine properties
The plywood properties are taken from REFERENCE 11. (Table IV.2)
Flexure Compression Tension Shear MOE

Perpendicul
Perpendicul
Perpendicul
Perpendicul
Thickness
Parallel
Parallel
Parallel
Parallel
ar
ar
ar
ar
12 226.4 103.0 222.564 170.34 129.54 51 21.42 20.4 80386

15 233.5 120.3 239.904 177.48 146.574 81.6 20.4 17.34 74327
18 238.6 156.0 214.2 224.4 117.3 102 15.3 14.28 71797
Table IV.2-‐ Plywood properties
NEW BEGINNINGS 77

2.2 STEEL
• Steel profiles: Tubular Astm – A – 500. Grade C Fy= 3515 k/cm2 (316MPa)
• Steel reinforcing bars: ASTM – a –42. grados 40-‐60 Fy= 4200 k/cm2
(378MPa)
2.3 CONCRETE
To characterize the type of concrete the resistance at 28 days will be used: F’c =
250 kg/cm2 (22.5 MPa)
3. CODES
• COVENIN 1618:1998 ESTRUCTURAS DE ACERO PARA EDIFICACIONES

• COVENIN 1756:2001 EDIFICACIONES SISMORESISTENTES
• COVENIN 2002:88 ACCIONES MINIMAS
• COVENIN 1753:2006 EDIFICACIONES EN CONCRETO ESTRUCTURAL
• EUROCODE 5 DESIGN OF TIMBER STRUCTURES
• EUROCODE 8 DESIGN OF STRUCTURES FOR EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE
4. LOADS
4.1 GRAVITY LOADS
The following values do not include self-‐weight of structural elements. To the

basement loads should be added the transmitted forces from buildings A and B.
DEAD (DL) LIVE (LL)

FLOOR 100 200 Kg/m2
BUILDING A AND B
ROOF 320 500 Kg/m2
FLOOR 200 400 Kg/m2
STEEL VERANDA
ROOF 100 100 Kg/m2
BASEMENT ROOF 320 200/500 Kg/m2
Table IV.2-‐ Gravity loads
78

4.2 WIND LOADS
Following code recommendations, being a heavy building, wind loads are not
going to be important compared to earthquake loads, so they will not be taken in
consideration. Also, the site is not exposed to high velocity winds.
4.3 EARTHQUAKE LOADS (S)
The plot of the spectrum was drawn using COVENIN 1756, following these
parameters:
• Location Maracaibo, intermediate seismic zone.

• Spectral form S2, hard dense soil
• Residential use, importance group B2
• Regular in rigidity and strength, in height and plan
• Ductility factor of 5 (from Eurocode 5)
To 0.1750
T* 0.7000
T+ 0.4000
T+ def 0.4000
R 5.00
C 1.1776
α 1.0000
β 2.6000
φ 0.8000
A0 0.2000
r 1.0000
Table IV.3-‐ Spectrum parameters
NEW BEGINNINGS 79

0.4500 Ad (g)
0.4000
0.3500
0.3000
0.2500
0.2000
0.1500
0.1000
0.0500
0.0000
0.0000 0.5000 1.0000 1.5000 2.0000 2.5000
T (seg)
Figure IV.1-‐Elastic and inelastic design spectrums
5. COMBINATION OF LOADS
5.1 ULTIMATE LIMIT STATE
• 1.4 DL
• 1.2 DL + 1.6 LL + 0.5 LLR
• 1.2 DL + 0.5 LL + 1.6 LLR
• 1.2 DL + 0.5 LL ± S
• 0.9 DL ± S
5.2 SERVICEABILITY LIMIT STATE
• DL +LL
• S
80

6. STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS
6.1 BUILDING A
6.1.1 BEAMS AND FLOORS
The thickness of the plywood boards in the floor is going to be e=18mm,

following recommendations of REFERENCE12, for a separation of beams of 40
cm.
The maximum moments and shears used to design the floor and roof beams will
be presented in the table IV.4.
Typical Floor Roof

Moment -‐534 -‐1240 Kg m
Shear 607 1408 Kg
Table IV.4-‐ Maximum moments and shears
We start assuming sections of 4.5 x 25 and 9 x 25 for floors and the roof
respectively. The flexural strength will be modified using factors described by
Eurocode 5 (duration of load, service class, among others). In the following table,
flexural and shear checks of the assumed section are presented.
Floor Roof
Width 4.5 9 cm
Height 25 25 cm
W 468.75 937.5 cm2
fm,d 140 140 kg/cm2
fv,d 14 14 kg/cm2
σm,d 113.92 132.2666667 kg/cm2
τv,d 8.093333333 9.386666667 kg/cm2
If 0.813714286 0.944761905 OK
Iv 0.578095238 0.67047619 OK
Table IV.5-‐ Strength checks

12
NEW BEGINNINGS 81

In the design of wood beams, usually deflection is the parameter that determines
the section. In the following table deflection checks are presented.
DL LL DL+LL
Instantaneous 0.42 0.84 1.26 cm
Differed 0.2352 0.21 cm
Total 0.6552 1.05 1.7052 cm
Maximum l/300 L/200
allowed 1.666666667 2.5 cm
Deflection 0.63 0.68208 OK
index
Table IV.6-‐ Floor beam deflections
DL LL DL+LL

Total 0.7839 1.625 2.4089 cm
Maximum l/300 l/200

allowed 1.666666667 2.5 cm

Deflection OK
0.975 0.96356
index
Table IV.7-‐ Roof beam deflections
Lateral torsion should not be checked because is properly braced by the plywood
board in the compression side of the beams.
6.1.2 STRUCTURAL WALLS
The structural walls will be classified in three types, depending on its position
and load. (Table IV.8)
Axial load
External Loaded walls 4500 Kg/m
Internal loaded walls 11000 Kg/m
External non loaded walls 180 Kg/m
Table IV.8-‐ Loads for structural walls
82

To choose an appropriate configuration of studs several tables were created,
with the different separations and sizes with their respective maximum axial
load resistance in kilograms per meter. (Table IV.9)
Area 50 cm2

Height 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 m
5x10 cm λ 17.5 18.2 18.9 19.6

ω 1.45 1.55 1.6 1.65

Nu 2759 2581 2500 2424 kg
0.30 m 9195 8602 8333 8081 kg/m
0.40 m 6897 6452 6250 6061 kg/m
Qd
0.50 m 5517 5161 5000 4848 kg/m
0.60 m 4598 4301 4167 4040 kg/m
Area 100 cm2

Height 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 m
10x10 cm λ 17.5 18.2 18.9 19.6

ω 1.45 1.55 1.6 1.65

Nu 5517 5161 5000 4848 kg
0.30 m 18391 17204 16667 16162 kg/m
0.40 m 13793 12903 12500 12121 kg/m
Qd
0.50 m 11034 10323 10000 9697 kg/m
0.60 m 9195 8602 8333 8081 kg/m
Area 75 cm2

Height 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 m
5x15 cm λ 11.66 12.133 12.60 13.06

ω 1.07 1.085 1.095 1.1

Nu 5607 5530 5479 5455 kg
0.30 m 18692 18433 18265 18182 kg/m
0.40 m 14019 13825 13699 13636 kg/m
Qd
0.50 m 11215 11060 10959 10909 kg/m
0.60 m 9346 9217 9132 9091 kg/m
Area 76 cm2

3.8 x 20 cm Height 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 m
λ 8.75 9.1 9.45 9.8

NEW BEGINNINGS 83

ω 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.035

Nu 6020 5961 5903 5874 kg
0.30 m 20066 19869 19676 19581 kg/m
0.40 m 15050 14902 14757 14686 kg/m
Qd
0.50 m 12040 11922 11806 11749 kg/m
0.60 m 10033 9935 9838 9791 kg/m
Table IV.9 – Maximum axial load capacity of different stud configurations
Comparing the loads, the resistance of the different configurations and designers
common sense, resulted in the following configurations:
Stud Size Separation

External Loaded walls 5 x 10 40 cm
Internal loaded walls 5 x 15 40 cm
External non loaded walls 5 x 10 60 cm
6.1.3 EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE
The resistance to horizontal forces of this structural system is given by the

quantity of mechanical connections of the plywood boards in each direction.
According to COVENIN 1756, we can use the equivalent static method to apply
earthquake excitation because the structure is regular in height and elevation.
In the following table we can see the total shear force acting, calculated using the
spectrum defined before and the period of the structure. The latter one was
calculated with formulas given by the codes and also with ETABS.
Seismic weight
100% Dead 208338 Kg
load
25 % Live 32500 Kg
0% Roof live
240838 Kg
Table IV.10-‐ Seismic weight
84

Period 0.25 s
Ad 0.096 g
μ1 0.933
μ2 0.7686
Vb 21571.37798 Kg
Ft 865 Kg
Table IV.11-‐ Equivalent static method parameters
Level Weight (m) Height (m) Wxh Force (Kg)

1 72696 2.7 218088 6250.13
2 72696 2.7 218088 6250.13
3 95446 2.7 286338 8206.10
Sum 240838 722514 20706.37

Table IV.12-‐ Force distribution in elevation
So the total shear to apply is 21000 Kg. In the following table, the distribution of
the shear force in the structural wall of a single floor is shown.
W-‐E m direction
Length of walls (m) Force (Kg)
North 8 4601.41
South 4 2300.70
Internal walls 24 13804.25
TOTAL 36 20706.37
N-‐S direciton
West 13 3637.60
East 13 3637.60
Intermediate walls 48 13431.16
TOTAL 74 20706.37
Table IV.13-‐ Force distribution in plan
NEW BEGINNINGS 85

The shear resistance of a single 3mm nail in a 15 mm plywood board is 98 Kg,
calculated using Jonhsonn equations of the different modes of failure.
In the following tables we can see the shear resistance of different panels found
in the project, calculated according to Eurocode 5.
Panel 1.2 0.6 0.3 m

Fnail 98 98 98 Kg
b 1.2 0.6 0.3 m
c 0.88 0.44 0.22
s 0.15 0.15 0.15 m
Fpanel 696.89 174.22 43.56 Kg
Ftotal panel 1393.78 348.44 87.11 Kg
Table IV.14-‐ Shear resistance of panels
According to the quantity of panels in each direction and the acting shear load,
we can check if they resist or not. (Table IV.15 )
W-‐E direction
0.3 0.6 1.2
North 5 2
South 2 7
Internal walls 4 20
N-‐S direction
0.3 0.6 1.2
West 2 10
East 2 10
Intermediate walls 1 13
W-‐E direction
Total resistance Acting shear Index
(Kg) (Kg)
North 4529.77 4359.23 0.962
South 2613.33 2179.61 0.83
Internal 28224 14167.52 0.50
walls
86

N-‐S direction
Total
Acting shear
resistance Index
(Kg)
(Kg)
West 14112 5993.95 0.43
East 14112 5993.95 0.43
Intermediate
18206.22 8718.47 0.48
walls
Table IV.15-‐ Index of structural walls
We can observe that the existing configuration of walls is enough to resist the
shear loads. In the following table the check of displacements and drifts in the
most unfavorable direction are shown. A value of 1550 Kg/cm/m as a unitary
rigidity of the double plywood panel is taken from REFERENCE.
Level 1 2 3
Total rigidity 58900 58900 58900
Force 6250.14 6250.14 8206.10
Elastic relative displacement 0.11 0.11 0.14
Inelastic relative
0.53 0.53 0.70
displacement
Maximum allowable
4.86 4.86 4.86
inelastic
Displacement index 0.11 0.11 0.14
Total elastic displacement 0.11 0.21 0.35
Total inelastic displacement 0.53 1.06 1.76
Table IV.16-‐ Serviceability checks
6.2 BUILDING B
6.2.1 BEAMS AND FLOORS
The same parameters and procedures done in Building A will be repeated
Typical Floor Roof

Moment -‐570 -‐1290 Kg m
Shear 680 1620 Kg
Table IV.17-‐ Maximum moments and shears
NEW BEGINNINGS 87

We assume sections of 4.5 x 25 and 9 x 25 for floors and the roof respectively,
checking the most unfavorable beam.
Floor Roof
Width 4.5 9 cm
Height 25 25 cm
W 468.75 937.5 cm2
fm,d 140 140 kg/cm2
fv,d 14 14 kg/cm2
σm,d 121.6 137.6 kg/cm2
τv,d 9.066666667 10.8 kg/cm2
If 0.868571429 0.982857143 OK
Iv 0.647619048 0.771428571 OK
Table IV.18-‐ Strength checks
For the revision of the deflections, all having the same loads, the longest span
beam will be checked.
DL LL DL+LL
Total 0.6084 0.95 1.5584 cm
Maximum l/300 L/200
allowed 1.666666667 2.5 cm
Deflection OK
0.57 0.62336
index
Table IV.19-‐ Floor beam deflections
DL LL DL+LL

Total 0.702 1.425 2.127 cm
Maximum l/300 l/200

allowed 1.666666667 2.5 cm

Deflection OK
0.855 0.8508
index
Table IV.20-‐ Roof beam deflections
To be able to have a free column open living room a steel beam is going to be
needed. This is calculated with ETABS, resulting in rectangular tubular elements
260x60x4.5 and 300x70x5 for the floor and roof respectively.
88

6.2.2 STRUCTURAL WALLS
These were calculated using the same tables and procedure as in Building A.
Axial load Stud Size Separation

(kg/m) (cm) (cm)
External Loaded walls 11500 5 x 15 40
Internal loaded walls 12870 5 x 15 40
Intermediate loaded
13800 5 x 15 40
walls
External non loaded
180 5 x 10 60
walls
Table IV.21-‐ Loads for structural walls
6.2.3 EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE
The same procedure done in Building A will be followed.
with formulas given by the codes and also with ETABS.
Seismic weight
100% Dead Kg
load 129920
25 % Live 22400 Kg
0% Roof live
152320 Kg
Table IV.22-‐ Seismic weight
Period 0.28 s
Ad 0.1 g
μ1 0.933
μ2 0.7686
Vb 14211.456 Kg
Ft 570 Kg
TableIV.23-‐ Equivalent static method parameters
NEW BEGINNINGS 89

Level Weight (m) Height (m) Wxh Force (Kg)
1 40320 2.7 120960 3466.567403
2 40320 2.7 120960 3466.567403
3 71680 2.7 215040 6162.786495
Sum 152320 456960 13095.9213
Table IV.24-‐ Force distribution in elevation
So the total shear to apply is 21000 Kg. In the following table, the distribution of
the shear force in the structural wall of a single floor is shown.
N-‐S m direction
North 8 4359.23747
South 4 2179.618735
Internal walls 26 14167.52178
TOTAL 38 20706.37798
W-‐E direciton
West 11 5993.951522
East 11 5993.951522
Intermediate walls 16 8718.474941
TOTAL 38 20706.37798
W-‐E direction
0.3 0.6 1.2
North 4 2
South 5 2 2
Internal walls 14

N-‐S direction
0.3 0.6 1.2
West 1 10
East 1 10
Intermediate walls 1 13

90

W-‐E direction
Total resistance Acting shear Index
(Kg) (Kg)
North 3136.00 1540.70 0.49
South 3920.00 2311.04 0.59
Internal
19512.89 9244.18 0.47
walls
N-‐S direction
Total
Acting shear
resistance Index
(Kg)
(Kg)
West 14024.89 2300.63 0.16
East 14024.89 2300.63 0.16
Intermediate
walls 18206.22 8494.65 0.47
Level 1 2 3
Total rigidity 52700 52700 52700
Force 3466.57 3466.57 6162.79
Elastic relative displacement 0.07 0.07 0.12
Inelastic relative
0.33 0.33 0.58
displacement
Maximum allowable
4.86 4.86 4.86
inelastic
Displacement index 0.07 0.07 0.12
Total elastic displacement 0.07 0.13 0.25
Total inelastic displacement 0.33 0.66 1.24
Table IV.25-‐ Structural walls of Building B
The configuration of walls is enough to resist the total shear and to control the
lateral displacement.
6.3 BASEMENT AND STEEL VERANDA
The structural calculations were done using ETABS and the appropriate codes.
NEW BEGINNINGS 91

CHAPTER V – TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN
The plans can be found in the annexes (T01-‐T06)
1. CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
The construction system to used, as explained also in the Structure chapter, will
be wood light platform system, using “Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis” .
1.1 MATERIAL
As studied in the background studies, nowadays in Maracaibo there are limited
materials and construction system to use in residential buildings. Furthermore,
traditional materials like cement and steel bars are scarce and expensive,
especially due to the government latest intents to reduce the housing deficit.
All this circumstances creates a great opportunity to find new materials that
nowadays are not considered or not well used, like wood. This material and its
products are not used by construction companies or social interest housing
because they are seen as expensive, fragile, insecure solutions due to the lack of
knowledge of its properties and the lack of culture in the population for its
massive use.13
Venezuela offers a great resource of wood, especially the specie “Pinus caribaea
var. hondurensis”. It has the biggest planted forest in America with more than
622000 ha of this specie, also, more than 12 million ha of natural tropical forests,
offering demand on time, competitive prices and great variety of textures, colors,
densities and uses.
According to studies realized between CVG-‐Proforca and the National Laboratory
of forestry products in Merida,14 the specie “Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis” has
optimum characteristics to be used in construction:
• Low natural durability, being able to be easily treated by all methods.

Well treated wood can be used in the exterior or even under water.

13 Reference 19
14 Reference 20
92

• Easy to cut, glue, paint. Great workability.
• It can be used as structural or non-‐structural purposes, in a solid,
laminated or processed way.
• Great behavior with metallic connections.
• There are some wood warehouses where they are actually producing this
specie in standard sections.
• Guarantee supply, in quantity and time, at competitive prices.
• It can be used to make other products like plywood or OSB.
Other than these, we have the traditional advantages of using wood:
• Light material with great mechanical properties.

• Great esthetics
• Low conductibility
• Great behavior against fire if designed properly.
• Low energy consumption during its production
• Sustainable material
• Reduces CO2 in the environment
The “Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis” of the Orinoquia represents for many
years, if its exploitation is sustained, a secure alternative of construction material
at competitive prices in Venezuela.
1.2 ADVANTAGES
In this section we present the advantages of using the previously mentioned

wood specie in a light platform system.
• We are using a sustainable material, at competitive prices with

guaranteed supply, reducing at minimum any risks of running out of
material during the construction.
• The use of this material, also incentives the local economy and creates
new opportunities.
NEW BEGINNINGS 93

• Knowing from the background studies how expensive and unqualified
labor is, this construction system can be almost entirely done on a
warehouse where just a few qualified professionals work, ensuring high
quality and safety during the construction. Then just a few professionals
have to place the panels on the construction site.
• The waste is reduced at maximum, due to its prefabrication.
• Reducing the days of construction, especially in site, reduces dramatically
the cost of labor and of the union. It also reduces the risks that can appear
in the long period of standard constructions.
• The transport is really economical in Maracaibo, so at some extents, the
house can be pre placed and then carried to site.
• Allow us to have good quality walls, thermally and acoustically.
• The services have their special shafts, allowing its easy maintenance and
supervision.
• At the end of the life cycle of the building, almost all components can be
reused.
• In conclusion, it’s a construction system that uses a sustainable, unused,
economical material, in a fast, efficient way, giving a better quality output
compared to traditional constructions.
1.3 PROCESS
1.3.1 PREPARATION OF PANELS
The design of the project was done taking in consideration the modulation of
panels, remembering the maximum size of plywood board of 1.22x2.44, also
trying to have light panels that can be carried by two people.
These panels are going to be made on a warehouse by a few specialized

carpenters supervised by an engineer, according to the detailed plans. The studs
and the plywood boards are placed, leaving on side open to allow the placement
of the following panel and the fixation of the anchorage to the foundations. The
rigid insulation, plasterboards and the fibrocement boards are placed also in the
94

warehouse, protecting them with the same water vapor barrier from dirt and
impact. When placed in site, this polyethylene sheet would be inserted in the
next panel and cut. The electric and water installations are also going to be
placed according to the plans.
Afterwards, every panel is going to be coded with special, unmistakable names

or colors, to facilitate its placement on site.
1.3.2 CONSTRUCTION
• Construction of foundations and basement

• Placement of the first treated wood footer with a protective layer and its
proper anchorage.
• Placement of panels, anchorage with footer and nailing between them.
• Placement of headers connecting all panels.
• Placement of beams and blockage elements. Then nailing of plywood in
this area.
• Placement of panels of second floor and repeating the cycle.
1.4 CONSIDERATIONS
The humidity level of wood depends on the temperature and relative humidity of
the air. So taking the extreme situations in Maracaibo, which would be 23C and
90%, 33C and 50%, we would get a humidity level in exposed wood elements in
the range of 9 and 20%. However, these ranges of humidity and temperature are
from the day and night so there is not enough time for the elements to achieve its
equilibrium point. An average humidity and temperature of 70% and 28C will
produce a humidity level in exposed wood elements of 13%.
For the internal elements as studs, plywood board and internal beams, the
humidity would be around 12% (recommended value).
NEW BEGINNINGS 95

So it is recommended to deliver all wood elements in a equilibrium humidity
level of 12-‐15%, to avoid any kind of deformations when placed in the location.
Also they should be stored protected from the sun, rain and soil.
2. SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
2.1 ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE
The values of temperature and

relative humidity, in the city of
Maracaibo, are located always outside
the zone of thermal comfort. However
75,3% of the time is inside the area of
comfort zone amplified by natural or
mechanical ventilation (more than
1.5.m/s). For the rest of the time
(24,7%), mainly near midday, is not
possible to achieve thermal comfort, Figure V.1-‐ Bioclimatic chart
so mechanical air conditioning is necessary. In the Table V.1, the quantity of
hours per month that is necessary to use air conditioning is shown.
Jan 2
Feb 4
Mar 6
Apr 6
May 9
Jun 7
Jul 7
Aug 8
Sept 8
Oct 6
Nov 5
Dec 4
Table V.1-‐ Monthly average of hours outside thermal comfort
96

Of the different bioclimatic measures (natural ventilation, thermal mass, night
ventilation, direct evaporation) the only effective one is natural or mechanical
ventilation, but not anymore when the temperature is higher than 33C (skins
temperature).
Thermal mass is ineffective to maintain comfort during the day (only 5% of the
year and less than 10% in the coldest months) because of the high humidity
level. Different studies and experiments have proven that an adequate use of
thermal mass can reduce the maximum values of day temperature but without
reducing the relative humidity in the air. Also, there is a risk to worsen the
conditions during the night if particular measures concerning shading and
isolation of thermal mass are not followed.
According to REFERENCE15 , from January to March have the best levels of

thermal comfort (91.6%, 87.6% and 83.3%) followed by April (37.5%) and
December (33%). This period (from December to April) coincides with draught
period, where the lowest levels of radiation, temperature and humidity are, but
highest wind velocities. In the other hand, in the humid season (due to the
setback of the Elisean winds), the highest values of radiation, temperature and
relative humidity appear, with low wind velocities.
2.2 BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN
It is clear, from the analysis of the climate and the target client of the apartments,
is necessary to design a hybrid building that can work with natural ventilation
and air conditioning. Nowadays, due to ineffective design of buildings, users are
forced to turn on the air conditioner almost all the time because the velocities of
wind are not high enough to ensure thermal comfort. Also, the existent building
envelope and lack of solar shading increases greatly the energy consumed by
these air conditioners.
AS presented by REFERENCE16, when a building is ventilated naturally users

have a broader range of thermal comfort, because they have more control over

15 Reference 27
16 Reference 21
NEW BEGINNINGS 97

the different factors that determine their comfort (opening a window or
changing their clothes).
2.2.1 NATURAL VENTILATION
As observed in the bioclimatic chart, with the presence of air velocity higher than
1 m/s, we have 78% of the time
inside the comfort zone. Also, as
proved by REFERENCE17, most of
the time the temperature is
adequate but the relative
humidity is too high and to
reduce it, we need effective
natural ventilation during day
and night. From the climate
studies done in the first chapter,
we notice most of the time there
Figure V.2-‐ Wind Flower
is enough wind to ventilate the
apartments, especially coming from the Northeast. In the figure V.2, we can see
the optimum orientation of the openings according to the main frequency of the
wind. When trying to achieve cross ventilation, is good practice not to orient the
windows perpendicular to the main direction of winds, but with a slight
inclination, to originate more turbulence inside the apartment.
To achieve the minimum wind velocity levels (between 0.5 and 2 m/s), the
apartments are narrow and long, with its main openings in opposite facades,
almost no internal walls and oriented according to the predominant winds,
resulting in an effective cross ventilation. (Figure V.3)

17
98

Figure V.3-‐ Wind frequency and project
With this configuration, all apartments have an optimum layout for cross
ventilation, with main openings in the north and south façade. These windows
are placed at a proper height to allow the wind to pass in the level of activity of
the person, maximizing its refreshing effect. Also, they are not aligned, creating a
slight turbulence inside the apartment.
2.2.2 SHADING
The building has an elongated volume minimizing east and west exposure,
maximizing north and south. In the
following figure (V.4) we can observe
the ideal orientation of the windows
according to the direct radiation.
The greatest percentages of windows

are in the north and south façades. In
the east, west and north façade,
windows are protected with the
extrusion of a frame around the Figure V.4-‐ Ideal orientation
windows and vertical shading devices
NEW BEGINNINGS 99

made of fibrocement boards with
recycled wood, placed in an
alternated way generating shade
over windows and walls. In the
south façade, a buffer zone is created
with a steel grate covered with
climbing plants, which shade the
surfaces and refresh the air with
evaporation-‐transpiration.
The best orientation of the windows Figure V.5-‐ Orientation of building
has to take in consideration the

minimum solar exposure and the
maximum wind exposure. In the
west and east facades, taller trees
and vegetation is placed, to offer
more shading and refreshing of air.
Furthermore, every apartment will

have internal venetian blinds for
privacy and to graduate the quantity
Figure V.6-‐ Ideal and buildings orientation
of light that enters, increasing even
more the shading coefficients.
In the following tables we can observe the shading coefficients and incident
radiation in the windows of the building, according to the orientation and month.
Orienta Total area Mon Shad Average Incident Total

tion (m2) th ing shading (Wh) Incident
(Wh)
Jan 100% 1,697.00
Feb 100% -‐
North 72 96% 931,401
Mar 97% 14,964.00
Apr 94% 72,043.00
100

May 91% 127,861
Jun 89% 245,253
Jul 89% 289,866
Aug 92% 147,229
Sep 96% 29,914.00
Oct 100% 1,642.00
Nov 100% 18.00
Dec 100% 914.00
Jan 74% 154,744
Feb 73% 149,805
Mar 73% 165,054
Apr 68% 141,745
May 71% 118,837
Jun 67% 169,302
West 14.25 71% 1,784,292
Jul 68% 205,830
Aug 67% 188,669
Sep 70% 139,003
Oct 71% 130,342
Nov 71% 98,883.00
Dec 75% 122,078
Jan 93% 161,805
Feb 98% 32,598.00
Mar 100% 1,399.00
Apr 100% 15.00
May 100% 1.00
Jun 100% 80.00
South 60 98% 420,627
Jul 100% 5.00
Aug 100% 9.00
Sep 100% 16.00
Oct 100% 6,805.00
Nov 95% 59,502.00
Dec 91% 158,392.
Orienta Total area Mon Shad Average Incident Total

tion (m2) th ing shading (Wh) Incident
(Wh)
North Jan 100% 3,861.00
Feb 100% 958.00
60 Mar 97% 96% 10,863.00 752,306.00
Apr 95% 56,720.00
May 91% 105,908
NEW BEGINNINGS 101

Jun 90% 191,192
Jul 89% 231,377
Aug 92% 121,126
Sep 96% 22,737
Oct 100% 1,583
Nov 100% 1,651
Dec 99% 4,330
East Jan 51% 452,785
Feb 51% 340,742
Mar 51% 409,926
Apr 58% 284,684
May 56% 212,987
Jun 61% 264,749
17.25 55% 3,914,913.00
Jul 59% 368,294
Aug 59% 330,511
Sep 56% 286,484
Oct 54% 298,585
Nov 54% 335,706
Dec 51% 329,460
South Jan 89% 173,096
Feb 90% 97,210.00
Mar 95% 27,744.00
Apr 99% 7,140.00
May 99% 8,576.00
Jun 99% 8,836.00
26 95% 641,271.00
Jul 99% 14,077.00
Aug 99% 9,737.00
Sep 98% 6,593.00
Oct 92% 52,588.00
Nov 89% 90,521.00
Dec 89% 145,153
Table V.2 – Shading coefficients and incident radiation according to month and orientation
In the following table, the shading coefficient and incident radiation in the
windows of the whole project with and without shading devices.
Total window Average Incident Difference

area (m2) shading radiation (Wh) (kWh)
With
89% 14,506,234.00
shading
283.5 27,001.72
Without 52% 41,507,956.00
shading
102

2.2.3 LAYOUT
The bedrooms are located in the north part, having the best daylight, less
radiation gain and most effective ventilation.
In the middle part, the areas with less requirements of daylight and with less
occupancy are located, like the closets and bathrooms
In the south end, the common areas are located enjoying also of great amount of
daylight, arriving to the kitchen. Thanks to the shading devices, the amount of
radiation arriving to these façades is reduced.
The hallways act as horizontal shadings to the south and as buffer zones,
reducing the temperature gradient between the interior and exterior.
The lobby and common areas are exposed also to natural ventilation; they are
shaded by the two volumes of the buildings and by the services roof.
The common entertainment areas are located in the green roof, where natural
ventilation is highest.
2.2.4 REDUCTION OF HEAT ISLAND EFFECT
The total concrete exposed area is reduced at maximum, covering all the roof of
the basement with soil and greenery or green grid paving.
Another way of reducing the heat island effect is with the green roof in the top of
the building. It is a measure that has been taken in many cities of the world
where this problem occurs.
A great part of the surfaces of the project are done with light colors, reducing the
quantity of heat absorbed.
NEW BEGINNINGS 103

2.2.5 AIR CONDITIONING
It is really important to achieve a hermetic building envelope to reduce as much
as possible infiltration gains. This is achieved using the fibrocement boards and
water vapor barrier that work partially as air impermeable layers.
Solar radiation is already controlled as explained earlier and the envelope is

properly insulated. The layout places the most used areas in the less exposed
zones. The use of centralized air conditioners increases the overall efficiency of
the system.
2.3 ENERGY MANAGEMENT
2.3.1 REDUCTION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION
As explained earlier, adapting a hybrid mode allows the users to have a

comfortable environment without turning on the air conditioning. When this is
not possible, the consumption of energy is greatly reduced thanks to the
insulation in the building walls and the shading devices.
The use of more efficient centralized air conditioners also reduces the amount of
energy used.
2.3.2 PRODUCTION OF ENERGY
The solar collectors cover almost all the energy needed to produce domestic hot
water. (See chapter VI-‐Services)
2.3.3 EMBODIED ENERGY
• Almost all the project uses wood as main component for structure, like
studs, boards and beams. The species used come from local artificial and
controlled forests in the country.
• For the finshings of all the shading devices recycled wood is used. There
are several recycling yards in the city where this material can be found.
• Local materials are almost exclusively used.
104

• The prefabrication of components allows to reduce at minimum the waste
of materials.
2.4 WATER MANAGEMENT
• Rain water is recollected and use for gardening of the green roof and
other green areas (See chapter VI-‐Services)
• Innovative fixtures are used to reduce the overall consumption of water,
like low-‐pressure showerheads and double tank toilets.
• Filters are placed on the basement to clean the water coming from the
aqueducts and make it potable.
3. ENVELOPE
3.1 EXTERNAL WALLS (EW)
3.1.1 DESCRIPTION
• Fibrocement board: is allowed to be exposed long term to moist

environment, the board is intact after being soaked for a month. It
protects the wood and the water vapor barrier from humidity and
mechanical wearing. It also gives the white look of the building without
any painting or plaster.
• Plywood and studs: represent the structure of the building.
• Expanded polystyrene: insulated the envelope from the external
environment.
• Gypsum plasterboard: offers a white clean interior finishing that can be
easily finish with tiles or paint. It also offers a strong sound insulation an
fire resistance.
NEW BEGINNINGS 105

3.1.2 U VALUE
ρ λ s R c μ Sd U
m²K/W
W/m²K
W/mK
kg/m³
J/kg K
Homogeneous layer
cm
cm

description
External surface heat 0.04 0.336

transfer coefficient
Fibrocement board 1360 0.25 0.8 0.032 1200 40 32
Water vapor barrier 250 0.18 0.2 0.011 1000 100000 20000
Plywood 500 0.13 1.5 0.115 1200 70 105
Polystyrene 25 0.04 10 2.5 850 50 500
Plywood 500 0.13 1.5 0.115 1200 70 105
Gypsum Plasterboard 1180 0.36 1.25 0.034 1000 11 13.75
Internal surface heat 0.13

3.1.3 TEMPERATURE PROFILE
Layer Thickness (m) Temperature (°C)

External Air 33
External surface 0 32.83885061
Wood finishing 0.008 32.70993109
Water vapor barrier 0.01 32.66516737
Plywood 0.025 32.20031335
Polysterene 0.125 22.12847618
Plywood 0.14 21.66362216
Plasterboard 0.1525 21.52373553
internal Surface 21
106

35
30
Temperature (C)
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18
Thickness (mts)
3.1.4 GLASER DIAGRAM
From the psychometric chart was taken the highest water vapor pressure
difference, that correspond to exterior conditions of 33C and 61 % (3190 Pa) and
inside conditions of 21 C and 50 % (3190 Pa)
Layer Thickness Temperature Psat(Pa) μ Pv (Pa)

External Air 0 33 5016 0 3190
External
0 32.8388506 4971 0 3190
surface
Wood finishing 0.008 32.7099310 4896 40 3190
Water vapor
0.01 32.6651673 4840 100000 3189.23
barrier
Plywood 0.025 32.2003133 4825 70 1264.86
Polysterene 0.125 22.1284761 2665 50 1263.52
Plywood 0.14 21.6636221 2615 70 1262.55
Plasterboard 0.1525 21.5237355 2594 11 1261.21
internal air 21 2482 0 1261

100241

NEW BEGINNINGS 107

6000
psat
pv
5000
Partial Vapor Pressure (Pa)
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125 0.15 0.175
Thickness (mts)

3.1.5 OTHER OPTIONS
It was demonstrated that removing the water vapor barrier interstitial

condensation still doesn’t occur. It is put in the wall section to avoid superficial
condensation. Using formulas to calculate moisture transfer trough porous
materials, we notice how increasing the resistance against water vapor diffusion,
the moisture flow rate (quantity of Kg of water per square meter of area of wall
that transfers each second) is lower, so it takes more time to increase the
humidity inside the room, giving more time to the temperature to increase,
reducing the possibilities of superficial condensation. This solves the constant
problem in Maracaibo of condensation in surface when the air conditioner is
turned off.
108

6000
psat
pv
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125 0.15 0.175
Thickness (mts)
3.2 INTERNAL NON STRUCTURAL WALLS (IW)
3.2.1 DESCRIPTION
• Double side gypsum plasterboard: to give a white clean finishing. Good

behavior against fire and noise. It can be double to reduce sound
transmission. It can also be humid resistant in the bathrooms
• Wood stud and services gap.
NEW BEGINNINGS 109

3.3 INTERNAL STRUCTURAL WALLS (ISW)
3.3.1 DESCRIPTION
• Double side gypsum plasterboard: to give a white clean finishing. Good

behavior against fire and noise. It can be double and have sound
insulation to reduce its transmission.
• Wood studs and plywood board: structure of the building.
3.4 INTERMEDIATE FLOORS (IF)
3.4.1 DESCRIPTION
• “ Porcelanato” or tiles finishing

• Concrete layer with lightweight expanded clay aggregates: works as a
service layer and to reduce sound transmission.
• Polyethylene sheet: protects plywood board from humidity of the
concrete layer
• Plywood board and wood beams: structure of the building. In the
bathrooms special gypsum plasterboards can cover the beams to allow
services ducts to pass.
3.5 GROUND FLOOR (GF)
3.5.1 DESCRIPTION
• “ Porcelanato” or tiles finishing

• Reinforced concrete slab: roof of the basement and floor of the first level
of the building. Made with lightweight expanded clay to reduce weight
and increase thermal performance.
110

3.5.2 U VALUE
ρ λ s R c μ Sd U
Homogeneous layer
m²K/W
W/m²K
W/mK
kg/m³
J/kg K
description
cm
cm

External surface heat
1.42 0.04 2.45
Lightweight reinforced
2400 1 20 0.20 1000 5 100
concrete
Finishing 850 0.22 1.5 0.07 1000
Internal surface heat

0.1


External Air 33
Lightweight reinforced concrete 0.2 25.94
Finishing 0.215 23.94
internal Surface 21
35.00
30.00
25.00
Temperature (C)
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25
Thickness (mts)

NEW BEGINNINGS 111


External Air 0 33 5016 0 3190.00
External
0 32.83 4968 0 3188.67
surface
Soil 0.1 32.55 4891 0 3188.67
Water vapor
0.102 32.51 4880 100000 3188.67
barrier
Internal air 21 2482 70 1261.00
101520

6000
psat
5000 pv
ParNal Vapor Pressure (Pa)
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125 0.15 0.175 0.2 0.225 0.25
Thickness (mts)

112

3.6 BASEMENT ROOF (BR)
3.6.1 DESCRIPTION
• Vegetation: local plants that require low quantities of water are chosen.
• Soil: a mixture of organic and mineral materials to ensure enough
nutrients for the plants to grow. As organic material, expanded clay
aggregate will be added, to also improve its acoustic and thermal
performance.
• Geotextile filter: to prevent fine aggregates to fall in the drainage layer
• Polystyrene drainage layer: provides storage and drainage for water,
being absorbed later by the vegetation.
• Polymer root barrier: to prevent roots to damage the impermeable layer
• Asphaltic impermeable layer: prevents water coming inside the building
• Lightweight reinforced concrete beam
3.7 BASEMENT FLOOR (BF)
3.7.1 DESCRIPTION
• Reinforced concrete slab foundation

• Gravel: to protect it from humidity
3.8 GREEN ROOF (GR)
3.6.1 DESCRIPTION
• Vegetation: local plants that require low quantities of water are chosen.
• Soil: a mixture of organic and mineral materials to ensure enough
nutrients for the plants to grow. As organic material, expanded clay
aggregate will be added, to also improve its acoustic and thermal
performance.
• Geotextile filter: to prevent fine aggregates to fall in the drainage layer
NEW BEGINNINGS 113

• Polystyrene drainage layer: provides storage and drainage for water,
being absorbed later by the vegetation. It also provides extra insulation
for the roof.
• Polymer root barrier: to prevent roots to damage the impermeable layer
• Polyethylene water vapor barrier: to prevent interstitial condensations
and entrance of water vapor into the building from the green roof.
• Expanded polystyrene: provides insulation for the roof.
• Asphaltic impermeable layer: prevents water coming inside the building
• Plywood and wood beams: structure of the building
3.6.2 U VALUE
ρ λ s R c μ Sd U
Homogeneous layer
m²K/W
W/m²K
W/mK
kg/m³
J/kg K
description
cm
cm

External surface heat 0.350
0.04

Soil 1300 1.5 10 0.0667 1200 0
Water vapor barrier 250 0.18 0.2 0.011 1000 100000 20000

Polystyrene 25 0.04 10 2.5 850 50 500
0.18
Impermeable Layer 0.4 0.02 1350 1540
0

Plywood 500 0.13 1.5 0.1154 1200 70 105
Internal surface heat

0.1


External Air 33
Soil 0.1 32.55
Water Vapor barrier 0.102 32.51
Polysterene 0.202 22.00
Impermeable layer 0.206 21.91
Plywood 0.221 21.42
internal Surface 21
114

35.00
Temperature (C) 30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25
Thickness (mts)


External Air 0 33 5016 0 3190.00
External
0 32.83 4968 0 3188.67
surface
Soil 0.1 32.55 4891 0 3188.67
Water vapor
0.102 32.51 4880 100000 3188.67
barrier
Plysterene 0.202 22.00 2639 50 1288.55
Impermeable
0.206 21.91 2624 1350 1287.60
layer
Plywood 0.221 21.42 2547 50 1261.95
Internal air 21 2482 70 1261.00
101520

NEW BEGINNINGS 115

6000
psat
5000 pv
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125 0.15 0.175 0.2 0.225 0.25
Thickness (mts)

3.4 WINDOWS
3.4.1 DESCRIPTION
• Double clear glass

• Aluminum frame with no thermal break
3.4.2 U VALUE
• 2.7 W/m2 K
3.4.3 GLASS PROPERTIES
• Visible transmittance: 81%

• Shading coefficient: 0.84
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) 0.75
116

3.5 MEAN RADIANT TEMPERATURE
The use of insulation reduces completely the effect of radiation on the operative
temperature. Only in cases of light metallic roofs, like in informal construction,
does the mean radiant temperature become important in this kind of weather.
Using ECOTECT, we calculated the mean radiant temperature.
Figure V.7-‐ MRT
Dry bulb Mean Radiant Operative

Difference
temperature Temperature°C temperature
Air
conditio 23 23.6 0.6 23.3 °C
ning
NEW BEGINNINGS 117

We observe how the mean radiant temperature in free mode, is actually lower
than the dry bulb temperature, due to the level of insulation and thermal mass of
the walls, that require more time to heat up than air. This benefits the thermal
comfort of the occupants.
4. DAYLIGHTING
4.1 DESIGN
• The layout was designed to place the activities with highest need of day
lighting in the north and south façade.
• Constructing big windows in opposed facades give enough light for
intermediate zones. Except bathrooms in two apartments.
• Internal surfaces are white to increase the reflection of the light.
• The internal part of shading devices are dark colored, to avoid problems
of glare with diffusive lighting (a problem in hot humid climates)
• Every apartment will have internal venetian blinds to graduate the
quantity of light and avoid glare.
• The overcast sky illuminance for Maracaibo is 12000 lux
4.2 RESULTS
We can observe how in the most important areas the daylight coefficients are
high.
118

Figure V.8-‐ DF on building A
Figure V.9-‐ DF on building B
Normally daylight from a window is limited to 4.5 m from its place and the
depths of the apartments are 16 m. The bathroom was placed in the middle and
put a white surface to be able to reflect and increase the light level.
NEW BEGINNINGS 119

In the following table we can see a summary of the different coefficients in the
areas of the apartments.
Buildi Daylight factor Daylight levels Required

Area
ng (%) (lux) (%)
Living room 2-‐7 % 240-‐840 0.5
Kitchen 1-‐4% 120-‐480 2
A Bathroom 0-‐2.5% 0-‐300 0.5
Hallways 1.7-‐4% 204-‐480 0.5
Bedrooms 2-‐7 % 240-‐840 0.5
Living room 2-‐5.70% 240-‐684 0.5
Kitchen 1.7 -‐3% 204-‐360 2
Bathrooms 0-‐4.6% 0-‐556 0.5
Hallways 1.25-‐2.8% 150-‐336 0.5
B
Main bedroom 2-‐6% 240-‐720 0.5
Secondary
2-‐9% 240-‐1080 0.5
bedroom
Laundry room 1.5-‐5% 180-‐600 0.5
Also, the percentage of areas with enough daylight is more than 95%, resulting in
an electric free lighting project during the day.
Figure V.10-‐ DF overall
120

5. THERMAL SIMULATION
5.1 PARAMETERS
The simulation was done using the dynamic thermal simulation software called
IES-‐VE. The geometry was exported from Sketchup. The section of walls, floors,
roofs and windows were assigned with their relative thermal properties (U
values, thermal mass, etc.)
The comfort zone was assigned as presented at the beginning of the chapter,
from 22°C to 29°C, 20% to 75%. The set point for air-‐conditioning is 23°C
according to Rerence 28.
The infiltration rate is assigned as 0.6 ach (air changes per hour), following
recommendations of different literature.
Usually a rate of 5 ach is used to take in consideration natural ventilation, but in

the case of this thesis, where the orientation and shape of the windows were
done to maximize natural ventilation and where the wind is high enough to
ensure more air changes per hour, a more precise method is needed. The
software used, takes in consideration the real air changes per hour thanks to
natural ventilation, using the wind velocities and frequencies from the weather
data as well as the shape of the windows.
The internal gains caused by lighting, people and miscellaneous loads of

equipment are default parameters with a profile adjusted to the natural
illumination and uses of the buildings.
NEW BEGINNINGS 121

Figure V.11-‐ Lighting profile
Figure V.12-‐ Occupancy profile
Figure V.13-‐ Miscellaneous loads

122

5.2 RESULTS
5.2.1 ONLY NATURAL VENTILATION
The windows will be open only when the inside temperature is higher than the
outside temperature. The humidity won’t be controlled because we assume that
we have at least 0.5 m/s air velocity and looking at the figure V.1 we know that
with less than 32°C we have thermal comfort.
Location Temperature Relative humidity

< 22 22 to 29 > 29 > 32 50-‐70% >75%

Apto1-‐3 1.2 60.8 38 4 47.1 52.9
Apto1-‐5 1.1 62 36.9 3.1 45.8 54.2
Apto1-‐1 1.2 56.2 42.6 6.2 51.8 48.2
Apto1-‐2 1.3 60.8 37.9 4 46.7 53.3
Apto1-‐6 1.2 58.2 40.7 5.4 49.8 50.2
Apto1-‐4 1.1 61.6 37.3 3.2 46.2 53.8
Apto2-‐1 1.6 62 36.4 5.1 45.4 54.6
Apto2-‐6 1.5 64.3 34.2 4.4 42.3 57.7
Apto2-‐2 1.6 66 32.4 3.5 39.9 60.1
Apto2-‐3 1.5 66.3 32.1 3.3 39.6 60.4
Apto2-‐5 1.4 68.6 30 2.5 36.9 63.1
Apto2-‐4 1.4 68 30.6 2.6 37.4 62.6
Apto3-‐1 1.7 62.7 35.6 5.7 44 56
Apto3-‐6 1.6 64.2 34.2 5.1 42 58
Apto3-‐2 1.8 65.9 32.3 4.1 39.2 60.8
Apto3-‐3 1.6 66.4 32 3.8 39.1 60.9
Apto3-‐5 1.6 68.3 30.1 3 36.6 63.4
Apto3-‐4 1.6 68.6 29.8 3 36.2 63.8
Total hours (% of sum) 1.4 63.9 34.6 4 42.6 57.4
External environment 5.4 60 36 11.3 40 57.2
Table V.4-‐ Frequency of hours in temperature ranges (%)
We can see that if we achieve the desired air speed inside the room, we have
thermal comfort 96% of the time, without the consumption of energy. In some
apartments the difference between the outside environment and inside is
remarkable.
In the following table the maximum, minimum and average ventilation rates due
to opening of the windows are shown.
NEW BEGINNINGS 123

Min Time Max Max Max. Mean Mean
Value Value Value Time (L/s) (ach)
(L/s) (L/s) (ach)
Apto 0 01:30,01 6515 30.16 00:30,22 644.3 2.98
1-‐3 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 6515.1 30.16 00:30,22 642.3 2.97
1-‐5 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 9420.1 31.15 00:30,22 954.5 3.16
1-‐1 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 9420.4 31.15 00:30,22 927.4 3.07
1-‐2 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 6514.9 30.16 00:30,22 654.9 3.03
1-‐6 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 6424.3 29.74 00:30,22 635.1 2.94
1-‐4 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 9420.4 31.15 00:30,22 905.2 2.99
2-‐1 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 6515.1 30.16 00:30,22 621.8 2.88
2-‐6 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 9420.6 31.15 00:30,22 887.1 2.93
2-‐2 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 6515.3 30.16 00:30,22 615.1 2.85
2-‐3 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 6515.4 30.16 00:30,22 613.5 2.84
2-‐5 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 6515.4 30.16 00:30,22 614.7 2.85
2-‐4 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 9420.5 31.15 00:30,22 896.4 2.96
3-‐1 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,01 6509 30.13 00:30,22 618.1 2.86
3-‐6 /Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,0 9420.7 31.15 00:30,22 882 2.92
3-‐2 1/Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,0 6509.1 30.13 00:30,22 611.2 2.83
3-‐3 1/Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,0 6509.2 30.14 00:30,22 610 2.82
3-‐5 1/Jan /Mar
Apto 0 01:30,0 6509.2 30.14 00:30,22 609.1 2.82
3-‐4 1/Jan /Mar
Table V.5-‐ Ventilation rates due to openings of windows
124

36
34
32
30
Temperature (°C)
28
26
24
22
20
18
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
Date: Fri 01/Jan to Fri 31/Dec
Air temperature: 18 rooms (tesis1-naturalventilation3-macroflow.aps)
Figure V.14-‐ Annual temperature range
In this mode, the effect of shading can be important in certain hours but
generally speaking it changes slightly the temperature profile. This happens due
to the high ventilation rates that flush away constantly the heat produced in the
room.
5.2.2 HYBRID SYSTEM WITH SHADING. NATURAL VENTILATION AND AIR

CONDITIONING
The windows will be opened when the external temperature is lower than the
internal but also lower than 29°C. The ideal temperature point where the air
conditioning is turned on would be 32°C as explained before, but due to cultural
habits and to take in consideration the small zone where not even with enough
air movement it can be possible to achieve thermal comfort, the author decided
to use 29°C.
Location Temperature Relative humidity

< 22 22 to 29 > 29 50-‐75% >75%

Apto1-‐3 1.3 98.7 0 47.9 52.1
Apto1-‐5 1.2 98.8 0 46.8 53.2
Apto1-‐1 1.4 98.6 0 50.9 49.1
NEW BEGINNINGS 125

Apto1-‐2 1.5 98.5 0 47.1 52.9
Apto1-‐6 1.3 98.7 0 49.5 50.5
Apto1-‐4 1.2 98.8 0 47.3 52.7
Apto2-‐1 1.7 98.3 0 43.1 56.9
Apto2-‐6 1.6 98.4 0 40.6 59.4
Apto2-‐2 1.8 98.2 0 38.6 61.4
Apto2-‐3 1.7 98.3 0 38.8 61.2
Apto2-‐5 1.5 98.5 0 36 64
Apto2-‐4 1.5 98.5 0 36.6 63.4
Apto3-‐1 1.8 98.2 0 42.5 57.5
Apto3-‐6 1.7 98.3 0 41.5 58.5
Apto3-‐2 1.9 98.1 0 38.8 61.2
Apto3-‐3 1.8 98.2 0 39.3 60.7
Apto3-‐5 1.6 98.4 0 36.7 63.3
Apto3-‐4 1.6 98.4 0 36.3 63.7
Total hours (% of sum) 1.6 98.4 0 42.1 57.9
External environment 5.4 60 36 40 57.2
Table V.6-‐ Frequency of hours in temperature ranges (%)
In this simulation, the inside temperature is dependent of the outside

temperature, but when it gets hotter the windows are open. If the outside
temperature is greater than 29°C the windows are closed and the air
conditioning is turned on for an hour. After this, the inside temperature is
dependent to the outside environment. In the following tables we can observe
the quantity of time the air conditioning will be on and the total energy
consumption.
Location Hours Percentage

Apto1-‐3 552 6.3
Apto1-‐5 489 5.6
Apto1-‐1 651 7.4
Apto1-‐2 552 6.3
Apto1-‐6 618 7.1
Apto1-‐4 500 5.7
Apto2-‐1 491 5.6
Apto2-‐6 451 5.1
Apto2-‐2 408 4.7
Apto2-‐3 403 4.6
Apto2-‐5 340 3.9
126

Apto2-‐4 347 4
Apto3-‐1 528 6
Apto3-‐6 515 5.9
Apto3-‐2 465 5.3
Apto3-‐3 455 5.2
Apto3-‐5 389 4.4
Apto3-‐4 384 4.4
Total 8538 5.4
Table V.7-‐ Hours of A/C on
Apto1-‐ Apto1-‐ Apto1-‐ Apto1-‐ Apto1-‐ Apto1-‐ Apto2-‐ Apto2-‐ Apto2-‐

3 5 1 2 6 4 1 6 2
Jan 0.20 0.14 0.44 0.27 0.23 0.16 0.26 0.14 0.19
Feb 0.20 0.18 0.43 0.29 0.27 0.18 0.28 0.18 0.22
Mar 0.35 0.30 0.60 0.49 0.41 0.30 0.44 0.31 0.37
Apr 0.41 0.34 0.67 0.55 0.47 0.36 0.47 0.28 0.38
May 0.54 0.46 0.82 0.74 0.57 0.47 0.67 0.44 0.56
Jun 0.51 0.46 0.81 0.70 0.58 0.47 0.65 0.44 0.54
Jul 0.66 0.59 0.98 0.91 0.71 0.60 0.77 0.52 0.68
Aug 0.63 0.60 0.99 0.88 0.71 0.61 0.78 0.54 0.68
Sep 0.50 0.45 0.77 0.69 0.54 0.45 0.60 0.39 0.49
Oct 0.47 0.42 0.77 0.66 0.52 0.43 0.59 0.40 0.51
Nov 0.32 0.29 0.55 0.45 0.36 0.30 0.42 0.26 0.31
Dec 0.28 0.26 0.54 0.42 0.34 0.27 0.36 0.23 0.30
Sum 5.07 4.48 8.37 7.07 5.69 4.59 6.28 4.13 5.21
Table V.8-‐ Consumed thermal energy (MWh)
Apto2-‐ Apto2-‐ Apto2-‐ Apto3-‐ Apto3-‐ Apto3-‐ Apto3-‐ Apto3-‐ Apto3-‐

Sum
3 5 4 1 6 2 3 5 4
Jan 0.13 0.11 0.12 0.28 0.18 0.24 0.17 0.13 0.13 3.51
Feb 0.15 0.13 0.13 0.31 0.20 0.26 0.17 0.14 0.13 3.84
Mar 0.27 0.20 0.22 0.48 0.33 0.44 0.29 0.26 0.24 6.29
Apr 0.26 0.22 0.22 0.52 0.35 0.41 0.28 0.27 0.27 6.74
May 0.39 0.36 0.37 0.73 0.52 0.63 0.45 0.38 0.38 9.46
Jun 0.39 0.33 0.34 0.68 0.50 0.62 0.44 0.38 0.38 9.19
Jul 0.49 0.41 0.41 0.83 0.60 0.74 0.53 0.46 0.45 11.33
Aug 0.49 0.40 0.40 0.83 0.60 0.75 0.53 0.49 0.48 11.40
Sep 0.35 0.30 0.31 0.67 0.47 0.59 0.42 0.33 0.33 8.66
NEW BEGINNINGS 127

Oct 0.37 0.30 0.30 0.63 0.43 0.57 0.38 0.35 0.35 8.43
Nov 0.21 0.20 0.20 0.44 0.30 0.38 0.28 0.22 0.22 5.72
Dec 0.19 0.15 0.16 0.38 0.25 0.33 0.23 0.18 0.18 5.05
Sum 3.69 3.11 3.18 6.77 4.74 5.96 4.18 3.57 3.52 89.62
Table V.8-‐ Consumed thermal energy (MWh)
As we can see, we have an average consumption per apartment of 415 kWh per
month, half of the actual average (800 kWh per month).
In the following figures the sensible heat balance and air temperature profile of
the hottest day (18 Aug) are shown for all the rooms.
38
36
34
32
30
Temperature (°C)
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
00:00 06:00 12:00 18:00 00:00
Date: Wed 18/Aug
Air temperature: Apto1-3 (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) Air temperature: Apto1-5 (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) Air temperature: Apto1-1 (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps)
Dry-bulb temperature: clima maracaibo.epw (clima maracaibo.epw)
Figure V.15-‐ Air temperature of all apartments vs external temperature
128

14
12
10
4
Gain (kW)
-2
-4
-6
-8
00:00 06:00 12:00 18:00 00:00
Date: Wed 18/Aug
Conduction gain - external walls: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) Conduction gain - external glazing: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) Conduction gain - ground floor: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps)
Conduction gain - roof: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps)

Figure V.16-‐Conduction gains of walls, windows, roof and floor
40
20
-20
-40
-60
Gain (kW)
-80
-100
-120
-140
-160
-180
-200
00:00 06:00 12:00 18:00 00:00
Date: Wed 18/Aug
Space conditioning sensible: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) MacroFlo ext vent gain: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) Infiltration gain: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps)
External conduction gain: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) Internal gain: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) Solar gain: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps)

Figure V.17-‐ Gains breakdown (conduction, ventilation, infiltration, internal and solar) vs
space conditioning
NEW BEGINNINGS 129

200 38 140000
180 36
120000
34
160
32
100000
140
30
120
80000
Temperature (°C)
Volume flow (l/s)

28
Load (kW)
100
26
60000
80
24
60
40000
22
40
20
20000
20 18
0 16 0
00:00 06:00 12:00 18:00 00:00
Date: Wed 18/Aug
Cooling plant sensible load: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) MacroFlo external vent: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps) Dry-bulb temperature: (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps)
Air temperature: 18 rooms (tesis1-hybrid 1.aps)

Figure V.18-‐ Cooling load, air temperature, natural ventilation and external temperature
Sensible load (kW) Max. Time

146.77 16:30,18/Apr
5.2.3 HYBRID SYSTEM WITHOUT SHADING. NATURAL VENTILATION AND AIR

CONDITIONING
The same analysis as before were done but without the use of shading devices.
Energy Difference Savings

Location Hours Percentage
(MWh) (MWh) (BsF)
Apto1-‐3 712 8.1 6.5696 1.50 104.909
Apto1-‐5 596 6.8 5.4778 0.99 69.566
Apto1-‐1 789 9 10.1865 1.82 127.19
Apto1-‐2 725 8.3 9.3505 2.28 159.663
Apto1-‐6 780 8.9 7.2343 1.54 107.786
Apto1-‐4 597 6.8 5.4865 0.90 62.888
Apto2-‐1 644 7.4 8.2862 2.01 140.602
Apto2-‐6 620 7.1 5.7274 1.59 111.496
Apto2-‐2 581 6.6 7.4715 2.26 157.983
Apto2-‐3 562 6.4 5.1664 1.47 103.187
Apto2-‐5 438 5 4.0096 0.90 63.014
130

Apto2-‐4 437 5 4.0017 0.83 57.862
Apto3-‐1 672 7.7 8.656 1.88 131.733
Apto3-‐6 663 7.6 6.1417 1.40 98.336
Apto3-‐2 609 7 7.8517 1.89 132.433
Apto3-‐3 592 6.8 5.4577 1.28 89.691
Apto3-‐5 473 5.4 4.3352 0.76 53.382
Apto3-‐4 476 5.4 4.3659 0.84 59.136
Total 10966 7 115.7762 26.16 1830.857
Table V.9-‐ Differences without shading devices
But other than this, the use of shading or not will affect the size of the air
conditioning machine.

185.493 12:30,21/Feb
These results would be even more apart if the building wouldn’t have a great
orientation with limited glazing in east and west.
5.2.4 HYBRID SYSTEM WITH SHADING. STANDARD LOCAL CONSTRUCTIONS
Now a simulation was done putting normal plastered brick walls without
insulation and domestic single glaze windows.
Location Hours Energy (MWh)

Apto1-‐3 597 5.5128
Apto1-‐5 510 4.6812
Apto1-‐1 704 9.0813
Apto1-‐2 582 7.4829
Apto1-‐6 685 6.3389
Apto1-‐4 516 4.7379
Apto2-‐1 554 7.1207
Apto2-‐6 514 4.7375
Apto2-‐2 461 5.9052
Apto2-‐3 462 4.2425
Apto2-‐5 367 3.367
Apto2-‐4 371 3.4007
NEW BEGINNINGS 131

Apto3-‐1 648 8.3665

Apto3-‐6 648 6.0115
Apto3-‐2 572 7.3715

Apto3-‐3 573 5.2923
Apto3-‐5 496 4.5629

Apto3-‐4 491 4.5145
Total hours 9751 102.7278
Table V.10-‐ Hours of A/C on

186.95 13:30,22/Feb
5.2.4 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Hours Energy (MWh) Size (kW)

Project 8538 89.62 146.77
No shading 10966 115.776 185.5
Standard construction 9751 102.73 186.95
Table V.11-‐ Summary table
Ventilati Infiltrati Conducti Sola Intern

on on on r al
59.7 MW
Project -‐109.22 8.4951 25.19 106.32
1 h
91.5 MW
No shading -‐111.06 8.4699 21.62 106.32
6 h
Standard 56.1 MW
-‐110.84 8.5383 43.58 106.32
construction 3 h
Table V.12-‐ Summary breakdown of gains
The lack of shading causes overheating of the areas decreasing greatly the hours
that thermal comfort can be achieved with natural ventilation.
132

The lack of good quality walls doesn’t affect that much the quantity of hours that
natural ventilation is sufficient but does increase greatly the quantity of energy
used when the air conditioning is on. So, when the air conditioning is turned on
more than needed, the quality of the walls becomes more important.
We can see from the results that the most important thing is the good use of
natural ventilation and shading, to reduce the quantity of hours that the air
conditioning should be on.
Good orientation and exposition of openings and of the building represents the
most effective strategy to reduce energy consumption.
The lack of shading or of good quality walls can greatly increase the size of the
air conditioning machine, increasing the initial costs and maintenance of the
system.
With the actual habits of the citizens of Maracaibo, is advisable to have good
walls because probably they will turn on the air conditioner more than needed.
The low electricity prices in the country makes unfeasible the use of expensive
shading devices or insulated walls. The savings in electricity would never cover
the expenses of these items. This is without taking in consideration the savings
due to fines, initial investments in systems and maintenance of them.
Furthermore, in case of lack of supply of electricity, the projected building will be
fresher and cooler.
With use of ventilators the consumed energy due to air conditioners can be
reduced even more, because it can increment air movement in days with low
wind velocity.
6. FIRE RESISTANCE
6.1 CAUSE OF FIRES IN WOOD BUILDINGS
There are two general methods to protect a building from fire, active and
passive. The first one signals, controls or fights a fire like alarms, smoke
NEW BEGINNINGS 133

detectors and extinguishers. The second one stops the transmission of the fire,
delays its effect on structural and non-‐structural elements guaranteeing their
mechanical properties for a specific period.
According to REFERENCE 9, the use of wood as structure could add a risk to the
propagation and consequences of a fire. However, the percentage of fires in
residential buildings caused by ignition in structural elements its only 10%,
being furniture its main cause with 45%. Furthermore, knowing that the
structural elements will be always protected, this percentage decreases to
maximum 2%.
6.2 WOOD BEHAVIOR AGAINST FIRE
Before beginning ignition in an element of wood, all the internal humidity has to
be evaporated. After this, its strength is increased because its inverse
proportional from its internal humidity level. Furthermore, due to woods high
specific heat, it is necessary more energy to increase a degree than with other
materials like concrete, bricks or steel.
Any mechanical property of a material depends on its temperature. The

carbonization and pyrolysis of wood creates a layer of a couple centimeters with
a very low conductivity that protects the inner part from increasing its
temperature, making its mechanical properties independent from temperature.
Steel looses its mechanical properties at 400-‐450°C, concrete at 650°C and gets
worse when it gets colder.
Woods behavior against fire is really predictable because loses section area at a
certain velocity depending on the specie, making possible to calculate the
remaining strength after a certain period of fire. Also, woods low thermal
dilatation coefficient makes safer the entrance of firefighters when the structural
elements get colder, avoiding support displacements.

134

6.3 PLATFORM FRAME SYSTEM BEHAVIOR AGAINST FIRE
So we have two strategies: we increase the section of the element so after a

period of time it still resists, or we protect the element from reducing its section.
The essence of platform frame system is to have small light structural elements,
so the latter strategy would be the most appropriate one.
6.3.1 FLOORS AND ROOFS
Made with a floating slab of expanded clay concrete and the plywood-‐board have
a protection against fire of 240 min. The lightweight aggregate insulates
thermally the wood structure, has a really high fusion temperature (1300°C) and
doesn’t generate toxic gases. Furthermore, a plywood board of 18 mm offers 15
min of protection.
Beams are going to be treated with organic salts because they are not protected
in case of fires in the floor below. Also it protects them from biological attack.
6.3.2 WALLS
The protection of the structural walls with panels (plywood, fibrocement and/or
plasterboard) eliminates the risk of exposing these elements to direct flame,
delaying the transmission of heat either from interior or exterior.
With only one gypsum-‐plasterboard of 12.5 mm there is a protection of at least
30 min, being classified by the Eurocode as incombustible, with low production
of smoke and no production flammable drops. The thermal dilatation coefficient
of the plasterboard, plywood, fibrocement and wood studs are similar,
eliminating the risk of fissures and unwanted deformations. The gypsum
plasterboards are relatively resistant to water pressure and extinguisher agents.
Furthermore, a 15 mm plywood board offers a protection of 11 minutes.
For intermediate walls we need 120 minutes, which we can achieve with double
plasterboard, as well improve the acoustic behavior.
NEW BEGINNINGS 135

6.3.3 SERVICES AND CONNECTIONS
All connections can be considered protected by the elements described before.
The installation of services will be executed with special ignifugus silicon and
protective pipes and no services will pass between intermediate apartment
walls.
6.3.4 LAYOUT
• The escape route establishes a distance from any door to the stairs of less
than 20 meters.
• The external halls and paths in the veranda are made of a separate
structure from the buildings and are exposed completely to the wind,
reducing any risk in case of fire to minimum.
• Main doors of apartments have more than 1.00 mts width.
• External hallways (veranda) have more than 1.00 mt width (1.20m)
• Being a platform frame system, where there is the free path of the cavities
in the walls of the first floor are interrupted by the intermediate floor,
preventing a chimney effect through the wall cavities of the different
floors (common in balloon frame)
6.4 SUMMARY
Element Time

IF >240 min
EW/ISW >41 min
Intermediate walls 120 min
IW 30 min
Table V.13-‐ Fire resistance of wall sections

136

7. CONTROL OF SOUND
7.1 DESIGN
• The fact that we are combining rigid and flexible elements in floors and
walls (fibrocement-‐wood, concrete-‐wood), allows the system to have
different critical frequencies, increasing the level of acoustic insulation.
Also, placing different elements (fibrocement board and plasterboard) in
the two oppose sides of the walls covers a wider range of frequencies to
insulate.
• In the intermediate walls between apartments, an absorbent material is
placed (rock wool), to reduce the quantity of sound waves that transmits.
• The water vapor barrier, a low-‐density plastic sheet between the
insulation and the wood structure, improves the overall acoustical
behavior because it deforms attenuating the energy and transforming in
mechanical energy.
• The connection between the plywood board with the beams will be done
also with special glue, that reduces the squeaky sound that it makes when
people walk on it.
• Placing a floating expanded clay reinforced concrete layer in floors
increases the overall impact and air sound transmittance, increasing its
mass, guaranteeing an insulation value of at least 50dB. The polyethylene
sheet between the layer of concrete and plywood board also acts as added
insulation as explained before.
• Walls covering the bathroom have double layer of plasterboard to reduce
the sound transmission.
• Green roof
7.2 AIR AND IMPACT SOUND TRANSMISSION COEFFICIENTS
The following table presents the STC and Ln of the different walls, according to
Reference 9.
NEW BEGINNINGS 137

Air sound transmission Impact sound transmission
CODE
coefficient coefficient
EW 55 dBA

IW 35-‐4018 dBA

ISW 40-‐455 dBA

dBA
IF 55 70

GR 80 30
Table V.14-‐ STC and Ln of wall sections
According to CTE-‐DB-‐HR,for residential units, these are the limits:
Element Emission area Air sound transmission Impact sound

Same user 33> dbA
Walls
Other user 45> dbA
Same user 33> <65 dbA
Roof
Other user 45> <60 dbA
Table V.15-‐ Limits
We observe how the elements of the project satisfy the European codes, even
though in Venezuela there is no regulation regarding sound transmission.
7.3 REVERBARATION TIMES
This parameter is only demanded by codes, to be calculated on classrooms and
public areas by codes, but a value of 1 second is recommended for residential
areas.
Surface Absorption AxS (m2) Volume(m3) Reverberation

(m2) coefficient time (s)
Walls 86.4 0.053 4.5792
Floor 75 0.067 5.025
Roof 75 0.1 7.5
202.5 0.9103
Windows 11 0.12 1.32
Doors 2 0.167 0.334
Furniture 50 0.35 17.5
36.2582
Table V.16-‐ Reverberation time

18 Single or double layer of plasterboard on emission side
138

The reverberation time is around the recommended, thanks to the influence of
furniture in sound absorption.
8. DURABILITIY
The main strategy to increase the durability of wood is the proper design and
execution of construction details. In general lines, the structural elements are
protected from the external environment and separated from the ground.
Wood should have a humidity level appropriate to the location of the project.
(less than 20%, as explained before). No fungus and most insects cant grow with
a level of humidity lower than 20%.
Thanks to the elevation of the wood structure (20 cm) from the level of the
terrain, reduces the chances of increase in the humidity level of the structure.
Furthermore, a layer of polymer is placed beneath it, to increase its isolation and
to avoid the entrance of termites. The first wood element in the structure should
be treated with hydro soluble salts.
Because the whole structure of the building is actually over the basement, the
path for termites to arrive to wood elements is limited.
In the overall design, there is good ventilation in all wood elements, which
controls the humidity of them. Also, there aren’t any areas where water can
accumulate and damage any element.
In every external surface and node, the impermeable layer is placed with
attention, always making impossible the entrance of water to the building
All the building is covered externally with fibrocement boards, which have a
great durability and protection against humidity.
A water vapor barrier is placed in the external part of the wall, protecting the
studs from any transmission of vapor due to difference in pressures.
According to the thermal simulation, the air conditioning will be turned on at

least 2 hours every day, controlling the temperature and humidity (23 and 50%)
to levels that limits the growth of mold and other types of biological attack.
NEW BEGINNINGS 139

All services pass through additional gypsum plasterboard walls separate from
the structural walls. This eliminates risks of damaging the structure in case of
leaks and pipe problems.
The Caribbean pine is not very durable but is really impregnable.
140

CHAPTER VI – BUILDING SERVICES
The main goal of the project, regarding building services, is to unify them as
much as possible, reducing costs and maintenance. It is accustomed, from
service water supply to air conditioners, to have individual systems per
apartment, increasing problems, energy consumption and costs.
Each apartment will have a shaft to place all the pipes (cold, hot and sewage
water), this allows users to control and maintain everything separately. Also, we
never have to cut structural panels. In case of an emergency, specific branches
can be shut down, without interrupting others apartments services.
The plans can be seen on the annexes (I-‐01 to I-‐12)
1. HOT AND COLD SERVICE WATER
There are branches of PVC pipes in the project to store and supply the demanded
potable water. In every zone a valve will be placed to shut down the service of
specific areas in case of problems.
The first step is to store water (see Chapter I to know why) in a tank placed in
the basement, near the street. When a fixture in an apartment demands, gets
pumped by a hydro-‐pneumatic system from the tank into one of the several
risers to arrive to each fixture. These pipes also supplies water to the green areas
and to the roof were the solar collectors are placed. After being heated by the
sun, hot water gets stored in another tank in top of the stairs, to then arrive by
gravity through another set of risers into each fixture.
There will be an outlet in a room near the street, were water supply trucks can
connect and directly store the water in the tank.

NEW BEGINNINGS 141

1.1 COLD WATER TANK DIMENSIONING
Use Supply (L) Quantity Total (L)

1 bedroom apartment 500 12 6000
2 bedroom apartment 850 6 5100
Green areas 2 549 1098
Fire resistance water 40% 1 4879.2
17077

Table VI.1-‐ Tank dimensioning
So a 18000 L tank will be placed in the basement, having 1.6 x 3.4 x 3.4 m
(height, width and length)
1.2 HOT WATER TANK DIMENSIONING
A value of 20 liters per person will be taken, resulting in a 1000 L tank. But
because solar collectors will be used to supply most of the hot water, a 2000 L
tank is chosen to have storage of water for two days. Anyways, a backup heater is
placed near this tank to guarantee hot water even after several cloudy days.
1.3 PIPE DIMENSIONING
The dimensioning of the pipes was done following the recommendations of

REFERENCE 28.
2. SEWAGE WATER
A 4” PVC pipe will be placed in each shaft, discharging sewage water from each
floor. A register is placed in every zone to allow an easy access and maintenance
of the main branches. In the green roof, all the stacks connect into one to go up a
meter and ventilate. In the ground floor all the stacks connect to a main branch
that has a small service tank before discharging in the main street pipe.
To maximize protection of wood elements and to increase the comfort of the

residents, several floor discharge points are placed.
142

3. RAINWATER
It is not accustomed to recollect storm water, but seeing the huge water supply
problem and the local rain history, there is a great potential to store it and use it
to garden all the green areas, especially the roof. The following table presents the
quantity of water that can be recollected in the roof throughout the year, taking
in consideration around 15% of the water would be absorbed by the green roof.
Mon Rain water Rain water Gross Net Net recolected

ths (mm) (L/m2) Recolected recolected per day(L)
(L) (L)
Jan 5 5 2745 2333.25 77.775
Feb 5 5 2745 2333.25 77.775
Mar 5 5 2745 2333.25 77.775
Apr 30 30 16470 13999.5 466.65
May 60 60 32940 27999 933.3
June 50 50 27450 23332.5 777.75
July 20 20 10980 9333 311.1
Aug 50 50 27450 23332.5 777.75
Sep 70 70 38430 32665.5 1088.85
Oct 110 110 60390 51331.5 1711.05
Nov 50 50 27450 23332.5 777.75
Dec 20 20 10980 9333 311.1
475 475 260775 221658.75
Table VI.2-‐ Rainwater in Maracaibo
Looking at the net recollected water per day, we can estimate the size of the tank
between 1000 and 1500 L, also thanks to the delay of discharge of the green roof.
4. SOLAR COLLECTORS
Placing solar collector with an efficiency of 0.76 and assuming supply cold water
of 22C to heat until 40C, we can calculate the quantity of hot water needed and
the quantity of m2 of solar panels. Assuming 880 L of hot water needed per day
and 10 m2 of solar collectors, we get:
NEW BEGINNINGS 143

Months
capacity (L)
production
needed (L)
Hot water
Hot water
produced
radiation
(Wh-‐m2)
Indicent
needed
Energy
Energy
(kWh)
Jan 27280 571.516 147911 1124.12 53657.45
Feb 24640 516.208 142373 1082.03 51648.43
Mar 27280 571.516 159140 1209.46 57730.97
April 26400 553.08 145250 1103.9 52692.12
May 27280 571.516 139436 1059.71 50582.98
June 26400 553.08 152011 1155.28 55144.80
July 27280 571.516 164610 1251.03 59715.3
Aug 27280 571.516 155862 1184.55 56541.82
Sept 26400 553.08 143364 1089.564 52007.94
Oct 27280 571.516 140964 1071.326 51137.29
Nov 26400 553.08 125904 956.8704 45674
Dec 27280 571.516 131211 997.2036 47599.21
Total 321200 6729.14 1748036 13285.07 634132.39
Table VI.3-‐ Solar collectors calculations
In the less insolated month we can produce in a day twice the need of hot water,
to be able to store it for possible cloudy days.
5. AIR CONDITIONING
It will be used a centralized mix refrigerant-‐air system because it will mean

savings in initial costs, energy consumption and maintenance. Each apartment
will have a split console fed by refrigerant pipes that come from the centralized
cooling tower in the services area in the basement. This system provides cooling
for each console in each apartment, being the distance less than 70 m and height
difference less than 15 m.
In the following table we can observe the sensible and latent loads for each
apartment. We can see the difference of installed power without centralizing the
system (220kW + 35kW) against the power needed for a centralized system
(145kW) this due to the non-‐contemporaneous use of the air conditioners. It
144

reduces the initial cost, reduces the energy consumption because it works almost
always at full power and centralized maintenance costs.
Latent
Sensible Load
Location Load
(kW)
(kW)
Apto1-‐3 10.437 1.677
Apto1-‐5 10.874 1.7
Apto1-‐1 15.363 2.326
Apto1-‐2 15.691 2.342
Apto1-‐6 11.704 1.672
Apto1-‐4 10.857 1.699
Apto2-‐1 14.81 2.397
Apto2-‐6 10.74 1.666
Apto2-‐2 15.241 2.34
Apto2-‐3 10.87 1.672
Apto2-‐5 10.406 1.675
Apto2-‐4 10.409 1.675
Apto3-‐1 14.634 2.403
Apto3-‐6 11.566 1.722
Apto3-‐2 15.18 2.335
Apto3-‐3 11.72 1.669
Apto3-‐5 10.218 1.678
Apto3-‐4 11.084 1.666
Total 221.804 34.314
We can generalize and say:
Sensible Load (kW) Latent Load (kW)

Small Aparments 12 2
Big Apartments 16 3
The total power needed for the centralized cooling tower will be 145 kW as
presented previously.
It is also noticeable the difference of the power needed for a 80 m2 apartment

(12kW=4 tons), compared with the average of 10 tons (28kW) installed in the
city for a same size apartment.
NEW BEGINNINGS 145

6. LIGHTING
• Internal lighting: they will be done using LEDs, to reduce energy

consumption and they will be placed on walls or between wood beams.
• External lighting: also done in LEDs and with a small solar panels to give
autonomy, reduce energy consumption and cable costs in the project.
146

CONCLUSIONS
After the completion of all the phases and studies from the urban analysis to the
design of services, several conclusions can be made:
• It is necessary to constraint the growth of the city to unconsolidated

areas. The existing areas should be first compacted and then start
growing imitating these.
• In countries with great difference between social and economical classes,
the best solution is the social urbanism. Any urban design project in the
city of Maracaibo, according to the author, should try: to create new
public spaces and transition between them and private spaces; should
mix different uses (from commercial to residential) to ensure safety;
should strengthen the pedestrian network (new ones and enlarging
existent ones); and should take in consideration the sustainability of the
project.
• The selected structural system with local materials is capable of resisting
big loads (at least three stories and a green roof) without compromising
the safety of it.
• The construction system and use of local wood is proved to be an effective
alternative for residential buildings in the country. It successfully
accomplishes more than the standard expected parameters regarding
comfort, esthetics, costs, maintenance, safety and durability.
• Due to the low cost of electricity, it is not economically feasible to put a lot
of insulation or high performance windows. The best strategies in order
are to orient well the building and to put shading devices.
• It is more efficient in terms of costs, energy consumption and
maintenance, to centralize air conditioning as much as possible.
• For the same reason explained previously, solar collectors and solar
panels are not feasible. However, they can substitute the electric power in
case of lack of supply or unsupplied zones.
NEW BEGINNINGS 147

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES
1) Ordenanzas de zonificacion de Maracaibo

2) Petroleum city planning study case: Maracaibo, Venezuela. Quijano, Elisa;
Rodríguez-‐Espada, Ethel.
3) http://urbanismosocialmedellin.universia.net.co/home.jsp
4) Life between buildings, using public space. Jan Gehl.
5) Measuring the social experience of urban spaces. Jeff Sauser
6) Urban Design, un procesoo per la progettazione urbana. Danilo Palazzo
7) Transporte Publico urbano de Maracaibo como servicio publico. Soc
Garcia Karin.
8) Recomendaciones para mejorar la calidad termica de las edificaciones.
9) Manual de diseno para edificaciones energeticamente eficientes en el
tropico.
10)Estructuras de Madera. Diseno y Calculo. AITIM
11)Wood Engineering and Construction Handbook. Faherty and Williamson
12)Sistema de Plataforma con entramado Ligero de Madera. Ignacio Palma
Carazo
13)Graphic guide to Frame construction. Rob Thallon
14)Tableros de Madera de uso structural. Fernando Peraza, Francisco Arriaga
y J. Enrique Peraza.
15)Strutture in legno. Maurizio Piazza, Roberto Tomasi, Roberto Modena.
16)Ultimate guide to House framing. John D Wagner
17)Climate Responsive Design. Richard Hyde
18)Green roof construction and maintenance. Kelly Luckett
19)Heating Cooling Lighting. Norbert Lechner
20) Manual de diseno para maderas del grupo andino. Junta del acuerdo de
Cartagena
21)Zonas climáticas para el diseño de edificaciones y diagramas
bioclimáticos para Venezuela Luis Rosales Instituto de Desarrollo
Experimental de la Construcción Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo
Universidad Central de Venezuela
148

22)Diseño de una vivienda industrializada, plegable y transportable con
productos forestales, para disminuir el deficit habitacional venezolano.
Wilver Contreras Miranda, Mary Elena Owen de C., Yoston Contreras
Miranda, Edward Thomson, Amilkar Contreras Miranda.
23)Evaluation and re-‐design of two projects for houses proposed by CVG-‐
Proforca Wood Housing Project Management Office. Part I. Wilver
Contreras Miranda, Mary Owen de Contreras y Yoston Contreras Miranda
24)Manual de Aire Acondicionado. Carrier.
25)Manual de construccion de viviendas en madera. CORMA
26)Linee guida per l’edilizia in legno in Toscana. Regione Toscana
27) Climatological conditions and thermal comfort in a tropical area, case
studie: Maracaibo, Venezuela. Carlos Quiros.
28)AGUA, instalaciones sanitarias en los edificios. Luis Lopez

NEW BEGINNINGS 149

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Facoltà di Ingegneria Edile -­‐ Architettura

Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Ingegneria Edile – Architettura

Tesi di Laurea

Prof Gabriele Masera

TESI DI LAUREA DI:

Michele Casarin Baglieri Matr #764982

Anno Accademico 2011-­‐2012

The thesis seeks to design a sustainable residential building in the city of

Keywords: social urbanism, culture, wood, platform frame system, natural

La tesi si pone come obiettivo quello di progettare un edificio sostenibile

Keywords: urbanismo sociale, cultura, legno, sistema legggero “platform

To my brothers and Vanessa, for being with me and cheering me up every

CHAPTER I -­‐ BACKGROUND STUDIES ....................................................................................... 3

1. GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 3

CHAPTER 2-­‐ URBAN ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ....................................................................... 33

CHAPTER III – ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN .............................................................................. 69

1. SELECTION OF PLOT ................................................................................................................... 69

CHAPTER IV – STRUCTURAL DESIGN ...................................................................................... 76

1. STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS ....................................................................................................... 76

CHAPTER V – TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN ................................................................................ 92

1. CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM ............................................................................................................. 92

CHAPTER VI – BUILDING SERVICES ...................................................................................... 141

1. HOT AND COLD SERVICE WATER .................................................................................. 141

CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................................. 147

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES ............................................................................................... 148

Maracaibo is a city and municipality

In the beginning of the XX century,

The new architectonical types of modernity such as: great

From the beginning of the

Tall buildings still

A new typology of residential

3.1 URBAN SITUATION

The city is divided in 18

Nowadays in the policies of the

The uncontrolled growth of the

• Consolidated area: with

According to Quijano-­‐Rodriguez2, starting from the concept of “urban plans

• The consolidated strip of the regulated city, conformed by the territory

3.2 ARCHITECTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION SITUATION

3.2.2 RESIDENTIAL HOUSING TYPOLOGIES

• Isolated Single-­‐family housing

• Single-­‐family, double-­‐family, paired or continue housing

• Multifamily medium buildings

• Multifamily tall buildings

Type Quantity (units)

Housing typologies in Maracaibo

9% Apartments in tall-­‐medium

Apartments in small

3.2.3 MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS

Nowadays, due to economical and political factors, most traditional construction

In Venezuela, the labor is unqualified and usually analphabet, resulting in the

3.3 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The public transportation is based on different means:

3.4 PUBLIC SPACES

Nowadays, the municipality is increasing the security, refurbishing several

Maracaibo, in the Zulia state,

According o studies done by

3.6 GUIDELINES AND RECCOMENDATIONS

According to the municipality6, the consolidated strip should be compacted

According to Quijano-­‐Rodriguez7, each strip could be intervened, from a socio-­‐

The urban areas (consolidated strip) of the municipality of Maracaibo are

green areas, setbacks, environmental conditions, density, accessibility and

PR1 or PR2 4/3/3

Uses PR1 or PR2

Facoltà di Ingegneria Edile -‐ Architettura

Anno Accademico 2011-‐2012

CHAPTER I -‐ BACKGROUND STUDIES ....................................................................................... 3

CHAPTER 2-‐ URBAN ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ....................................................................... 33

According to Quijano-‐Rodriguez2, starting from the concept of “urban plans

• Isolated Single-‐family housing

• Single-‐family, double-‐family, paired or continue housing

9% Apartments in tall-‐medium

According to Quijano-‐Rodriguez7, each strip could be intervened, from a socio-‐

• Historical-‐residential polygon (PRH):

Governmental-‐Administrative polygon (PAG): areas assigned for governmental,

Figure I.23-‐ Wind direction Figure I.24-‐ Wind direction

CHAPTER 2-‐ URBAN ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

6. POTENTIAL AREAS IN THE CITY-‐ WHERE TO BUILD

Observing closely Parroquia Olegario Villalobos, we can notice medium-‐low

Figure II.2-‐ Parroquia Olegario Villalobos and 14 sectors

Table II.1-‐Urban quality indicators parameters

Figure II.7-‐ Overall quality and future e xpansion

“Canada “Don Bosco-‐ “Bella Vista-‐

Table II.2-‐ Densities

Figure II.10-‐ Distribution of Densities

Figure II.11-‐ Zoning in design area

Figure II.19-‐Existent streets

Figure II.24-‐ Opportunities and Constraint map

After his three-‐year period,

Figure II.34-‐ Conceptual network

Figure II.36-‐ Masterplan 1