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GRAPHISOFT > Case Studies > Maximizing Local Timber Use with Archicad and BIMx: Yamaga Elementary School Case Study
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Maximizing Local Timber Use with Archicad and BIMx: Yamaga Elementary School Case Study

Technology Category
  • Functional Applications - Yard Management Systems (YMS)
  • Networks & Connectivity - 5G
Applicable Industries
  • Buildings
  • Construction & Infrastructure
Applicable Functions
  • Product Research & Development
  • Quality Assurance
Use Cases
  • Building Automation & Control
  • Construction Management
Services
  • Testing & Certification
  • Training
The Challenge
In 2014, the architectural firm Coelacanth K&H was tasked with designing the Yamaga City Yamaga Elementary School, a project that posed significant challenges. The initial proposal called for a three-floor reinforced concrete structure, but the architects, Kazumi Kudo and Hiroshi Horiba, wanted to utilize the local timber from the region, known for its high-quality 'Aya' cedar. The client was initially concerned about the feasibility of designing a large-scale building with timber, especially given the project's size requirement of almost 9,000 square meters. The architects had previously worked on a smaller timber project, a 2,700 square meter kindergarten, but this new project was significantly larger and more complex. Additionally, the architects wanted to use solid wood from logs, not laminated wood, to take full advantage of the local timber production. This decision added another layer of complexity to the project.
About The Customer
The customer in this case study is the Yamaga City Yamaga Elementary School in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The school required a new building that would not only serve as a functional educational facility but also reflect the local culture and environment. The school is located in a region known for its high-quality 'Aya' cedar production, and the architects wanted to incorporate this local resource into the design. The school also hosts the 'Yamaga Lantern festival,' the city's largest event, which takes place in the schoolyard. The architects needed to ensure that their design would accommodate this event, which involves more than 1000 dancers. The school's site had a feeling of openness, with a direct connection to the neighboring shrine without a fence, and the architects wanted to emphasize this openness in their design.
The Solution
To overcome these challenges, the architects turned to Archicad and BIMx, tools that allowed them to model their designs in 3D and communicate their ideas effectively to clients, consultants, and local residents. These tools were particularly useful in designing the 'Road of Learning' and 'Field of Learning,' key elements of the proposal that were designed as learning spaces. The architects also invented a new wooden structure framework, the 'Nankin Tamasudare structure,' which allowed them to create large indoor spaces using small-sized timbers. This innovative structure was modeled in BIMx and passed on to the structural engineer for analysis. The suggestions from the structural engineer were then added to BIMx, and this process was repeated for further development. The architects also used BIMx to communicate with the carpenters during the construction phase, helping them understand the unique construction method.
Operational Impact
  • The use of Archicad and BIMx not only facilitated the design and construction process but also helped the architects communicate their ideas effectively to various stakeholders. The architects were able to visually communicate their design intent, which included complex concepts that were difficult to describe in words, using BIMx. This allowed them to receive practical feedback from the users. The tools also played a large role in communicating with the carpenters during the construction phase, helping them understand the unique construction method. As a result, the construction process went smoother than expected, and the carpenters became more positive about the outcome. The completed Yamaga Elementary School has been praised by the client, teachers, students, and local residents, and has become an integral part of the town.
Quantitative Benefit
  • The use of Archicad and BIMx allowed the architects to design a large-scale building with a floor size of 8000 square meters using local timber.
  • The architects were able to create nine variations of the Nankin Tamasudare beam structure for different purposes using Archicad and BIMx.
  • The use of the Nankin Tamasudare Structure allowed the architects to span an 8 meter classroom with timbers only 105mm in diameter.

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