loftlover wrote:When I was touring Bankers on the weekend it struck me how very thick the exterior walls were. Its obviously a timber frame building and I'm wondering what the benefits/downfalls are to this type of contruction as opposed to alternative types of construction in that generation of buildings. Anyone?
I am sure I could answer your question, I'm just not sure what your question is...Could you please clarify? Timber frame buildings over 4 stories or so are generally going to have very thick exterior walls, at the base at least. The walls tend to get thinner the higher up you are in the building.
Benefits/downfalls with regard to what? And are you referring to the thick walls, or the timber frame?
Earthquakes - fahgedaboutit
Fires - not good, in major fires, and sometimes even minor ones, these buildings tend to collapse completely. A sprinkler system will prevent that, but then, depending on the sophistication (read: cost) of the sprinkler system, you can have leaks, false alarms and small fires where the sprinklers flood the whole building, etc. I doubt many of the loft buildings have sprinkler systems, though (except in restaurant kitchens).
Sound transmission - very little, with insulated windows these buildings are like caves.
Heat/cold insulating ability - great, as long as you aren't on the top floor.
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WOW!
Just kidding.
