Design Guidelines

Effective use of the 3Cycle system requires understanding its core design principles and how to apply them to your projects.

Design Thinking with 3Cycle

Start with Requirements

Before selecting components, clearly define your project requirements:

• Building type - Residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use
• Dimensions - Overall size and spatial requirements
• Climate zone - Local weather conditions and thermal requirements
• Budget constraints - Cost targets and timeline considerations
• Site conditions - Ground characteristics and accessibility

Select Components Systematically

Use the component categories to systematically build your design:

1. Define structural grid - Determine spacing and module sizes based on requirements
2. Design structural layout - Arrange modules and connections to carry loads
3. Plan enclosure - Select skin systems and insulation appropriate for climate
4. Integrate services - Route utilities through service channels
5. Plan openings - Position windows and doors for daylight and ventilation

Optimize Configuration

With standardized components, optimization becomes straightforward:

• Reduce variant count - Use standard component sizes to minimize manufacturing complexity
• Maximize repetition - Design components to appear multiple times in a project
• Plan assembly sequence - Organize installation order to minimize site work
• Account for access - Ensure adequate space for worker movement during assembly

Dimensional Coordination

The 3Cycle system uses a dimensional coordination grid to ensure all components fit together perfectly.

Module Sizes

Standard module dimensions are based on a coordination grid:

• Primary grid - 1.2m, 1.8m, 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m intervals
• Component spacing - Consistent offset for connections and tolerances
• Openings - Window and door sizes follow the coordination grid

Connection Points

All connection points align to the coordination grid, enabling:

• Perfect fit - Components assemble without modification
• Interchangeability - Any component designed for a location works in that location
• Predictable assembly - No custom cutting or adjustments needed on site

Material Selection

Timber Specifications

The 3Cycle system specifies timber grades and treatments for different applications:

• Structural timber - High-grade timber for load-bearing components
• Treated timber - Protected against moisture and insect damage
• Cladding materials - Weather-resistant options for external surfaces

Sustainability Considerations

Select materials based on:

• Source origin - Prefer sustainably harvested timber from certified forests
• Transportation distance - Minimize environmental impact through local sourcing when possible
• Durability - Long-lasting materials reduce replacement needs and waste
• End-of-life - Select materials that can be recycled or safely decomposed

Assembly Considerations

Design for Manufacturing

Components should be designed to be manufactured efficiently:

• Minimize complexity - Avoid unnecessary details that complicate manufacturing
• Standard tools - Use manufacturing equipment and tools readily available
• Quality control points - Build in inspection steps to catch defects early

Design for Assembly

On-site assembly should be straightforward and safe:

• Logical sequence - Plan assembly order that makes physical sense
• Adequate access - Ensure workers can reach all connection points
• Clear instructions - Provide step-by-step assembly guidance
• Safety provisions - Account for worker safety during assembly

Customization Within Standards

The 3Cycle system allows design customization while maintaining standardization:

Allowed Variations

• Cladding materials - Different external finishes for aesthetic preference
• Interior finishes - Choice of interior wall and flooring treatments
• Window types - Different glazing and frame colors within standard sizes
• Service routing - Flexibility in utility channel routing within components

Required Standards

These elements must remain standardized:

• Component dimensions - Must match the coordination grid exactly
• Connection methods - Must use specified joining systems
• Structural capacity - Cannot be reduced from specifications
• Thermal performance - Cannot be reduced from minimum standards

Design Workflow

A typical design workflow with 3Cycle follows these steps:

1. Analyze requirements - Understand project constraints and goals
2. Sketch layouts - Create schematic designs using module dimensions
3. Select components - Choose specific components for each position
4. Refine details - Optimize connections and service integration
5. Plan assembly - Create detailed assembly sequences
6. Prepare documentation - Generate manufacturing and assembly drawings

Performance Integration

Ensure your design achieves required performance levels:

Structural Performance

• Verify load paths through the structure
• Check connection capacity under design loads
• Ensure foundation compatibility

Thermal Performance

• Calculate total thermal resistance of walls and roofs
• Check for thermal bridges at connections
• Verify compliance with energy codes

Durability

• Ensure adequate protection from weather exposure
• Plan maintenance access for critical components
• Select materials appropriate for local climate

Following these design guidelines ensures your 3Cycle projects achieve the system's full benefits of efficiency, sustainability, and quality.