17 minute read
a new building systemHome as a service
Home as a service: a new building system
Advertisement
- D. Rams -
The new method the thesis proposes is called Home as a Service and it envisions: . A modular concrete building system designed for disassembly, that can be prefabricated, fat-packed and assembled on site. This ensures a more sustainable and CO2-reducing construction method, high degree of space adaptability over time and a circular approach to the management and life cycle of our buildings combined to durability. . A liveable double skin facade being the strategic element that characterises the overall building system. It provides space fexibility and adaptability for the user, while proposing each time a renovation of the aesthetic of design for disassembly due to its system independency. . A new fnancial model based on the concept of Building in Leasing that lowers the entry point to the housing market, making high quality housing affordable for users of all income classes, while re-establishing the connection between producers, developer and consumers.
. A customisable modular system
Through this building system homes can be designed following a few steps. In order to be modular, the frst design step consists in the setting of a design grid and of an external perimeter, defning the boundary between the building and its surrounding environment. Te grid dimension shall be chosen in view of the design of indoor spaces, that follows its rule. In this case the grid has been decided to be 1.5 m x1.5 m. It was the fnal outcome of a series of eforts made to fnd the module that could ft in the best way the maximum amount of spaces and housing typologies.
The second step of design consists in the positioning of structural segments and of the core of accessibility. Tere are two types of structural shear walls, difering in size. By the way, they are both shaped to contain plumbing to provide more fexibility over time. Teir position, as I’ll better explain in a few pages, depends on some structural rules enabling components’ interlocking and thus ensuring the stability of the block. Nevertheless, from a compositional point of view, their location shall be carefully defned in order to potentially provide the highest amount of possible indoor space confgurations. It’s no coincidence, this is the most delicate step of design, structurally and architecturally speaking. If the structure has been properly designed, over time it will be easily adapted to more confgurations and needs. Potentially, this structure could even enable functional transformation of spaces.
Once segments have been placed, it’s possible to defne indoor spaces, with the positioning of modular partition walls. Kitchens and bathrooms shall ft in correspondance of structural walls, while the rest of spaces could be freely decided. In the project, I decided to indicate a catalogue of just a few spaces, to result in a better clarity. Nevertheless, the modularity of components could be the key to shape several and diverse rooms according to the users’ needs. Teir position also defnes the fnal area of the building
threshold, the area in between the two layers of skin conferring the plus to the traditional existenzminimum.
At this point, the inner skin is defned. It follows the external boundary of the structure defned by the shear walls. Te inner skin will be orthogonal to shear walls placed on its boundary. In order to provide a considerable degree of freedom concerning the choice of components without loosing in the overall compositional clarity, the project plans the use of wooden panels and it includes seven diferent window panels, defned by interior spaces and aimed to confer to the block a high degree of openness.
Finally, the element of external skin completes the design process, wrapping the block. I decided to leave this last building element slightly undefned as its circular process would difer from the one of the rest of the building components. In this regard, while the modular components of the structure, of the space plan, of services and inner skin would enter a circular process involving city governments and a public material bank, the components of external facade, in view of their role as frst mediator between indoor and outdoor environment and to their potentiality concerning the performance of the building, would return to their private producers, that would be on their upgrade and further certifcation, still collaborating with public entities.
Over the whole design process, life expectancy of each building system has been crucial in the development of this new building system, defning both materials and mechanic connections between each element.
For this reason, after giving a frst overview of the building components the system is made of, its explanation will follow the order of building layers as well, starting from the structure till the defnition of the space plan.
First step: setting of a design grid and of an external perimeter. The grid measures 1.5m x 1.5m..
Second step: positioning of structural segments and of the core of accessibility.
Third step: defnition of indoor spaces.
Fourth step: defnition of the inner skin.
Fifth step: the external skin wraps the building.
The design components Design components has been defned by the life expectancy of the building system they belong to. Their size depends on their interlocking. The project especially envisions the reuse of concrete structural elements. Further research on materials, though, could lead to the ideal complete reuse of all the modular components and of their materials. High-tech components, especially regarding the external layer of the element of double skin facade, could return to their producers to be further updated. The inner layer could be instead periodically defned by users. As a consequence, the operative life of skin has been adapted to reply to its innovative use. Structural shear walls are the base of innovation of the system as they’ve been designed to ft plumbing, resulting in more semplicity and fexibility, as it permits to edit spaces over time avoiding intrusive maintenance.
1. Shear walls 1. (1.5mx0.4mx3.2m) 2. (1.7mx0.4mx3.2m)
Beams 1. (1.5mx0.6mx0.4m) 2. (3mx0.6mx0.4m) 3. (7.5mx0.6x0.4m) 4 (7.3mx0.6x0.4m) 5. (5.6mx0.6mx0.4m) 6. (5.8mx0.6mx0.4m) Slabs 1. (3mx1.5mx0.4m) 2. (3mx1.3mx0.4m) 3. (1.5mx1.5mx0.4m) Stairs Tread: 0.28m Step: 0.17m 2. Interior facade. Opaque components 1. (0.5mx0.1mx2.8m) 2. (0.65mx0.1mx2.8m) 3. (0.75mx0.1mx2.8m) 4. (0.8mx0.1mx2.8m) 5. (0.85mx0.1mx2.8m) 6. (1.50mx0.1mx2.8m) Glazed components 1-2. Single glass door: (0.7mx0.1mx2.7m) 3-4. Tall window: (0.7mx0.1mx2.7m) 5. Single glass door 2: (1.4mx0.1mx2.7m) 5-6. Double glass door: (2.8mx0.1mx2.7m) Exterior facade. 1. Green panel: (1.5mx0.03mx3m) 2. Opaque panel: (1.5mx0.03mx3m) 3. Single glazed panel: (1.5mx0.03mx3m) 4. Double glass door: (6mx0.1mx3m)
3. Interior insulation panels 1. (0.5mx0.1mx2.8m) 2. (0.65mx0.1mx2.8m) 3. (0.75mx0.1mx2.8m) 4. (0.85mx0.1mx2.8m) 5. (1.5mx.0.1mx2.8m) Stairs insulation panels 1. (0.5mx0.2mx2.8m) 2. (0.6mx0.2mx2.8m)
Timber cladding 1. (0.35mx0.015mx2.8m) 2. (0.5mx0.015mx2.8m) 3. (0.6mx0.015mx2.8m) 4. (0.65mx0.015mx2.8m) 5. (0.85mx0.015mx2.8m) The structure (1). 30-300 years
Shear walls
Beams
Slabs
3-ramp stairs
2-ramp stairs
The double skin facade (2). 5-50 years Space plan and services (3). 3-30 years
Interior facade
Exterior facade Pipes
Insulation panels
Metallic U-profles
Timber cladding
A prefab system The building system is totally prefabricated in order to be easily assembled and eventually disassembled and stocked. Structural components are made of concrete, that is largely available worldwide and has great durability without loosing in strenght and resistance. Materials concerning the rest of the building systems shall be chosen instead according to the project location, so that to use local resources, in terms of both materials and knowledge. Due to their size, components can be transported also on wheels.
Extraction Pre-fabrication
Transport Assembling
The structural system. Bolted connections The structure of this new building system is made of modular bolted concrete prefab components, meaning that mechanical joints connect slabs, beams and shear walls. What mostly defnes this structural solution is the use of structural walls integrated with pipes. This solution enables an high degree of fexibility, as, every structural segment, (1.5 or 1.7 m-long) permits the allocation of a service. For each component, bolts are placed in embedded anchor boxes in prefab recesses, in order to be visible and easily accessible from the exterior side of the elements. Peikko has recently developed a system using the same principle for structural elements called Anchor Bolt. In this case, though, bolts need to be fnally casted in concrete in order to avoid to come unscrewed. The use of dissolvable binders though, would solve this issue, ensuring structural safety and possibility of disassembly. The new system plans their use for the interconnection of shear walls, beams and slab, between inner facade’s components and to provide continuity between slabs and beams. To avoid eventual cracks on components due to tension, the project envisions the addition of pre-tensed rebars anchoring the boxes to each structural element. The external facade instead grabs at an external metallic profle on which it is screwed. Anyway, the presence of the metallic profle shall enable several types of connections, according to facade variations.
Exploded axonometry of the building structure and of the element of Double Skin Facade. Shear walls are connected between them and to foundations using the technology of Peikko Sumo Wall Shoe. Beams, instead, connect to the walls using the technoogy of Peikko Hidden Corbel. Slabs lay on beams. They’re connected between them and to beams through bolted junctions. The external facade lays on slabs. Its modules, bolted together, are fxed to slabs through the use of metallic plates. Finally, the external facade hook to the building structure thanks to the presence of an external metallic profle, running all along the external structural beams.
Bolted connection between shear walls. Bolted connection between two slabs and slab and beam. The metallic box is frmly anchored to the concrete component thanks to the use of tensioned rebars. Screwed connection of the external facade over the metallic profle.
The structural system. Peikko Sumo Wall Shoe and Peikko Hidden Corbel and DeltaBeam The system makes use of two different technologies developed by Peikko in order to ensure structural stability. Peikko Sumo Wall Shoe technology (1) provides strong tensile connections between structural walls and it doesn’t require in situ-welding. Connections are able to transfer tensile forces immediately after elements are erected. This element consists of wall shoe and anchor bolts. Wall shoes are cast into precast concrete walls, whereas anchor bolts are cast into foundations or other walls. On site, the walls are erected on adjusted shim plates in the correct position and fxed to the anchor bolts. Peikko Hidden Corbel (2) is a vertical support for columns and it is combined to the technology of DeltaBeam, a metallic modular framework for beams. The Hidden Corbel consists of a steel corbel bolted to a fastening plate integrated into the column. The fastening plate is cast into the column together with the main reinforcement and the corbel plate is attached to the column only after the formwork is removed. In addition to vertical resistance, torsion resistance is also guaranteed.
Peikko Sumo Wall Shoe Technology. Anchor bars are connected through a nut to the anchor bolt below.
Peikko Hidden Corbel and connection to Delta Beam. (1) Peikko Group (2014), Technical Manual. SUMO Wall Shoe for Bolted Wall Connections
(2) Peikko Group (2019), Technical Manual.PCs Corbel. Hidden Corbel for Supporting Beams
The structural system. Application The project uses these technologies respectively for the vertical connections between walls and for the horizontal connections between beams and walls.
The main difference from their usual application regards especially the element of Hidden Corbel, here applied to walls rather than columns, and DeltaBeams. They normally need, in fact, to be casted on site, as they are used to cover long-span spaces. Nevertheless, the use of shorter beams could enable the prefabrication of these elements, in order to be assembled on site with huge savings in terms of time and energy needed.
K-plan
Plan and section 1:20 Connections between two shear walls with the SUMO wall shoe and horizontal connection between shear wall and beam through the use of Hidden Corbel and Delta Beam.
The structural system. Rules for the placement of segments To provide structural stability to the building block, shear walls need to respect a few rules concerning their placement. Beyond these more technical advices, segments shall be always placed in view of fexibility and future potential spatial changes.
1.5 m
1. Beams shall support a maximum cantilever of 7.5 sqm, based on Peikko technology. This maximum lenght would also enable the transport of components on wheels. 2. Structural shear walls on the side of the block shall be orthogonal to the direction of its inner skin to provide the connection between lateral beams and wall. 1.7 m
3. Structural shear walls running parallel to beams shall be 1.5 m-long. The orthogonal ones, instead, shall be 1.7 m-long.
3. Structural shear walls running parallel to beams 1.5 m-long. The orthogonal ones, instead, 4. Due to the overall interlocking method between components, two shear walls can’t meet when perpendicular. 5. Due to the overall interlocking method between components, walls perpendicular to the trend of beams can’t be more than coupled.
The space plan and the service system. Space catalogue. Indoor space is designed depending on the placement of the structural segments, and therefore of plumbing. They’re made of wooden modular components. In this regard, timber distinguishes partitions from concrete structural elements in view of their respective service life. This is also a way for the user to read his/ her home and could result in a deeper knowledge of the building’s systems and thus in potential dynamics of selfmaintenance.
Even if made of modular components, spaces can still be different and the exceeding quantity of plumbing eventually permits their modifcation over time.
Generally, indoor spaces, comprising toilettes, have been designed in view of openness toward the exterior, using big openable windows enabling a direct connection to the surrounding environment. In this respect, the presence of the external facade permits a further light layer providing at the same time privacy and still visual contact from the interior to the exterior.
Double bedrooms
16.6 sqm Large double bedroom opening toward the space of threshold on its long side and presence of plumbing on the shorter.
12.9 sqm Medium double bedroom opening on two sides toward the space of threshold and presence of plumbing.
12.9 sqm Medium double bedroom opening on one side toward the space of threshold and presence of plumbing on its long one.
Single bedrooms Kitchens Toilettes
12.7 sqm Rectangular single bedroom opening toward the space of threshold on its short side and presence of plumbings on both its longer ones. 11.7 sqm Rectangular kitchen opening toward the space of threshold on its short side. 6.7 sqm Large bathroom opening toward the space of threshold.
12.5 sqm Squared single bedroom (or small double bedroom) opening on its long side toward the space of threshold and presence of plumbing. 11.7 sqm Rectangular kitchen opening on two sides toward the space of threshold. 5 sqm Medium bathroom opening toward the space of threshold.
12.5 sqm Squared single bedroom opening on two sides toward the space of threshold and presence of plumbing. 11.6 sqm Open kitchen opening on one sides toward the space of threshold. 4 sqm Small bathroom illuminated by the space of threshold through frosted glass (for apartments that are less than 70 sqm)
The facade system. Liveable Skin catalogue. The structural system as well as essential spaces of living are wrapped by the element of Double skin facade. The two skins assume different roles. The inner one protects the structure and the existenzminimum, the essential spaces. The exterior one, instead, offers a better indoor climate while defning a space plus, that confers that degree of ambiguity and uncertainty that distinguish the act of surviving from living. Depending on housing typologies and users’ needs and willing to share, this space in-between, a threshold between indoor and outdoor environment, private and public sphere, can assume different meanings, characterising the block. Moreover, it provide a customisable showcase that enable individuality and recognition from the outside. Depending on the characteristics of its components it can defne entire segments of the city, making them catchy and attractive, that is something crucial to avoid the generation of peripheries and to renovate the existing ones.
The living facade could be shared between different users and shaped to accomodate at the same time spaces of passage and of staying.
Living facade could belong to each building’s inhabitant. Its size and its being openable could enable diverse potential uses that could differ along the year depending on seasonality. When linear, the living double skin could still enable diverse uses, as a simple corridor, perhaps green, connecting spaces or as an addition to each room.
Our future homes
To provide a replicable, easy to
assemble and disassemble modular
prefab system that permits an high degree of spatial flexibility.
To reply to different needs over the operative life of the building.
To permit components and materials’ reusability.
To be functionally convertible.
Prefab bolted concrete building structure based on the use of modular structural shear walls containing pipes
Liveable Double Skin Facade
To provide a qualitative space enhancing a stronger connection between inside ad outside environment.
To avoid the usual correspondance
between social housing, affordability
and standardised existenzminimum.
To provide a space plus, in a time when home becomes also working place for the whole family.
To foster a new aesthetic for Design for
Disassembly and avoid the generation
of peripheries. Recycling in architecture doesn’t mean to “slummerise” the world
To provide a modular but still customisable system that is capable to shape different types of inner spaces.
Space plan made of modular components
To foster the concept of self- maintenance or at least the avoidance of intrusive maintenance events.
Services
According to different studies, even
structural concrete elements can be
reused.
The structure counts just a few modular elements, resulting in a higher level of flexibility and in economic and energy savings.
As the structure integrates pipes for services, spaces can be adapted according to the needs of each user over time. Even if there are more pipes than needed, their cost shall be covered over time by savings in maintenance and adaptation.
This type of structure provides continuity in plan, avoiding the presence of additional columns.
Shear walls need to be vertically
connected in order to distribute shear forces. For this purpose, the system uses the Peikko technology of Sumo Wall Shoe.
Beams are connected to shear walls with the Peikko technology of Hidden
Corbel. This is a system that provides a strong bolted male-female connection.
Slabs lay on beams. They’re further interconnected through the use of mechanical connections firslty developed in 2015 by Martin Ravnsvbaek and Hans Nicolai Sondergaard.
The two skins work indipendently, resulting in high degree of flexibility and into the possibility to manage them differently from a financial point of view.
In view of circularity, their modular
components can be easily removed, updated, certified and substituted.
Especially the external facade, as first mediator between indoor and outdoor environment, could provide feedbacks to the producer in order for him to implement products. This means a better experience for the user too.
It provides a buffer area, an ambiguity between inside and outside environment connecting housing units to their natural and urban surroundings.
As indipendent filter between the urbanity and the building structure, it can “mask” it in infinite ways, depending on the urban context and available products. The inner skin is a partition wall facade. It determines the boundary of each housing space and the overall perimeter of the essential part of the house. It is made of a series of modular wooden components linked to slabs with metallic plates. In this regard, the choice on material depends on its life expectancy, shorter in respect to structure.
Modules are finally interconnected
through visible bolted joints, easily accessible due to their side location.
The external skin is a building envelope and it runs all along the building. It is linked to the exterior side of slabs and beams through a metallic profile. Depending on its volumetric variations, also the specific type of connection can vary.
Different spaces can be designed just using a few amount of building
components, specifically sized for this purpose. Modular components lay on the surface of slabs on which they’re fixed with
metallic plates.
They’re covered by modular cladding,
whie the addition of wooden sticks eventually pemit to furnish them.
This possibility results in high savings in energy and economic terms.
Pipes are easily accessible and thus they can be easily maintained.
ey’re locate in correspon ance o structural walls, on their external sides.
This decentralised system means that one of the pipes goes broken, the damage remains isolated, without compromising the liveability of the system.
