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Architectural concept of multistorey apartment building in light steel framing

Conference Paper · January 2010

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 International Symposium “Steel Structures:Culture & Sustainability 2010”
21-23 September 2010, Istanbul, Turkey
Paper No: 24

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT OF MULTISTOREY APARTMENT

BUILDING IN LIGHT STEEL FRAMING

Vitor MURTINHO1, Helder FERREIRA2, António CORREIA2, Luís Simões da SILVA2,

Helena GERVÁSIO2, Paulo SANTOS3
1
CES, Department of Architecture, University of Coimbra, Portugal
2
ISISE, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Portugal
3
CICC, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Portugal

ABSTRACT
In the context of an international project promoted by ArcelorMittal a new concept of modular housing,
focusing on single family dwellings, was developed by the Portuguese team from the University of Coimbra.
The proposed solution intends to explore the potential of cold-formed steel structures, both in terms of spatial
flexibility and ability for future expansion. Inspired by the Tetris game, the concept was developed in order
to be evolutionary and easily adaptable to the multiple urban requirements of dwellings (houses in-band,
semi-detached or isolated). Although the dwelling was the main focus of the project, the concept may also be
applied for collective housing.
In this paper, the original concept is extended to cope with collective multi-storey apartments.
Keywords: Housing, LSF, Architecture, Typology, Adaptability, Sustainability

INTRODUCTION
1. Light steel framing (LSF)
LSF was the structural technology considered for this study, which is a quite flexible system in its
implementation. Given its low weight, the LSF parts are quite easy to handle and maneuver in the
construction site. Theoretically a 2 man workforce with not much more than a screwdriver can do
the job. Assembly, as well as disassembly is easier when compared with traditional housing
construction technologies, such as concrete/masonry ones.
2. Spatial flexibility
Internal spatial flexibility was a major concern because of the changes the families are likely to
have with time (children that are born or that move out, etc.). This spatial flexibility relies again on
the LSF characteristics, which ease the introduction or suppression of partition walls. On a different
perspective, the possibility of extending the initial built volumes, by means of introduction of new
exterior walls and roof tops, was also considered within this conceptual framework.
3. Net area optimization
The conceptual guidelines are embedded on a clear intention of minimization of the circulation
spaces, developed on single, double or multi-storey design solutions. The obvious gain is the
maximization of the remaining spaces, therefore optimizing the net area of the dwelling.
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 DESIGN CONCEPT
The idea was to define a basic configuration that would allow a good functional organization that
could be distributed between two floors and with the possibility of internal and external alterations
with time.
Like in the popular computer game Tetris, the studied shapes allow different associations within a
limited number of initial shapes and different types of tridimensional connections. The concept was
developed from a modular grid that frames and organizes the shape of the dwelling unit.

Master-grid:
1 unit .................................. 0,60m
8 units ................................. 4,8m
7 units ................................. 4,2m
1 module ............................. 8x7 units
1 master-grid ...................... 2x3 modules

Figure 1. Master-grid.

Figure 2. Shape possibilities derived from master-grid.

Ground floor First floor

Figure 3. Simple volumetric combinations possibilities.

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By means of building structure optimization, a minimum modulation grid of 0,60 x 0,60m (unit)
was chosen, approximately corresponding to the most favorable structural rhythm. A master-grid
made of 8x7 units (module) was then considered (4,8m x 4,2m = 20,16 m2). Finally, this master-
grid is composed by 2x3 modules (9,6m x 12,6m = 120,96 m2). Therefore the maximum area of soil
occupation considered for a single dwelling is 120,96 m2, corresponding to the total of the 6
modules (Figure 1). The different shapes that the 6 modules can present are shown in Figure 2.
This module system allows multiple sorts of combinations as illustrated in the simpler case of
Figure 3. It corresponds to 2 floor combinations without the use of cantilevering zones, that is,
direct juxtapositions of a second floor in an existing roof.

SYSTEM CONDITIONINGS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The main conditioning to regard is due to the structural technology in use. With current systems
LSF normally does not allow more than four storey buildings (ground floor plus three), five at most.
In terms of concept, the limitations have to do with the use of the modules with respect to light,
ventilation and internal functional distribution/connection issues. It is possible to superimpose
different master-grid variations within single, double or multiple dwellings by means of both
horizontal and vertical ways as long as there are no more than 3 modules linearly disposed within
the same dwelling, in order to guarantee proper natural light and ventilation in the several possible
compartments. These 3 modules cannot exceed 2 side by side within the same dwelling in order to
optimize circulation space.
The central area of the dwelling is where horizontal and/or vertical circulation takes place. It divides
and links compartments. The remaining space in this module can simply be left free or be occupied
by a fully-fitted disability toilet. In a complete master-grid occupation it would correspond to one of
the central modules.

SYSTEM ADAPTABILITY TO DIFFERENT DESIGN CASES

1. Internal adaptability issues within a basic design case
In an initial stage of development, the focus for validation of this conceptual framework was
centered in single family dwelling units, for which were exhaustively developed the several plan
profiles. Topographical issues that could eventually arise within different plot characteristics were
solved by developing a complete menu of diverse basement configurations that absorb the several
possible types of land differences. Diverse plot conditions, isolated, paired and urbanely compacted
with two or only a single free facade were also validated. In the latter case, the suppression of at
least one of the modules per floor (such as in the shape of an internal patio) is imperative in order to
ensure proper natural light and ventilation to every inhabited space. For isolated plots, exception is
made to the linearly developed dwellings with only 3 modules per floor that can easily function for
themselves with only the top facades.
Here it matters mostly to prove adaptability capabilities within a single dwelling. For this, first and
foremost it was tested the internal functional flexibility of the model (endogenous adaptability), the
other main concern was the model adaptability to external inputs such as volumetric growth within
the maximum perimeter by introduction of new external walls into an existing model (exogenous
adaptability).
Endogenous adaptability proved to be quite effective (figure 4). Beginning with a 3 bedroom
typology (T3) and with a fixed initial shape definition it was verified that is easily possible to
implement an internal functional reorganization. For this it was initially considered a L-shape both
in the ground floor and in the first floor. Interchangeability was tested: for instance, in the upper
floor one bedroom can change into a private zone of a new enlarged suite, with plenty of closet area
3
Test scheme (L-shape) Ground floor 1st floor
(Front entrance) (Lateral entrance)

Figure 4. Examples of L-shape typological variations.

L-shape L + 1 = U-shape L + 1 = P-shape L + 2 = Full-shape

Figure 5. Examples of exogenous adaptability from a L-shape base in the 1st floor.

or with a private reading room, etc. Another example is in the space reserved for a fully accessible
toilet, which can be easily transformed into a smaller toilet with a contiguous closet/storage area or
simply into an enlarged hall zone with a more informal function. The stairs/toilet module can be
mirrored to fit with the different ground floor layouts. In the ground floor it can easily be created an
office/bedroom zone contiguous to the living room by reserving a part of it. The zone of the
toilet/kitchen can also be easily changed into a smaller toilet plus storage space, or as an enlarged
kitchen with plenty of dinning space, etc. That is, it can easily evolve from T3 to T2 or even T3 to
T4 and vice-versa with plenty of different possible configurations maintaining both the exterior
outlook of the building as well as its infrastructural core.
The exogenous adaptability here described only concerns functional relations (figure 5). It is
technically possible, but this is not explored in this paper. As a matter of simplification, and easier
comparison and explanation, a L-shape is again considered in the ground floor with a stabilized
internal program. If one module (4,8m x 4,2m) of the master grid is exclusively dedicated to
vertical circulation and toilet area, it can be generically said that each added module in the first floor
conceptually corresponds to a bedroom unit. In that sense, two modules correspond to T1, three to
T2, four to T3, five to T4, six to T5. This is valid for a building in an isolated a plot, otherwise one
4
of the modules must be kept free. Hence, the maximum typology is a T4, in order to assure that
every compartment would have contact with at least one facade wall to have proper light and
ventilation.
2. Simple junctions: the double dwelling
Considering an isolated plot and a two floor dwelling, there are plenty of ways of combining two
dwellings together in the same block. For this, in an optimized land use solution, we have to
intersect 2 master grids, from which we have a subsequent combined master grid of 3x3 modules.
One of the simplest ways to do it is by leaving the center empty by using exclusively L shapes,
allowing absolute area and possibly functions equality between floors of both dwellings. In this case
the void core would function as a kind of interior patio. After testing several combinations it is
concluded that the most effective way of making simple combinations is if we leave per floor at
least one of the modules of the combined 3x3 grid left empty. Therefore, in the case of junctions
with equal areas, the maximum area of each dwelling will not normally be superior to 161,3 m2,
which corresponds to 4 modules per floor for each.
3. Complex junctions: the multi-storey building
The proposed system has a huge variety of possible applications in terms or urban space, whether it
is for single family house or for multi-storey residential building. In a rural context, the terrain
dimensions do not normally constitute a major problem. In urban spaces, this issue is fundamental
for defining the solution. In fact, given the higher land prices, it matters to explore architectural
solutions that maximize spatial and aesthetical qualities and that at the same time look out, with
versatility, for an optimized use of land. To note that in the Portuguese case, that initially functioned
as a regulatory background of this work, there are generally strong limitations in terms of maximum
construction height allowed, four floors (ground floor plus three) being the maximum in the
majority of the territory. This, as before mentioned, coincides with an acceptable maximum
structural deployment in LSF and therefore it was so defined as work objective.
In the first studied cases the focus was on the single family housing units with a maximum of two
floors. A solution was developed that started from a maximum implantation polygon that allowed
an elevated number of associations, both as isolated building and a compact urban solution. While
in the first cases a direct connection from the street to the interior of the house was possible, in the
case of the multi-storey collective dwellings it is necessary to use complementary modules, such as
common staircases and elevators, to assure this connection. In this case a few variations of the
classical building distributions: direct entrance from common hall and gallery type were studied.

Figure 6. Possible central core deployment.

Figure 7. Possible central core deployment with up to 4 entrances per floor.

The cases of direct entrance proved to be quite feasible with minor adaptations. In the first (figure
6), a central core is used to make the vertical connections within the building. Here all the modules
are connecting directly with the outside and so have direct light and ventilation. The main issue
arises with the elements rotation. While in a simple house the modules are always used with the
5
same orientation, here they rotate between each other. However, it is possible to implement the
same type of functional distribution with minor interior adjustments. Despite this if one wants to
keep exactly the same functional elements as before the ideal scenario would be to use square
modules (4,8m x 4,8m) in this case, instead of rectangular (4,2m x 4,8m). In urban terms, since this
type of building only allows facade superposition in the corners (where the modules have 2 walls
contacting with the exterior), its use with contiguous buildings would be limited, therefore requiring
some degree of plot isolation.
In the second case of direct entrance (figure 7) up to 4 simultaneous direct entrances from the same
common hall are possible. The main differences are that not every module connects directly to the
outside, there is no need for modular rotation, a wider spectrum of shapes is allowed and of course
more combinations between them are possible. As for the previous case, some adaptations were also
needed. The main one is modular inversion: a different kind of internal staircase is required in some
situations where it is necessary to make a direct link between two superposed but inverse shapes. As
for the previous building, the urban use of this solution is limited outside isolated plots.
Finally, two solutions of gallery distribution were studied, the first using an external type of gallery
(figure 8-A), the second implementing a mirrored variation of the first in terms of common
circulation areas (figure 8-B). The gallery solution, shown in figures 9 and 10, proved to have quite
a direct application of the system, since it does not need rotations or special inversions, unless
purposely intended. It allows not only parallel junctions, both horizontally and vertically, as well as
misaligned junctions between floors within the same dwelling. Also, it is quite easy to create
excavated verandas in every floor and/or patios in the top floors. It is quite reasonable to think of an
“infinite” expansion of the length of this building, making it extremely feasible for urban
implementation either if is in isolated or laterally closed plots.

A. Possible ground-floor external gallery distribution B. Possible top-floor internal gallery distribution

Figure 8. Examples of different gallery-type distribution.

Ground floor

First floor

Second floor

Third floor

Figure 9. Detailed possible distribution of shapes in a external gallery.

6
 Back Elevation

Left Elevation Right Elevation

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Second floor plan

Third floor plan

Roof plan

Entrances Elevation

Figure 10. Detailed design from figure 9 shape deployment.

7
 PERFORMANCE AND LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS NOTES
Performance (structural, acoustical, thermal) and life-cycle analysis of the type of structure and
construction in use was performed based on virtual, fully detailed, design of one of the possible
single family houses. The performance studies were made in 2 levels, testing regulatory demands
and testing limit solutions, such as extreme wind, snow, seismic conditions, etc. It perfectly fulfilled
Portuguese regulatory demands and the tests for extreme conditions revealed a good margin for
adaptation to different regulatory norms.
In terms of life-cycle analysis it proved to be quite effective in terms of the materials in use and the
inherent costs of its possible reuse, it matters to highlight the structural and detailing solution
adopted has demonstrated quite good performances in comparison with traditional masonry
construction. The fact that it is a layered construction process directly benefits the future recycling
of materials, like for instance in the case of the steel components that are almost fully recyclable,
which does not happen, as it is well know, in the steel parts of concrete/masonry based buildings.

CONCLUSIONS / FUTURE WORK

The conceptual system developed has proven to be functionally expandable with some ease from
the single dwelling unit to a full four storey building, showing different levels of adaptability,
internal, external, and urban. The model still needs to be fully tested at a full scale prototype level,
to enhance the compatibility of its components, having in mind an optimized industrialization of the
construction process. Nevertheless, given its wide-spectrum flexibility and the detailing produced
so far, the concept-design proposal here presented is susceptible of an almost direct use in the
industry.

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