aTYPICAL HOUSING

Warsaw University of Technology, (Politechnika Warszawska), Faculty of Architecture, Warszawa

Project idea

This project explores a new design possibility for a prefabricated housing.
Historically situated in Polish conditions this kind of habitat had rather negative
impact on the landscape, architecture and its residents. My thesis attempts to
balance interesting and contemporary futures of architecture with economical,
prefabricated building solutions while recognising the central significance of the
project context.
The parametric tool was used during each design step to help find more effective
solutions and develop helpful tools. The result was a design of residential units
situated in very characteristic location between two strong attractors - the medival
royal castle in Checiny and European Centre of Geological Education (designed
by WXCA Pracownia Architektoniczna). Design Process was devided at
beggining into a few phases which was very helpful in whole work progress.

Project description

Thesis is divided on two main parts;

1. To create communication agent between
customer and investor (in this case developer) with supervision of architect.
Project is kind of test of alternative solution for developers where investor can
participate and negotiate with potential customer from the beginning of the design
process. The potential customers could choose type of house unit, and have
direct influence on total area of their units before architect draw first line of
design. Functional schema of units will
perfectly fits to customers programm.
2. Next, design assumes create new and alternative solution for the “typical”
projects. Atypical
housing introduce original look, where each dwelling will be
unique and customized for specific residents. The systems of prefabricating were
intended to reduce costs. Landscape design of site also will be create as a
futurable solutions as “green” communication inside with no car traffic. There is
also no division for individual plots. Main purpose is to propose one common
living space for inhabitants, with private small spaces without physicaly divisions.
Process of design was based on many local history of architecture analysis and
precedents. Very important aspect in shaping architecture was tradition and local
identity
 which created in final design.
Summing up, my thesis attempts to develop project using the latest design
technology and tools while paying respect to context, history and tradition.

Technical information

Specification of construction:
Building construction type was divided on:
Elements made at construction site:
1. Construction of monolithic reinforced concrete (foundation slab, rigid support items,
groundfloor slab and cantilever stairs with rainforced staircase’s wall)
Prefabricated elements
2. Construction of ground levels ­ wooden frame construction, vertical and horizontal
partitions construction + steel elements connecting wooden beams.
3. Facade elemensts ­ composites thermal insulation plates

1.Monolithic reinforced structure
Foundations and groundfloor level slabs are made of rainforced monolthics block. Building is
set in ground on violated foundation slab with rigids support items. Due to irregular structure
of foundation block in spaces between foundation and groundfloor slabs which has minimal
height 2,2 m is created additional utility rooms.
Staris in 2­ and 3­levels dwellings is always a rainforced cantilever stairs connected with
rainforced wall based on foundation slab.

2. Wooden frame construction
Ground floors structure is a steel connected ­ wooden frame (reference to local traditions).
To build wooden frame used made of laminated timber 20x20 cm beams. In example unit
used 1539 beams with a range od length from 0,7 to 8,4 m. There are 14 beams with
dimension from 6 to 8 m, and only 5 beams with length 8. The exact length of each beams is
known ­ because of it preparation of each beam is possible out of construction site.

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Interal slabs in dwellings are timber constructed elements. Slabs are made from 15x20
laminated timber beams with 80 cm spacing filled with insulation. Ceilings spans up to 4,5 m.
All timber items are connected by 558 stell connectors. Each joints is individual and unique
geometry. Elements are made with using CAD/CAM and CNC technology, nextly delivered
to construction site with other elements of prefabricated system.
Wooden elements is connected with steel joinst by steel hanger, on which are inserted
properly cutted beams.

3. External finishes elements
In example module there are 189 single external finishing surfaces which are made of:
3.1 Composites thermal insulation aluminium plates
Each plate is unique bacause of dimensions and shape, has different window
perforations (Described below) with constant thickness ­ 15 cm. Due to the
window­size perforation composites plates are divided on three types. Windows
placing is a result of: solar radiation analysis and wooden frame structure (Each
window are placed between timber beams). Plates consists of cold bent bars frame
with insulation between with aluminium plate on exteriors sides.

Window­sized plate division:
1. Plates with the biggest perforations (Installed on south elevation) Hinged windows by
axial hinged
2. Plates with smaller perforations (Installed on north elevations) Hinged windows by
axial hinged
3. Plates with perforation pattern with variable siazes, which fluently disappearing on
places where is timber skeleton under plate. Patterned plates is installed on the
warmest surfaces and additionaly on rooms where customers needs more privacy
and natural light as well, i.e toilet or bathroom.

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3.2 Curtain walls
All­surfaced curtain wall with opened windows or sliding doors with exit to terrace or
coomon green space.

3.3 Building entrance
Its independent geometry consists of two walls with slab on it with doors between. All
item is made of Corten steel.

Other technical elements:
Thermal insulation of the building
Thermal insulation is made by using spraying polyurethane foam system from interior side.
System of insulation has very good thermal insulation and vapor barrier parameters, and use
system is easy to implement in such irregular geometry. What is more this kind of insulation
could be very interesting element of interior design

Rainwater dreinage:
Gutters is design as metal flashing on aluminium plates connestions places. Each of
connection has different connection angle so gutters are unique. Gutters are made of Corten
steel. Due to a very variable external surface of a building there are positive and negative
surfaces which are properly used gutter system (In positive) or internal gutter hide in internal
wall or column (in negative).

Co-authors

People involved in design:
Supervisor: prof. dr arch. Jerzy Wojtowicz
Parametric Design Consultant: mgr inz. arch. Jacek Markusiewicz
Structural Consultant dr inż. Wiesław Słowik
History Consultant: mgr inż. arch. Paulina Bogdał ­ Śmierzyńska