This document discusses a modular design project at EiABC. It describes prototypes created including the Worldhouse prototype from 2010 and SECU prototypes made of straw panels in 2011. The project explored modular design strategies, recyclable materials, and flexible and adaptable buildings. Prototypes tested included clusters of housing units and variations of modular housing types and structures that could be aggregated in complex arrangements. The goal was to develop low-cost, sustainable housing solutions through modular design.
6. modular design project
Challenges
EiABC addis abeba
reform teaching research consultancy
process
African
network collaboration innovation testing
EU –EDU link staff and Africa as Ethiopian firms
DE - DAAD student a laboratory German firms
exchange emergency help
EiABC chair building construction
8. modular design project
scope
design for identity and flexibility
considering “cost efficient planning technology
implementing new building technologies
EiABC chair building construction
41. modular design project
SECU - prototype out of panels
foot print : 8.5m x 6 m
level : G+1
material : straw +screws
SECU 2011 at EiABC / donath
EiABC chair building construction
There are currently very few kinds of house building systems available with which to test and transfer this modular system into practice. To realise the embedded functionality of the house typology in practice we defined the following criteria: the materials, or better the building parts, have to adhere to the reference grid and dimensions of the coordinates,the construction system has to be flexible and modularised,connections and construction details (foundation walls, roof, terraces and so on) need to be standardised, andon-site realisation has to be simple, affordable and achievable by unskilled workers.
This research has the potential to become an important model for cultural identity and implementing new building technologies in the developing world. The research project will develop local accepted dwelling units towards the sustainable development of buildings and neighborhoods. Conceived as examples to be deployed within professional practice in order to attain sustainable conditions, these prototypes must comply with specific criteria addressing the cultural traditions and local knowledge of the builders and users.Therefore, this research could serve as a benchmark of sustainable building practices for other similar research projects to follow, as it has a sustainable approach on all levels, from the materials to the construction and maintenance.
There are currently very few kinds of house building systems available with which to test and transfer this modular system into practice. To realise the embedded functionality of the house typology in practice we defined the following criteria: the materials, or better the building parts, have to adhere to the reference grid and dimensions of the coordinates,the construction system has to be flexible and modularised,connections and construction details (foundation walls, roof, terraces and so on) need to be standardised, andon-site realisation has to be simple, affordable and achievable by unskilled workers.
The size of aggregated modules extends up to a width of 5 modules (6.25 m) to make it possible to use easily- realisable roof or slab constructions. The module system is developed for single or two-storey buildings. It is a fact that the lower a building is, the lower the effort required to build it in terms of materials, technical equipment and expenses for its construction.
The size of aggregated modules extends up to a width of 5 modules (6.25 m) to make it possible to use easily-realisable roof or slab constructions. The module system is developed for single or two-storey buildings. It is a fact that the lower a building is, the lower the effort required to build it in terms of materials, technical equipment and expenses for its construction.
There are only two kinds of basic module: a so-called “built module” and a so-called “open module”. Each of these modules includes a set of basic and technical parameters and are able to link these up with adjoining modules when used in combination. The modular concept follows the principles of taxonomy and object orientation. The “built module”, for instance, has the attribute, “itself or its neighbours has walls around it” while the “open module” has the attribute, “it has a roof or slab above/beneath it”
There are only two kinds of basic module: a so-called “built module” and a so-called “open module”. Each of these modules includes a set of basic and technical parameters and are able to link these up with adjoining modules when used in combination. The modular concept follows the principles of taxonomy and object orientation. The “built module”, for instance, has the attribute, “itself or its neighbours has walls around it” while the “open module” has the attribute, “it has a roof or slab above/beneath it”
Each of these constellations acquires the basic and technical parameters of the modules it is made up of. The underlying principle derives from the well-known concept of “mass customisation”, here made possible by using object-orientated techniques. The resulting design of the houses are automatically equipped with the technical and constructional parameters of the modules themselves (see figure) and the principle of modular combination makes it possible to develop a series of standard details. At this time, the following attributes are embedded into the module typology system:exact mass and cost calculation, all the related construction details,technological issues such as scheduling, material deposits and site preparation
There are currently very few kinds of house building systems available with which to test and transfer this modular system into practice. To realise the embedded functionality of the house typology in practice we defined the following criteria: the materials, or better the building parts, have to adhere to the reference grid and dimensions of the coordinates,the construction system has to be flexible and modularised,connections and construction details (foundation walls, roof, terraces and so on) need to be standardised, andon-site realisation has to be simple, affordable and achievable by unskilled workers.
The product technology forms the basis of these lightweight buildings made of highly rigid construction panels with laminate-sealed faces and honeycomb cores. The joining of the panels is carried out using heavy duty adhesive technology with reinforced corner profiles. It employs an environmentally-friendly and environmentally-sound surface layer, whose principal component is composed of a combination of magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride. It is therefore suitable for cladding outdoor spaces and is water-repellent and very fire-resistant. An alkali-resistant glass fibre mesh together with a slightly modified filling compound is used for reinforcement.The panel length is limited only by transportability while the thickness can be chosen from 20 mm up to a maximum of 250 mm. The building material is weatherproof. These elements are applied to construct buildings effectively while simultaneously conserving resources. The actual construction takes much less time, uses less material while weighing considerably less, requires no additional construction and costs a fraction of the usual building costs
Each of these constellations acquires the basic and technical parameters of the modules it is made up of. The underlying principle derives from the well-known concept of “mass customisation”, here made possible by using object-orientated techniques. The resulting design of the houses are automatically equipped with the technical and constructional parameters of the modules themselves (see figure) and the principle of modular combination makes it possible to develop a series of standard details. At this time, the following attributes are embedded into the module typology system:exact mass and cost calculation, all the related construction details,technological issues such as scheduling, material deposits and site preparation
We can only hope that this sense of identity will be a starting point for experiencing the world of housing and settlement as a part of human existence itself. Only in this way may a sense of personal responsibility for our environment emerge that is so important for our existence.