Case studies (1)

This class was very interesting as we got to know how steel is used in architecture and design through some case studies which are briefed below.

LADY BIRD LAKE HIKING TRAIL RESTROOMS - MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS

AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA

It is located along a scenic path that runs along the Colorado River. The main purpose of this design is to create a dynamic structure that creates a sculptural landmark from the banal nature and also to create a public restroom which requires minimal maintenance.

It was designed by using a single material called as the COR-TEN steel which a weathering steel having corrosion resistance. It has a coating and does not require much of a maintenance. This structure consists of free standing steel plates which has a concrete foundation below. These plates are arranged in such a way to block privacy and also some places have few gaps for vision. The heights of these plates vary in order to blend with the context of mountains and forest. The flooring inside the restroom is concrete with granite for durability.

The main reason for using steel plates is that it is a alloy made of copper, chromium and nickel which gives strength and corrosion resistance. The roof enclosure is formed by a single plate which is cantilevered and supported by te freestanding plates fixed to ground with a just 2 ft footing.

KUNST-DEPOT, HENZE & KETTERER ART GALLERY - GIGON /GUYER ARCHITEKTEN

WICHTRACH, SWITZERLAND

It is an art gallery that changes into showroom and storage based on the purpose. It has 2 floors with a simple and open plan. It has a pitched roof which complements to its surrounding rural area creating a modern artistic composition.
The roof and façade are cladded using corrugated steel. Which is used to complement the warehouses present in the village. The wall consists of 2 screens outer is of perforated steel sheet which acts a sunscreen and the inside is also a perforated panel which enclosed the insulating material ( coloured fiberglass and water barrier) used against the inner wall in order to create a micro climate to protect the art inside.
These perforated sheets are supported by aluminium struts extending from wall to roof. The space between the outer and inner perforated sheets provides a cavity that is effective in shading. Roof is also insulated in order to prevent water from seeping inside.

ST. ANDREWS BEACH HOUSE

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA — SEAN GODSELL ARCHITECTS

It is a weekend retreat home which is elevated from ground level to provide parking and storage and also as it is present near the sea the elevated structure brings view to the users. The main materials were recycled steel and glass.

It has steel shutters or louvers for walls to reduce the heat gain and glare. Flooring is done by wood. The roof is also with steel along with services provided. The steel used ix oxidised in order to prevent corrosion.

PREFABRICATED NATURE

CEDEIRA, SPAIN — MYCC ARCHITECTS

This is a prefabricated vacation home which was built in 3 days and took only 3 months to fabricate it in factory. The prefabricated modules were combined into living, kitchen, dining and bedroom. The materials used were COR-TEN wreathing steel. These panels were CNC machined to gives prints of eucalyptus trees complimenting to its context. Sunlight is filtered through these perforated sheets. The roof is made up of a prefabricated panel composed of eucalyptus wood shavings in a cement-based matrix.

Beams and galvanized steel columns are used in the primary frame, with composite steel decking and concrete slabs for floor decks where the concrete is casted on site. These metal plates and claddings were fixed together with stainless steel screws and bolts.

Adding to this discussion of case studies we were shown the project of MOAD Architects. They use more of metal and CNC cutting in their designs. During this discussion THE BOOK BUILDING was shown as an example which is located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, and I was shocked that residing in the same area for years I didn’t know about this place and decided to visit it just to register it in my mind.

The major materials used for construction in concrete along with extensive use of steel and glass. The first thing that caught my eye was the grill work which instead of having a single pattern had a composition of many patterns in one. This type of grill was used in many parts of the building. There was a steel collapsible shutter in the façade to protect the glass inside. I was really eager to see the inside but unfortunately due to the current pandemic situation TARA BOOKS was closed for public. Here are some clicks from my visit.