The award-winning Smarthouse in Rotterdam is a superb example of the flexibility that steel framing offers both owners and architects alike.

For the owner, the Smarthouse concept combines the cost and construction advantages of catalogue building with the design freedom of working with an architect.

For the architect, in this case Netherlands firm Mei Architecten, it offers a wide range of potential forms and shapes, along with abundant opportunity for creative executions of details and construction components.

The facade of the smarthouse with cladding of wood and glass panels

Use of the millimetre as the basic unit of measurement, a sophisticated system of structural joints and clever detailing of the steel skeleton all contribute to a design concept that enables great freedom in the selection of external dimensions, heights, roof forms and internal layout. The steel frame can accommodate unusual shapes beyond simple right angles. The Smarthouse concept, and use of steel, allow for easy subsequent expansion - or contraction – of the house size.

 

Also, for example, in the original Smarthouse, the façade is replaceable without altering the main bearing structure.

Smarthouse is energy efficient - in construction, operation and re-use.

Thanks to use of light weight steel, a Smarthouse weighs only about one-fifth as much as a conventional house of similar size. Transporting such light-weight materials to the construction site means fewer trips, saving fuel, emissions and traffic congestion. Building the house actually is a matter of assembly, rather than a conventional construction job that must combine and integrate diverse materials such as concrete, masonry, wood and others.

Steel construction at the building site

Optimal insulation lining the outer facade minimizes heat loss. An available autarkic heat and ventilation system contributes to energy self-sufficiency. The house also can accommodate conventional energy supply. Hollow walls and floors and cold-rolled “C”-profile steel members accommodate pipes, cables and wiring.

And, of course, the entire steel frame and steel components are completely recyclable.

Detail of the steel construction

Smarthouse earned an Industrial, Flexible and Dismantable Demonstration Series prize in 1999 and third place in the 2003 Rotterdam Design Prize competition.

Project Summary

Project name	Smarthouse
Architects	Mei Architecten En Stedenbouwers BV
City	Rotterdam
Country	The Netherlands
Region	Europe
Climate	Temperate
Housing Type	Single family

Key information

Number of storeys	2
New-build home

Location of Steel solutions

Beams
Interior Walls
Structural
Light Steel Sections
Roof
Windows