A building with skin

Folding steel trays with differing design cuts create a unique rain, privacy and sun screen. The permeable outer skin is created from a series of steel panels that are positioned according to layered data from sun path studies, key views and privacy. Based on the data, 10 typical screens were created in folding steel trays with differing laser or plasma cuts. The resulting façade is reminiscent of many screens and freezes found in Indo-Islamic architecture. The screens act as partial rain, privacy and sun screens, while also animating the building and effecting a dramatic day to night visual transition.

Standardised and predictable

SymHouse aims to standardise component sizes and assembly processes. For example, the external steel screens are all of the same dimensions. They are constructed using a simple fixing system, standard to all panels, which can be assembled with minimal training. Similar principals apply to the frame, floors, glazed and solid elements. This standardisation supports buildings that are predictable in construction, cost certainty and quality, but most important, that allow builders to take advantage of India’s largest resource: its labour force. The buildings can be constructed by a relatively unskilled workforce, while achieving an acceptable finish quality to attract potential purchasers.

The design is also flexible in terms of adaptation to other site locations where perhaps taller buildings are required, since its mass can be increased by adding an extra two or more stories. This can lead to economies of scale, with more units sharing the foundation, roof and community space costs. This also may be cost effective in a country where land values are increasing as the economy develops and strengthens.

SymHouse building process

1. Strip off topsoil and any made ground. Excavate to formation level filling any voids or soft spots with well compacted granular material. Construct a layer of well compacted granular material finishing with blinding material.
2. Cast the raft foundation incorporating cast in holding down bolts for the steel frame. Construct the steel frame floor by floor, placing the profiled metal decking at each floor level as construction proceeds to achieve structural stability during construction.
3. Check verticality and setting out of the frame as construction proceeds, grout up column base plates as verticality is achieved. Place mesh reinforcement for the concrete slab and poor the concrete floor slabs floor by floor.
4. Construct stair cases. Install perimeter cladding and roof finishes in order to achieve a weathered building.