Development of a new prefabricated wooden system allowing the sustainable vertical extension of administrative buildings.
In order to enhance existing urban resources and minimize environmental impact, the Working Space research project aims to facilitate the creation of new administrative spaces by raising existing buildings. Thus, thanks to the development of a new prefabricated wooden system, at the same time simple, elegant and flexible, it becomes possible to increase the surface area of a building without consuming land, while providing satisfactory comfort to users and promoting a diversity of spatial configuration.
In vertical terms, the structure consists of large elements, composed of a frame of interlinked posts and beams. The structure uses a limited number of load-bearing points and provides a simple way of transferring weight to the load-bearing elements of the existing buildings. In horizontal terms, the floors and ceilings are made of timber cassettes. These elements, like the façade and technical equipment, are all designed as compounds consistent with the base frame. This results in a very high level of prefabrication compared with standard building methods, increasing accuracy and reducing on-site construction time. Thanks to a partnership with the Canton of Vaud, a pilot project could be built on a building located in downtown Lausanne.
Project Partners
Laboratory of architecture and sustainable technologies (LAST), Kälin & Rombolotto SA, Effin’Art Sàrl, Thorsen Sàrl, SI-REN
Research Team LAST
Prof. Emmanuel Rey, Aleksis Dind, Pascal Michon
Funding
Canton de Vaud – Service immeubles, patrimoine et logistique (SIPAL)
Article
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A Modular Timber Construction System for the Sustainable Vertical Extension of Office Buildings |