Open House International

Chica, José A.; Elguezabal, Peru; Kendall, Stephen

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0001

In accordance with it's commitment to discussion and dissemination of the Open Building principles and methods, the CIB W104 “Open Building Implementation” has been celebrating annual conferences since 1996. The main objective of these meetings held around the world is to promote research by various disciplines related to the improvement of the built environment by application of the Open Building concept, considering different cultures and interests.

Yingying, Jiang; Beisi, Jia

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0002

When N.J. Habraken proposed the conception of support-infill in housing construction in 1960s, housing issues was centered by drawn material construction and consumption, although the needs of involving in the final occupants' participation emerged. It reflected a transition from the industrial economy to the post-industrial economy. Since the rapid development and evolution in the field of technology and social culture in the last several decades, both the social structure and ideology have been changing. The consumption conception of dwelling has also shifted from physical substance to some invisible items, such as knowledge and service. Therefore, open building, as an architectural design method, should adapt to this situation in its future development. This paper firstly describes the characteristics of the post-industry society. Based on analyzing and summarizing the theories and some examples, this paper tries to re-explain the definition of “flexibility” in the context of the post-industrial society. It concludes that the possible tendency of open building is to establish a service system for future occupants to adapt to the changing living environment in addition to physical changeability of the building.

Schwehr, Peter

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0003

Change is a reliable constant. Constant change calls for strategies in managing everyday life and a high level of flexibility. Architecture must also rise to this challenge. The architect Richard Buckminster Fuller claimed that “A room should not be fixed, should not create a static mood, but should lend itself to change so that its occupants may play upon it as they would upon a piano (Krausse 2001).” This liberal interpretation in architecture defines the ability of a building to react to (ever-) changing requirements. The aim of the project is to investigate the flexibility of buildings using evolutionary algorithms characterized by Darwin. As a working model for development, the evolutionary algorithm consists of variation, selection and reproduction (VSR algorithm). The result of a VSR algorithm is adaptability (Buskes 2008). If this working model is applied to architecture, it is possible to examine as to what extent the adaptability of buildings – as an expression of a cultural achievement – is subject to evolutionary principles, and in which area the model seems unsuitable for the 'open buildings' criteria. (N. John Habraken). It illustrates the significance of variation, selection and replication in architecture and how evolutionary principles can be transferred to the issues of flexible buildings. What are the consequences for the building if it were to be designed and built with the help of evolutionary principles? How can we react to the growing demand for flexibilization of buildings by using evolutionary principles?

Lau, Wai Kin; Ho, Daniel Chi Wing

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0004

Aging of building stock is emerging. Open Building as a sustainable approach to deal with the problems associated with the aging housing stock is seldom applied in high-rise, densely populated built environment. With aims to identify the constraints and seek rooms for Open Building implementation in aforementioned context, a survey of 495 building layout plans from ten major housing estates in Hong Kong is conducted. The floor plans are analysed against the Open Building characteristics and criteria laid down by Tiuri (1998). Facts and obstacles of achieving Open Building in the territory are unearthed, and opportunities for implementation are then discussed.The layout and structure of the surveyed private residential buildings in Hong Kong are very much alike. They are in fact closed buildings without the capacity to adapt, so any change in user requirements cannot be accommodated easily. Implementing Open Building using flexible and green fittings remains a viable option that enables transformation in existing housing stock.

Nijs, Jochem C.; Durmisevic, Elma; Halman, Johannes I.M.

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0005

Open Building and IFD (Industrial Flexible Demountable) building are philosophies that aim to create high quality buildings with increased flexibility and better environmental characteristics. However, a successful adoption of IFD principles has not yet occurred because of concerns for the types of connections that are needed between building components. Therefore, this paper describes PhD research at the University of Twente that has the objective of designing a typology of flexible interfaces for IFD building that can be widely applied in the construction industry and aims to standardize connections, at the various levels of technical composition of a building, to create compatibility between building products from different suppliers. Such a typology of interfaces will increase the re-use and recycling of building parts, resulting in the increased sustainability of the building process. Furthermore, it will help accelerate the industrialization of the housing industry and mass customization of housing. A preliminary case study, in which a sustainable, flexible bathroom is designed, illustrates the various types of interfaces that can be applied, based on existing research. The paper illustrates the importance of interfaces, and aims to increase environmental benefits of buildings (less construction waste), improve the social aspects (higher user satisfaction in buildings) and achieve economical advantages (lower overall costs) by designing new interfaces.

Lawson, R. Mark; Ogden, Ray G.; Popo-Ola, Sunday

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0006

Modular construction is widely used for residential buildings of 4 to 8 storeys. In the context of open building systems, modular construction provides a systemised approach to design in which the benefits of prefabrication are maximised. There is demand to extend this form of construction to more than 12 storeys for residential buildings. This paper presents a review of modular technologies, and describes load tests and analysis on light steel modular walls that are used to justify the use of light steel technology to support higher loads.For taller modular buildings, the effect of installation and geometric inaccuracies must be taken into account and it is proposed that maximum out of verticality of a vertical group of modules is 50mm relative to ground datum. Using these geometric tolerances, the notional horizontal force used to evaluate stability of a group of modules should be taken as a minimum of 1% of the applied vertical load on the modules. Robustness to accidental load effects is important in all high-rise buildings and it is proposed that the tie force in the connections between modules should be taken as not less than 30% of the total vertical load applied to the module in both horizontal directions.

Geraedts, Rob

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0007

In the present demand-driven market, consumers play a key role. Players in the house-building market, as in other sectors, need to listen to the consumer's requirements – and these are continually changing. The real estate sector is rather rigid in its practices, yet those working in it will need to respond to the fluctuating wishes and demands of their consumers. One possible response is to adopt a flexible building strategy. Industrial Flexible Demountable (IFD) building has recently been a subject of debate in the Dutch construction sector. This is a special type of construction involving experimental projects, experimentation being the first step in optimising a renewed production process or product. The building process is currently subject to various construction-related and organisational obstacles. This means that, in some cases, the objectives (which are focused on consumer-oriented building practices) were not being achieved. It was necessary to identify the problem areas and to consider the available opportunities for optimising the building process in future IFD house-building projects. The results of this study have been incorporated into guidelines containing a step-by-step plan. This plan sets out practical recommendations for market actors who wish to initiate an IFD house-building project. This study's conclusions and recommendations form the basis for the seven stages that such parties will need to complete before starting on such a project.

Chica, José A.; Apraiz, Inés; Elguezabal, Peru; Rrips, Marc O.; Sánchez, Victor; Tellado, Borja

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0008

KUBIK is aimed to the development of new concepts, products and services to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The main characteristic of KUBIK is the capability to built realistic scenarios to analyse the energy efficiency obtained from the holistic interaction of the constructive solution for the envelope, the intelligent management of the climatisation and lighting systems and the supply from renewable energy sources.The R&D infrastructure consists of a building able to provide up to 500 m2 distributed in an underground floor, a ground floor and up to two storeys; the main dimensions are 10,00 m. width x 10,00 m. length x 10,00 meter high (plus and underground floor 3,00 m. depth). The supply of energy is based on the combination of conventional and renewable energy (geothermic, solar and wind). In addition, the building is equipped with a monitoring and control system which provides the necessary information for the R&D activities.KUBIK's main structure provides an experimental, adaptable and reconfigurable infrastructure to create the indoor environments to analyse and to allow the assembly of the constructive solutions for the envelope, floors and partitions which performance must to be assessed under realistic conditions.

Eguchi, Toru; Schmidt, Robert; Dainty, Andrew; Austin, Simon; Gibb, Alistair

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0009

This paper explores the adaptability of buildings in Japan from the perspective of three distinct practice typologies: large general contractors, large architectural design firms, and small design ateliers. The paper illustrates the cultivation of adaptability in Japan revealing a maturing of concepts into current innovations, trends, priorities, and obstacles in relation to adaptability in design. The paper contextualizes the situation by reviewing the evolution of residential development in support of building adaptability, and the ways in which these policies and concepts have shaped practice and transcended residential design. This evolution is then explored through non-residential case studies undertaken by the three practice types, and supported through a review of critical themes emerging from the interviews. The importance of particular physical characteristics are examined including storey height, location of services, planning modules and structural spacing/spans. The interviews expose the critical relationship between adaptability and different social variables - the state of the market, the role of planning regulations and other legal frameworks; as well as, the misconceptions and variations in the perceptions on the role and meaning adaptability has in practice. The paper is concluded by revealing the lessons learnt, including the unfolding of dependencies outside the ‘black box’ of adaptability (e.g. practice culture, material and, stakeholder mindsets) and the requirement of effective communication of concepts to allow an informed conversation between professionals and with clients and users. Like many other philosophical design concepts in complex processes, adaptability benefits from a mutual understanding, good relationships, communication, integration, and shared goals amongst team members.

Stephen, Kendall

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0010

This paper outlines some of the background of and constraints facing the emergence of a new industry, focused not on buildings as such but on residential fit-out – the integrated kit-of-parts “behind your front door.” Residential application of the distinction between base building (support) and fit-out (infill), although sharing the same principles as the well-established office building and shopping mall sectors, is particularly important because it affects a very large market whose potential is not yet exploited but is arguably nascent.It is well understood that industrial manufacturing processes – now becoming “product service systems” in the consumer sector – are most effective and dynamic where individual users are directly served, as seen in the automotive and electronics/communications sectors. Construction of base buildings understood as “infrastructures for living” is capable of stimulating the evolution of a fit-out industry that will itself accelerate innovation and distribution of new domestic fit-out services and systems.In general, the creation of a genuine fit-out industry is not a technical or industrial design problem. Material subsystems and components like partitioning, bathroom and kitchen equipment, as well as “plug-and-play” piping and wiring are available or are being invented and approved in regulatory regimes internationally. While some smart products are still needed, the problem now is essentially a business proposition. By shifting to the provision of benefits rather than simply manufacturing products, companies may find a competitive advantage in a sector of the building industry now poised for an innovation leap. In the US and other developed countries, this is particularly compelling given the sustainability agenda, smart growth and increased demand for consumer-oriented production. In this perspective, the trend toward base building architecture allows the building industry to effectively come to terms with new and creative modes of industrial production.

Belausteguigoitia, Jone; Laurenz, Jon; Gómez, Alberto

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0011

Constant change in current market and social conditions has triggered the demand for a more adaptable building stock. The capacity to assume and accommodate change has thus become a new requirement for buildings. At the same time, there is a growing demand for more environmentally conscious buildings. New protocols, building codes, and certification systems are becoming stricter regarding buildings’ CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, and other environmental aspects. The current building industry fails to satisfy these two demands; conventional buildings rarely enable change, unless undergoing complex renovations, and rarely consider environmental features beyond mandatory legislation. In this context, this paper proposes Modular Ecotechnological Architecture as a response to both demands. The basis is an integrated design that looks at energy, water, and materials’ efficiency altogether, combined with a modular industrialized building system. The system allows buildings to grow or reduce in size according to their needs, with little impact for their inhabitants, enabling versatility for a variety of uses within the same space and over time. This paper presents the concept of this new building system together with the technical, building code-related, and economic challenges encountered throughout recent experimental projects.

Hürol, Yonca

2011 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0012

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