High Complexity Structural Rehabilitation for Open Spaces
TECHNICAL SHEET
- Typology: Building engineering, structural calculation and comprehensive rehabilitation.
- Key intervention: Metal casing of columns, installation of deep girders, elimination of load-bearing walls and stabilization of floors.
- Status: Executed.
The BACKGROUND: Structural obsolescence and compartmentalization. The original building presented an obsolete structural scheme, based on load-bearing walls and pillars with insufficient load-bearing capacity for the new design requirements. This configuration forced the maintenance of small, dark and highly compartmentalized spaces, preventing any modern, open and flexible housing concept. The fundamental challenge was to modify the skeleton of the building without compromising stability.
THE TECHNICAL CHALLENGE: "Open-hearted" engineering. To free up the space and allow the new architectural distribution, our engineering department designed and calculated a structural intervention of high constructive surgery:
- Shorings and elimination of load-bearing walls: The traditional vertical structure has been replaced by a framework of heavy metal profiles. The installation of new deep steel girders has made it possible to support the weight of the upper floors, freeing the ground floor from obstacles and achieving much wider spans (distances between pillars).
- Sheathing and reinforcement of pillars: In those points where the original structure had to be maintained but could not support the new loads, metal cladding has been executed. As can be seen in the images, the existing pillars have been enclosed with steel platforms and angles, multiplying their compression resistance and guaranteeing maximum structural safety.
- Deformation control: The entire intervention has been carried out under rigorous control of deflections and deformations, using high-load shoring systems during the process of weight transfer from the old structure to the new.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTION: The freedom of space. Thanks to this resolution of calculation and engineering, architecture has been able to express itself with total freedom. What was previously a labyrinth of rooms or a tight basement has been transformed into a completely open floor plan, allowing the entry of natural light, continuous spaces and total flexibility for interior design.
FINAL RESULT: A demonstration of how rigor in structural calculation is the true driving force of architectural design. We solve the hidden technical complexity to offer the client clean, modern and absolutely safe spaces.
