Massimiliano & Doriana FuksasSan Paolo Parish Complex
Introduction
Structural Focus
Systems Function
Structural Systems: Walls
Structural Systems: Roof
Model-making Process
Concept
Model Analysis
Structure Analysis
Conclusion
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CONCEP T
pg 4
“The suspension of a volume within another. Seeing through
concrete heaven, from outside, to inside, to outside”
-Massimiliano Fuksas
“For the achievement of the architect was inspired by the vertical design
of the church, in keeping with the liturgical celebration of the Mass
and the intention was to redefine the concept of a link
between heaven and earth through the momentum upward.”
-Bellaumbria.net
pg 5
Site: Via del Roccolo 30, 06034 Foligno PG, ItalyProject Year: 2001-2009Client: Italian Episcopal Conference - Diocesi of Foligno
Total area: 20,690 sqmBuilding area: 610 sqmParish complex: 1,300 sqm
symbol of rebirth - the San Paolo church designed by Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas in 2009 was introduced
after a devastating earthquake locally. It emerged as the winning entry for a competition - proposed for a developing town named Foligno, against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop in Italy. Til present, it functions to serve the San Paolo Parish’s Catholic congregation.
The 25 metres tall, monolithic, box of a building stands out in strong contrast against the organic backdrop of huge mountains and amongst quaint residential buildings, yet, it manages to blend in with its seemingly modernist neighbours.
Cladded in light grey, the concrete and steel church features distinctive “light canons” on its East and West facades. These structural openings ingeniously control and direct sunlight into the building. To the South, a gentle slope leads to a broad band of clear glass, with a cross marking the point of entry. The interior is a box within a box, position centrally and unified by a ceiling with three rectangular skylights which alludes to the holy trinity. The interior “box” is made of lightweight concrete on a steel frame, suspended from structural beams in the roof to hover above the floor at the height of 3 metres.
As if personifying the paradox of faith, the San Paolo church is really a complex creation, in spite of staggering simplicity observed at first sight.
Factual reference: http://www.theplan.it/J/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=882:complesso-parrocchiale-san-paolo&Itemid=367&lang=en
A
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STRUCTURAL FOCUS
ROOF
WALLS
pg 7
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM: WALLS
Exterior Wall
Materials:
- The structure of the external wall consists of reinforced concrete columns with reinforced concrete beams forming the frames.
- Styrofoam panels form the walls with reinforced concrete layer sandwiching the Styrofoam panels.
- The concrete layers are linked to each other with metal elements.
Holes for metal ties
Styrofoam Panel
Reinforced Concrete layer
Column
Beam
Holes for metal ties
Reinforced Concrete layer
Styrofoam Panel
Column
Beam
pg 8
Interior Wall
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM: WALLS
Secondary roof beam
Steel Structure
Plaster Board
Bracket on beam to connect to the steel structure
Materials:
- The internal walls are supported by steel structure which connects to the roof.
- Plaster boards are installed to form the walls.Secondary roof beam
Plaster Board
Steel structure
Bracket on beam to connect to the steel structure
pg 9
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM: ROOF
Secondary roof beam
Main roof beam
Roof truss
Materials:
- The roof consists of 5 main beams and a series of secondary beams. The secondary beams support the “hung walls”.
- The internal elements of the roof are formed by trusses.The roof is finished with a reinforced concrete slab
Main roof beam
Roof truss
Secondary roof beam
pg 10
SYSTEMS FUNCTION
Roof
External wall
Internal wall
Light shafts
- Barrier to harsh weather- Windbreaker- Provides thermal insulation- Waterproofs building interior- Control excessive lighting- Hold up roof beams- Isolate space for privacy
- Provides added insulation- Control and direct sunlight into the main space- Creates an “upward momentum”- Define spatial hierarchy
Barrier to harsh cold weather- Windbreaker- Provides thermal insulation- Waterproofs building interior (Direct rainwater away)- Control excessive lighting
pg 10
MODEL-MAKING PROCESSThe walls
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MODEL-MAKING PROCESS
The I-beams and trusses
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MODEL-MAKING PROCESSThe walls and roof
pg 14
MODEL-MAKING PROCESSThe skylights
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MODEL-MAKING PROCESS
The mock-up model The final model
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MODEL ANALYSIS
Materials:
Failure - Concrete (cement+sand+water)Initially, concrete was used for the construction of wall. However the it was predicted that the heavy load of concrete was not practical due to the large area of walls needed to be built. Other than that, there wereforeseen difficulties in controlling the thickness of the internal concrete walls. At the chosen scale, those walls would measure 0.2cm thick which might lead to severe concrete cracks.
Success – ChipboardInstead of using concrete, chipboard was used to represent the concrete material as it is lighter in weight and could acheive the appropriate thickness needed without compromising in structural stability.
Concrete Concrete Chipboard
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MODEL ANALYSIS
Construction of light shafts:
Slanted light shafts penetrating through the outer and inner walls are angled, therefore, their openings vary in position on both walls. This resulted in a tricky situation as the angles are varied and unknown to the team. Nevertheless, an ingenious solution was found by one of the teammates thereafter.
The location of openings on both walls were figured out by calculating ratios with the formula below: d1/d2 = D1/D2
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STRUCTURE ANALYSISLoad distribution:
pg 19
CONCLUSIONThe project has been a success despite several bumps faced along the way. Much knowledge with regards to solid building construction has been gained by the team. Many thanks to Ms Sufina who was supportive of the project and provided effective advice.
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PRODUCED BY: Choo Ai Lin [0317253]; Hiew Yen Nee [0314212]; Kian Soon Jean [0314978]; Leong Carmen [0314953]; Liew Hui En [0314920]; Tan Heng Yee [0314941]; Yong Seh Li [0314345]
Building Construction 2 (ARC 2513)Project 2 - Solid Construction