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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

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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