Multi-storey Housing

AUSTRIA
Feldkirchen near Graz

Architect:
F. Neurold and G. Plankensteiner, Graz

Building Contactor:
Doubrava

The residential estate comprises six two-to-four storey blocks of flats of different size. For Styria, where conventional building with brick and concrete is still standard practice, using steel for the loadbearing elements meant leaving the past behind and using the latest residential building techniques. The building method that was applied is an elaboration of the tried and tested 6D method developed by Doubrava. The loadbearing construction consists of a steel frame with the supports (cold formed steel hollow sections) screwed to U-channel rolled steel beams to form a rigid frame. Bracing cores, stiffeners and loadbearing facade elements are not necessary. Floors are prefabricated concrete elements on elastomeric strips ensuring that floors are acoustically separated.

Facades consist of an excellent sound and thermal proof composite construction: sandwich panels made of concrete, insulation and gypsum plasterboard. The textured finish and colour scheme add much to an appealing appearance that is light years away from the grey system-built structures of the sixties. With an erection time of only nine months, costs were reduced by up to 20% compared to conventional building methods.

Site Plan



Site Section



Scale 1:20

1 - beam 2 x UNP 240
2 - beam UNP 240
3 - column Ø 159 mm

Section Detail



Scale 1:20

1 - beam 2 x UNP 240
2 - beam UNP 240
3 - column Ø 159 mm
4 - dry lining 30 mm, loadbearing layer, thermal insulation 80 mm, concrete curtain wall 80 mm
5 - flooring 10 mm, screed 55 mm/foil, thermal-and sound insulation 50 mm, reinforced concrete element 80 mm, fire batt 15 mm

Ground Floor Framing Plan



Scale 1:200

1 - column Ø 159 mm
2 - base and head plate 240 x 240 mm
3 - beam 2 x UNP 240
4 - beam UNP 240
5 - beam IPBI 200
6 - beam IPBI 140
7 - beam UNP 200

Framing Plan Detail



Scale 1:200

1 - column Ø 159 mm
2 - base and head plate 240 x 240 mm
3 - beam 2 x UNP 240
4 - beam UNP 240
5 - beam IPBI 200
6 - beam IPBI 140
7 - beam UNP 200