LIVING SHELL : building without ground
© 2016 LAST
Supported by the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI), the Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST) has contributed to the development of a new light construction system specifically adapted to the vertical extension of buildings. Entitled LIVING SHELL, this research project was developed in collaboration with the CCTP of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), as well as with many other academic, private and public partners. Published by VDF Editors, a book summarizes the results of this research project, which will be presented on Tuesday December 13, 2016 at 18:00 in the Project Room (SG building Foyer) of the Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
In a context marked by urban densification challenges, the vertical extension of existing buildings offers a promising trail for the creation of new usable spaces without wasting additional land. Given their abundance in the building stock, urban residential buildings offer a potential that remains largely unexploited. The integration of sustainability criteria into this type of approach implies taking into account multiple challenges, linked in particular to typological adaptability, user comfort, energy performances and environmental impacts. In addition, urban context specific constraints must be considered, such as difficult access to the construction site or need for a rapid intervention to reduce disturbances on buildings already in operation.
Conducted with the support of the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI), the Living Shell research project provides answers to these questions on several levels. Bringing together a multidisciplinary team around an integrated design process, it has resulted in the development of an innovative, modular and prefabricated building system. Its dimensions are adaptable both to the constructive frames of existing buildings and to different typological organizations. The envelope of the system is characterized by a great freedom of adaptation to the built environment, high-energy performances and the possibility of developing large areas dedicated to photovoltaic energy production and urban biodiversity.
The book published by VDF Editors both represents the development of this new constructive system and its application to several case studies carried out in Geneva, Olten, Lucerne, Berlin and Hamburg.
Das modulare Bausystem Living Shell
vdf Hochschulverlag AG an der ETH Zürich
2017, 120 pages, ISBN 978-3-7281-3790-6