PRECASTING & PREFABRICATION

Prefabrication or Precasting is essentially the creation of units & elements (most often concrete elements) either in a factory or in a site yard instead of casting them in-situ at the required place. Once the elements are cast, they are cured properly and then lifted / placed into position during the time of construction. In building construction, the most common precast elements are wall panels, roof panels, beams, staircases, domes, retaining walls, even furnitures. Nowadays in the infrastructure segments almost all construction elements of flyovers, bridges etc are precast & then erected into position. Through precasting, we are able to avoid time consuming activities like shuttering, formworks, placing of concrete etc. leading to faster completion of projects . Also, it is possible to have a much better quality control & even reduce wastages thereby reducing the construction costs.

Precast Roofing elements in Bangalore International Airport

Precast Roofing elements in Bangalore International Airport

A Precast Staircase in AEI, Auroville

One of the basic principles of precasting is that the entire design has to be modular. By modular I mean that the different elements have to be standardised to uniform dimensions, specification etc. So that it will be easier to fabricate. It is also possible to prefabricate a few design elements alone in a building, but even then it has to be well thought out right from the design stage itself. Details like how to join the precast element with adjacent elements will have to be properly designed. During the construction phase proper planning has to be done to ensure smooth execution. So even things like planning the location of the precast yard plays an important role as that will decide the distance the precast element will have to be lifted & transported. Also, a workable design of the mould for precasting will have to be done as the mould is very important in how the final quality if the elements turn out.

ADVANTAGES OF PRECASTING –

• Ensures better quality - It is possible to have a good quality control over the entire process especially since the process is repetitive. Thus, it is possible to have good control & supervision of the quality of moulds used, quality of materials used, proper placing of materials, proper curing after placing etc and ensure that the elements are of good quality.
• Savings in time – Time consuming activities like shuttering, scaffolding, formwork, deshuttering etc can be totally eliminated. Also, since the process is repetitive, the cycle times generally tend to improve as productivity increases.
• Independent of other activities – Once the precast yard is established, we can start manufacturing of precast elements even before the actual start of other building works. Thus, proper control of the construction activities is possible.
• Savings in cost – if the design of the precast elements are done properly, a lot of optimisation can be done in materials, dimensions etc, which will help in reducing the cost. Savings are also made on cost of shuttering, scaffolding etc. The formworks used in precasting can be used for a much larger number of repetitions compared to cast in-situ work. Also, indirectly, faster completion of projects will ensure faster occupation of buildings and hence quicker return of capital invested.
• Clean work fronts – usually since all the elements are precast, the in-situ work done at site is reduce leading to a much cleaner work area.

Precast Treads

Mould for precast Ferrocement channel

Precast septic tank in CSR, Auroville

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED –

• Lifting requirements – all precast elements will be lifted and then placed into position. For this, additional strengthening & lifting hooks will have to be designed & provided before casting itself.
• Proper Planning – the entire process of precasting & also the subsequent erection will have to be carefully planned to avoid unnecessary delays & problems. Also, once the precast elements are ready for erection, their storage becomes crucial. Thus, the precast production & subsequent installation are to be planned very carefully to ensure a smooth construction process. This is very important as storage spaces in a construction site are always at a premium. So if quantity of precast elements manufactured are more and are not used immediately for construction, lot of storage space will be required which will lead to complications. Also, the lifting & erection process will also have to be planned carefully
• Joints – Additional care will have to be taken to ensure that the joints of the precast elements are done properly and are waterproofed properly to avoid leakages.

Basic sequence of works in making a concrete precast element in a nutshell–

• Establishing the precasting yard & preparation of the moulds. The formwork or moulds are to be made in the negative shape of the elements and are to be structurally sound to take up the load of the element.
• Tying of the reinforcement as per the structural reinforcement details.
• Placing of the reinforcement on the mould ensuring provision for suitable cover is to be supported in correct position to avoid displacement during placement of concrete. Along with this, lifting inserts should also be placed & fixed properly to the reinforcement.
• Placing of concrete & suitable compaction using vibrators. Concrete must be placed in a uniform manner & properly spread over the area before commencing vibration.
• Curing of the element on the mould till the initial setting is achieved for lifting the element from the mould.
• Removing the element from the mould & carrying out the final curing. The strength, watertightness and durability of concrete depends on the concrete being adequately cured. Curing agents may be used for this purpose.
• Proper storage of the precast elements in the yard. The storage area should be large enough for elements to be stored properly with adequate room for lifting equipments like cranes.
  
  
  
  
  Have you ever wished that you had all the details of the best architecture firms in India to for internships? Especially today, when the competition to get into those few vacancies in those good firms is really intense?

  
  

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PLEASE DONATE! IT IS NOW THAT YOUR HELPING HAND IS NEEDED TO REBUILD THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE FLOOD.

PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW TO DONATE AND PLEASE JRGE YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME

https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/#

PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE

The quintessential example of the vernacular architecture of Kerala is the Padmanabhapuram palace complex, located in Thuckalay of Tamilnadu, very adjacent to the Kerala border. Founded by the royal family of Travancore, the initial structures of the complex date from 1400s, with other buildings added incrementally over time. It is one of the best examples of wooden architecture that has come to symbolise the vernacular architecture of Kerala. The palace complex is a masterpiece - an intriguing play of volumes, scale, spatial planning & courtyards, all of which have a strong underlying cohesiveness. The spaces move from the public spaces on the periphery to the more private spaces as one moves towards the core, reflected through variations in scale & proportion, producing very interesting spaces

The entrance to the complex is from the west, through a formal version of the ‘Padipura’ or the entrance gate, which is common in all the traditional dwellings of Kerala. The central locus of the entire composition is the Mother’s palace or the ‘Thai Kottaram’, around which all the other spaces are organised. There are separate halls for audiences & gatherings, a large dance hall, feeding halls of various sizes, kitchen, residences for the king & other dignitaries, weapons store, bath houses, offices and even a temple. There is also a 4 storeyed ‘Upprika Malika’ in the complex, constructed in the 1740s, which is a testament to the technological progress at that time. A 300 year old clock tower in the palace stands witness to the march of time and is still now in good working condition.  Though there is no formal symmetrical spatial layout to be found as such, there lies a strong organisation principle, which creates a very coherent & unifying whole. The various built spaces are interlinked & accessed through a series of courtyards & open spaces which vary volumetrically & in scale depending upon the level of privacy required, most often, being very intimate in nature.

The roof forms are the most dominating element in the whole complex, which through their wonderful juxtaposition creates an impressive visual composition – an ever changing play of light, shadow & mass. The columns are mainly in wood & stone and support the wooden roof structure, which has been designed very creatively to be functional as well as aesthetic. There are strict rules & canons laid down in the ancient building science of Vastu Shastra, regarding the use of wood, techniques of joints, angles of roof forms etc, which have been religiously followed over the various periods during which the complex was built. The overall effect of this being that there exist cohesiveness throughout the structures, rendering them timeless.

The walls are usually made in laterite or brick & plastered over with lime. There are non-structural wooden screens called jaalis, which have the function of allowing in light & ventilation while ensuring the privacy of the person inside. The filtered light creates a dramatic play of light & shadow in the interiors and ensures a very cool & comfortable ambience inside, away from the blazing sun. The shaded interiors are cool, which is a direct derivative of the climatological need to counter the warm humid tropical climate. Indeed, one of the most significant aspects of the design is the sensitive handling of the light & shadows to create a wholesome comfortable ambience inside, one that focuses inside, calming, soothing & contemplating.

The flooring is unique and is black in colour, retaining a mirror like polish even now after so many centuries. It is said that the flooring was done using a mixture of different structures like burnt coconut shells, egg whites, plant juices etc.

Indeed, the Padmanabhapuram palace, with its amazing vocabulary of sloped tiled roofs, intricate jaali works, mysterious corridors, intimate courtyards, amazing woodwork, play of light and shadow, comfortable interior spaces etc, is a timeless architectural marvel and is a stark reminder to us of our rich tradition of innovativeness, respect to nature and search for perfection. The graceful simplicity of the complex stands as a dignified beacon, a reminder of what we should strive for in these times of mindless architectural gimmicks.

All images courtesy - Rajdatta Dewang

All Plans, Sections & Elevations courtesy - MIMAR - 'An Indian Portfolio - Padmanabhapuram palace' - by Raj Rewal, K.T.Ravindran & the Architectural Research Cell

PREPARATION OF AN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

I have been receiving a lot of requests from students for details on HOW TO PREPARE A GOOD ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO. 

Taking this into consideration, I have compiled a detailed booklet on how to create a great portfolio, which will guide you through the detailed process, including identification of materials, ideal layouts, graphics and rendering styles, text placements, photographing your models....an exhaustive list which will guide you step by step.

You can now avail this great resource for creating your best portfolio, which is essential in this highly competitive age - either to get into good firms for internships, applying for your masters or for getting that coveted job.

Get full access to 'How to prepare an Architecture Portfolio' !!!

So go ahead and mail me at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com to order today! 

Have you ever wished that you had all the details of the best architecture firms in India to for internships? Especially today, when the competition to get into those few vacancies in those good firms is really intense?

Ever wished that you had a single source which gave you the contact details of the best architecture firms in India, as well as brief information on their style and philosophy and a summary on why you should intern in a particular firm?

Well then, look no further!

‘TOP 100 ARCHITECTURE FIRMS FOR INTERNSHIP in INDIA’ is here! 

This single resource gives you the details of the Top 100 firms in the country, as well as their contact details. This list will save you hours of doing futile research on the net and also the contact details at your fingertips! You can choose the firms in your city of choice

So say goodbye to uncertainty and hours of hard work. This list will make your life so much easier and will help you get into that coveted internship position or even that first job that you are looking for!

So wait no more.

Order your copy of ‘TOP 100 ARCHITECTURE FIRMS FOR INTERNSHIP in INDIA’.

Mail me at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com for more details.

PLEASE DONATE! IT IS NOW THAT YOUR HELPING HAND IS NEEDED TO REBUILD THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE FLOOD.

PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW TO DONATE AND PLEASE JRGE YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME

https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/#

LAURIE BAKER'S INDIAN COFFEE HOUSE, TRIVANDRUM

One of the prominent landmarks in the Thampanoor area of Trivandrum, where both the railway station as well as the bus terminal are located, is the Indian Coffee House designed by Laurie Baker. This building, courtesy of its unusual design has become one of the most recognisable structures in Trivandrum. The entire building is conceived as a continuous spiral ramp, with a central circular service core and with dining spaces provided on the outer side. The form of the building is thus unconventional & bears Baker’s trademark jaalis to let in light & ventilation. The building is well proportioned, a cylindrical brick-red spiral continuing for a couple of floors and then terminating in a smaller cylindrical volume on top, giving a very unsymmetrical balance to the whole structure.

What one needs to appreciate is Baker’s masterful intervention in a very small plot in the middle of a busy urban area. The solution to the design programme is bold and unusual, yet, one which successfully integrates all the elements of the programme and one which creates a comfortable and interesting dining experience. Most of the people who see this building are automatically drawn into it due to curiosity. On the inside, Baker has successfully solved the programmatic requirement of providing eating spaces by creating modules of built-in table and seating, with an individual table and its two benches placed on an individual horizontal platform. Thus, on the outer side abutting the external jaali wall, there are continuous horizontal platforms incrementally rising in height along with the slope of the spiral.

The material palette is again typical Baker. The walls are made of exposed brickwork which has been painted over – white on the inner side & brick-red on the exterior. There are no windows – jaalis serve to bring in plenty of light & ventilation, ensuring that the interiors are nice & comfortable. The table and the seats are built-in. The table consists of a concrete slab fixed to the wall & with a semicircular taper on one side. This slab is resting on a small brick arch which serves as the legs. The seats are again interestingly designed and accommodate 2 people comfortably on either side. The seats of adjacent tables are abutting back to back, but are at 2 different levels to accommodate the slope. The seats are again made in brickwork and are finished with block-oxide on top and the backrest. The remarkable thing about these built-in furnitures is that Baker has designed them so very precisely ergonomically that they are very comfortable to use, inspite of being so simple.

 There is a circular service core in the centre, which consists of 2 concentric circles. The inner smaller circular core is a narrow vertical shaft open on the top, with openings at different levels. This shaft provides ventilation to the central areas and works on the principle of Stack effect, a very simple but effective solution that is so typical of Baker. Around this circular core are the service areas, especially the toilets & handwash. The kitchen is placed on the ground floor and has a separate service entrance.

Now although the building is unique in design, there are a few functional issues. Due to the placement of the kitchen on the ground level, it becomes difficult for the serving staff as they have to continuously climb up and down the ramp to place the orders & then to serve the people sitting on the upper levels. Thus, they in fact ask the customers to occupy the lower seating first before going up the spiral. Also, the slope of the ramp is a bit steep, which contributes to a slippery slope which sometimes results in a few falls. Yet, one cannot deny the ingenuity of Baker to come up with such a design solution in such an urban context, creating a memorable building.

PREPARATION OF AN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

I have been receiving a lot of requests from students for details on HOW TO PREPARE A GOOD ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO. 

Taking this into consideration, I have compiled a detailed booklet on how to create a great portfolio, which will guide you through the detailed process, including identification of materials, ideal layouts, graphics and rendering styles, text placements, photographing your models....an exhaustive list which will guide you step by step.

You can now avail this great resource for creating your best portfolio, which is essential in this highly competitive age - either to get into good firms for internships, applying for your masters or for getting that coveted job.

Get full access to 'How to prepare an Architecture Portfolio' !!!

So go ahead and mail me at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com to order today! 

‘TOP 100 ARCHITECTURE FIRMS FOR INTERNSHIP in INDIA’ is here! 

This single resource gives you the details of the Top 100 firms in the country, as well as their contact details. This list will save you hours of doing futile research on the net and also the contact details at your fingertips! You can choose the firms in your city of choice

So say goodbye to uncertainty and hours of hard work. This list will make your life so much easier and will help you get into that coveted internship position or even that first job that you are looking for!

So wait no more.

Order your copy of ‘TOP 100 ARCHITECTURE FIRMS FOR INTERNSHIP in INDIA’.

Mail me at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com for more details.

CHARLES CORREA - KALA ACADEMY, GOA

The Kala Academy in Panaji is Goa’s premier cultural institution & center for performing arts. The programme called for the creation of spaces for several performance halls, exhibitions galleries, a large auditorium, amphitheatre, an art gallery, informal public gathering spaces & lounges, in addition to the administrative block. The spatial organisation is relatively horizontal, organised around an orthogonal grid with an interesting play of volumes. The grid allows Correa the flexibility to manipulate spaces to create a very rich sensory experience, while at the same time, meeting the functional requirements of the programme. Thus, the entrance is through a double height space with an open floor plan in the ground floor drawing one inside. One moves through a very interesting series of spaces, a deliberate internal street derived undoubtedly from the nostalgic past of Goa.

Correa has successfully managed to integrate an elaborate internal street like passage into a relatively formal scheme of a performing arts venue and achieve a delicate balance between inside & outside. One is never really away from the greenery outside, from the cool breeze coming in over the Mandovi river, from the sun, from light & shadow. Correa masterfully unites all these elements to draw one through the space, the circulatory pathway being one of his special focuses. People are made to walk through, made to pause, made to walk faster – all through the careful manipulation of vistas, volumes, frames, colours, light & dark. Strategically placed platforms & seats allow people to relax and converse & while time away enjoyably till the start of the function, acting out a social function which is getting rarer by the day.

There are walls which have been given depth & life through realistic perspectives  of arcaded streets, of projecting balconies, of staircases, of windows, of doorways – the walls themselves forming a huge canvas, where the visitor feels as if part of an elaborate set, a walk through time into an old world street. Here, the boundary between reality & illusion blurs in a happy way to transport the visitor to a different experience, one created by the combined collaborative genius’ of Correa & the Goan artist Mario Miranda

The exterior of the building is of laterite, creating a beautiful texture which is further accentuated in the sun. One gets subconscious images of the weathered lateritic walls of the great forts of Goa. This, when contrasted with the smoothness of the concrete beams & pergolas, creates an interesting interplay.

How does one define critical regionalism? Is it a blind imitation of the vernacular & the traditional? Or is it an interpretation of design always keeping the essence of the traditional alive, while exploring & addressing present day concerns in a contemporary manner? That is what sets Charles Correa apart from the rest. His is an architecture where the indoor & outdoor spaces merge into one another, an architecture of horizontal planes, of courtyards, of verandahs, of platforms, all relating to the site and context...His Kala academy is his interpretation of a contemporary identity of Goa & its culture.

PREPARATION OF AN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

I have been receiving a lot of requests from students for details on HOW TO PREPARE A GOOD ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO. 

Taking this into consideration, I have compiled a detailed booklet on how to create a great portfolio, which will guide you through the detailed process, including identification of materials, ideal layouts, graphics and rendering styles, text placements, photographing your models....an exhaustive list which will guide you step by step.

You can now avail this great resource for creating your best portfolio, which is essential in this highly competitive age - either to get into good firms for internships, applying for your masters or for getting that coveted job.

Get full access to 'How to prepare an Architecture Portfolio' !!!

So go ahead and mail me at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com to order today!