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Concells (Innovative Modular Cell Design for Residential and Renovation Applications)

Tampere University

The Concells project examined the prospects of steel cell structured modular construction in the context of the Finnish apartment building and renovation. Modular construction uses factory-manufactured 3-dimensional modular blocks that create a complete space with various functional requirements. The challenges and opportunities of this building method were viewed in the project from architectural, structural, building services and management  perspectives. School of Architecture's ASUTUT group focused on architectural possibilities, and more specifically to the question of how versatile housing typologies can be produced to Finnish housing markets by utilizing optimized and standardized modular systems.

Goal

Modular construction is currently one of the internationally interesting development trends in the area of housing construction. The development of modular building includes many possible advantages. Yet, as the method is relatively new in Finland, it includes also technology and design related challenges, and it is a subject of professionals prejudices. Due to this, additional context-specific knowledge needed to be sought. The potential benefits of this construction method demand the use of standardized and optimized modular systems, related to long industrial production series. However, especially the usage of repeated modules is said to impose limitations on architectural design, leading to monotonous residential building typologies. Thus, ASUTUT research group was asked to view the potential included in the industrial serial production of standardized, mass-customized modules to produce versatile and multiform multi-story residential architecture.

Funding source

Business Finland, Neapo Oy, Tampere University of Technology and companies involved in the project

Contact persons

Kalle Kähkönen

Professor

kalle.e.kahkonen [at] tut.fi

+358 40 198 1270

 

Sini Saarimaa

Doctoral Student / Project manager of School of Architecture's Concells research

sini.saarimaa [at] tuni.fi

+358 40 081 1923