30.09.2022
The pilot project for a 120+70-seat kindergarten school, presented by the Aluminium Association at Build School 2022, was one of the main highlights of the show.
Build School 2022, which opened at the Gostiny Dvor exhibition centre in Moscow, was rich in aluminium building solutions. These include the translucent self-supporting structures in the multi-purpose ice arena in Novosibirsk, aluminium windows, ventilated façades, and railings in the concept of district development in Mytishchi. Among the architectural projects for school and pre-school buildings, a noticeable premiere of Build School 2022 was the pilot project for a 120+70-seat kindergarten school, using the new block-modular technology, presented by the Aluminium Association.
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION SET
The construction project for the 120+70-seat kindergarten school is an entirely domestic development, a joint project of the Aluminium Association and NPO Novaya Konstruktsiya, and all materials are also made in Russia. It is based on innovations using aluminium solutions: load-bearing frame, and modular façades, windows, interior partitions, and school furniture.
Until now, such technologies have not been used in the construction of educational institutions. School construction involves the use of traditional materials such as concrete, metal, and bricks. It uses so-called ‘wet’ work: bricklaying, finishing with plaster and finishes, and bored pile foundations.
In contrast to the above methods, the use of block-modular technology allows the building to be assembled like a construction set — all elements of the frame and walls are manufactured in the factory (90% of the contours are made in the factory), and the assembly is carried out already on the construction site. The structure of the load-bearing frame is element by element, and assembled with bolts. The wall panels are then hinged to the frame, connected with a three-loop sealant.
And, of course, the use of aluminium structures makes it possible to reduce the overall weight of the building elements, and modern façade materials give it an aesthetic appearance that blends in with the architecture of the city or town. The innovative technology is implemented by the Aluminium Association’s partner NPO Novaya Konstruktsiya, which is ready not only to provide supervised installation, but also to accompany the first projects. In the future, the developed flow chart for the assembly and installation of the building will enable projects to be scaled up in different regions.
A full-size sample design was developed especially for Build School 2022. This is the creative work of NPO Novaya Konstruktsiya. The hybrid frame, wall panels, and internal partition walls made of aluminium profile were manufactured at the Krasnoyarsk Metallurgical Plant (KraMZ). Different colours and textures of aluminium sheet finishes are a contribution from Gravis. The window profile was provided by MasTTech, and the window sills, by Alumsill. In addition to this, the interior featured a sample school desk and chair — all made from aluminium profiles.
Alumsill offers a wide variety of colour options for aluminium alloy window sills
THE BEST TO CHILDREN
A fundamentally important aspect of the design of school and pre-school facilities is compliance with all regulations and Federal Law FZ No 123 regarding safety. The space-planning solutions developed by the architect-engineer have been successfully accommodated in a grid of columns, and the ceiling heights, window openings and insolation requirements for school and pre-school classrooms and rooms are fully met. The technology is also respected for specialised classrooms such as chemistry and biology, which must be equipped with washbasins.
Needless to say, this modular construction meets the fire safety requirements for school and pre-school facilities — the full-size test report confirms the construction’s compliance with the second fire-resistance class.
The Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation, Irek Fayzullin, addressed the guests of the exhibition with a solemn speech
Modular constructions are relevant for remote regions where construction is often seasonal — it is hampered by harsh climatic conditions. And while schools with a monolithic structure take two to four years to build, the 3,390 square metre modular school structure takes just three months to assemble and install. This will be followed by the installation of interior systems and interior decoration. The structural solution also includes the possibility of designing for climatic standards: the wall sandwich can be 150 mm thick in central and southern regions and up to 250 mm thick in northern regions. The modular structures meet seismic requirements of up to 9 points.
School and pre-school infrastructure buildings based on block-modular technology, like capital buildings, are built to last for at least 50 years. Due to the use of highly corrosion-resistant aluminium in the construction of the building, there is no need to install special protective coatings, and therefore no further measures to maintain their integrity. This is especially true in coastal areas with their aggressive humid environment. Given the lifespan of a building with aluminium structural elements — more than half a century — there are significant savings in maintenance costs over the lifetime of the structure.
HOMEWORK
The prototype school shown at Build School 2022 is a design solution that is currently being finalised. A pilot project using the new technology is planned for next year, once the design specification has been approved, a complete set of design documents has been developed and the cost estimate has been passed. The project is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2023.
And this year, specialists from the Aluminium Association, together with partners from NPO Novaya Konstruktsiya, have dedicated themselves to implementing design and technological solutions, preparing samples and carrying out tests. Today, the building based on block-modular technology from an aluminium alloy element base complies with all current regulations.
‘We need a Code of Practice for the design of metal-framed buildings to make it easier to pass expert review,’ Olga Ogorodnikova, Head of Construction Sector at the Aluminium Association, says. ‘There is already a GOST for modular building designs. It specifies the scope of application for educational facilities. Our main task now is to incorporate alternative solutions relating to modular construction into the standard specifications. This will enable designers to develop projects based on modern block-module technology and successfully pass expert appraisal.’