Technological and functional optimization of a modular construction system for flexible and adaptable multi-family housing

Nowadays one of the new challenges that must be faced in the megacities is certainly the guaranty of settlements and lodgings with good performances realized with a quick and off-site construction system due to the growth of world population, the rapid urbanization, the migration's intensification toward the rich countries and the new users requirements. The paper describes a study for an energy efficient, low cost construction modular system for multi-family housing, providing a high degree of flexibility and modularity. The first part of the research focuses on a state of art on housing projects realized in different countries. A critical review of these buildings leads to highlight the best technical and functional characteristics for each one with the aim to define a new proposal. The second part focuses on the identification of a modular grid allowing the creation of different flat layouts through the aggregation of modular units (rooms). The grid allows the addition of transitional spaces such as balconies, loggias and sunspaces according to the users' wishes. Facades are modular as well, allowing préfabrication of envelope units. Different structural systems were analyzed those most suited to the required flexibility. The main goal of the study is to overcome the rigidity typical of prefabricated solutions developed in the previous decades, providing a modular lightweight construction solution for housing. In conclusion the paper presents all the different options, the pros and cons for each of these and it proposes a final solution that is still under development in terms of energy, cost and constructability analyses