Frequently asked question
What changes were made to the construction system?
The steel structure was replaced with a composite concrete and steel solution, cutting the cost of that item by about 60%, according to the project report. The concrete masonry gave way to aerated concrete blocks to reduce the overall weight.
After reviewing the design of the house in Ibirapuera, CH3's technical team made two main changes to the construction system. Both started from the same goal: reducing the overall cost without giving up the design's identity and modern character.
The two changes
A composite structure instead of a steel structure
The original design called for 100% metal materials, in steel. When the cost of steel rose sharply, the team replaced the steel structure with a composite concrete and steel structure. According to the project report, the cost of that item fell by about 60%.
Aerated concrete blocks instead of concrete masonry
The concrete masonry was replaced with aerated concrete blocks. The main result was a significant reduction in the building's weight, which reduces the load the structure has to carry.
A positive side effect: less heat load
The changes brought a gain that goes beyond direct cost. The air conditioning system became more energy efficient and the heat load dropped, saving about 2 TR per floor. For reference, 1 TR (ton of refrigeration) corresponds to about 13,000 BTUs, a unit for measuring the cooling capacity of air conditioning. In a three-story house, that saving is repeated on every floor.
Project details
- Scope: new residential construction
- Area: 700 m²
- Location: Ibirapuera, São Paulo
- Duration: 14 months
- Design: MM18 Arquitetura
- Construction: CH3, engineer Nelson Pereira
The case shows how CH3 treats engineering as a decision-making tool: every change of system is weighed by cost, weight, thermal performance and architectural result. That way, the financial, environmental and sustainability awareness present in all of the company's residential projects translates into concrete numbers for the client.
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