Flexframe - ETH House of Natural Resources
The pilot structure of the ETH House of Natural Resources on the Hönggerberg in Zurich won two prestigious awards hot on the heels of its completion – the Schweighofer Prize for innovation and the Prix Lignum for hardwood. These accolades are more than a grand honour for Häring – they also confirm the practicality of this pre-tensioned structure. Children’s push puppets show very well how pre-tensioned structures work. The strings inside the figure and the spring tension always act together to return the multi-jointed elements of the wooden figure to their original form. The basic framework of the ETH House of Natural Resources consists of a coarse mesh skeleton made from native-wood glulam. The ash supports, which are placed every 6.5 metres, are connected by ash-reinforced spruce beams. In the same manner as the push puppet, the structure is stiffened by means of tension and will revert to its original shape even in the event of an earthquake. Instead of strings, though, the ETH House contains pre-tensioned cable with a tensile force of 70 metric tons. Häring developed this pioneering project together with the ETH and injects financial and material support into the research work. The building’s first occupants moved in during June 2015.
How you benefit
Earthquake-resistance
In the same manner as a push puppet, the structure is stiffened by means of tension and will revert to its original shape even in the event of an earthquake.
Flexibility
It allows plenty of freedom in the layout, and façades can be joint-free, transparent and large.
Quick results
Thanks to the high level of prefabrication, this construction method provides a very quick way of constructing multi-storey residential buildings.
Rigidity and structural stability
The frame’s stiffening effect does away with the need for the stairwell to reinforce the structure, for example. Also ideal for adding storeys.
House of Natural
Greentower
The advantages of wooden skeleton constructions go far beyond their earthquake resilience. Thanks to the high level of prefabrication, this construction method provides a very quick way of constructing multi-storey residential buildings. It allows plenty of freedom in the layout, and façades can be joint-free, transparent and large. The field-tested construction formed the basis for Häring’s multi-storey Greentower.
Pre-tensioned timber frame structures
You benefit from our proven engineering know-how in all projects – from the design and planning of individual supporting structures to intricate building complexes. The precisely coordinated timing of processes and industrial production ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.