summary's modular system offers a simplifying solution to the building process

the ‘gomos house’ is a concrete modular system designed by summary, a studio led by samuel conçalves and located in arouca, portugal. this project presents an efficient answer to the contemporary need for work simplification and building process acceleration. it is an evolutionary system, in which each module leaves the factory completely ready, including all interior and exterior finishings, insulations, window frames, water and electricity installations and also fixed furniture pieces. the building assembly on site is done in a few days, just by joining these modules.

all images by tiago casanova

porto-based studio summary’s main idea derives from the construction systems of ordinary sewer pipes. the architects have taken this existing system and re-designed it in order to make it habitable, maintaining the rapidity and the stability of the canalization shells. the building process can be summarized in four phases: structure production, cladding and hardware installation, transportation and assembly. ‘the important thing’, explains architect samuel gonçalves, ‘is not only the final outcome, but mainly the simplification and efficiency of the entire construction process.’

the whole project can be completed six times faster than portugal’s average building rate

the key factors that lead to the development of the ‘gomos house’: 

flexibility – it’s design makes this a flexible system, which can be used for different programs besides housing. while allowing further expansion of construction by the introduction of new ‘gomos’ or adaptations to different building site conditions.

ease of transportation – the module is optimized in order to facilitate transportation, also ensuring dimensions that comply with all applicable legislation.

energy efficiency – the choices made in terms of the inner subdivision – that defines natural ventilation corridors – and in terms of insulation solutions and lighting, allow obtaining low-energy buildings.

construction quality – the production of all components are made in factory environment, under highly controlled conditions, which results in previously tested solutions, avoiding construction problems often observed in traditional building.

with a total production time of three months in the factory and three days on the construction site, summary studio is able to rise the building six times faster than portugal’s building-rate average, without compromising its structural and functional qualities.

the concrete modular system is assembled on site within three days

the living room has access to the porch and a garden that continues into the woods

the interior finishing and fixed furniture pieces are part of the building assembly on site

the evolutionary system is an efficient answer to accelerating the building process

infrastructure – structure – architecture by SUMMARY presented at venice biennale 2016
video © building pictures

the gomos system building process can be summarized in four steps
image courtesy of SUMMARY

floor plan
image courtesy of SUMMARY

elevation
image courtesy of SUMMARY

elevation
image courtesy of SUMMARY

section
image courtesy of SUMMARY

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom

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