Innovative Solutions of formwork in Avant-Garde Architecture — ULMA Begira

Ulma Construction

Innovative Solutions of formwork in Avant-Garde Architecture

The Fondazione Prada Museum, designed by the architect Rem Koolhaas, attempts to integrate traditional and avant-garde architecture in a single space.
Innovative Solutions of formwork in Avant-Garde Architecture
Oct 11, 2016

Located in the old industrial area of early 20th century Milan, it combines seven pre-existing buildings with three new structures: “Podium,” “Cinema,” and “Torre”.

Torre measures 66 m in height with a surface area of 18 m x 35 m on each of the nine stories. Each floor is unique in both height and shape, with variations calculated to create large balconies.

To adapt to this building of unusual and irregular dimensions, the ULMA Construction team developed a unique formwork and shoring solution capable of adjusting to any shape and size. In order to form the geometries and patterns designed by the architect, almost 2,000 m2 of ENKOFORM VMK were used for the walls and 1,200 m2 for the slabs, creating assemblies spanning 2 stories simultaneously.

The idiosyncrasies of each floor required a combination of MK Trusses and the multidirectional BRIO System, which in accordance with the design allowed for shoring without the need for any type of wall perforation.

The finishing requirements for the white concrete were extremely strict, given that an innovative mix of liquid concrete and marble powder was for the first time ever. Due to the unique building requirements, continuous and dynamic assistance was provided throughout the 18 months of construction.