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Framing Design: Structural Expression in Steel
Exposed Steel Framework Defines Modern Living Spaces, Inside and Out
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City.... More »
Steel construction in residential architecture is not as popular as wood and masonry, but it offers numerous advantages when the budget allows. Steel beams can span great distances, and when used in concert with steel columns, large expanses of glass are possible. These structural members themselves can create an aesthetic that is thoroughly modern, regardless of the wall infill.
The following examples make structural steel visible — some on the outside, some on the inside — for a variety of reasons. Let's take a look:
The following examples make structural steel visible — some on the outside, some on the inside — for a variety of reasons. Let's take a look:
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by Cottam Hargrave
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| This pavilion-like house is a distinctive mix of brick, wood, glass and steel. The masonry walls resemble ruins, and they interact with a steel frame to create a partially open glass box capped by a large overhanging roof. The expression of steel here is at its most straightforward: in line with the glass walls are columns and beams, the latter of which also cantilever to support a balcony (at left) and the roof. |
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| Here an angled roof extends to create a sheltered patio. In both directions the steel beams supporting the roof are exposed, themselves sitting upon a slender round column that further defines the extents of the patio. A steel beam is also part of the mix, working as a header for a sliding door. |
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| In this example a pair of steel beams and columns in L-shaped formations support a canopy over a sunken seating area. Placing the beams past the walkway on the left brings this path into the realm of the house, without needing to define it with walls or roof overhead. |
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Here steel beams extend past the house's enclosure as a framework for supporting an upper floor terrace. The columns (outside of the frame) and paving help to define this zone outside the house as a transition between exterior and interior.
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| This courtyard house uses slender steel-tube columns to support the roof and define a perimeter walkway that steps towards the central lawn and pool. This U-shaped, colonnaded space is ideal for sitting in the shade. |
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| In this roof over a patio, the expressed structure is just two elements: a beam spans from the house to a column, resting atop a stone wall in between. The structure is quite minimal, almost precariously balancing the overhead plane. |
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by knowles ps
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| Similar to the previous example is this house with its roof overhanging a patio. Wood joists immediately below the roof rest upon a perpendicular steel beam that sits upon a small column. If wood were used instead of steel, the depth of the beam would be much greater, hindering the clerestories and compressing the outdoor space. |
by Birdseye Design
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Most of the preceding exterior examples use exposed structural steel to define outdoor spaces. Moving inside, the same also prevails. In this house the structural steel that supports the roof and walls is expressed and accentuated by the choice of black paint. The intermediate beams below the roof (needed for lateral bracing) imply a lower ceiling plane below the tall angled roof.
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| In a much subtler way than the previous example, this house uses black painted steel (two columns and one beam) to define smaller spaces within the larger living area. In the foreground is the dining and beyond is seating and fireplace. |
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A curving bay is framed by two slender columns supporting a steel beam, all painted black. These sit below floor beams running perpendicular. Note how the beam has an H-shaped section, but the columns are circular. Most steel beams use this section because it's most efficient in terms of material use, but columns can more readily vary in their shape.
| More three-part (two columns, one beam) framing happens in this example, where a large opening between the kitchen and dining is formed from steel in line with the wall. Note how the detailing of the beam-column connections give an industrial appearance to an otherwise minimal interior. |
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| In the example on the right side of this photo, a steel column and beams splits a library space. This situation is exaggerated in the choice of paint color: Bright yellow draws attention to these members and their role in supporting the building and breaking down the space into smaller areas.
More: Daring Cantilevers: Architecture Takes Flight Material Choices: High Marks for Reinforced Concrete Material Choices: Cor-Ten Steel |
Comments
thornton beautiful, love the minimalistic yet strong look of steel. Your pieces are always so interesting, John....very dreamy
23 months ago · Like
poolianjoole Johnhill, I would just like to let you know how much I love your ideabooks. I am not an architect but I am currently building my own home. Its my first home so my budget is limited so I have designed built and done everything myself. Again thanks for all the inspirational post. Much appreciated. 
23 months ago · Like
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Heather Newman I also love all your ideabooks John and am finally getting the opportunity to flex my building muscles.The problem is I won't be satisfied when the project is complete and I'll want to build all the examples you showcase. Thanks for the ongoing lessons. 
23 months ago · Like
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marsharebel I love this work. Almost every picture went into my ideabook. I have long said that, if my house should ever be destroyed, I will make my house from steel, lots of it exposed as we see here. Great use of materials, metal and wood, metal and brick. Fabulous work, Man...
23 months ago · Like
John Hill Thanks for the flattering comments. poolianjoole and hnewman - Your houses look great. Can't wait to see them finished and posted here on Houzz!
23 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on June 23, 2011.
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