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Structural Autonomy

The HólosHouse is completely self-supporting. Its structural exoskeleton in concert with floor truss systems results in a holistic structure of exceptional load resistance and inherent stability, all with the same standardized kit-of-parts. The sophisticated geometry of the framework creates a building that exhibits structural autonomy. The building is structurally resolved as an entity without reference to any conventional support systems or foundations.

The structural autonomy enables the HólosHouse to adapt to building sites of simple or complex topography and geology with minimum site intervention. Supporting piers (piles) are used to anchor the building to the earth. In this way the building does not require a conventional foundation. Supporting the structure on piers also enables the building to be elevated to mitigate the effects of flooding.

Pearce’s investigations and discoveries relating to three-dimensional triangulated networks led to a deep understanding of intrinsically stable high-strength to weight structures. This is what Pearce refers to as strength of geometry in which a structure’s performance and efficiency is determined by its geometry. Such structures offer material efficiencies while at the same time providing structural redundancies.

The combination of the intrinsic stability and structural redundancy of these triangulated structures offers important advantages for the design of buildings, including structural autonomy. With this approach catastrophic failure due to any sort of locally concentrated external forces caused by earthquakes or high winds are mitigated. This results is safer and more climate resilient buildings.