Light gauge steel framing extension — Casa AI

The extension to this house in San Luis had to blend with the existing masonry construction, with no visible difference between the two systems from the outside. Roof levels and pitch had to match between the existing house and the new addition, and the new structure also had to be resolved in a way that simplified its execution on site.

Understanding the problem

MV Ingeniería was engaged by EMEDOS, the architecture practice, to develop the structural design and calculations for the reinforced concrete foundation and the light gauge steel framing superstructure of this extension, in San Luis, Argentina. The structural system — light gauge steel framing — was decided by the client and by EMEDOS before MV's involvement.

The main constraint was not one of scale, but of integration: the extension had to adopt the heights and roof level of the existing masonry construction, so that both roofs would share the same pitch. This was worked out jointly with the architecture practice, since the resolution of the roof directly shaped the structural design of the new area.

Solution adopted

The structural design organised the extension into two distinct construction stages, intended to simplify execution on site: first the four perimeter walls, built to a single consistent height; then the tympanum panels and roof trusses, resolved as a separate, independent set. This sequence allows the structure to be assembled in clearly defined parts, rather than treating walls and roof as a single continuous process.

The roof trusses span 5 metres, with no significant structural complexity associated with that span. The most specific technical decision on the project concerned an opening in the façade: rather than resolving it with a tube beam, a lattice (trussed) beam was adopted, owing to the considerable loads transmitted by the roof at that point.

Result

The calculation model was developed in full using RFEM, together with the corresponding technical documentation and drawings, including the detailing of the foundation anchors and of the connections between studs, cut sections, blocking and strapping within the structure.

The extension achieves integration with the existing construction in terms of levels and roof pitch, resolved through a construction sequence designed to simplify assembly on site.