Chapter 4Modular Coordination, Architectural Treatment and Finishes

4.1 Modular Coordination

The basic module shall be adopted. After adopting this, further work is necessary to outline suitable range of multimodules with greater increments, often referred to as preferred increments. A set of rules as detailed below would be adequate for meeting the requirements of conventional and prefabricated construction.

These rules relate to the following basic elements:

a) The planning grid in both directions of the horizontal plan shall be:

1. $15M$ for industrial buildings, and

2. $3M$ for other buildings.

The centre lines of load bearing walls should preferably coincide with the gridlines.

b) The planning module in the vertical direction shall be $2M$ for industrial buildings and $1M$ for other buildings.

c) Preferred increments for sill heights, doors, windows and other fenestration shall be $1M$.

d) In the case of internal columns, the grid lines shall coincide with the centre lines of columns. In case of external columns and columns near the lift and stair wells, the grid lines shall coincide with centre lines of the column in the topmost storey.

4.2 Architectural Treatment and Finishes

In general, prefabricated systems provide better opportunity to achieve superior finishes leading to an array of aesthetically pleasing options. The architectural elevational treatments, form and features can also be effectively incorporated in the structures with careful advanced planning. In addition, detailed coordination between the architectural and structural design team during the planning stage for panel joints and false joints is necessary. The purpose of finishes and architectural treatment is not only to give prefabricated buildings an individual character but also to effect better performance and greater user satisfaction.

Treatment and finishes have to be specified keeping in view the requirements of protection, function and aesthetics of internal and external spaces and surfaces.

While deciding the type of architectural treatment and finishes for prefabricated buildings, the following points should be kept in view:

a) Suitability for mass production techniques;

b) Recognition of the constraints imposed by the level of workmanship available;

c) Possibility of using different types of finishes;

d) Use of finishes and architectural treatment for the creation of a particular architectural character in individual buildings and in groups of buildings by the use of colour, texture, projections and recesses on surfaces, etc;

e) Incorporation of structural elements like joists, columns, beams, etc, as architectural features and the treatment of these for better overall performance and appearance;

f) Satisfactory finishing of surfaces; and

g) Use of light weight materials to effect economy in the structural system.

Some of the acceptable methods of finishes integral with the precasting are:

1. Concrete surface moulded to design/shape;

2. Laid-on finishing tiles fixed during casting;

3. Finishes obtained by washing, tooling, grinding, grooving of hardened concrete;

4. Exposed aggregates; and

5. Other integral finishes.