Tarragindi Steelhouse
Brisbane Qld, Residential, 2017
Architect: Bligh Graham
Structural Engineer: Paterdis
Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones
Awards and Nomination
State Award for Residential Architecture - Houses
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards, 2018
– Awarded to Bligh Graham Architects
Architecturally, the Tarragindi Steel House is an exemplar for small lot family living. Generous open interior spaces connected to the outside with large glazed doors and windows. Dramatic double height voids and courtyard help defy the constraints of the small lot.
The Challenge
Full structural design and documentation services for all structural elements including the suspended folded steel stairs. Paterdis’ involvement also encompassed assisting in the structural design of Architectural elements such as the external screens and associated support framing, cantilevered desk and bookshelf ladder with rail system.
Three large double height voids, open internal spaces with numerous glazed perimeter panels challenge the structure’s lateral stability. Large uninterrupted floor spans with limited floor plate thickness and flat ceiling soffits.
The outcome
Architecture successfully achieved through a structural system of prefabricated structural steel frames with cold formed infill stud walls and floor joists. The structure’s lateral stiffness is provided by a combination of steel braced frames and portal frames. Steel framing resulted in thin and flat large span floors with a lateral system that is hidden within the open plan.
