Podium Style Construction: What Is It?

Podium Style Construction: What Is It?

Podium style construction is a versatile building method that utilizes a unique construction technique and building method to create multi-story structures. At its core, podium style construction involves dividing a building into lower and upper portions, with the lower portion acting as an elevated platform, known as a concrete podium.

The concrete podium, typically one or two stories high, provides a sturdy foundation for the upper portion of the building. This upper portion, usually consisting of four to five stories, is constructed using a more economical structural system, such as wood light frame construction. The division between the podium and upper floors allows for flexibility in design, function, and construction methods.

Podium style construction is particularly popular in mixed-use buildings, where the lower floor is dedicated to uses that require a stronger structural system, such as restaurants, retail spaces, or parking facilities. The upper floors, on the other hand, can be utilized for residential purposes.

One of the key advantages of podium style construction is its ability to accommodate different structural systems. By utilizing a podium, builders can combine different construction techniques within a single building, optimizing for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and design creativity. In addition, podium construction offers increased fire resistance and the potential for greater building height.

Key Takeaways:

• Podium style construction involves dividing a building into lower and upper portions.
• The lower portion, known as the podium, is a concrete structure that acts as an elevated platform.
• The upper portion, constructed on top of the podium, utilizes a more economical structural system.
• Podium style construction is commonly used in mixed-use buildings.
• It allows for the incorporation of different structural systems, increasing design flexibility.

Advantages of Podium Construction

Podium construction offers numerous advantages in architectural design and the construction process. One major advantage is the flexibility to use different construction types for the podium and upper levels of the building, allowing for the most appropriate and economical structural system for each use.

The lower floor of a mixed-use building can accommodate uses that require a stronger and more fire-resistant construction system, while the upper floors can be built using a more cost-effective system, such as wood light frame construction. This versatility in construction types ensures that each level of the building is optimized for its specific requirements.

Another advantage of podium construction is the horizontal separation created by the podium, which counts as “grade.” This separation allows for the construction of additional stories above the podium without affecting the maximum height limit of the building. As a result, buildings constructed with podiums can have more stories above the podium than if they were built without one.

In addition, podium construction offers benefits in terms of fire safety. By designing the lower portion of the building as a stronger construction type, the maximum height limit for the entire building is determined by the podium. This ensures that the most vulnerable construction type sets the limit, improving overall fire safety.

Podium construction also allows for the incorporation of unique design elements, such as terraces, gardens, or additional amenities. These features can enhance the architectural appeal and value of the building, creating a more attractive and desirable living or working environment.

Advantages of Podium Construction:

• Flexibility to use different construction types for podium and upper levels.
• Cost-effectiveness by using the most appropriate structural system for each use.
• Horizontal separation allows for additional stories above the podium.
• Improved fire safety by determining maximum height based on the podium’s construction type.
• Incorporation of unique design elements for enhanced architectural appeal.

Overall, podium construction offers a range of advantages in architectural design and the construction process. Its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and fire safety benefits make it a popular choice for mixed-use buildings and other multi-story constructions.

Types of Podium Construction

When it comes to podium construction, there are different types of construction methods that can be employed based on project requirements and design preferences. Two common types of podium construction are post-tension cast-in-place and precast hollow core construction.

Post-tension Cast-in-place Construction

In post-tension cast-in-place construction, concrete is poured on-site and then post-tensioned, which reduces the amount of concrete needed and allows for customization of the building’s footprint and shape. This method offers durability and strength, making it suitable for projects where lifecycle costs and durability are key considerations.

Precast Hollow Core Construction

Precast hollow core construction involves the use of pre-stressed, precast concrete panels that are formed offsite and then transported to the construction site for erection. This method offers advantages in terms of construction speed and a safe working platform.

Additionally, it provides an opportunity to incorporate architectural design into the exterior panels, allowing for a customized and visually appealing building.

Both post-tension cast-in-place and precast hollow core construction methods are commonly used in podium construction. They offer benefits such as cost-effectiveness, speed of construction, and structural integrity. The choice between the two will depend on factors like project requirements, budget, and timeline.