Life Cycle Design of thermally efficient new and retrofit dwellings for Resilient Communities
Lead Research Organisation:
Heriot-Watt University
Department Name: Sch of Engineering and Physical Science
Abstract
"With consideration to the energy needs of communities, and available local resources, the overall aim of this research
is to develop Life Cycle methodologies which could be used at the design stage of low-energy residential new builds
and retrofits. These methodologies will consider fabric design, aspect/geometry, materials used, building services
(ventilation, heating systems etc.), designed lifespan of the building, energy demand in operation, energy supply,
storage of heat and power, and occupant comfort. By using dynamic building modelling tools and a detailed case
study (Orkney), the relative influence of these factors will be evaluated to determine which considerations should be
given priority in decision making for low-energy buildings for resilient communities.
Some key question which the research may explore include:
- How can occupant comfort be parameterise/quantified in terms of lifecycle impact?
- How can issues like thermal bridging and hygroscopic risk modelling be incorporated?
- How can cost, carbon and energy saving be ensured when applying building interventions and designs?"
is to develop Life Cycle methodologies which could be used at the design stage of low-energy residential new builds
and retrofits. These methodologies will consider fabric design, aspect/geometry, materials used, building services
(ventilation, heating systems etc.), designed lifespan of the building, energy demand in operation, energy supply,
storage of heat and power, and occupant comfort. By using dynamic building modelling tools and a detailed case
study (Orkney), the relative influence of these factors will be evaluated to determine which considerations should be
given priority in decision making for low-energy buildings for resilient communities.
Some key question which the research may explore include:
- How can occupant comfort be parameterise/quantified in terms of lifecycle impact?
- How can issues like thermal bridging and hygroscopic risk modelling be incorporated?
- How can cost, carbon and energy saving be ensured when applying building interventions and designs?"
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Tadhg O'Donovan (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Lois Hurst (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509474/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1963667 | Studentship | EP/N509474/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | Lois Hurst |
| Description | AECB local group meeting seminar and site visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Approximately 20 delegates, including low-energy building practitioners and home-owners, attended a seminar and site-visit. I developed slides and delivered a seminar which described this research and explained its importance and relevance to the practitioners. The seminar provoked a good discussion and raised awareness of this topic amongst the attendees. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Decarbonising the construction industry in the UAE |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Two business workshops were hosted in Dubai, UAE on the theme of Decarbonising the Construction Industry. Delegates from across the industry attended and contributed their perspectives on the state of the industry and key areas for improvement. A white paper has been drafted capturing the outputs of these workshops as well as making recommendations for ways to make improvements. The white paper will be published in the magazine of an industry institution. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Grizedale Arts - Black Shed |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I attended as a delegate at a workshop hosted by Grizedale Arts for their Black Shed project. This is an expert group of women in the construction industry (architects and trades), brought together to design the scope for redeveloping a small residential facility in the Lake District. Amongst the delegates and organisers, I was able to introduce them to the principles of Passivhaus design, and the concept of life cycle energy analysis and embodied energy. They have requested a more formalised and detailed delivery of this content at a future workshop. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Lune Valley Community led Passive housing development |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Through my Passive House designer training undertaken for my PhD, I have been invited to join the board of my local Community Land Trust, the Lune Valley CLT, as a Director, an expert advisor on Passive House, and a member of the design team. They are currently in the design phase for the development of 20 affordable Passivhaus homes on a brownfield site. The CLT is collaborating with a local housing association, and together they have accessed funds from the local authority to develop the proposal, option agreement, submit a planning application, and through access to later funds, will develop the site, and then manage the homes once they are occupied. A key principal of the development is to ensure that the homes use minimal energy in operation, and so the Passive House standard has been specified for the design. The design team has procured the services of an architecture firm who are undertaking the design and will submit the application for Passivhaus certification. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |