Providing a core thread to transform homes, design research is embedding state-of-the-art knowledge from a variety of sources to develop a design catalogue of solutions to support the transformation of 1920 -1940 council-built homes in the UK.
The almost 100 years old homes that we are investigating do not always meet the needs of residents.
Our co-design activities have revealed that despite maintenance and adaptation over time, the homes do not often meet evolving lifestyles and technologies, spatial use patterns and the way we interact.
Our design research includes exploring how housing standards can guide the provision of adequate living spaces and examine how the homes can be adapted to meet changing needs and lifestyles of today and into the future.
We are investigating how low carbon technologies can be embedded in the transformation providing cheaper and more sustainable energy whilst not impacting on living space.
Synthetic, non-renewable materials are typically used in construction. These can lead to damp and poor indoor air quality if poorly installed and use precious raw materials.
Supporting the increased us of renewable, recycled and reused materials offers more sustainable alternative. These products have lower embodied carbon and can provide healthier indoor environments.
Prototypes and envelope solutions are being modelled and physically tested to enable solutions that include the increased use of bio-based materials and products to be used in 1920 to 1940 council-built homes. Testing conducted at the University of Bath’s laboratory and Large Environmental Chamber (LEC) facilities is investigating properties including physical, thermal, hygric and micro-structure of potential materials.
By integrating bio-based materials into the transformation of homes, we aim to reduce whole life carbon emissions and environmental impact of the process.
Integrating innovative technologies into the overall transformation of homes will support the creation of healthier, more energy efficient domestic environments for the future. These technologies are critical in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The team is investigating approaches that include efficient low-carbon heating and ventilation systems, renewable energy supply systems and energy storage solutions. These aim to improve thermal comfort, lower operational carbon emissions and support long-term affordability for residents.
Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) is being used to evaluate the performance of whole house designs to help the decision-making process. Relevant and accurate data from site surveys and monitoring is enabling our models to evaluate designs, materials and technical interventions.
Additionally, by analysing the life-cycle impacts of supply chain choices, we are identifying opportunities to reach Beyond Net Zero (BNZ).
1920s-1940s council-built housing are now around 100 years old, and often do not meet the needs of their residents. Despite adaptations made over time, these houses do not always address our evolving lifestyles, spatial use patterns, and the way families want to interact. Solutions are required that enable our homes to be adapted to better accommodate family structures, lifestyles, interactions, and spatial needs.
Architectural design research includes exploring how different housing standards can guide the provision of adequate living spaces and examine the adaptability of these buildings to the changing needs and lifestyles of their residents.
We are also investigating the potential to integrate low carbon solutions, which may involve adjusting the form of the housing to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of solutions whilst providing space throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Current retrofit practice often relies on synthetic, non-renewable materials that can have adverse impacts and, if not properly executed, can lead to issues like damp and poor indoor air quality.
Supporting the increased use of renewable and locally sourced bio-based construction materials and products to enhance the performance of housing is a key part of the Transforming Homes GTE project.
Bio-based solutions, derived from renewable resources such as natural fibres and timber, offer a promising, but still under-utilised, alternative. These products not only have lower embodied carbon but can also contribute to healthier indoor environments by allowing moisture to pass through, balancing humidity, and also being free of harmful chemicals.
Despite their benefits, bio-based materials and products currently occupy a much smaller market share in the UK than they do in some other European countries.
By exploring the feasibility of integrating these materials into the transformation of homes, our research aims to reduce whole life carbon emissions and environmental impact of the transformation process.
Prototype products, assemblies and systems are being physically tested and modelled to develop solutions and support the increased use of bio-based materials and products for the transformation of 1920s-1940s council-built homes. Properties explored include physical, thermal, hygric, and micro-structure of potential materials. Prototype building envelope solutions are being tested in the laboratory and the University of Bath’s environmental chamber test facility.
Transforming Homes GTE team is exploring the use of solutions to lower energy demand, supply renewable energy, and enable energy storage. These technologies are critical in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
Dynamic energy models are being used to evaluate the performance of whole house designs to help the decision-making process. Our objective of achieving Beyond Net Zero will be further informed by carrying out life-cycle studies of supply chain choices.
Relevant and accurate data collection, which includes site surveys and monitoring, is enabling our modelling to provide valuable information used to evaluate design, materials, and technical interventions, including the integration of renewable energy supply and energy storage options.