Eric R.P. Farr

An Investigation into GHG and non-GHG Impacts of Double Skin Façades in Office Refurbishments

The building sector is a major contributor to energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and depletion of natural resources. In developed countries, existing buildings represent the majority of the stock, their low‐carbon refurbishment hence being one of the most sensible ways to mitigate GHG emissions and reduce environmental impacts of the construction sector. This article has investigated and established the GHG and non‐GHG life cycle impacts of several double skin facade (DSF) configurations for office refurbishments by means of a parametric comparative life cycle assessment against up‐to‐standard single skin facade (SSF) refurbishment solutions. Two different methods were used to assess both GHG emissions and other environmental impacts. Results show that if, on the one hand, most of the DSF configurations assessed actually reduce GHG emissions compared to SSFs over their life cycle — thus supporting a wider adoption of DSFs for low‐carbon refurbishments — on the other hand, there exist non‐negligible ecological and environmental impacts that the DSF generates, specifically in terms of some materials of the structure and their final disposal. Research attention is thus needed regarding the environmental impacts of the materials used for DSFs and not only in minimizing the energy consumption of the operational phase.

Evolution of Nontraditional Methods of Construction: 21st Century Pragmatic Viewpoint

AbstractTechnology has played a major role in the process of forming the architectural theory and practice during the twentieth century. The discourse on technology is well received both in hermeneutics and in architectural theory. What has been paid very little attention is how the notion has evolved and developed pragmatically. This paper will focus on the paradigm shift from the established ways of building on-site to the new methods of production of space off-site. The focus, however, is not the shift itself but rather how the destination paradigm has been comprehended and translated into practical solutions and how those solutions have established a dialogue with architecture both as a profession and as the final product. The milestone in this study is the Industrial Revolution, known as the architect of change in this transition. This paper does not provide a chronology of construction technology. By contrast, it focuses on the evolution both of the concepts from a semantic viewpoint and of the appl...

Life cycle assessment of domestic hot water systems: a comparative analysis

On average, hot water is responsible for 18% of residential energy consumption and corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Several domestic hot water systems (DHWSs) are commonly used but their life cycle impacts are yet to be established comprehensively. This is due to those impacts varying significantly within the context and the system boundaries of the assessment. This article reports findings from a comparative cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of five DHWSs in the UK context. Primary data acquired from a case study contributed to achieving accurate life cycle inventories that were then modelled in SimaPro through the ecoinvent database. Global Warming Potential (GWP) is the impact assessment method used. Amongst the five types, solar heater with electric backup appears to be the least damaging alternative. The study also reinforces the importance of adopting a cradle-to-grave approach if LCA results are to accurately reflect environmental impacts holistically and lead to better, more informed decisions.

Visual perception and the choice of systemised building façades

Prefabricated building systems can offer benefits in many different respects, including but not limited to cost control of a project. However, there are also some restrictions that, if not understood properly and adopted accordingly, may have some adverse effects on design, construction and post-occupancy stages of buildings. As limited as any system is in replicating complex forms, they may still be utilised depending on many factors. Briefly drawing upon key theories of perception such as Gestalt, Hebbs Theory and Information Theory, this study investigates how visual perception will determine the resemblance of a systemised façade to the building envelope it represents, at relevant sensory thresholds. It will be shown that regardless of a systems flexibility, the minimum distance from which a façade is perceived has a substantial effect on offering that resemblance. It will also be shown that at different distances, depending on the size, an object cannot be recognised and hence a systemised façade may be identically perceived as its generating façade. The paper starts with a brief review of different theories with an emphasis on their implications for visual perception and explains how the experience of an observer may be underpinned by the way the visual experiment has been conceived. At the next stage we use a methodology to show how size is perceived at a distance. This has been developed based on practical studies to establish thresholds of recognition and discrimination of the human eye. We will then examine this in an existing building and develop this methodology into a hypothetical case where a systemised façade would be needed to conclude on this practical method. Consequently, future research will be suggested to help take into account a series of other factors which might have an effect on visual perception in the field of architectural design, system design and construction of prefabricated building façades.