Output details

East Woodlands House, Aberdeen (Thermal improvement of existing housing)

Research Question: Technical (mainly thermal) upgrades to the fabric of existing buildings

Methodology: Through specific design; contractor/manufacturers consultation

The Research Theme

Legislation concerning thermal performance in new homes in the UK has become more demanding as a result of climate concerns and energy supply reliability. These requirements are set to become even more onerous once the Government’s targets set out in the Climate Change Act 2008 become enforceable. However, since it is estimated that 80% of the buildings that will be occupied in 2050 have already been built, the problem of reducing carbon emissions in buildings lies more in refurbishment of existing structures than in “new build”.

EIGHTYSEVEN Architecture has worked on a number of existing dwellings in order to upgrade existing buildings to current energy performance standards. These structures have in common a basic construction method of granite external walls and ventilated internal timber and plaster-and-lath linings.

The Project

EIGHTYSEVEN was appointed by the new owners to make improvements of both an architectural and a technical nature to the whole. Apart from a number of alterations designed to allow more exposure to the south, including demolition of substantial internal walls and forming larger openings, one of the key objectives was to improve the thermal performance of the building in order to increase comfort levels and reduce energy consumption (high central heating bills).

Other research within this Research Theme (all Vila Domini and Wiedermann):

Nicola Chambury Print Studio, Aberdeenshire

Paradise Road, Kemnay, Aberdeenshire

Dissemination Method:

Lectures:

-EUSAS (Edinburgh University Student Architecture Society) Sept 2012;

-Scott Sutherland School of Architecture RGU, various times

Exhibitions:

-Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh Annual Show May 2012.

-Royal Scottish Academy Opportunities November 2012;

-North East Open Studios (NEOS) Sept 2011

-North East Open Studios (NEOS) Sept 2012