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Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

The design and technical development of an experimental autarkic demonstration building<br />

Neil Burford<br />

In collaboration with:<br />

David Rodley and Stephen Reynolds (Physics) and Rod Jones (Engineering), University of Dundee<br />

Design and Creative Practice Research <strong>Folio</strong>s<br />

School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape


1


contents<br />

300 word summary 6<br />

factual information 8<br />

overview of outcomes 9<br />

research context 11<br />

research methodology 16<br />

details of outcomes<br />

a. design and technical outcomes 19<br />

b. cultural outcomes 59<br />

dissemination 63<br />

collaborations 65<br />

references 66<br />

appendices:<br />

a. drawings i<br />

b. passive house calculations ii<br />

c. MSc Dissertation Project Renewable System iii<br />

1<br />

image cover page:<br />

View of the Studio from the entrance space to the Botanics, The reflections in the south window<br />

reveal the Studio’s character that mediaties between the existing industrial glass house and the<br />

triangular geometry of the award winning visitor centre by Jack Fulton (circa 1982).<br />

1<br />

image page 1:<br />

The ‘strangely familar’: the crystalline geometry and matt black horizontal anthracite zinc finish<br />

encapsulate the Studio’s ‘object qualities’. Form, spaces and material are a direct and dialectical<br />

response to its environmental conditions and landscape with its presence alluding to an ‘erratic<br />

boulder’.<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

2


included in portfolio<br />

The following outputs contribute to the portfolio:<br />

Paper 1: Burford, Reynolds, Rodley & Jones, Macro Micro Studio: A Prototype Energy<br />

Autonomous <strong>Laboratory</strong>, Sustainability 2015, 7, 1-x manuscripts; doi:10.3390/su70x000x,<br />

Zurich (Ref 3*)<br />

Paper 2: Burford & Robertson, 2016. Prototype Zero Energy Studio: A research-led, studentcentred<br />

live build project: Case Study, Vol. Eight – Issues 1 and 2 – April 2016 | Issues | BROOKES<br />

eJOURNAL OF LEARNING AND TEACHING http://bejlt.brookes.ac.uk/issue/volume-eightissue-one/.<br />

Paper 3: Reynolds, S., Rodley, D., and Burford, N.K., Prototype Energy Autonomous Studio<br />

in Dundee, Scotland SEEP 2013 - 6th International Conference on Sustainable Energy and<br />

Environmental Protection: Proceedings. Krope, J., Olabi, A. G. & Goričanec, D. (eds.). Maribor:<br />

University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, p. 168-174<br />

1<br />

image page 4:<br />

Design investigations examining in parallel, formal, spatial, material and energy considerations.<br />

Drawn, visualisations, models and fullsize mock-ups were used to test concepts and qualities in<br />

detail. This early 1:1 mock up of the south elevation explored relationships between the prismatic<br />

geometry, window openings, cladding and inset photovoltaic array.<br />

3


Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

4


5


summary (300 words)<br />

Situated in the public Botanical Gardens of Dundee the ‘living laboratory’ provides a unique<br />

opportunity to visit, work, study and experience inspirational space within a sustainable<br />

energy-self-sufficient building.<br />

This practice-based research project arose from a cross-disciplinary collaboration (Burford:<br />

Architecture, Rodley & Reynolds: Physics, Jones: Engineering) and from previous work<br />

investigating theoretical approaches to energy autarky. The process began in 2011 and was<br />

conceived as an educational vehicle in sustainable design and a means of testing the viability<br />

of achieving whole-life net zero-carbon energy self-sufficiency in a self-build experimental<br />

architecture.<br />

The <strong>Living</strong>-<strong>Laboratory</strong> is a contemporary addition to the historical context of experimental<br />

buildings that test design, aesthetics and performance of environmentally responsive<br />

architecture and the role of renewable technologies. This project works at the intersection of<br />

these challenges providing a facility for assessing and communicating the performance and<br />

impact of passive environmental design, carbon-negative renewable generating technologies,<br />

power storage and human spatial-environmental interactions.<br />

The overarching research question became:<br />

How can we design future self-sufficient buildings to help save the planet’s valuable<br />

resources and how can this be achieved within a northern regional climatic and cultural<br />

context?<br />

The project was progressed through two parallel processes:<br />

• Addressing the design and technical challenges of integrating spatial, material,<br />

constructional and zero-carbon energy systems;<br />

• Raising awareness of social and technical environmental issues through public<br />

engagement and collaboration across technical colleges university, industry and<br />

statutory bodies.<br />

Funded by proof-of-concept, creative industry, charitable trust and in-kind industry<br />

contributions, the project has two distinct outcomes:<br />

• An environmental testbed providing an ongoing platform for assessing passive design,<br />

sustainable technologies, monitoring environmental performance and investigating<br />

people/spatial/environmental interactions.<br />

• A cultural engagement vehicle to upskill industry in sustainable construction<br />

practices, upscale regional sustainable technologies, and initiate debate on the role<br />

that architecture, people, energy conservation and ecology have in addressing the<br />

climate crisis.<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

6


7


factual information<br />

The project has been supported through a portfolio of public and private investment including<br />

Creative Scotland Innovation Award, Scottish Funding Council Interface Award(s), Forestry<br />

Commission Scotland Small Grant, Walter Craig Charitable Trust, Friends of the Botanics<br />

funding and in-kind contributions from industry (included labour, materials, specialised<br />

equipment and components) circa £150,000.<br />

The project has been exhibited in the RSA New Contemporaries, winner DIA Small Projects<br />

Award 2016 and runner-up Wood Awards, Manchester 2016. The work has been cited<br />

internationally (Edwards, Pitts, Akbar, Patino-Cambeiro, Chin) and has featured extensively in<br />

industry trade literature, social media and design press, BBC TV and radio broadcasts and in<br />

local newspapers. Various online and web publication (bdonline, vimeo, inhabitat, plusmood,<br />

homemadedessert), popular press, manufacturers and specifiers product literature.<br />

Keynote addresses have been delivered at: Innovative Timber House Conference, Edinburgh,<br />

2016, Scottish Households Survey Conference, 2016, The Mackintosh Friday Lecture Series<br />

2016. Various Doors Open Day and other public events were held over the course of four years<br />

engaging with a broader non-professional public audience.<br />

A recent initiative in collaboration with the Botanic Garden and Duncan of Jordanstone College<br />

of Art and Design is intended to lead to an application for a UKRI Early Career Research Grant<br />

for an artist in residence post based at the laboratory.<br />

Links to Macro Micro Studio:<br />

Link to Botanic Garden Website:<br />

http://macromicrodundee.wordpress.com/<br />

https://www.facebook.com/MacroMicroStudio?ref=nf&filter=1<br />

https://twitter.com/MMStudio<br />

https://www.dundee.ac.uk/botanic/about/zeroenergylab/<br />

1<br />

1<br />

image page 5:<br />

The ground floor meeting space looking from the south window demonstrates the open nature of<br />

the carefully controlled and seggregated volume, surface aesthetic and limited material pallette.<br />

The spatial configuration was determined by ergonomics, passive solar gain, stack effect and cross<br />

ventilation..<br />

image page 7:<br />

The upper floor office space looking to the community allottments to the west. The window<br />

arrangement responds to the two major spaces each one having a primary and secondary opening<br />

on two elevations: to accommodate views, daylighting and natural ventilation. The opening positions<br />

also follow the circulation route and spatial sequencing directing visitors through the Studio and<br />

drawing attention to the different spaces within the garden.<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

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ief overview of outcomes<br />

The outcomes from this research fall into two areas:<br />

an environmental testbed:<br />

The principle outcome is a loose-fit, real-world social, spatial and environmental laboratory<br />

that provides a unique live/work space for understanding the performance of an ultra-low<br />

embodied energy construction system and ongoing implementation of emerging energy<br />

generation and storage technologies calculated and optimised to achieve self-sufficiency.<br />

It facilitates the simultaneous monitoring of the interaction between people, building and<br />

environment within an integrated material, spatial and technical framework.<br />

a cultural engagement platform:<br />

The facility provides training and knowledge transfer to upskill, upscale and outreach in best<br />

practice for a new generation of ultra-low embodied energy, energy self-sufficient buildings.<br />

It provides an ongoing platform for engagement across sustainable building practices<br />

with numerous stakeholders including schools, colleges, design professionals and policy<br />

developers, the construction industry and the general public; evidenced in self-authored<br />

papers; inclusion in international exhibitions; national doors open day events; public lectures;<br />

and keynote talks as well as design awards and citations.<br />

1 2<br />

9<br />

images page 9:<br />

Fullsize prototyping and manufacture of the timber frame in the Fulton Structures <strong>Laboratory</strong> in<br />

Civil Engineering. The open panel cassettes were manufactured in the lab using an adaptation of<br />

pressed steel fixings used in the recently developed ITW’s ‘Space-Stud’; a thermally broken wall<br />

system. In collaboration with the Forestry Commission Scotland and Edinburgh Napier’s Forest<br />

Products Research Institute, the panels trialled the use of low-cost small cross section home grown<br />

Scottish Spruce. usually grown for low-grade, non-structural paper pulp and packaging purposes.


1<br />

image page 10:<br />

BBC Scotland Beechgrove Garden Broadcast, August 2014. Jim McColl, presenter of the Beechgrove<br />

Garden is pictured in a feature that discussed the role of the laboratory within the Botanic Gardens<br />

as a public venue raising awareness of the importance of sustainable living practices and selfsufficiency.<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

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esearch context<br />

This research is a collaboration between Architecture, Engineering and Physics and was<br />

driven by the idea of designing an experimental building test-bed as an educational vehicle<br />

for facilitating the near-complete decarbonisation of buildings through the development of<br />

theoretical and practical solutions to achieving autonomy and resource-efficiency in energy,<br />

water and waste.<br />

The work is situated in an area of architectural practice that over the last century has explored<br />

experimental sustainable design and the role of renewable technologies in achieving selfsufficiency<br />

(Burford & Pearson 2013). For example, MIT’s solar projects developed between<br />

1939-1959, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Solar Hemicycle (1943), Louis Khan’s Direct Gain House (1947)<br />

and Werner Sobek’s R128 House (2000), illustrated the distinction between engineering<br />

experimentation and empirically derived architectural solutions in which the spatial concepts<br />

and material grammar have been an intrinsic part of the environmental response. Contemporary<br />

scientific approaches to ultra-low energy buildings undertaken in the 1970’s were largely<br />

engineering focused such as: the DTH Zero Energy House (1974), Philips House (1974-1975) and<br />

Wates House (1976), which subsequently underpinned Passivhaus, the current benchmark for<br />

ultra-low energy design.<br />

The work extends recent academic/industry research collaborations as testing ground and<br />

engagement vehicles designed to stimulate know-how and investment in sustainable and<br />

low-carbon building practices, for example the Building Research Establishment’s Innovation<br />

Park(s) housing and University of Nottingham’s low energy building prototypes.<br />

It is also situated in practices and processes involving community engagement in low energy<br />

self-build (Burford & Robertson 2016), directed through transdisciplinary academic research,<br />

student live-build and community outreach intrinsic to the Solar Decathlon projects, Ghost<br />

Studios, Rural Studios, Neighbourhood Design/Build, Yestermorrow, Studio 804, Vlock Building<br />

Project, Wood Studio and Die Baupiloten. It goes beyond these practices to testing whole-life,<br />

life-cycle net-zero carbon solutions within a novel self-build, architectural framework.<br />

11


1 2 3<br />

4 5 6<br />

7 8 9<br />

images page 12:<br />

1: Solar House 1, MIT, Massachetts, 1939.<br />

2: Solar Hemicycle House, Frank lloyd Wright, 1943.<br />

3: R128 House, Werner Sobek, Stuttgart, 2000<br />

4: DTH Zero Energy House, Torben Esbense, Copenhagen, 1974.<br />

5: Wates House, Peter Bond Associates, Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales, 1976<br />

6: David Wilson House, Creative Energy Homes, University of Nottingham, 1999.<br />

7: Potton Light House, BRE Innovation Park, Watford 2007<br />

8: Stewart Milne Sigma House, BRE Innovation Park, Watford, 2007<br />

9: Lime House, BRE Innovation Park, Ebbw Vale, Wales, BERE Architects, 2011<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

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esearch context (cont.)<br />

Today, population growth, increased urbanisation and the pursuit of affluent modern<br />

lifestyles have relentlessly increased energy demand across the globe, despite attempts<br />

to reduce consumption and CO 2<br />

emissions in operational energy from buildings. In many<br />

developed countries, sociological shifts have led to the decrease in the size of households<br />

but a corresponding growth in their number, increases in per capita living space, higher<br />

expectations of thermal comfort, and ever expanding demands on electricity grids to satisfy<br />

highly technological lifestyles (Urge-Vorsatz et al., 2013; Beradi, 2016; Grove-Smith et al., 2018<br />

& Millar 2015).<br />

Although significant steps have been made in recent years to reducing emissions in operational<br />

energy from buildings, progress has been slower than expected. The problems are being<br />

exacerbated by anticipated changes to the electrification of building heating, intrinsic<br />

constraints on grid supply, intermittency in renewable generation and peak power demands<br />

being critical factors to overcome to secure energy supply.<br />

Pressures on centrally generated electricity production will become increasingly more onerous<br />

as the focus moves from achieving low and nearly zero-carbon operational energy buildings<br />

(nZEB’s), to near complete decarbonisation through Lifecycle Nearly Zero Energy Buildings<br />

(LC-nZEB’s) by 2045 to 2050 (Groezinger 2014, Musall 2012, Marszal 2010, Kibbert 2012,<br />

Hernandez 2010 & Pless 2010). Reducing CO 2<br />

Emissions from all areas of building construction<br />

and operation and managing people’s energy behaviour within them is paramount to mitigating<br />

climate change and facilitating future low-carbon sustainable communities (Grove-Smith et<br />

al., 2018).<br />

This research addresses a number of pertinent and timely issues:<br />

• The need to test solutions for the decarbonisation of buildings holistically which<br />

relies first and foremost on demand reduction through improvements in building<br />

design, fabric and efficient services and through design and technical systems that<br />

encourage individuals to reduce their consumption of energy and conserve scarce<br />

resources.<br />

• The need to raise public awareness of how people and the built environment impact<br />

climate change and the urgent requirement to accelerate action in CO 2<br />

emissions<br />

reductions in and via buildings by engaging the professions, construction industry,<br />

educational sectors and society more broadly.<br />

13<br />

1<br />

image page 14:<br />

Interior view of the main spaces depicting single storey, two storey and three storey height volumes<br />

that govern the spatial complexity of the interior and internal air flows. The design addresses one of the<br />

challenges of how to make a small space ‘feel large, and spatially rich’. A simple material pallette was<br />

chosen to distinguish the shell from the interior compnents (mezzanine, kitchen, built-in furniture and<br />

stair components). The exposed insulating concrete floor/epoxy screed provide active thermal mass..


Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

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questions, aims and objectives<br />

The initial research focused on developing a design framework for a self-sustaining offgrid<br />

building demonstrator as a trans-disciplinary self-build project with the design and<br />

construction being undertaken with Masters level students in architecture, engineering and<br />

physics. Through a process of iteration the framework and method were subsequently refined<br />

to a grid-tied scenario and a more viable real-world approach involving various stakeholders in<br />

collaborating in the R+D process and providing a facility for engagement within wider society<br />

through its educational outcomes.<br />

The research question was subsequently defined as:<br />

How can we design future self-sufficient buildings to help save the planet’s valuable<br />

resources and how can this be achieved within a northern regional climatic and cultural<br />

context?<br />

During the four years of developing the project, the research aims were re-evaluated and<br />

refined as the context and design requirements became better understood. A number of<br />

advanced issues were identified as being pertinent to the transitioning to nearly zero emission<br />

buildings:<br />

1. To position environmental aesthetics, spatial quality and technical performance at<br />

the forefront of sustainable design practice and by using the interrelated position<br />

of the <strong>Laboratory</strong> within Dundee Botanic Gardens as a window onto world ecology,<br />

stimulate creativity, community and economy.<br />

2. To understand the design principles and efficacy of a grid-tied, net-zero low-energy<br />

life-cycle building (LC-nZEB) that integrates carbon negative LZCGTs, medium-scale<br />

power storage, energy management and predictive controls.<br />

3. To provide an integrated technical platform within which real-world / real-time<br />

interfaces between the building, a local decentralised micro-grid, user and<br />

environment can be studied, enabling these more complex systems to be understood<br />

and managed.<br />

A detailed overview and analysis of the research, design and technical development process<br />

can be found in Burford, Jones, Reynolds & Rodley, 2016: Macro Micro Studio: A Prototype<br />

Energy Autonomous <strong>Laboratory</strong>, Sustainability 2016, 8, x, MDPI, Zurich, [Available at: https://<br />

www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/8/6/500/pdf.].<br />

15


esearch methodology<br />

The research adopted a mixed-methods approach with the design process forming a major<br />

part of the research method and was undertaken primarily within the Macro Micro Studio,<br />

an M.Arch. sustainable design unit lead by Burford and Thurrott at the University of Dundee.<br />

Design decisions were informed by quantitative data generated through interdisciplinary<br />

MSc projects in Physics (Rodley and Reynolds) and Engineering (Jones). The design also<br />

provided the means by which data was generated for analysis allowing aesthetic, spatial,<br />

programmatic, material, environmental technical systems and sociological interactions to<br />

be considered within a holistic ecological narrative and design framework. In light of this<br />

inherent subjectivity, alternative design solutions were tested against specific quantifiable<br />

measures to give resistance to the decision-making process: this included testing specific<br />

spatial, programmatic and material options against aspects such as form factor, passive<br />

environmental performance, aesthetic and functional integration of renewable technologies<br />

and formal responses to the landscape context. The scope of the research was developed<br />

in collaboration with industry stakeholders and specialist consultants. This focused where<br />

possible on encompassing existing and new developments in sustainable construction<br />

systems, balancing concepts for the renewable energy technologies and integration of other<br />

technologies adopted to reduce reliance on external resources. As a practice-based project<br />

the methodology has ranged across speculative, planned, reflective and responsive and has<br />

evolved as the project has progressed and the research context and objectives have become<br />

clearer and more focused (Table 1).<br />

1<br />

image page 16:<br />

An early design team presentation to stakeholders t the Botanic Gardens..<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

16


esearch methodology (cont.)<br />

Aims Phase Objective Method Image<br />

Ref.<br />

1+2 (A)<br />

Conceptual<br />

Develop a formal, spatial, and<br />

technical design for a LC-nZEB<br />

demonstrator building that<br />

will enable understanding of<br />

environmental and occupant<br />

behaviour in relation to<br />

resource-use and life-cycle<br />

CO 2<br />

emissions reductions<br />

Develop the cultural and<br />

educational engagement<br />

activities to enable knowledge<br />

transfer between university,<br />

technical colleges, industry,<br />

statutory bodies, profession<br />

and general public.<br />

Framing and synthesis of design and<br />

performance parameters from a review and<br />

analysis of state-of-the-art in low and zerocarbon<br />

building design and technologies.<br />

Experimental design studies using physical<br />

and digital models, drawings, visualisation and<br />

energy simulation in PHPP, testing alternative<br />

spatial and programmatic arrangements<br />

in relation to energy efficiency, passive<br />

environmental design, formal and material<br />

responses.<br />

Business and financial model using proof of<br />

concept funding and industrial engagement<br />

to facilitate material and technical innovation<br />

(concrete, PV integration, battery development),.<br />

Development of building occupation concept<br />

as a ‘flexible living-lab’ to enable real-world<br />

data generation and simultaneously facilitate<br />

a “community of practice” within the public<br />

domain of the Botanic Gardens.<br />

Table 2<br />

+<br />

Images<br />

A1 to<br />

A7,<br />

cover<br />

Image<br />

and<br />

images<br />

pages<br />

1, 4, 5, 7<br />

& 14<br />

2 + (3) (B)<br />

Technical<br />

Design in detail, test, prototype<br />

and construct a full-scale<br />

low-embodied carbon<br />

construction system using<br />

as far as possible regional<br />

resources implementing<br />

new technologies where<br />

appropriate to demonstrate<br />

potential for in-use testing and<br />

up-scaling.<br />

Modelling, prototyping and physical testing<br />

of a reciprocal stressed-skin timber frame<br />

integrating small-section Scottish grown timber<br />

in novel building construction products (CLT,<br />

Cullen Space stud and JJI Joists).<br />

Optimisation and quantification of aesthetic<br />

and technical parameters (surfaces, interfaces,<br />

connections, details) to achieve low embodied<br />

carbon and ultra-low energy performance<br />

including development of thermal bridge free<br />

detailing.<br />

Images<br />

B1 to<br />

B27<br />

Development of a novel aerated concrete<br />

insulating / structural foundation slab with labtesting<br />

and prototyping of structural, physical,<br />

thermal properties, and fixings regimes.<br />

Develop natural resource<br />

harvesting, storage and energy<br />

supply (sun, wind, water,<br />

waste) within the building<br />

to enable self-sufficiency<br />

and provide the opportunity<br />

for flexible management of<br />

storage, import and export.<br />

Specification and modelling of renewable<br />

energy systems and parameter monitoring<br />

to achieve LC-nZEB energy performance,<br />

to complement the low-energy (Passivhaus)<br />

building design<br />

Aesthetic and spatial integration of PV, VAWT,<br />

medium-scale battery storage, rainwater<br />

harvesting and SUD’s water treatment, MVHR<br />

and post-heating.<br />

Images<br />

B28 to<br />

B45<br />

Table 1: Summary of objectives, methods and outcomes<br />

17


Aims Phase Objective Method Image<br />

Ref.<br />

1 + 2 (C)<br />

Reflective<br />

Understand behavioural<br />

issues in the operation of<br />

the building’s passive and<br />

active systems and in relation<br />

to resource use within the<br />

building (electricity, water,<br />

waste, heat and ventilation);<br />

Study the interfaces<br />

between the building, a local<br />

decentralised micro-grid,<br />

and the user enabling these<br />

more complex systems to be<br />

understood and managed.<br />

Develop cultural engagement<br />

activities via building and its<br />

occupancy, developing a<br />

shared domain for collective<br />

knowing and learning.<br />

Objectives shaded in grey are planned in the future<br />

Integrated sensor technologies to provide<br />

understanding of the spatial aspects of user<br />

behaviour and capture data on the relationship<br />

between occupants, the building fabric (e.g.,<br />

opening windows), technical systems (hot water<br />

use, ventilation, plug demand, etc.) passive and<br />

active performance and environment.<br />

Develop intelligent user controls for the building<br />

that provide feedback on system performance,<br />

allowing users to alter their energy consumption<br />

behaviour and / or control the building<br />

behaviour.<br />

Facilitate training and knowledge transfer<br />

in Passivhaus construction and energy<br />

autonomous architecture engaging technical<br />

colleges (trade apprentices), industry<br />

collaborations, statutory authorities, professions,<br />

schools and general general public via CPD’s,<br />

key notes, awards, exhibitions, Doors Open<br />

Days, social media and presss.<br />

Arts-based Project developed through an<br />

artist’s residency that will bring the Botanic<br />

Gardens back into focus as the central axis from<br />

which to contemplate and generate eco-social<br />

engagement and activity linked to the circular<br />

economy, place-making and integrated land use.<br />

Images<br />

C1 to<br />

C4<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

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images of processes and stages in design development<br />

(referenced to table 1)<br />

(A) CONCEPTUAL<br />

Physical Criteria<br />

Gateway building in prime location at the entrance to the University Botanic Gardens<br />

50 m 2 gross floor area divided over two floors - 36m 2 ground floor<br />

Rentable flexible office space<br />

- 14m 2 first floor<br />

- occupancy for up to 4 people<br />

- flexible meeting space; kitchenette (with sink, fridge and<br />

microwave); plant room (mechanical services batteries,<br />

inverters, environmental monitoring); storage to be built<br />

into building fabric; entrance lobby/air lock<br />

Formal architectural response that synthesises aesthetic, spatial, passive environmental design and renewable<br />

energy generation systems and primary resource harvesting<br />

Rationalist ecological approach integrating material, form, function and energy generation<br />

Environmental Criteria<br />

56.54°N, East Coast of Scotland temperate climate<br />

Passivhaus energy standard tested<br />

Low-embodied energy materials to be used as far as<br />

possible (within the limitations of funding restrictions<br />

and availability through in-kind donation)<br />

Energy-autonomy (as an option) through use of carbon<br />

negative electrical generation and storage<br />

- BRE East of Scotland Climate Data<br />

- PHPP used for calculating energy performance<br />

- Therm 2D Software used to calculate thermal bridging<br />

- Scottish timber used in novel thermally broken<br />

construction system<br />

- high performance insulation and airtight membranes<br />

- foam concrete foundation system<br />

- LCA used to calculate the CO2e of the construction<br />

- 14% efficiency Photovoltaic Panel array<br />

- VAWT<br />

- Li Ion battery storage (medium scale)<br />

Rainwater harvesting, treatment, direct electrical heating /SUDS drainage and grey water disposal<br />

Table 2: Design and performance parameters used in the development of the R+D brief.<br />

19


A.1<br />

Image page 20:<br />

Sectional axonometric showing the intergation of ergonomic, spatial, material, structural and<br />

environmental design. The final spatial and geometrical arrangement is derived from form-factor,<br />

passive environmental considerations (passive solar gain, stack effect, cross-flow natural ventilation) and<br />

active solar generation (PV).<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

20


A.2<br />

image page 21:<br />

Spatial, programme organisation and passive environmental design decisions used in optimising<br />

and integrating form, function, climate response and renewable energy generation.<br />

21


Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

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A.3<br />

A.4<br />

images page 23:<br />

Iterative development of the three dimensional form tested through physical and digital maquettes.<br />

The final model (lower left) illustrates the development of a key horizontal datum at 3m above floor<br />

height which was used to differentiate the orthogonal ground floor and vaulted upper floor spaces.<br />

The geometry lines that define the junctions between the major surfaces are used to organise<br />

opening positions where one vertical face is ‘locked’ onto a major surface junction.<br />

Optimising form factor by adapting the 3D geometry to minimise external surface area - a critical<br />

consideration due to the small floor area. The final concept provides a surface to volume ratio<br />

between a sphere (best) and a cube without the inherent planning constraints of the former.<br />

23


A.5<br />

image page 24:<br />

Models and full-size constructional mock-ups testing formal, spatial, material, aesthetic and<br />

technical qualities. The models explore various detail considerations in resolving the prismatic<br />

geometry of the surfaces. In an early stage a hybrid CLT construction system was explored using<br />

short-section Scottish grown Spruce. This was subsequently changed to an open panel Space-Stud<br />

using home-grown Scottish Spruce due to site restictions preventing the use of a crane needed to<br />

lift CLT panels and the limitations imposed by self-build.<br />

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A parametric model of the geometry was developed in Grasshopper software in order to understand the geometric rules<br />

for the form, the range of variations that could be produced and their effect on the physical, environmental and aesthetic<br />

outcomes (Illustrations F1 to F.4). The Studio electricity demand and solar insolation defined the size of the south elevation<br />

and south roof area and pitch and these were assumed to be fixed in the model and were defined as: length of plan (a);<br />

angle of south roof (Ø); area of south roof (S).<br />

The relationship between these parameters can be defined as follows: (Image A6.1..1 to A6.1.3)<br />

with the length of the square defined as:<br />

The ground floor plan is defined by two overlapping squares of different perimeter lengths, the larger of the squares<br />

rotated about a point on the south east corner of the smaller square. This provides more space for the circulation, stair<br />

and service zone without impeding on the functional space of the ground floor.<br />

The ground floor plan area can be described as follows (Image F2.1.):<br />

The mezzanine area is defined by the set-back distance (c) of the mezzanine front edge from the south elevation of the<br />

building. The mezzanine floor plan area can be described as follows (Image A6.2..2 to A6.2.3):<br />

The gross floor area of the building is 50m^2, which means the total ground floor area (S) plus mezzanine floor area (S`)<br />

= 50m^2 . These are then defined by the equation (Illustration A6.2.3 to A6.3):<br />

The mezzanine floor location and the angle of rotation between the two squares are related and defined by the length<br />

(b), with the maximum width of the plan being defined by (a) + (b). (Image A6.3).<br />

The digital model links all the various parameters together to control the geometry and modification to form and<br />

proportions can be made by changing different criteria. Generally when the solar panel area and south roof pitch are<br />

fixed, the front edge setback to the mezzanine (c) is defining the angle factor (b) between the two square geometries eg<br />

if the mezzanine floor is pushed to the north, the entrance is rotated to the east (Image F3). The geometry can also be<br />

controlled by the parameters (S) and (θØ). For example, the larger the angle (θØ) results in the mezzanine being pushed<br />

forward and the smaller the angle (θØ) results in the mezzanine being pushed backward in order to maintain optimum<br />

headroom at the mezzanine edge and control optimum angle for PV generation. The overall plan length and depth can<br />

also be varied to optimise internal ergonomics and control the form’s ‘object properties’.<br />

In the adopted geometry the mezzanine setback is determined by the ridge line of the shell allowing the mezzanine to<br />

occupy the higher volume below the ridge line of the roof which also provides a sump for heated air. Further parameters<br />

were developed to control opening positions in relation to the surface geometry of the shell and internal programmatic<br />

arrangement (Image A6.4). The choice of final form was an aesthetic decision based on proportional, material and spatial<br />

considerations.<br />

25


Image A6.1. Relationship between side length of plan (a); angle of south roof (θ); area of south roof (S).<br />

Image A6.2. Relationship between south geometry and north geometry of the ground floor and mezzanine floor<br />

plans.<br />

Image A6.3. Defining the mezzanine floor relationship to the building form.<br />

Image A6.4. Controlling opening positions and sizes. based on solar orientation, views, light and object properties<br />

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A.7<br />

image page 27:<br />

The adapted form and the organisation of the openings has the abstract qualities of a crystal (derived<br />

from Alberto Giacometti’s Cube) and the more familiar qualities of a domestic building form. The<br />

sculpural qualities of the the Studios form and its external materials mediate the industrial language<br />

of the green house and the idiosyncratic qualities of the visitor centre.<br />

27


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details of outcomes<br />

(B) TECHNICAL<br />

The main outcome has been the development of a design methodology for a LC-nZEB<br />

building and the long-term testing of this in a full-scale demonstration project:<br />

<strong>Living</strong>-<strong>Laboratory</strong>: integration of aesthetic, spatial, passive environmental, active<br />

renewable energy generation and storage, and low embodied carbon construction in a<br />

LC-nZEB model that allows the simultaneous evaluation of the building’s environmental<br />

performance and user behaviour in relation to regulated and unregulated energy use<br />

and conservation of primary resources (cover image and images pages 1, 4, 5, 7, 14 &<br />

66).<br />

Three specific areas of technical innovation were developed through the course of the<br />

research:<br />

B-1 Prototyping an advanced timber frame with home-grown timber;<br />

B-2 Experimenting with an aerated concrete raft foundation:<br />

B-3 Developing a benchmarked LC-nZEB Energy System Model:<br />

29<br />

B.1<br />

image page 29:<br />

The building shell is constructed from a ‘kit’ of bespokely designed timber components that<br />

were prototyped and manufactured in-house. There was considerable complexity in acheiving<br />

the uniform reciprocal geometry of the internal and external surfaces and the open nature of<br />

the internal volume which was not suited to a traditional domestic timber framing system. This<br />

became a major focus of the detail design development.


(B-1) Prototyping an advanced timber frame with home-grown timber:<br />

Investigation and application of small cross-section regionally grown (Scottish) timber in a<br />

reciprocal geometry, stressed-skin timber frame and development of thermal bridge free<br />

component interfaces (Images G-).<br />

B.2<br />

B.3<br />

images page 30:<br />

A non-traditional solution for the vaulted roof was adopted that considered each major surface<br />

as a structural stressed skin plate that was supported on open panel wall cassettes connected<br />

by a circumferential ring beam at the 3m datum height The shell is stabilised laterally by a 1m<br />

deep trussed beam that serves as the mezzanine floor support and balcony edge tying the east<br />

and west walls together and facilitating a ground floor space uninterupted by structural columns.<br />

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(B-1) Prototyping an advanced timber frame with home-grown timber:<br />

B.4<br />

B.5<br />

images pages 31 & 32:<br />

Manufacture and prototyping of thermally broken timber stud and joist sections used in the wall<br />

cassettes. Adapting proprietory systems such as ITW’s SpaceStud and SpaceJoist technologies for<br />

use with small cross-section Scottish-grown spruce to trial the use of regionally grown ‘low-grade’<br />

materials. The panels were first trialled in the lab where it was found that in order to overcome<br />

issues of the timber sections shrinking and twisting when drying out due to their high moisture<br />

content jigs were needed for manufactiring the studs. Limiting tolerances were a major issue in the<br />

construction.<br />

31


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(B-1) Prototyping an advanced timber frame with home-grown timber:<br />

B.6 B.7<br />

image page 33:<br />

A CNC cut LVL mechanical connection was used to join the roof plates structurally while minimising<br />

thermal bridging.<br />

B.8 B.9<br />

B.10<br />

images page 34:<br />

The surface plates are comprised of individual ‘rafter’ members arranged to allow orthogonal<br />

junctions to the perimeter members that define the edge boundary to the plate. The geometry<br />

between plates varies depending on its position within the roof structure. Bespoke LVL connectors<br />

unique to each interface facilitate the joining of the plates reducing the complexity of the roof<br />

structure during onsite construction.<br />

B.11<br />

images 35:<br />

Sequencing of construction onsite<br />

33


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35


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371<br />

image page 24<br />

Frame partially constructed on site


(B-1) Prototyping an advanced timber frame with home-grown timber:<br />

B.12<br />

B.13<br />

14 15<br />

images pages 37 & 38:<br />

Framing out the timber exoskeleton that defines the geometry of the primary external surfaces<br />

necessary to realise a cohesive surface form internally and externally. The images show the OSB jigs<br />

used to determine the variable depths of the framework.<br />

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(B-2) Experimenting with an aerated concrete raft foundation:<br />

Mechanical and thermal performance testing and prototyping of a new application of a novel<br />

lightweight air entrained material. Foamed concrete is a highly air entrained sand cement or<br />

cement only slurry with greater than 20% air by volume. The air is created by the introduction<br />

of a preformed foam with encapsulated bubbles of 0.3-1.5mm diameter. Developed for use<br />

in large void fill applications for example sealing mine shafts, foam concrete has beneficial<br />

thermal properties that make it an interesting material for use in structural applications such<br />

as building foundations where limiting thermal bridging is required. Increasing the air/volume<br />

ratio yields improved thermal properties but at the expense of a reduction in mechanical<br />

strength. The research investigated the potential of using the material as a single element raft<br />

foundation requiring optimisation of thermal properties, compressive strength and mechanical<br />

fixing regimes resulting in a slab density of 600kg/m 3 and a U Value of 0.1W/m 2 K at 1m depth.<br />

16 17 18<br />

images page 39:<br />

<strong>Laboratory</strong> testing material properties and cube samples for mechanical and thermal properties.<br />

A test sample of the mixed concrete was taken before the formed pour to confirm the accuracy<br />

of the mixture at the desired density of 600kg/m 3 . 150x150x150mm cured cube samples<br />

resulted in a weight of 1881g with an overall dry density of 557kg/m 3 .<br />

B.19<br />

B.20<br />

B.21<br />

images page 40:<br />

Trials using various proprietory fixings and methods of installation were lab tested for pull out<br />

strength using a small Instron machine including mechanical and resin bonded Hilti anchors,<br />

drilling and preparation regimes. All tests using proprietory concrete fixing methods failed. This<br />

provided a significant problem in anchoring the timber kit and other components.<br />

39


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(B-2) Experimenting with an aerated concrete raft foundation:<br />

B.22<br />

images page 41:<br />

A cast-in anchor fixing was developed to provide a directly bonded anchor depth of 1m resulting in<br />

higher pull out forces. It eliminates any problems associated with post-drilling the substrate material.<br />

The developed method utilises an M10 stainless threaded bar at 1m long which is preassembled<br />

onto an LVL sole plate and attached to the formwork prior to casting the slab. The bar is angled<br />

away from the slab edge towards the centre at 20 degrees allowing more of the slab depth to be<br />

active in the fixing.<br />

41


Foamcrete slurry being pumped into<br />

timber formwork.<br />

Bentonite clay geotextile tanking<br />

membrane<br />

LVL sole plate attached to the<br />

formwork prior to casting the slab.<br />

10mm stainless steel threaded bar<br />

at 300mm c/c bolted into LVL sole<br />

plate and attached to a continuous<br />

steel uni-chanel section within the<br />

depth of the slab<br />

B.23<br />

B.24<br />

images page 42:<br />

Pouring the experimental aerated concrete slab. The slab was poured in two batches over two<br />

separate days to reduce the hydraulic pressure within the formwork and the high temperatures<br />

during curing which can lead to shrinkage and cracking.<br />

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(B-2) Experimenting with an aerated concrete raft foundation:<br />

B.25<br />

image page 43:<br />

An early detail drawing exploring the relationship between the timber kit and slab edge. This<br />

junction was a crucial detail in determining the aesthetic relationship of the building to the ground<br />

and maintaining the thermal and structural performance of the slab.<br />

B.26<br />

B.27<br />

images page 44:<br />

Thermal bridge modelling in Therm 2D software optimised the slab / timber kit interface to<br />

reduce thermal bridging around the perimeter of the slab. The slab surface is protected by a<br />

40mm anhydride self-levelling screed and epoxy coating. This acts as a heat sump helping to<br />

balance internal temperature fluctuations as well as store direct heat from sunlight transmitted<br />

through the south facing window.<br />

43


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(B-3) LC-nZEB Energy System Model:<br />

The primary aim of the project is to understand how different renewable energy technologies<br />

operate together to achieve “autonomy” and how these systems can be optimized to manage<br />

energy consumption behaviour without oversizing either the energy generation or storage<br />

elements of the system. The building concept has been developed as an energy autonomous<br />

solution operating an all-electrical system powered from near-zero emission renewables<br />

including a 5 kWp PV array, 3 kW VAWT and 24 kWh Lithium-Ion battery store. It was designed<br />

to the 2007 Passivhaus standard, with calculations indicating the construction will achieve 10<br />

kWh/m 2 .a specific space heat demand. Our calculations predict that the daily total energy<br />

demand can be satisfied from the renewable system in combination with short-term storage,<br />

but a shortfall is predicted for 12 days of the year occurring between October and February<br />

when the PV component is least effective. We expect in the future this will be mitigated<br />

through smart systems using predictive data to manage demand at critical periods and/or<br />

a small seasonal storage system such as a hydrogen fuel cell with the capacity for 120 ± 50<br />

kWh of electricity production.<br />

28 29<br />

30<br />

images page 45:<br />

The energy budget of the Studio includes thermal energy gains/losses; electrical energy<br />

requirements; PV generation; wind generation; energy statistics; building management. Electricity<br />

is used to supply all heating and hot water requirements with the main contributions to the<br />

electrical load including an MVHR unit and post-heater, LED lighting, laptops + chargers, mobile<br />

phone charging, refrigerator, ZIP Inline direct water heating/chilling, Building Management<br />

System, sensors and monitoring. By spreadsheeting individual consumption and utilisation<br />

factors an estimate of the typical load may be made, which amounts to some 6.6 kWh/day.<br />

45


B.31<br />

image page 46:<br />

The Studio has been designed to run on an all electrical 240 volt system supplying all the<br />

regulated demand (heating, hot water, ventilation, lighting) and all the plug load (computers,<br />

mobile phones, white goods). The main components of the integrated energy system include<br />

a 30m 2 , 14% efficient ploycrystalline silicon PV array with a capacity of approximately 4kWp, a<br />

Giromill vertical axis rotor type turbine calculated for the Aelos-V 3kW and a Li-Ion battery with<br />

a capacity of 24kWh.<br />

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(B-3) LC-nZEB Energy System Model:<br />

B.32<br />

image page 47:<br />

Water harvesting, filtration and storage has been designed into the south roof and in-built south<br />

gutter to reduce reliance on treated mains drinking water to address the energy consumed<br />

and wasted in the treatment and losses incurred in centrally delivered mains water supply.<br />

The energy cost of water treatment is included in the energy budget of the renewable energy<br />

system. The Studio also utlises a SUD’s sytem for disposal and treatment of grey water.<br />

47


33 34<br />

35 36<br />

images page 48:<br />

Other components of the autonomous environmental system: (33) Balmoral hydrostore tank during<br />

installation; (34) ZIP Inline Direct Water Heating used to conserve hot / boiling water, (35) MVHR with<br />

electrial post-heater and (36) trialling a drinking water filtration and treatment system (ongoing).<br />

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more than technical<br />

From the outset primary aim was to challenge the aesthetics of ‘green buildings’, address issues<br />

of material and spatial quality in increasingly reduced living spaces, test formal architectural<br />

and passive environmental responses to landscape contexts of high value and demonstrate<br />

that high-technology, high-performance buildings can be constructed by unskilled labour<br />

economically via self-build. Through an iterative process of design and technical development<br />

and testing we gradually developed a holistic model and an architectural outcome that<br />

synthesised both qualitative and quantitative considerations resulting in a contemporary<br />

architectural reponse to the requirements for autonomy and self-sufficiency.<br />

37 38<br />

images page 49:<br />

The crystalline shape has been developed to respond to the different views and spaces within the<br />

garden and the technical requirements of energy conservation and renewable energy generation.<br />

The abstract nature of the resulting geometry has the presence of an ‘erratic boulder’ within the<br />

landscape, inspired by the “CUBE” an abstract sculptural work by Alberto Giacometti in 1933.<br />

49


B.39<br />

image page 50:<br />

South roof wall/window junction: The tell-the-tale-detail that resolves the thermal, geometrical<br />

and PV requirements in order to create the cohesive and unified external and internal surface<br />

facettes.<br />

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51


more than technical:<br />

B.40<br />

image page 51:<br />

Externally the form presents as a composition of aggregated internal and external spaces<br />

articulated and unified by the continuous faceted surface. The thin material sheets create simple<br />

angular junctions between surfaces. The bespoke nature of fabricating the zinc and the horizontal<br />

layering of the skin results in a non-uniform crafted appearance..<br />

B.41<br />

image page 52:<br />

The only concession to surface modulation is around the north entrance where an upstand seam<br />

directs rainwater from the facade away from the doorway. The bridge trials a deck made from<br />

sustainable concrete with recycled road aggregate and black printer toner ink. The bridge creates<br />

a tenuous connection to the ground emphasising the sense of dislocation.<br />

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B.42<br />

image page 53/54:<br />

Viewed from the south-west reveals the shifting geomtery and abstract nature of the form. The<br />

south facing PV array has been inset within an upstand seam within the zinc to maintain the<br />

appearance of a ‘‘contiguous’ surface. It is expected that the dark surfaces of the anthracite zinc<br />

cladding when exposed to sun will tend to depress the effective U-Value lower, or even below<br />

zero to indicate net gain, and the PV array will similarly lose some heat while generating to the<br />

underside.<br />

53


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more than technical:<br />

B.43<br />

image page 55/56:<br />

Interior ‘shell’ and ‘core’ concept in which all elements of the interior not associated with the shell<br />

are treated as crafted elements of furniture with inbuilt functionality. A key consideration in the<br />

design was to seamlessly integrate the techncial equipment and services within these elements.<br />

55


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57


more than technical:<br />

B.44<br />

image page 57:<br />

The relationship between the core and shell becomes apparent in the north stairwell where<br />

the three storey height volume is revealed through the separation of the mezzanine floor from<br />

the shell.. Birch veneered plywood is used to soften the interior. with the large uniform sheet<br />

elements reflecting the monolithic appearance of the external facade.<br />

B.45<br />

image page 58:<br />

Attention was paid to reusing as much of the plywood sheet as possible to reduce waste. This<br />

is evident in elements such as the fabricated handrails, door frames and built in drawers of the<br />

mezzanine balcony. Emphasis is placed on gaps between elements and corner junctions.<br />

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c. cultural outcomes<br />

The project has been a vehicle for engagement in two ways:<br />

1. It serves as a platform for ongoing testing and dissemination of the integrated<br />

performance of low and zero carbon technologies and the ability to introduce new<br />

and untested technologies to benchmark performance and further understand<br />

their efficacy within a holistic quantified environmental model in which user<br />

interaction and behaviour, building behaviour and environmental interactions can<br />

be understood. The project continues as a vehicle for trans-disciplinary projects<br />

and learning as well as forming a platform for future industry R+D.<br />

2 It provides a facility to inscribe in society transformative actions alongside design<br />

and scientific knowledge, to shift behaviours towards more ecologically and<br />

economically sustainable pathways. Through an artist in residence post the aim is<br />

to draw together and sustain cross-sector communities of practice within society<br />

using horizontal, collective learning and creative engagement. This process of<br />

collective knowing and learning in a shared domain, will bring the Botanic Gardens<br />

back into focus as the central axis from which to contemplate and generate ecosocial<br />

engagement and activity linked to the circular economy, place-making<br />

and integrated land use. This process is ongoing and has recently resulted in an<br />

application for a UKRI Early Career Research Grants for an artist in residence.<br />

C.1<br />

image page 60:<br />

One of several key note lectures and addresses presenting different aspects of the projects to<br />

various academic, professional ,industry and governmental groups.<br />

59


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61


c. cultural outcomes<br />

C.2<br />

image page 60:<br />

A Scottish Buildings Doors Open Day event; children from a local primary school taking part in<br />

a creative workshop to design their own sutainable houses.<br />

C.3<br />

image page 61:<br />

Scottish Funding Council Innovation Portal Case Study with Foster Renewable Energy supplier<br />

and installer of the PV array and invertor.<br />

C.4<br />

image page 62:<br />

Schematic detailing the post occcupancy environmental monitoring system for the Studio<br />

showing the range and the distibution of sensors. Thermocouple temperature sensors were<br />

installed in the aerated slab and screed to investigate temperature gradients and thermal mass<br />

effects. An Arduino-based data logging system was developed and deployed in different areas<br />

of the studio to provide understanding of temperature, humidity, air movement and volatile<br />

effects. Various electrical loggers are installed to provide energy generation and in use data.<br />

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dissemination<br />

esteem indicators<br />

Dundee Institute of Architects: Winner Small Projects Award – Zero Energy Studio, Botanic<br />

Gardens, Dundee, December 2015<br />

Finalist, Timber In Construction Awards, Manchester, November 2013.<br />

Citation in Edwards, B., Rough Guide to Sustainability, Chapter 9 - Super Low Energy Houses,<br />

p220-240, 4th Edition, RIBA Publications, London, 2013.<br />

Various online and web publication (bdonline, vimeo, inhabitat, plusmood, homemadedessert),<br />

popular press, manufacturers and specifiers product literature.<br />

exhibitions and keynote addresses<br />

• Burford, NK., (with Macro Micro studio), 2013. Prototype Zero Energy <strong>Laboratory</strong>, RSA Open<br />

Architecture Exhibition – New Contemporaries, Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound,<br />

Edinburgh, Dec – Jan 2013<br />

• The Energy Self-Sufficient Timber House: A Development Model, Keynote Speech, The<br />

Innovative Timber House Conference, Edinburgh, 3rd May 2016.<br />

• Impact of LZCGT’s and Future Perspectives in Low Energy Building Design, Scottish<br />

Household Survey Annual Conference, Scottish Government, Perth 7th and 10th March<br />

2016.<br />

• Macro Micro Studio: Prototype Energy Autonomous <strong>Laboratory</strong>, Dundee Institute of<br />

Architects, CPD/AGM 24th March 2016<br />

• Macro Micro Studio: Prototype Energy Autonomous <strong>Laboratory</strong>, Mackintosh School of<br />

Architecture, Friday Lecture Series: Process, Craft Culture, January 2016<br />

• Prototype Zero Energy <strong>Laboratory</strong>, talk to Dundee Rotary Club, Invercarse Hotel, Dundee,<br />

November 2015.<br />

• Prototype Zero Energy <strong>Laboratory</strong>, Botanic gardens, Dundee, Saltire Society, Doors Open<br />

Day, November 2014 & October 2013.<br />

63


journal and conference papers<br />

Burford, Reynolds, Rodley & Jones, 2015. Macro Micro Studio: A Prototype Energy Autonomous<br />

<strong>Laboratory</strong>, Sustainability, Basel, Vol. 7, 1-x manuscripts; doi:10.3390/su70x000x<br />

Burford & Robertson, 2016. Prototype Zero Energy Studio: A research-led, student-centred<br />

live build project: Case Study, Vol. Eight – Issues 1 and 2 – April 2016 | Issues | BROOKES<br />

eJOURNAL OF LEARNING AND TEACHING http://bejlt.brookes.ac.uk/issue/volume-eightissue-one/.<br />

Burford, Reynolds, Rodley, Jones & Ahmed, 2016. Prototype low-energy studio in Dundee<br />

Botanic Gardens, Scottish Renewables Solar Conference & Exhibition, Edinburgh, Edinburgh.<br />

06-07 Sept 2016<br />

Reynolds, S., Rodley, D., and Burford, N.K., 2013. Prototype Energy Autonomous Studio in<br />

Dundee, Scotland. SEEP 2013 - 6th International Conference on Sustainable Energy and<br />

Environmental Protection: Proceedings. Krope, J., Olabi, A. G. & Goričanec, D. (eds.). Maribor:<br />

University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, p. 168-174. 20-23<br />

August 2013<br />

collaborations<br />

XXXXX<br />

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References<br />

[1] Burford, NK. & Pearson, AD., 2013. Ultra-low-energy perspectives for regional Scottish<br />

dwellings, Intelligent Buildings International, Volume 5, 2013 - Issue 4, Taylor and Francis,<br />

London.<br />

[2] Burford & Robertson, 2016. Prototype Zero Energy Studio: A research-led, student-centred<br />

live build project: Case Study, Vol. Eight – Issues 1 and 2 – April 2016 | Issues | BROOKES<br />

eJOURNAL OF LEARNING AND TEACHING http://bejlt.brookes.ac.uk/issue/volume-eightissue-one/.<br />

[3] Groezinger, J.; Boermans, T.; Ashok, J.; Seehusen, J.; Wehringer, F.; Scherberich, M. Overview<br />

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65<br />

B.46<br />

image page 66:<br />

Viewed at a distance from the west the studio becomes background and almost disappears<br />

within the shadows between the trees, the west window reflecting the landscape.


Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

66


appendix A<br />

DRAWINGS<br />

67


appendix B<br />

PASSIVHAUS CALCULATIONS<br />

Self Sufficiency and the <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Laboratory</strong><br />

Neil Burford<br />

68


appendix C<br />

JULIEN TISSOT MSC DISSERTATION PROJECT - RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM<br />

69

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