Performance of Offsite-Manufactured Bio-insulated Timber-Frame Construction Systems for Nearly-Zero-Carbon Dwellings in Wales, UK

This paper discusses the post-construction performance characteristics of offsite-manufactured modular housing systems, using bio-based and natural building materials and renewable heating and power sources. The use of smart technology to improve the homogeny between a fabric first approach and building services to reduce operational carbon and improve occupancy comfort is examined. This examination is conducted under the backdrop of evolving and recently updated building legislation from the Welsh Government. In particular, Approved Document L Conservation of Fuel and Power. In addition, a feasibility project commencing in the summer of June 2023 is introduced, to develop a ground-breaking bio-based and renewable prototype thermal insulation product with circular fabrication processes using agri-food crops. The intention is to prototype this new bio-insulation to fit into 1200 mm by 600 mm timber-frame offsite-manufactured (OSM) timber-frame panels for floor, roof, and wall panels. The intention is to enable the OSM of energy-efficient net-zero embodied and operational carbon buildings, with zero residual whole life landfill waste, and resilience to a changing climate.