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

J. R. Littlewood*, R. J.M. Hawkins, N. I. Evans, C. Hale

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSustainability in Energy and Buildings 2023
EditorsJohn R. Littlewood, Lakhmi Jain, Robert J. Howlett
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages733-744
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9789819985005
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Mar 2024
Event15th KES International Conference on Sustainability and Energy in Buildings, SEB 2023 - Bari, Italy
Duration: 18 Sept 202320 Sept 2023

Publication series

NameSmart Innovation, Systems and Technologies
Volume378
ISSN (Print)2190-3018
ISSN (Electronic)2190-3026

Conference

Conference15th KES International Conference on Sustainability and Energy in Buildings, SEB 2023
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityBari
Period18/09/2320/09/23

Keywords

  • Bio-based materials
  • Circular economy
  • Dwellings
  • Nearly-zero-carbon
  • Offsite manufacturing
  • Wales—UK

Cite this