This is a description of the 'Home Grown House' research project, which is is a research ... more This is a description of the 'Home Grown House' research project, which is is a research project challenging this status quo by exploring new, value-added uses for coppiced sweet chestnut in buildings in the south-east of England
A documentary film of the physical building systems that were prototyped as outcomes of the Home ... more A documentary film of the physical building systems that were prototyped as outcomes of the Home Grown House research project
The CASS School of Architecture at London Metropolitan University conducts a week long making wor... more The CASS School of Architecture at London Metropolitan University conducts a week long making workshop with its second year undergraduate architecture students on an annual basis. The intention is that the students learn through applied making experiences at the building scale using timber and other natural materials. This article for the Timber Trade Journal summarises the applied learning techniques used in 2018.
The mixed and multi-layered approach to teaching of Architecture structures syllabus, as discusse... more The mixed and multi-layered approach to teaching of Architecture structures syllabus, as discussed in this paper, was implemented in the Technology Modules taught to the Level 5 cohort of Architecture BA (Hons) at The CASS, London Metropolitan University in 2017/18. This paper defines the three-tiered approach or ‘triple-lock’ method used and its benefits to broadened inclusivity and mixed modes of learning. The implementation of practical making exercises, in particular, has helped to address some of the learning challenges associated with dyslexia whilst simultaneously promoting a sense of student community through collaborative, peer-to-peer learning. Emphasis has also been put on diversification of the curriculum delivery to align with a wide range of learning styles reflected in a diverse cohort at the undergraduate school. This ‘triptych’ teaching method is referred to here as a ‘triple-lock’ mechanism.
An exhibition catalogue featuring the physical outcomes of the Home Grown House Research Project.... more An exhibition catalogue featuring the physical outcomes of the Home Grown House Research Project. This includes x5 building systems developed as a kit of parts made from locally sourced coppiced sweet chestnut timber
Trees, and their derivative products, have been used by societies around the world for thousands ... more Trees, and their derivative products, have been used by societies around the world for thousands of years. Contemporary construction of tall buildings from timber, in whole or in part, suggests a growing interest in the potential for building with wood at a scale not previously attainable. As wood is the only significant building material that is grown, we have a natural inclination that building in wood is good for the environment. But under what conditions is this really the case? The environmental benefits of using timber are not straightforward ; although it is a natural product, a large amount of energy is used to dry and process it. Much of this can come from the biomass of the tree itself, but that requires investment in plant, which is not always possible in an industry that is widely distributed among many small producers. And what should we build with wood? Are skyscrapers in timber a good use of this natural resource, or are there other aspects of civil and structural engineering, or large-scale infrastructure, that would be a better use of wood? Here, we consider a holistic picture ranging in scale from the science of the cell wall to the engineering and global policies that could maximise forestry and timber construction as a boon to both people and the planet.
This is a description of the 'Home Grown House' research project, which is is a research ... more This is a description of the 'Home Grown House' research project, which is is a research project challenging this status quo by exploring new, value-added uses for coppiced sweet chestnut in buildings in the south-east of England
A documentary film of the physical building systems that were prototyped as outcomes of the Home ... more A documentary film of the physical building systems that were prototyped as outcomes of the Home Grown House research project
The CASS School of Architecture at London Metropolitan University conducts a week long making wor... more The CASS School of Architecture at London Metropolitan University conducts a week long making workshop with its second year undergraduate architecture students on an annual basis. The intention is that the students learn through applied making experiences at the building scale using timber and other natural materials. This article for the Timber Trade Journal summarises the applied learning techniques used in 2018.
The mixed and multi-layered approach to teaching of Architecture structures syllabus, as discusse... more The mixed and multi-layered approach to teaching of Architecture structures syllabus, as discussed in this paper, was implemented in the Technology Modules taught to the Level 5 cohort of Architecture BA (Hons) at The CASS, London Metropolitan University in 2017/18. This paper defines the three-tiered approach or ‘triple-lock’ method used and its benefits to broadened inclusivity and mixed modes of learning. The implementation of practical making exercises, in particular, has helped to address some of the learning challenges associated with dyslexia whilst simultaneously promoting a sense of student community through collaborative, peer-to-peer learning. Emphasis has also been put on diversification of the curriculum delivery to align with a wide range of learning styles reflected in a diverse cohort at the undergraduate school. This ‘triptych’ teaching method is referred to here as a ‘triple-lock’ mechanism.
An exhibition catalogue featuring the physical outcomes of the Home Grown House Research Project.... more An exhibition catalogue featuring the physical outcomes of the Home Grown House Research Project. This includes x5 building systems developed as a kit of parts made from locally sourced coppiced sweet chestnut timber
Trees, and their derivative products, have been used by societies around the world for thousands ... more Trees, and their derivative products, have been used by societies around the world for thousands of years. Contemporary construction of tall buildings from timber, in whole or in part, suggests a growing interest in the potential for building with wood at a scale not previously attainable. As wood is the only significant building material that is grown, we have a natural inclination that building in wood is good for the environment. But under what conditions is this really the case? The environmental benefits of using timber are not straightforward ; although it is a natural product, a large amount of energy is used to dry and process it. Much of this can come from the biomass of the tree itself, but that requires investment in plant, which is not always possible in an industry that is widely distributed among many small producers. And what should we build with wood? Are skyscrapers in timber a good use of this natural resource, or are there other aspects of civil and structural engineering, or large-scale infrastructure, that would be a better use of wood? Here, we consider a holistic picture ranging in scale from the science of the cell wall to the engineering and global policies that could maximise forestry and timber construction as a boon to both people and the planet.
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