Towards Low Technology - Higher Performance Architecture | an ion

Government targets for emission reduction currently put high pressure on construction. The building industry consumes about 50% of all global resources for material production while building operation uses roughly 42% of final energy and produces 34% of all GHG in the EU. The housing sector annually contributes about 25% to the total carbon emissions. According to this large environmental impact, construction and building operation also have great potential to tackle the same. Thus, the U.K. and Scottish government have specified ambitious objectives such as 34% emission reduction by 2020, the zero carbon policy for new homes by 2016 and Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan for 2025. Furthermore, the ongoing energy crisis presently affects developed countries economic, political and social level due to their high dependence on fossil fuel imports. Thus, energy efficiency targets are simultaneously efforts towards energy independence and self-sustaining by a use of resources with long-term local availability. Within the principles of simple function, ease of manufacture, ease of use, robustness and ease of maintenance, the concept of Low Technology can provide solutions to all highlighted points in a holistic design and construction approach. Considerations of site, building form, orientation and climate are primary to the concept focusing on the interaction with the environment in order to limit energy demand by maximising solar gains, indoor illumination and natural ventilation. Furthermore, the notion approaches construction on a local level by employing natural, regionally resourced materials, thus providing stable, localised economies and social security. On the topic of new build housing, this research aims to answer the question of suitability of Low Tech and natural materials in Scotland. It is estimated that by 2050, approximately a quarter of the total building total stock will be new build. Accordingly, new homes will forms a considerable seg-ment impacting on environment and economy. Within this context, potentials of a Low Tech idea were tested in a hygrothermal performance simulation in WUFI. Six natural material cases, catego-rised in thermal mass, insulation and hybrid construction, were tested against a Timber Frame Base Case in differing scenarios. The research results highlighted the good performance, operational cost savings as well as reduced environmental impact achievable within the combination of strategic building orientation, monolithic construction and natural materials. However, further benefits such as moisture regulative properties for mould growth prevention, non-toxicity of materials and adequacy within the strict health and safety regulations in the U.K. have been identified. Accordingly, Low Tech proved suitable for Scotland’s humid climate and furthermore, has the potential to ensure higher building performance.