Urban Forecast Biobased construction myths & how the UK can keep up with Europe - Anna Lisa McSweeney
In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli and Jon are joined by Anna Lisa McSweeney, UK Networks Lead at Built by Nature, a pioneering not-for-profit working to accelerate the shift toward biobased construction materials. With a background in architecture and activism, Anna Lisa brings sharp insight into what the UK needs to do to keep up with Europe in timber construction, what myths still cloud the conversation, and how networks, funding, and data are being leveraged to unlock a low-carbon future for buildings. They discuss regulatory barriers, insurer perceptions, and the practical steps needed to mainstream natural materials in the built environment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The UK is an outlier: Compared to Europe, the UK ranks fire safety as the number one perceived barrier to using timber, whereas other countries cite cost.
- Insurers aren't the problem, entirely: Many mass timber buildings already have insurance, but a lack of early engagement and data perpetuates hesitation.
- Natural materials require different thinking: Biobased materials like hemp and clay vary naturally, complicating traditional testing and approval methods.
- Data collection is crucial: From energy performance to human health benefits, there's a major push to build robust data sets to support wider adoption.
- Networks are the key: Built by Nature sees the strength of their stakeholder network, developers, insurers, designers, cities, as more powerful than grants alone.
- Design with nature, not against: The principles emerging around responsible timber construction advocate seeing ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it.
- Misconceptions fuel resistance: Concerns around deforestation and fire risk are often based on outdated or incorrect information that doesn't reflect current evidence.
BEST MOMENTS
- “The UK sits as a bit of an outlier from the rest of the European networks… Fire is the number one perceived challenge.”
- “It must be safe, right? These buildings in America aren’t burning down.”
- “People perform better in timber buildings, heart rates go down, concentration goes up.”
- “We need to start collecting more data to show that energy performance is better than the U-value predictor suggests.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
https:/www.builtbn.org
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Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living
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Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.
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