HPH282 : How to share knowledge, test and debunk! – with Nick Grant
Mar 18, 2020
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Nick Grant, an expert in environment-conscious building, shares insights on the challenges of embracing change in architecture and sustainable design. He discusses the difficulties and potential solutions of retrofitting existing buildings. The podcast also explores contrasting visions of the future and reflects on the impact of the ACB conference on the building industry.
Question established methods and be willing to admit mistakes in the construction industry.
Embrace evidence-based approaches and continuously improve design decisions for sustainable building.
Deep dives
The Importance of Critical Thought and Learning from Mistakes
The podcast discusses the importance of critical thought and learning from mistakes in the construction industry. It emphasizes the need for openness to questioning established methods and being willing to admit when something isn't working. The speaker shares personal examples, such as the realization that certain practices, like rainwater harvesting, didn't make sense in terms of life cycle assessment and economics. They also highlight the value of constantly learning and improving, particularly in relation to energy efficiency and building design.
The Evolution of Building Design: From Intuition to Evidence-Based Approaches
The podcast explores the evolution of building design, highlighting the shift from intuition-based practices to evidence-based approaches. The speaker shares their experience of initially designing a house without energy modeling, relying on intuition and basic concepts like insulation and thermal bridges. However, later analysis revealed the flaws in their design and the importance of considering factors like heat loss area and form factor. This example illustrates the importance of embracing new knowledge and continuously improving design decisions based on evidence.
The Role of Passive House in Sustainable Building
The podcast delves into the significance of Passive House as a standard for sustainable building. The speaker emphasizes that Passive House is not the only approach, but it provides a reliable and tested framework for achieving low-energy and comfortable buildings. They address the misconception that Passive House is only about energy efficiency, highlighting its consideration for various factors like thermal bridges, air tightness, and ventilation. The discussion underscores the value of starting with a proven standard like Passive House before exploring further innovations and customization.
Challenges and Considerations in Retrofitting Existing Buildings
The podcast examines the challenges and considerations in retrofitting existing buildings for improved sustainability. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty of retrofitting, particularly when it comes to listed buildings or those with high refurbishment costs. They emphasize the need for finding cost-effective solutions and using retrofit opportunities wisely, such as combining necessary repairs with energy efficiency improvements. The discussion also touches on the tension between low-carbon heating strategies and retrofitting, highlighting the complexities of addressing existing building stock in the face of climate change.