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Conference Presentations by Christopher Whitman
Caerphilly Castle (1268-70) is the first concentric castle in Britain and the second largest in t... more Caerphilly Castle (1268-70) is the first concentric castle in Britain and the second largest in the UK. The dramatic inclination of its ruinous south west tower has been noted since 1539. Comparing data from historical surveys and a terrestrial laser scan undertaken in 2015, this paper seeks to review evidence for the long-term stability of the tower. Digital documentation and archival research by architects is collated to provide data for structural analysis by engineers. A terrestrial laser scan was used to create a detailed three dimensional finite element model to enable structural analysis of the current shape of the tower made by tetrahedral elements. An automated strategy has been implemented for the transformation of the complex three dimensional point cloud into a three dimensional finite element model. Numerical analysis has been carried out aiming at understanding the main structural weaknesses of the tower in its present condition. Comparisons of four sets of data: 1539, 1830, 1870 and 2015 enabled us to determine change albeit between very different methods of measurement.
In Chile the architectural design of all types of residential developments, and their related ser... more In Chile the architectural design of all types of residential developments, and their related services, occurs with no significant consideration of sustainability, energy efficiency or environmental comfort. This lack of consideration not only results in low standards of habitability, connectivity, social integration and health problems but also in the associated ever increasing operational costs, where the greatest impact is felt by the lowest strata. These problems are compounded in Chile's central valley, a climatic region with cold winters and hot summers, where many cities have been declared saturated in terms of airborne pollution. This contamination is a direct result of the thermally inadequate housing stock, intensive use of poor quality wood for heating and the use of inefficient stoves. The study of the mixed use residential building typology presented in this paper incorporates the assessment of sustainable design at every scale from urban placement to construction details and building management. Although there exists sufficient international theoretical knowledge, and national political will, architects are faced by timeframes too tight to apply and validate these theories. Further research is therefore required to provide a prototype applicable to the Chilean reality upon which Chilean architects and society can build.
Papers by Christopher Whitman
Hygrothermal Monitoring of Replacement Infill Panels for Historic Timber-Frame Buildings: Initial Findings, 2021
Energy retrofits aim to improve the thermal performance of buildings' external envelopes. With bu... more Energy retrofits aim to improve the thermal performance of buildings' external envelopes. With buildings of traditional construction there exists the risk that these improvements may lead to interstitial condensation and moisture accumulation. For historic timber-framed buildings, this potentially exposes the embedded historic timbers to conditions favouring fungal decay and insect infestation. Hygrothermal digital simulations can assess this risk, however these have limitations, especially regarding the study of historic and traditional materials, due to a lack of accurate data. The research presented in this paper therefore utilizes the monitoring of physical test panels to examine the performance of four replacement infill details. The paper focuses on the design and construction of the test cell and presents initial results from the first year of monitoring. Peer-review under the responsibility of the organizing committee of the ICMB21.
Retrofitting historic timber-framed buildings is a complex challenge, but one which must be addre... more Retrofitting historic timber-framed buildings is a complex challenge, but one which must be addressed in order to ensure the future of a large part of the UK’s housing stock
Architectural Science Review
International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
Purpose The energy retrofit of the existing building stock, and specifically the thermal upgradin... more Purpose The energy retrofit of the existing building stock, and specifically the thermal upgrading of the buildings’ envelopes, has been identified as a key action for both the decarbonisation of the built environment and the reduction in fuel poverty. When considering the energy retrofit of heritage buildings it is, however, important to recognise both the technical issues that this entails and the potential impact on their cultural value and the emotional responses to it. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the thermal upgrading of historic timber-framed buildings in the UK. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins by exploring the cultural significance of this form of building construction, before examining three case studies using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Findings The results show that whilst the application of energy retrofit actions to this emblematic typology may have limited success, the emotional connection of the buildings’ occupants often ...
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
As we strive to decarbonise our historic built environment, a balance must be struck between tech... more As we strive to decarbonise our historic built environment, a balance must be struck between technical, aesthetic, philosophical and economic concerns. Compromises must be made and opportunities seized. At the same time, evaluation allows us to assess decisions previously made and reflect on their outcomes. This paper presents the evaluation of the refurbishment of The Old Mayor's Parlour, Church Street, Hereford, a historic timber-framed building now used as a gallery and exhibition space. The conservation work undertaken was not specifically envisioned as an energy retrofit, however the necessary replacement of failing concrete block infill, the legacy of a 1970s renovation, allowed improvements to be made to the thermal performance of the external envelope. Environmental monitoring and digital simulation have been used to assess the impact of these interventions. In situ U-value measurements show the success of the replacement infill panels and associated internal lining, although digital energy simulations suggest a limited improvement to the building's overall energy efficiency. At the same time thermography suggests a potential threat of increased condensation risk to the uninsulated ornate 17th century plaster ceiling. The results of this paper show the risk of unintended consequences and the challenges faced by sustainable building conservation.
Journal of Green Building
Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile's Central Valley, must provide hy... more Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile's Central Valley, must provide hygro-thermal comfort both during the cold winters, and the hot days and cool summer nights. Straw, once a material common in Chile's indigenous and vernacular architecture, could meet these demands when coupled with sufficient thermal mass in the form of earth renders and floor finishes. This article presents measurements of dry bulb temperatures and relative humidity, both in physical test chambers and Chilean straw bale homes. The results of these measurements confirm that straw bale construction could provide hygro-thermal comfort with heating demands 28% less than those of constructions that meet the Chilean thermal building regulations. Straw bale, therefore, could provide a viable solution for comfortable, energy efficient, rural dwellings in Chile's Central Valley. Whilst over 40 private straw bale projects have been completed in Chile to date, restrictions applying to proj...
Key Engineering Materials
According to the latest official census of 2002, earth construction represented 5.5% of the Chile... more According to the latest official census of 2002, earth construction represented 5.5% of the Chilean building stock. These buildings of traditional construction techniques of unfired earth and straw blocks (adobe), rammed earth (tapial) or wattle and daub (quincha) form a large proportion of Chile's National Monuments and heritage buildings. In addition to their heritage value, these buildings with their high thermal mass, respond well to the climate conditions of both the altiplano of northern Chile and the Central Valley, zones with high diurnal temperature oscillations, with typical daily temperature differences of up to 20ºC. However, following the 2005 earthquake in Tarapacá, northern Chile and that of the 27th February 2010 in Central Chile, a serious rethink has been required as to the retention and restoration of adobe buildings. Public opinion has labelled earth construction as unsafe and most reconstruction to date has taken place with prefabricated timber solutions which lack the necessary thermal mass to respond well to the climatic conditions. At the same time research into the structural integrity, seismic resistance, maintenance and the living conditions provided by earth construction has been undertaken. In this wider context this paper presents the compilation of international and Chilean research into the hygrothermal properties of adobe construction, in addition to the authors insitu measurements of the temperature and relative humidity in two surviving adobe dwellings in the earthquake hit village of Chépica located in Chile´s Central valley. These measurements are compared with those of a dwelling rebuilt with straw bales and earth render in the same location. Based on this information the paper studies the challenge of rebuilding and restoring heritage buildings whilst providing occupants with the necessary levels of environmental comfort.
Gazi University Journal of Science, 2011
This paper presents the results of a study, commissioned by the Chilean Ministry of Education and... more This paper presents the results of a study, commissioned by the Chilean Ministry of Education and UNESCO, of hygro-thermal comfort, visual comfort, acoustics and indoor air quality, as experienced in selected classrooms of 8 state schools located in distinct climatic zones in Chile.
Energy Procedia, 2015
ABSTRACT
Caerphilly Castle (1268-70) is the first concentric castle in Britain and the second largest in t... more Caerphilly Castle (1268-70) is the first concentric castle in Britain and the second largest in the UK. The dramatic inclination of its ruinous south west tower has been noted since 1539. Comparing data from historical surveys and a terrestrial laser scan undertaken in 2015, this paper seeks to review evidence for the long-term stability of the tower. Digital documentation and archival research by architects is collated to provide data for structural analysis by engineers. A terrestrial laser scan was used to create a detailed three dimensional finite element model to enable structural analysis of the current shape of the tower made by tetrahedral elements. An automated strategy has been implemented for the transformation of the complex three dimensional point cloud into a three dimensional finite element model. Numerical analysis has been carried out aiming at understanding the main structural weaknesses of the tower in its present condition. Comparisons of four sets of data: 1539, 1830, 1870 and 2015 enabled us to determine change albeit between very different methods of measurement.
In Chile the architectural design of all types of residential developments, and their related ser... more In Chile the architectural design of all types of residential developments, and their related services, occurs with no significant consideration of sustainability, energy efficiency or environmental comfort. This lack of consideration not only results in low standards of habitability, connectivity, social integration and health problems but also in the associated ever increasing operational costs, where the greatest impact is felt by the lowest strata. These problems are compounded in Chile's central valley, a climatic region with cold winters and hot summers, where many cities have been declared saturated in terms of airborne pollution. This contamination is a direct result of the thermally inadequate housing stock, intensive use of poor quality wood for heating and the use of inefficient stoves. The study of the mixed use residential building typology presented in this paper incorporates the assessment of sustainable design at every scale from urban placement to construction details and building management. Although there exists sufficient international theoretical knowledge, and national political will, architects are faced by timeframes too tight to apply and validate these theories. Further research is therefore required to provide a prototype applicable to the Chilean reality upon which Chilean architects and society can build.
Hygrothermal Monitoring of Replacement Infill Panels for Historic Timber-Frame Buildings: Initial Findings, 2021
Energy retrofits aim to improve the thermal performance of buildings' external envelopes. With bu... more Energy retrofits aim to improve the thermal performance of buildings' external envelopes. With buildings of traditional construction there exists the risk that these improvements may lead to interstitial condensation and moisture accumulation. For historic timber-framed buildings, this potentially exposes the embedded historic timbers to conditions favouring fungal decay and insect infestation. Hygrothermal digital simulations can assess this risk, however these have limitations, especially regarding the study of historic and traditional materials, due to a lack of accurate data. The research presented in this paper therefore utilizes the monitoring of physical test panels to examine the performance of four replacement infill details. The paper focuses on the design and construction of the test cell and presents initial results from the first year of monitoring. Peer-review under the responsibility of the organizing committee of the ICMB21.
Retrofitting historic timber-framed buildings is a complex challenge, but one which must be addre... more Retrofitting historic timber-framed buildings is a complex challenge, but one which must be addressed in order to ensure the future of a large part of the UK’s housing stock
Architectural Science Review
International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
Purpose The energy retrofit of the existing building stock, and specifically the thermal upgradin... more Purpose The energy retrofit of the existing building stock, and specifically the thermal upgrading of the buildings’ envelopes, has been identified as a key action for both the decarbonisation of the built environment and the reduction in fuel poverty. When considering the energy retrofit of heritage buildings it is, however, important to recognise both the technical issues that this entails and the potential impact on their cultural value and the emotional responses to it. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the thermal upgrading of historic timber-framed buildings in the UK. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins by exploring the cultural significance of this form of building construction, before examining three case studies using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Findings The results show that whilst the application of energy retrofit actions to this emblematic typology may have limited success, the emotional connection of the buildings’ occupants often ...
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
As we strive to decarbonise our historic built environment, a balance must be struck between tech... more As we strive to decarbonise our historic built environment, a balance must be struck between technical, aesthetic, philosophical and economic concerns. Compromises must be made and opportunities seized. At the same time, evaluation allows us to assess decisions previously made and reflect on their outcomes. This paper presents the evaluation of the refurbishment of The Old Mayor's Parlour, Church Street, Hereford, a historic timber-framed building now used as a gallery and exhibition space. The conservation work undertaken was not specifically envisioned as an energy retrofit, however the necessary replacement of failing concrete block infill, the legacy of a 1970s renovation, allowed improvements to be made to the thermal performance of the external envelope. Environmental monitoring and digital simulation have been used to assess the impact of these interventions. In situ U-value measurements show the success of the replacement infill panels and associated internal lining, although digital energy simulations suggest a limited improvement to the building's overall energy efficiency. At the same time thermography suggests a potential threat of increased condensation risk to the uninsulated ornate 17th century plaster ceiling. The results of this paper show the risk of unintended consequences and the challenges faced by sustainable building conservation.
Journal of Green Building
Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile's Central Valley, must provide hy... more Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile's Central Valley, must provide hygro-thermal comfort both during the cold winters, and the hot days and cool summer nights. Straw, once a material common in Chile's indigenous and vernacular architecture, could meet these demands when coupled with sufficient thermal mass in the form of earth renders and floor finishes. This article presents measurements of dry bulb temperatures and relative humidity, both in physical test chambers and Chilean straw bale homes. The results of these measurements confirm that straw bale construction could provide hygro-thermal comfort with heating demands 28% less than those of constructions that meet the Chilean thermal building regulations. Straw bale, therefore, could provide a viable solution for comfortable, energy efficient, rural dwellings in Chile's Central Valley. Whilst over 40 private straw bale projects have been completed in Chile to date, restrictions applying to proj...
Key Engineering Materials
According to the latest official census of 2002, earth construction represented 5.5% of the Chile... more According to the latest official census of 2002, earth construction represented 5.5% of the Chilean building stock. These buildings of traditional construction techniques of unfired earth and straw blocks (adobe), rammed earth (tapial) or wattle and daub (quincha) form a large proportion of Chile's National Monuments and heritage buildings. In addition to their heritage value, these buildings with their high thermal mass, respond well to the climate conditions of both the altiplano of northern Chile and the Central Valley, zones with high diurnal temperature oscillations, with typical daily temperature differences of up to 20ºC. However, following the 2005 earthquake in Tarapacá, northern Chile and that of the 27th February 2010 in Central Chile, a serious rethink has been required as to the retention and restoration of adobe buildings. Public opinion has labelled earth construction as unsafe and most reconstruction to date has taken place with prefabricated timber solutions which lack the necessary thermal mass to respond well to the climatic conditions. At the same time research into the structural integrity, seismic resistance, maintenance and the living conditions provided by earth construction has been undertaken. In this wider context this paper presents the compilation of international and Chilean research into the hygrothermal properties of adobe construction, in addition to the authors insitu measurements of the temperature and relative humidity in two surviving adobe dwellings in the earthquake hit village of Chépica located in Chile´s Central valley. These measurements are compared with those of a dwelling rebuilt with straw bales and earth render in the same location. Based on this information the paper studies the challenge of rebuilding and restoring heritage buildings whilst providing occupants with the necessary levels of environmental comfort.
Gazi University Journal of Science, 2011
This paper presents the results of a study, commissioned by the Chilean Ministry of Education and... more This paper presents the results of a study, commissioned by the Chilean Ministry of Education and UNESCO, of hygro-thermal comfort, visual comfort, acoustics and indoor air quality, as experienced in selected classrooms of 8 state schools located in distinct climatic zones in Chile.
Energy Procedia, 2015
ABSTRACT