Living Retrofitting Urbanism

1

LIVING RETROFITTING URBANISM

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPE URBANISM

Xueyu Wang | Yueshan Zhu | Yu Zhang 2021-2022

1

2

LIVING RETROFITTING URBANISM SUBMITTED BY Xueyu Wang Yueshan Zhu Yu Zhang DIRECTORS José Alfredo Ramìrez Eduardo Rico STUDIO MASTER Clara Olòriz Sanjuan HISTORY AND THEORY Clara Olòriz Sanjuan Teresa Stoppani TECHNICAL TUTOR Daniel Kiss

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to our thesis advisors Alfredo Ramirez, Clara Oloriz Sanjuan and Eduardo Rico. Whitout their patient guidance, enthusiastic encouragement and useful critiques, it would not have been possible to constuct the whole project and the full thesis.

We are grateful for the help and direction of all the external jurors and fellow researchers. We would like to also thank Joanne Harrison for the shareing of surveys of Harehills area. And also to Cypren Edmunds of StrawBale UK, Bjørn Kierulf of ECOCOCON and Ben Coles-Hollely of Natural Building UK for their expertise on the professional technical aspect and the notion of Living Retrofitting Urbanism.

We appreciate Jan Bares of EKOPANELY for providing us with straw templates. And lastly, this endeavor would not have been possible without the generous support from our Technical tutor Daniel Kiss, we wolud like to express our deep appreciation for prompt and conscientious in answering questions and providing assistance each time.

3

4

ABSTRACT In the United Kingdom, many regions, have high CO2 emissions while also experiencing huge inequalities such as fuel poverty. UK's responsibility for global

WHAT IS LIVING RETROFITTING URBANISM?

excess emissions and the increase of fuel poverty locally, demands alternative models be developed.

Using Leeds as a case study we seek to develop a

Living Retrofitting Urbanism is a project based on the Green New Deal policy which calls for public policies to address climate change under the Retrofit Revolution topic of AA Landscape Urbanism. Our research has shown that CO2 emissions are strongly associated with the construction of houses, and account for the majority of total CO2 emissions, which means many of the houses built today do no tmeet green standards. This is why the retrofitting of houses is necessary in order to reach the net zero plan for 2050.

In our research, we identified the potential for retrofitting using living materials like straw. Using the Community Wealth Building concept as a basis, the Italian 110% Superbouns scheme and the French New Sustainability Law as the main political references, we have developed our proposals following advice from retrofit and living materials organisations such as StrawBale United Kingdom and Natural Building United Kingdom and interviews with local residents.

Living Retrofitting Urbanism propose a housing retrofitting strategy that prioritizes the use of living materials and accessible low-tech in the historical neighbourhood of Harehills in Leeds which aims to 'retrofit' people’s life and advocat people living in a 'retrofitting' world.

strategy to retrofit local back-to-back housing with living materials and accessible low-tech and provide a local and sustainable alternative to this housing, energy and ecological crisis we are living which should be integral to any Green New Deal proposal.

This thesis is sectioned into six main chapters, starting with the background of the housing crisis which elaborates on social problems and environmental issues brought about by the construction industry.

We also demonstrate the potential of using living materials to retrofit and introduce basic information about our research site. The second chapter explains what are living materials and the current situation of living materials used in construction. By comparison, we choose straw as an example for living materials for in-depth study and show a case study of using straw as role construction material to build a community.

In the third chapter, we introduce the exsiting retrofit system and the implementation of retrofitting. We also anlysis the hosing situation of Leeds in order to match the need of retrofitting. Somes case studies also be shown in this part.

The fourth chapter is the most important chapter of our thesis. We propose a local low-tech retrofit strategy and network for Leeds, analysis the problems of back-to-back houses and introduce the techniques of retrofitting them. What's more, we reconnect the local framework with our community design and shows the reduction of CO2 emissions during the retrofit process.

The fifth chapter shows the barries and opportunities of using living materials to retrofit. The lastest charpter explore how can actions meet potential of Living Retrofitting Urbanism in detail.

5

6

CONTENTS 04.

01.

02.

FUEL POVERTY UNAFFORDABLE PRICE CLIMATE CHANGE THE POTENTIAL OF USING LIVING MATERIAL TO RETROFIT STUDY SITE

11 12 13 19 21

LIVING MATERIALS 02.1 02.2 02.3 02.4

03.

04.1 LOW-TECH RETROFIT 04.2 COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING IN STRAW RETROFIT 04.3 LOW-CARBON RETROFIT SYSTEM 04.4 SITE SPECULATION IN HAREHILLS 04.5 RETROFITTING IN HAREHILLS 04.6 PROBLEMS OF BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE 04.7 COOPERATION SCENARIO IN COMMUNITY 04.8 RETROFIT DETAILS 04.9 INSULATION RETROFIT MATERIALS 04.10 HOW TO INSULATE WITH STRAW 04.11 INSULATED WALL DESIGN 04.12 RETROFIT EFFECT 04.13 COMMUNITY RETROFIT 04.14 DECONSTRUCTION SITE 04.15 FLY FACTORY 04.16 COMMUNITY SCENARIO RENDERING 04.17 COMPARISON

HOUSING CRISIS 01.1 01.2 01.3 01.4 01.5

WHAT ARE LIVING MATERIALS? USED IN CONSTRUCTION STRAW CASE STUDY

31 32 33 41

05.

RETROFIT SYSTEM RETROFIT IMPLEMENTATION HOUSING SITUATION OF LEEDS CASE STUDIES

47 49 50 51

06.

MORGATES AND INSURANCE KNOWLEDGE GAP SKILLS AND JOBS RISKS

91 92 93 94

ACTIONS TO MEET POTENTIAL 06.1 DIRECT ACTION 06.2 ENABLING FACTORS 06.3 SIMULTANEOUS FURTHER WORK

7

57 59 60 65 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 75 77 79 81 83 85

BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES 05.1 05.2 05.3 05.4

HOME RETROFIT 03.1 03.2 03.3 03.4

LOW-TECH RETROFIT WITH STRAW

99 101 102

8

01. HOUSING CRISIS

01.1 FUEL POVERTY 01.2 UNAFFORDABLE PRICE 01.3 CLIMATE CHANGE 01.4 THE POTENTIAL OF USING LIVING MATERIAL TO RETROFIT 01.5 STUDY SITE

Housing is a basic human need. But today, the serious housing crisis is affecting a lot of individuals. As one of the major housing issues, fuel poverty is gaining more and more attention and the number of households in fuel poverty is rising rapidly. Moreover, many citizens cannot afford the cost of the house itself or the energy bills.

Meanwhile, the situation with regard to climate change is also getting worse as a result of the CO2 emissions that are rising year after year, with construction accounting for 40% of those emissions. We seek to identify the possibility for retrofitting with living materials in a low-tech manner so that everyone may engage and affect change. We tried to create it as a prototype by using back-to-back houses in Leeds, UK, as our research site.

9

10

01.2 UNAFFORDABLE PRICE 01.1 FUEL POVERTY

In 2021, house prices have gone up by 9.5%. This has

Definition of fuel poverty

in the last three months of 2021. For would-be first-

Fuel poverty is the condition by which a household

the current average price of £277,000 nearly £25,000

a knock-on effect on renters. UK rents rose by 8.3%

is unable to afford to heat their home to an adequate temperature.

time buyers, the situation is as bad if not worse, with higher than just a year ago. Those looking to have a roof to live under will find little solace in official figures.

DIAGRAM .01/ GLOBALISATION OF RESEARCH ON FUEL POVERTY

By Yu Zhang

These record an 11% drop in the number of total homes added in 2021 compared with the year before.

The number of new affordable houses that began The globalisation of research on fuel poverty

being built dropped 16% year on year. Shortages of

A historical overview of the field reveals the substantial globalisation of research on energy and fuel poverty.

Diagram. 01 shows that, by 2019, 73 countries

labour and materials, as well as planning delays, will make it harder for the 11th Tory housing minister since 2010 to meet government targets for new homes.

D IA GRA M X l HOUSING A FFORD A B ILITY PROPE RTY PRIC E PE R ME A N INC OME

have published scientific articles on energy and fuel poverty. The UK is the clear leader with 243 published articles, followed by the USA with 68 articles, and Spain with 58. Scholars in the UK mostly use the term fuel poverty, whereas the term energy poverty is more widespread in the USA, Spain and other EU countries.

COUNT 1

243

DIAGRAM .02/ NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN FUEL POVERTY DIAGRAM .03/ PROPORTION OF HOUSEHOLDS FUEL POOR (%)

By Yu Zhang

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Number of households in fuel poverty is rising Rising energy costs are pushing many households in the UK to the brink — many are faced with a choice between eating or heating. It's already bad, but 2022 is set to be the hardest year ever for many people as the annual price cap for energy is due to rise by over 50% come April. Experts warn that one in four families in the UK is expected to be plunged into fuel poverty.

11K

22.14 - 25

9.7K - 11K

19.28 - 22.14

8.4K - 9.7K

16.42 - 19.28

7.1K-8.4K

13.56 - 16.42

5.9K - 7.1K

10.70 - 13.56

4.6K - 5.9K

7.84 - 10.70

3.3K - 4.6K

5 - 7.86

2K - 3.3K

One is the cost-of-living crisis sparked by escalating energy bills (rising by an average of £693 annually for households on standard tariffs and £708 for those on prepayment meters); skyrocketing fuel costs (currently £1.79 per litre for petrol and £1.85 per litre for diesel); and inflation (forecast to reach 10 per cent by the end of the year).

The other is our housing cost is rising. The average house in the UK now costs more than eight times the average annual salary of £31,772, similar to the ratio

FIGURE. 02/ THE RISING COSTS OF HOUSING AND LIVING THREATEN A NEW WAVE OF HOMELESSNESS ACROSS UK. PHOTO CREDIT : JOEL GOODMAN

25+

Two interlocking crises:

in the late 1800s. An ever-dwindling stock of social housing is treated as the new normal—while the fact that two-fifths of renters are struggling to pay their housing costs (as estimated by the ONS in a recent FIGURE. 01/ DEMONSTRATION OF FUEL POVERTY

report) is regarded as an ordinary state of affairs.

11

12

DIAGRAM .05/ GLOBAL CO2 EMISSIONS AND ENERGY CONSUME SITUATION

By Xueyu Wang

01.3 CLIMATE CHANGE Global Co2 emissions & Energy consume situation The cumulative territorial and consumption-based CO2 emissions by rank (1970-2015) given by Jason Hickel are shown on the graph, which indicates that higher-income countries have produced more significant historical emissions. The United States and

LEGENDS inside the global global co2 emissions (MtCo2e)

Europe bear a disproportionate share of the blame

0.000000-10.000000

for the amount to which countries respond to climate

10.0000001-30.000000

change.

30.0000001-50.000000

Most countries are experiencing a carbon dioxide emissions crisis, with the United States, China, Europe, and India emitting the most. From the data

50.0000001-70.000000 70.0000001-100.000000 100.000001-250.000000

given by Climate watch, it appears that buildings and

250.0000001-500.000000

construction also play a role in this.

500.0000001-1000.000000 1000.0000001-5281.570000

The graph depicts how much energy is consumed in each country and how each country's energy crisis could be alleviated following retrofitting policies.

Finally, the United Kingdom actually produces a lot of carbon dioxide. It bears a lot of responsibility for climate change. The greenhouse gas emissions by

5281.570001-9663.360000

outside the global Responsibility for excess emissions Energy consume after retrofitting Energy consume before retrofitting

sector data from the Department for Business, Energy

Building sector Co2 emissions

& Industrial Strategy shows that buildings account

Total Co2 emissions

for a quarter of the UK's total CO2 emissions. As a result, the United Kingdom now has an urgent need to execute retrofits to minimise carbon dioxide emissions

Proportion of total cumulative territorial (1850–1969) and consumption-based (1970–2015) Co2 emissions by rank

and save more energy.

13

14

DIAGRAM .06/ THE CURRENT SITUATION OF CO2 EMISSIONS IN THE UK

By Xueyu Wang and Yu Zhang

Co2 emissions and Fuel poverty situation in the uk The data from the UK Department for business, energy & industrial strategy shows that there is a crisis of excessive CO2 emissions in a large number of areas in the UK. Co2 emissions may not only lead to air pollution that affects people's health but may also lead to overheating in buildings and the risk of FIGURE. 03/ HOMES IN ENGLAND ARE A GREATER THREAT TO THE CLIMATE

flooding.

Many regions in the United Kingdom, including London, Leeds, have high carbon dioxide emissions while also experiencing fuel poverty. They are all potential priorities for retrofitting to help them alleviate fuel poverty and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The UK department for business, energy & industrial strategy data shows that there are areas on the map where there is a crisis of excessive CO2 emissions.

Of these areas, Northern Lincolnshire, Cheshire, and Leeds have the highest emissions. These are the priority areas for retrofitting in this project.

In addition, the graph shows that in 2021, households in England will produce more carbon emissions than all cars in the country and pose a more significant threat to the climate. This information makes us more concerned about the impact of housing on climate change and the urgent need to implement decarbonisation and retrofitting projects.

15

LEGENDS Map:Uk Co2 emissions(Mt)

0.000000-0.654059

0.654059-1.103487

4.249100-7.560894

1.970372-4.249099

1.103488-1.970371 Areas with high carbon dioxide emissions

16

FIGURE. 04/ HOMES IN ENGLAND ARE A GREATER THREAT TO THE CLIMATE

DIAGRAM .0/ THE CURRENT SITUATION OF ENERGY IN THE UK

By Xueyu Wang and Yu Zhang

The current situation of energy in the uk

The Office for National Statistics on fuel poverty data shows that many areas of the UK are experiencing fuel poverty. This is particularly evident in Leeds, Pendle, Newham, and other areas.

DIAGRAM .07/ GRE TA B RITA IN NATURA L GA S PRIC E S MONTHLY A VE RA GE

By Xueyu Wang

£ 300.00 £ 250.00 £ 200.00 £ 150 £ 100 £ 50.00 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

And, as is evident from the chart, gas prices in the UK are set to rise significantly in 2021. The resulting spike in household energy bills pushes millions of Britons into fuel poverty. This has a certain impact on the livelihoods of the population. Therefore, one of the aims of this project is to alleviate the energy crisis by retrofitting homes with different materials.

17

LEGENDS Map:Uk Co2 emissions(Mt)

Fuel poverty(%) = Households in fuel poverty / Number of households

0.000000-0.654059

0.654059-1.103487

4.249100-7.560894

1.970372-4.249099

1.103488-1.970371 Areas with high fuel poverty

18

DIAGRAM .09/ NEW BUILD OR RETROFIT OR RETROFIT WITH LIVING MATERIALS

By Yu Zhang

Option A: Construction of new building​in CO2 emissions (Using an embodied carbon rate of 350kgCO2e/m2 (LETI 2030 targets for offices (conservative)))

Transport to Landfill​ Assume 50km away​

Demolish

Disposal​

Grand total CO2 emissions: 1302 tCO2e

01.4 THE POTENTIAL OF USING LIVING MATERIAL TO RETROFIT

Option B: Retrofit CO2 emissions may be similar to: (Assuming retrofitting requires 10% of the building to be demolished and removed, and 30% new construction) When we face the problems caused by the housing crisis, what can dwellers do? What can the anchor institutions do? What can the government do?

Which policies should be changed or added?

In terms of the house itself, what should be changed? Which scheme is better? New build or retrofit? What kind of insulation should we choose? How is the technolgy like? How to balance the operate costs and carbon emissions?

10% Deconstruction & material​​

30% new construction

FIGURE. 05/ THE CASE OF USING STRAW TO RETROFIT

Grand total CO2 Emissions for Retrofit: 404.9 tCO2e

Option C: Retrofit with living materials CO2 emissions may be similar to: (Assuming retrofitting requires 10% of the building to be demolished and removed, and 10% new construction)

In the UK, in 2022, developers pay a standard 20% tax on the retrofit of a building and 0% tax to flatten and build from scratch.

Costs are important, but so are the building's historical value, sustainability, and potential effects on the environment should be considered!

Emissions Embodited 10% Deconstruction & material​​

10% new construction​

in construction

Grand total CO2 Emissions for Retrofit: 145.1 tCO2e

Here is a calculation from TCN UK, which shows the CO2 emissions of new build and retrofit.1

Option A – Demolish & Build New That’s the equivalent of cutting down 8707 trees Option B – Retrofit That’s the equivalent of cutting down 2433 trees Option C – Retrofit with living materials That’s the equivalent of cutting down 876 trees, but that option can store 35tCO2e

19

1• [A1–A3] Product stage • [A4 and A5] Construction process stage: transport to site and construction installation process • [B1] Use • [B2] Maintenance • [B3 and B4] Repair and replacement • [B5] Refurbishment • [B6] Operational energy use • [B7] Operational water use • [C1] Deconstruction and demolition process • [C2] Transport • [C3] Waste processing for reuse, recovery or recycling • [C4] Disposal • [D] Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary.

20

01.5 STUDY SITE To achieve Leeds zero carbon by 2030, Leeds local plan Update sets out the

by many farms and the city council has a retrofit policy. So, we chose Leeds as the

approach in five aspects to operational carbon that will be necessary to deliver zero

location for our study.

carbon buildings.

The current Leeds planning policy approach is focussed on reducing operational

Now, Leeds government has secured £37million funding to improve the energy

energy use but not any reduction of the embodied carbon.

efficiency of 4,500 properties including residential buildings in Leeds. The

FIGURE. 06/ WHOLE LIFECYCLE CARBON EMISSIONS

Leeds is one of the cities in the UK with high CO2 emissions. It is also surrounded

DIAGRAM .12/ TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF LEEDS

By Yu Zhang

DIAGRAM .10/ HOME RETROFIT POLICY MAP

By Yu Zhang

RETROFIT POLICES IN LEEDS

investment will support the council’s commitment to reduce the city’s direct The Leeds Council currently has a planning policy that goes further than national

emissions to net-zero by 2030 and will also support local ‘green’ jobs in industries

building regulations. Core Strategy Policy EN1 requires major development to

carrying out the improvements.

be 20% more energy efficient than the Building Regulations standard and requires 10% of the energy needs of the development to come from renewable

But in fact, it costs a lot more to retrofit in a conventional way. It is estimated by city

or low carbon energy sources. The objective is also met by Core Strategy Policy

council that to ensure all properties are meet standard by 2030 will require £95 to

EN2 which requires major commercial development to be built to the BREEAM

£190 million altogether.

Excellent standard (which includes mandatory energy standards).

DIAGRAM .11/ THE POTENTIAL OF LEEDS

By Xueyu Wang

FIGURE. 07/ LEEDS RETROFIT POLICIES

21

22

DIAGRAM .16/ RADITIONAL MATERIALS TRANSPORT TO LEEDS FROM OTHER PART OF THE UK

By Yueshan Zhu

CURRENT SITUATION OF LEEDS yamleBr & anigSt According to Place-based Carbon Calculator for England data, the overall CO2 emissions are mainly come from the southwestern parts of Leeds, in Ardsley &

ontBes & Holbeck

Robin Hood Ward, the largest amount of carbon dioxide is emitted, Beeston & Holbeck and Bramley & Stanning Ward are the second and third largest CO2 emitters in Leeds which located in the west of Leeds.

FIGURE X l PLA C E VB A SE D C A RB ON C A LC ULATOR FOR E NGLA ND DATA

However, there is less CO2 emission in the centre of

ydsleAr & obinR Hod

Leeds.

local retrofit company conventional materials' quarry transportaion route Similarly, the CO2 emission from heating gas are also

conventional material comapny

concentrated in the south-west of Leeds. Bramley & Stanning Ward comes first with 34,983 (MtCO2e) CO2 emissions, 24178 for Ardsley & Robin Hood Ward, and 20498 for Beeston & Holbeck Ward. The ward

yamleBr & anigSt

named Little London & Woodhouse has the least CO2 emssion in Leeds, the amount of CO2 in this area is

FIGURE. 09/ RETROFITTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS OF LEEDS

less than 1/8 of the one of Bramley & Stanning Ward.

ontBes & Holbeck

FIGURE. 10/ TARMAC DRY RIGG HARDSTONE QUARRY NEAR LEEDS

ydsleAr & obinR Hod

CONVENTIONAL RETROFIT IN LEEDS House’s EPC rating will depend on: the amount of energy used per m², and the level of carbon dioxide emissions (given in tonnes per year)

The conventional retrofit process begins with finding a building surveyor to assess whether the home needs

Referring to EPC standard based on the condition

retrofitting, if so, there is 20% VAT needs to pay in

of energy use and CO2 emission in housing, Leeds

advance. This policy may demotivate people to involve

scores D ( rating 63.07）, and in 2018 around one in

in the retrofit of their houses.

y ahdnuo R

(10%), the same as the average for England (10%).

On the contrary, the region in the centre of Leeds score lowest in all areas. Gipton & Harehills Ward get the score of 58.27, and the regions next to it (Roundhay and Burmantofts & Richmond Hill) get the the second and third lowest scores. Bramley & Stannin, Ardsley & Robin Hood and Beeston & Holbeck ward all score above 62.

d ra W After that, the LABC will evaluate the design scheme

ontGip & hilseHar dar W .

w

DIAGRAM .17/ CONVENTIONAL RETROFIT MODEL

By Yueshan Zhu

DIAGRAM .13/ TOTAL AMOUNT OF CO2 EMISSION DIAGRAM .14/ CO2 EMISSION FROM HOME HEATING DIAGRAM .15/ AVERAGE HOUSING EPC SCORE

By Yueshan Zhu

ten households in Leeds were living in fuel poverty

from retrofit design company.If the plan is approved,

I

the conventional construction materials like cement, rock, and sand produced in other parts of Britain are sent to the construction site and used to retrofit. In this stage, there is a lot of embodied carbon dioxide will be produced, including the processing of materials and transportation.

After finished, Housing Association will offer the housing to people most suited to that particular property. And The constructors will go to the site and start retrofitting. In most cases, the house owners may not involve the process.

23

24

HAREHILLS CURRENT SITUATION

LEEDS TYPICAL HOUSING TYPE - BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE HISTORY

FIGURE. 11/ LEEDS IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

"abominations" yet still being inhabited. 5

Harehills are mostly residential areas and the population density is also much

The back-to-back houses themselves look rather shabby, some of the brick walls

higher in areas with many back-to-back houses. The main demographic is between

have been refreshed, but they are not aesthetically pleasing and even very jarring

Back-to-back homes had lost favour with locals and

Through the 1960s and 1970s, nationwide destruction

the ages of 35 and 64. The majority of the back-to-back housing is in the western

in places. Some of the basements of the houses are deserted and have been set

the government by the start of the 20th century, who

persisted. Leeds was the second-largest city outside

part of Harehills. Economic activity is also concentrated in this area. Harehills has

apart. Some have also been used as small storage rooms for sundries or as wine

attempted to outlaw their construction and demolish

of London towards the end of the 1970s with around

the majority of back-to-back housing in Leeds and is typical of many studies. So we

cellars. The residents are comfortable living in the houses, as they can have a

existing homes worldwide. Health and ventilation were

30,000 back-to-back dwellings.

have also zoomed in on the Harehills area for our study.

house to themselves and therefore do not feel cramped, but some complain that

among the main issues raised since data showed

In the United Kingdom, back-to-backs are a type of terraced home that was constructed from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. Leeds began to build back-to-back buildings in response to the housing shortage. And the first back-to-back houses were built by 1790 in Briggate, Leeds. The proprietors of mills and mines built several back-to-back buildings in the 18th and 19th centuries to increase the number FIGURE X l PE TE R B A RB E R [S B A C K VTO VB A C K HOUSING PROJE C T

of workers who could dwell in the smallest amount of space while maintaining a low cost.

their energy bills are very expensive. The walls or hedges in front of some houses

that people who lived in back-to-back dwellings had

A 2008 investigation indicated significant levels of

are so high that it seems difficult to establish a connection with the neighbourhood.

generally poor health. Dr. James Niven reported that

crime in the region, notably in connection to narcotics

There is no public greenery in the streets in front of the houses, only rubbish bins,

death rates in Manchester were 40% higher for people

and gangs. As the 21st century went on, security in

and some rubbish is even thrown outside.

living in back-to-back homes compared to those in

Leeds' Harehills neighbourhood continued to decline

through homes, and infectious illnesses and diarrhoea

because of its complicated population. Peter Barber,

4

DIAGRAM .19/ MAPPINGS OF HAREHILLS CURRENT SITUATION

By Yu Zhang

Health tried unsuccessfully to stop their development.

were more common. The construction of this type of

a designer, has now recognised the potential of back-

dwelling was prohibited by a modification in the law

to-back housing and created a retrofit for the back-to-

made in 1909.

back house that, in his opinion, gives people a house rather than a flat.6

As a result of the First World War's introduction of council housing, councils organised statutory slum clearing programmes as part of post-war housing rebuilding programmes. Such programmes picked up steam in the 1920s with the start of extensive home destruction and the creation of "homes suited for heroes."

2

The local council in Leeds had spent around £1 million

Back-to-back buildings were widely believed to transmit illness by the 1830s, and major towns like Manchester and Liverpool forbade their development 3

in the 1840s and 1860s, respectively. New home construction was subject to restrictions established by the Leeds Improvement Act of 1866. Around 1880, when population density had increased to 200 persons living in 50–60 homes per acre, the Medical Officer for

(equivalent to £107 million in 2019) purchasing older, subpar back-to-back homes for demolition during the early 20th century, while continuing to construct improved homes in a similar style until 1937, despite being outlawed in 1909 when it was decided that homes should be of a higher quality overall. By 1926, there were 72,000 of these homes in Leeds,

Through our research, we found that this community has a lot of potential for

32,000 of which Dr. Christoper Addison referred to as

transformation. Even though it is true that the environment is not very good, people still want to live here and the neighbourhood is more harmonious. They are not willing to demolish the houses themselves, they have a sense of identity with the back-to-back houses. We can improve the houses, the streets and the neighbourhoods by adding common areas, green spaces and workshops, and by calling on the residents to participate in the retrofit, to strengthen the neighbourhoods.

After our conversation with a PhD specialising in the development of Harehills and our field research, we found that despite the good opinions of the neighbours the public space is poor and lacks infrastructure with some abandoned areas, poorly designed streets, and houses in a poor state of repair. And dwellers here desire more public areas and green spaces to keep their mental health.

There are many private cars parked on either side of the section to the back-toback housing. "This makes it easy for other people to get into this community, but it's hard for the people who live here to get out. There are lots of roads, but it's not convenient." So said one of the Harehills residents we spoke to.

D IA GRA M X l THE HISTORY OF B A C K VTO VB A C KS IN LE E D S

By Yu Zhang

FIGURE X V l PHOTOS OF A FIE LD TRIP TO LE E D S

25

2. Partridge, Chris. 2004. “Back-To-back to Make a Comeback?” The Guardian. September 26, 2004. https://www.theguardian.com/money/2004/ sep/26/property.urbandesign.

3.Ravetz, Alison. 2013. Model Estate (Routledge Revivals) : Planned Housing at Quarry Hill, Leeds. Routledge.

4. “CLAUSE 44.—(Prohibition of Back-To-Back Houses.) (Hansard, 1 November 1909).” n.d. Api.parliament.uk. Accessed September 21, 2022. https:// api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1909/nov/01/clause-44-prohibition-of-back-to-back.

5. “HOUSING (FINANCIAL PROVISIONS) ACT, 1924. (Hansard, 2 December 1926).” n.d. Api.parliament.uk. Accessed September 21, 2022. https://api. parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1926/dec/02/housing-financial-provisions-act-1924. ‌ 6. “BACK to back to BACK.” n.d. Peter Barber Architects. http://www.peterbarberarchitects.com/back-to-back-to-back.

26

REFERENCE “PoliMapper - Mapping Policy Data Interactively.” n.d.

‌Figure. 06/

Visualisation.polimapper.co.uk. Accessed July 10,

2022. Leeds.gov.uk. 2022. https://www.leeds.gov.uk/

2022. https://visualisation.polimapper.co.uk/?dataSet-

planning/planning-policy/local-plan-update.

Key=fuel-poverty-england&client=politicscouk.

Figure .07/ “The Guardian View on Unaffordable Homes: Build-

2022. Leeds.gov.uk. 2022. https://www.leeds.gov.uk/

ing Injustice into the Economy | Editorial.” 2022. The

benefits/affordable-warmth/affordable-warmth-strate-

Guardian. February 21, 2022. https://www.theguard-

gy.

ian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/21/the-guardian-view-on-unaffordable-homes-building-injustice-in-

Figure .08/

to-the-economy.

“Place-Based Carbon Calculator.” n.d. Place-Based Carbon Calculator. Accessed September 23, 2022.

“Public UK Government Data and Local Informa-

https://www.carbon.place/#8/51.482/-0.151.

tion.” n.d. Britdata.net. Accessed July 10, 2022. https://britdata.net/map/housing-affordability?view-

Figure .09/

box=63.54094183322837.

“Retrofitting Energy Efficiency in Buildings.” n.d.

Leeds City Council News. Accessed September 23,

“Projects | Grain Architecture.” n.d. Grainarchitecture.

2022. https://news.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-spotlight/retro-

Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.grainar-

fitting-energy-efficiency-in-buildings.

chitecture.co.uk/projects.

Figure .10/ “Local Authority CO2 Interactive Maps - NAEI, UK.”

“Tarmac Dry Rigg Hardstone Quarry.” n.d. Nicelocal.

n.d. Naei.beis.gov.uk. https://naei.beis.gov.uk/la-

co.uk. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://nicelo-

co2app/.

cal.co.uk/yorkshire-humber/building/tarmac_dry_rigg_ hardstone_quarry/.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Primc, Kaja, Miha Dominko, and Renata Slabe-Erker. 2021. “30 Years of Energy and Fuel Poverty Research: A Retrospective Analysis and Future Trends.”

Journal of Cleaner Production 301 (June): 127003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127003.

Figure .11/ Dreams, Municipal. 2013. “Leeds, 1934 – Rent Rebates and a Tenants’ Strike: ‘the Whole System…

Turning Round.’” Municipal Dreams. March 26, 2013. https://municipaldreams.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/ rebates-and-rent-strike/.

Figure .12/ “BACK to back to BACK.” n.d. Peter Barber Architects. http://www.peterbarberarchitects.com/back-to-back-to-

FIGURE

back.

Figure. 01/ Welle (www.dw.com), Deutsche. n.d. “World in Progress: Eating or Heating in the UK? | DW | 09.02.2022.” DW.COM. Accessed July 10, 2022. https://www.dw.com/en/world-in-progress-eating-orheating-in-the-uk/av-60715529.

Figure. 02/ Collins, Sarah. 2022. Review of The Root of the Costof-Living Crisis? Unaffordable Housing. Edited by Sarah Collins. June 16, 2022. https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/the-root-of-the-cost-of-livingcrisis-unaffordable-housing.

Figure .03/ Homes in England are a greater threat to the climate.

Poor insulation and gas central heating systems are often the cause of heat loss from homes. https://www. dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9925151/HomesEngland-produce-carbon-emissions-countrys-CARSstudy-claims.html Figure. 04/ https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/exhibitions/uneven-growth-tactical-urbanism-for-expanding-megacities ‌Figure. 05/ “News.” n.d. Evergreen Architects. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.evergreenarchitects.co.uk/ news.

27

28

02. LIVING MATERIALS

02.1 WHAT ARE LIVING MATERIALS? 02.2 USED IN CONSTRUCTION 02.3 STRAW 02.4 CASE STUDY

There is a growing shortage of building materials and many of the original building materials are not only putting increasing pressure on the environment, but their prices continue to rise in line with economic and social development. The demand for housing is doubling year on year to accommodate more people in the future. So there is a need to look at other materials for their potential as building materials, and we have found that using living materials as building materials not only improves the quality of housing, but also reduces environmental stress. Amongst these, straw has the best performance.

We carried out an analysis based on the current use of straw, its global distribution and the use of straw as a building material. In the context of the Lilac case study in Leeds, the possibilities of using straw as a building material for retrofitting in the Leeds area were clarified.

29

30

02.1 WHAT ARE LIVING MATERIALS?

02.2 USED IN CONSTRACTION DIAGRAM .04/ THE ADVANTAGES OF STRAW ARE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

By Yu Zhang

WE DEFINE 'LIVING MATERIALS' AS:

Materials that are abundant or renewable, with minimal processing and therefore low-embodied DIAGRAM .01/ CATALOGUE OF LIVING MATERIALS

By Yu Zhang

energy.

Distribu�on of wheat

Distribu�on of oats

Distribu�on of barley

Distribu�on of maize

Materials that can be readily reused, recycled, or returned to the earth which are part of a continuous life cycle.

Materials that are sourced responsibly, with minimal ecological damage and are ideally used in regenerative land stewardship.

P}vo(}Z}(`v}

Anchor institution strategy

Sourced Locally

Circular Economy

Many of them can be sourced locally, like barley straw from farms. And hemp can be grown alongside exis�ng crops.

ct

e sp

A

1

As

pe

ct

Crea�ng local employment and suppor�ng diverse economic distribu�on across the supply chain.

4

PROS As

pe

Storing Carbon Drawdowning upfront photosynthe�c and poten�al for long-term carbon posi�vity.

ct

2

ct

e sp

A

3

Healthy Environment Helping to regulate humidity and air quality and benefits people’s inhabitants.

Respond to the UK’s Net Zero Strategy

Iu}]vP]}oo}v]vo

Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) for living materials LCA is a standardized, science-based tool for quantifying the impact in order to assess lifetime environmental impact.

D IA GRA M X l LIFE VC YC LE A SSE SSME NT LC A

By Yu Zhang

Performing an LCA in the construction industry has the following measurable advantages: Decrease environmental impact through choosing the

End of life

development site option with the least negative impact.

Resources

with tearing down and starting from scratch.

Contrasting design options to select the ones with

Life Cycle Assessment Processing

Use

the least negative effects. Locating the environmental

DIAGRAM .05/ THE DISADVANTAGES OF STRAW ARE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

By Yu Zhang

Contrasting the environmental effects of renovating There aren't many industry standards in new areas, so products may fall short of specifiers' requirements.

trouble spots within a structure and taking steps to

Standards

mitigate them. Finding the most environmentally friendly alternatives requires calculating the lifespan effect of items and construction materials.

Distribution

Manufacturing

N}uv}v}(o]]vPu]o DIAGRAM .03/ LIVING MATERIALS IN HAREHILLS

By Yu Zhang

Living materials in Harehills Most of the Harehills area has been urbanised, but a few

The supply is greatly influenced by local and na�onal agricultural policy.

CONS

The performance of the product will be impacted by the seasonal availability issues and the effects of the climate.

areas to the east and south have potential as living materials.

There are a few areas to the east and south of Harehills

Economic issues

Po]

that have potential as living materials, and there are also a number of areas around Grassland and Arable that could be considered as potential areas for living materials. If we can do this locally when we retrofit, we can reduce a large part of the hidden carbon footprint. This will reduce a large part of the hidden carbon and also save manpower and material.

31

32

02.3 STRAW The EPD reports a full range of environmental impact Sustainable building must mean producing as little CO₂ as possible. That means low or zero carbon emissions

indicators but of most pressing importance are the carbon emissions:

from both construction and use of a building. Choices of material can have a huge impact on this.

· Across the whole lifecycle (from production of strawbale to eventual disposal of straw once a

The carbon emissions generated through production,

building is demolished), the carbon emissionsof 1

transport, use, and disposal of a material are known

cubic metre of UK straw (at density of 100 kg/m3) are

as Embodied carbon (EC). The amount of energy

14.12 kgCO2e/m3.

used in those processes (the embodied energy) - and

· A cubic metre of straw stores 129.25 kgCO2e

the fuel used to provide it - determines the embodied

(biogenic carbon).

carbon, calculated from the carbon intensity of each

· The whole life carbon impact from land use and land

energy source.

use change is 0.02 kgCO2e/m3.

Generally the higher the embodied energy - the higher

The first chart below compares the whole life carbon

the embodied carbon, but as more processes are

emissions of straw to a selection of common insulation

electrified and the carbon intensity of power generation

materials, given as the emissionsresulting from 1

decreases, the two can become disconnected. It is

m2 of material at sufficient thickness to achieve a

important to use materials that have low embodied

Uvalue of 0.14 W/m2K . Straw has by far the lowest

energy as well as low embodied carbon, in order to

emissions.

ensure continued energy security (i.e. that there is FIGURE . 02/ COMPARISON OF WHOLE LIFE CYCLE CARBON IN DIFFERENT MATERIALS

enough electricity available for all needs at any time).

The chart below compares the whole life carbon emissions (based on a reference example building life cycle of 60 years) emissions resulting from 1 m2 of four walls of similar structure: insulation placed between timber I-Beams, with wood fibre board and lime render externally, and plasterboard with gypsum plaster internally (this is used to provide a fair comparison between the insulation materials,not as a recommendation of building technique). The U value of all four walls is 0.15 W/m2K. 'A' on thechart refers to life cycle stage A - emissions up to completion of a FIGURE . 03/ COMPARISON OF CARBON EMISSIONS IN DIFFERENT MATERIALS

building; 'B-C' refers to lifecycle stages B-C - use and

FIGURE. 01/ COMPARISON OF EMBODIED CARBON CONTENT IN DIFFERENT MATERIALS

ultimate disposal of a building.

33

34

t in

uil sb

n Ki

19

20

U

5% wh of str eat a remw fro ove m d fie lds

CU

Straw is used for others

4,1

21

ed

e les n Ba ouse 0 es 35 er h nn to p 8 7.1

27 9 to 000 nn es

FIGURE X V l FOUR SE C TORS OF STRA W

se

u ho 90

AP

En o str ugh a to w b at uild l 18 east % the of se

PL

LT I

VA TI

ICA TIO

N

ON

Cultivation

Processing

Manufacturing

Application

Straw is used in construc�on Y OR S ACT S F MA GY BIO NER E

Be

rry

The number of straw for construc�on Ge

ge an

rm

in a� on

% 39

12

Ha

%

rv es t

RM 6%

FA

al oc

Fe r� lize

PR OC

r d

%

20

ES S

IN

e Fe

43

RE

TR OF

ITT

OP

SH

ch Ex

E SIT

ED

The current situation of straw

HO

US

ES

Based on data from John Butler's sustainable build consultancy, we have created this anatomical map to

OR

Gr ow

Dr

o df

9,7

B

/ ed

e rF

12

g din ed

51

ld

So

%

Off

describe the existing usage of straw in various sectors of the economy: cultivation, processing, manufacturing

Ot

he rs

38

,92

y

3N

D HE

EW

C TA ED I-DE B 3 EM SE S OU HO H US ES

and application.

Cultivation section shows how we can obtain wheat straw. It starts with sowing wheat berry, then goes through the germination stage, after growing and tiller and producing wheat heads, it is ready to be

RM 2% FA Oth ers

se

u

L % 41 15 % Be

harvested. We harvest wheat grains, and the rest of the agricultural by-products are straw. After drying the straw, this stage is over.

dd ing

AL

ts uc

C LO

G C RU

E

UR ST PA

RE

TU

ST RA

aw str at e h

}n }C v

æ9

W

p

rod cp � las

Then 41% of the wheat straw is used locally, 51% is sold and 2% is used for other purposes. In the local use section, 6% of the wheat straw is used as fertiliser, 20% is used for feeding animals and 15% for animal Bedding.

F

IN

T

AN

PL

Of the 51% sold, 39% of the wheat straw is exchanged for feed and bedding for animals, while 7% is used for biofuel and 12% for other uses. Of this, 7% goes to factories to produce plastic wheat straw products,

DIAGRAM .06/ ANATOMICAL MAP OF STRAW

By Yu Zhang

which are eventually delivered to shops for purchase.

M

Only 5% of the wheat straw is used for construction,

AN

UF AC T

UR

35

RY TO C FA

IN

ls

aw Str

ne pa

going into material processing plants where it is turned into strawboard for new construction or renovation of houses.

G

36

DIAGRAM .21/ THE COUNTRIES EXPORT WHEAT STRAW TO UK

By Xueyu Wang

Global wheat straw production & Import situation Based on information from the World Food Programme(WFP) and the Food and agriculture organisation of the United Nations (FAO) on the global production of wheat straw in various countries. In the graph (FIG. 20), it can be seen that most countries produce wheat straw to a greater or lesser extent, which indicates to a certain extent that there is a large market and implement ability of the choice of wheat straw for the retrofitting of houses. In addition, It is straightforward to see that the production is higher in the UK, China and France. These are the areas where the project is likely to be implemented.

Focusing on the UK, the site selected for this project, the Background part analyses the housing conditions, carbon dioxide emissions and the current situation of energy crisis in the UK and finds that the UK is in urgent need of housing renovation. Wheat straw is chosen as the material for this project. As can be seen from the figure, not only is the output of this material

LEGENDS Inside the global Global wheat straw production per country(hg/ha) 3969 - 7733 7734 - 13327

DIAGRAM .07/ LOBAL WHEAT STRAW PRODUCTION

By Xueyu Wang

13328 - 17345

high in the UK, but it can also be imported from other countries such as Romania and Canada. This will help provide the existing supply of straw as a building material and facilitate the further implementation of this project.

17346 - 23477 23478 - 29383 29384 - 35419 35420 - 43817 43818 - 54640 54641 - 67680 67681 - 89596

Outside the global wheat straw production per country(hg/ha) Number of wheat straw production

Countries that Uk import wheat straw

37

38

FIGURE X V æ l UK STRA W B A LE B UILD INGS

8 1 1. Dunmoor

5 5. Un y Berllan Workshop

2

6 6.Gateway Building at The University of Nottingham's Sutton Bonington campus

2. Raleghs Cross

7

3

7 7. Hobbit Hideaway

3. Sarah Wigglesworth straw bale house

4 4. Haven Cottage

8 8. New House, Rousay

Uk wheat straw production and Straw bale buildings distribution As can be seen from the map, the UK is a large agricultural producing country with a rich variety of land types. Of these, 56.7% is farmland, 34.9% is nature, 2.5% is green urban space, and 5.9% is built on space. It is very significant that there are large areas of straw cultivation, mainly in the east of the country. In conjunction with the analysis in the Background of regions of the UK with high CO2 emissions and an energy crisis, the distribution of

6

straw cultivation can provide a nearby source of materials for retrofitting 4

houses in these areas, thus reducing the carbon emissions generated in the transportation of materials.

At the same time, according to the European straw

5

building association (ESBA) data on the distribution of straw bale buildings, there are already many houses

DIAGRAM .20/ STRAW DISTRIBUTION IN THE UK

By Xueyu Wang

3

2

built with straw as a material in the UK, with a high concentration in England. These straw bale buildings show great potential for the implementation of strawbased retrofitting in the UK. There is already support and references for the technology. In conclusion,

1

the widespread cultivation of straw materials in the UK and the construction of straw bale buildings in the UK show that the project has great potential for implementation and development.

39

40

FIGURE X V l LOB A L WHE TA STRA W PROD UC TION

By Xueyu Wang

02.4 CASE STUDY

A group of people came up with a fresh design

The initiative has also proven effective in the areas of

for community-led housing 15 years ago. These

energy, travel, waste, food, green space, and water,

discussions resulted in the Lilac project, the UK's first

resulting in a community that is ecologically conscious.

cooperative house ownership association, which was launched in 2013. The award-winning Lilac project,

Residences in Lilac operate differently from traditional

which was constructed from living materials (straw

homes since they are owned through a Mutual Home

and wood) and based on co-operative governance

Ownership Society. Home prices in Lilac are closely

and cohousing design, is currently home to about 50

correlated with average pay growth rather than rising

people. It serves as an illustration of how to develop

market values. Lilac's homes are able to remain

affluent, low-impact communal living that may address

affordably priced as a result.

social isolation, the climate problem, and economic uncertainty.1

Over time, housing expenses in Lilac become more

DIAGRAM .08/ GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS PER HOUSEHOLD DIAGRAM .09/ LILAC HOME COSTS

manageable. Compared to Leeds properties, the Lilac wants to participate in this. In order to explore

average annual price increase for LILAC homes was

carbon-neutrality by the 2030s and lessen our reliance

2.5%. While LILAC houses were around £3,500 more

on fossil fuels, Lilac has made a commitment as a

costly than Leeds norms when they were created in

community.The graph demonstrates Lilac's enormous

2013, by 2019 they have decreased by about £21,500

progress toward the zero carbon challenge, with

due to their association with salary rises rather than

emissions around 11,000 kg lower than those of the

house price increases.

typical UK house. That is around 65% less.

41

42

1. “Community – LILAC.” n.d. https://www.lilac.coop/community/.

2. “LILAC: Low Impact Living Affordable Community.” n.d. UK Cohousing Network. https://cohousing.org.uk/case-study/lilac-low-impact-living-affordable-community/.

REFERENCE “Construction Materials: The Current State of Play.”

‌Figure. 07/

n.d. Ww3.Rics.org. https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/journals/

feednavigator.com. n.d. “US Cattle Producers Faced

construction-journal/construction-materials--the-cur-

with Limited Feed Production Turn to Alternative

rent-state-of-play.html.

Ingredients.” Feednavigator.com. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.feednavigator.com/Arti-

“CONSTRUCCIÓN CON PAJA.” n.d. META2020

cle/2017/07/31/US-cattle-producers-faced-with-limit-

Arquitectos. Accessed April 24, 2022. https://www.

ed-feed-production-turn-to-alternative-ingredients.

meta2020arquitectos.com/construccion-con-paja/.

“Retrofitting a House with Straw Bales.” 2007. Straw-

Figure. 08-15/

bale.com. May 29, 2007. https://strawbale.com/retro-

“UK Straw Bale Buildings - Google Search.” n.d.

fitting-a-house-with-straw-bales/.

Www.google.com. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.google.com/search?q=UK+straw+bale

Leeds City Council, 2021. THE LEEDS LOCAL PLAN

+buildings&sxsrf=ALiCzsZWAxcMcK5Lmkgp2mT-

UPDATE SCOPING CONSULTATION. 2021. Leeds:

P0r1_lrMiA:1663932514021&source=lnms&tbm=is-

Leeds City Council.

ch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6tLbT56r6AhVTasA KHTLVB1YQ_AUoAXoECAIQAw&biw=1010&bi-

Crabtree, Tim. 2022. “Local Materials in Construction”.

Accessed April 11. https://

h=892&dpr=1.

www.dorsetcommunit-

yaction.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Local-ma-

Figure. 16-18/

terials-in-construction.pdf.

“LILAC – Low Impact Living Affordable Community.” n.d. http://www.lilac.coop/.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Koh, Chuen Hon (Alex), and Dimitrios Kraniotis.

2021. “Hygrothermal Performance, Energy Use and Embodied Emissions in Straw Bale Buildings.” Energy and Buildings 245 (August): 111091. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.111091.

Chen, Fuzhen. 2021. Study on Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Building Energy-Saving Wall with Insulation Materials. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

FIGURE Figure. 01/ “Embodied Carbon - What Is It and How to Compare Materials? Sustainable Building Materials Part 4.” n.d. John Butler - Sustainable Building Consultancy. https://www.sustainablebuildconsultancy.com/blog/ embodiedcarbon.

Figure. 02-03/ “Projects.” n.d. John Butler - Sustainable Building Consultancy. https://www.sustainablebuildconsultancy. com/projects.

Figure .04/ “Rice Straw Management.” 2018. International Rice Research Institute. August 23, 2018. https://www.irri. org/rice-straw-management.

Figure. 05/ feednavigator.com. n.d. “US Cattle Producers Faced with Limited Feed Production Turn to Alternative Ingredients.” Feednavigator.com. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.feednavigator.com/Article/2017/07/31/US-cattle-producers-faced-with-limited-feed-production-turn-to-alternative-ingredients. ‌Figure. 06/ “Our Life with Straw Work | SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE.” 2014. Satoyama-Experience.com. November 3, 2014. https://satoyama-experience.com/magazine/ article/wara/.

43

44

03. HOME RETROFIT

03.1 RETROFIT SYSTEM 03.2 RETROFIT IMPLEMENTATION 03.3 HOUSING SITUATION OF LEEDS 03.4 CASE STUDIES

Housing retrofit is now a way to mitigate climate problems. In this chapter the definition of retrofit, the whole system of retrofit is presented. The current application of retrofit. The housing situation in Leeds, such as home ownership, will be analysed in relation to the possibilities of retrofitting in Leeds.

Finally, the study will be compared with the current case studies on the use of retrofit with living materials, which will be used as a reference for our own proposals.

45

46

DIAGRAM .02/ CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES OF STRAW RETROFIT

By Yu Zhang

03.1 RETROFIT SYSTEM Retrofitting is the act of fitting new systems designed for high energy efficiency and low energy consumption to buildings previously built without them.1 Key considerations for a whole house retrofit include: Improving the building fabric Insulating floors, walls and roofs Providing adequate ventilation Improving airtightness Installing more efficient heating and hot water systems Replacement windows or improving double glazing Installing renewable heating technology, such as solar

FIGURE X l PRE VRE TROFIT A SSE SSME NT OF VE NTILATION SYSTEMS

panels, an air source or ground source heat pump2

Phoebe MacDonald, senior policy and public relations advisor for sustainability at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), stated: Efficiency in energy use refers to utilising less energy to do the same tasks. This entails using less gas, electricity, or other fuels to keep our houses warm and cosy. Insulating lofts and walls, reducing heat loss by draught-proofing doors, windows, and floors, utilising superior glazing systems, and switching heating systems, such installing a heat pump, are typical

DIAGRAM .01/ HOUSING FEATURES IN LEEDS

By Yu Zhang

interventions to increase energy efficiency.

Clients must adopt a total house retrofit strategy, which includes thoughtful individual steps that are deployed at the appropriate time, to guarantee that retrofit measures function together. Examining important building data, restrictions, hazards, and possibilities relating to the building and its local setting should be the first step. For instance, placing a heat pump on the ground in a location with a high flood risk might result in a loss of hot water or heating should a flood occur. This knowledge is crucial for increasing energy efficiency and making dwellings more resistant to the effects of climate change.

47

1. “What Is Retrofit in Construction?” 2022. Elmhurst Energy. June 29, 2022. https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/blog/2022/06/29/what-is-retrofit-in-construction/.

2. “How to Retrofit Your Home (and Make It More Efficient).” 2022. 24Housing. March 28, 2022. https://24housing.co.uk/how-to-retrofit-your-homeand-make-it-more-efficient/.

48

03.3 HOUSING SITUATION OF LEEDS

FIGURE . 03/ VACANT DWELLING COUNTS BY TYPE

03.2 RETROFIT IMPLEMENTATION

Vacant dwellings are defined as empty properties as classified for council tax purposes and include all empty properties liable for council tax and properties that are empty but receive a council tax exemption.

According to recent survey conducted by Opinium for the New Economics Foundation, 65% of respondents support a national taskforce for retrofitting, with only 7% disagreeing with the concept.

The survey demonstrates the broad support for a significant investment in low-carbon heating and insulation measures, such as double glazing, to lessen the amount of heat lost from houses, across all genders, age groups, regions, and vote intentions.

respondents approve the policy, as follows: 65% support in the North 65% support in the Midlands

The 'net additional dwellings' is the primary and most comprehensive measure of housing supply. The net

FIGURE. 04/ NET ADDITIONS FOR LEEDS

In all regions, the survey indicates that at least 60% of

additional dwellings present estimates of changes in the size of dwelling stock due to new house building completions, conversions, changes of use, demolitions and other changes to the dwelling stock. The net additional dwelling figures are based on local authority estimates of gains and losses of dwellings during each year.

64% support in the London 66% support in the South 60% support in the Wales 66% support in the Scotland FIGURE .02/ THE VOTE OF RETROFITTING POLICY

60% support in the Northern Ireland

FIGURE . 05/ STATUTORY HOMELESSNESS

Understanding homelessness and estimating how many people are homeless supports the development

The polling also shows that the policy is universally popular across the political spectrum with:

of social policies to help some of the most vulnerable

64% of Conservative voters in support

of people covering not just people sleeping rough but

people in society. Homelessness affects a wide range also those in temporary accommodation, sleeping at

78% of Labour voters in support

friends' houses or sofa surfing, living in unfit dwellings

69% of Lib Dem voters in support

or who are soon to be without a permanent home.

73% of SNP voters in support 58% of Green voters in support There is also a minimum of 60% support across all age ranges, with the highest support from those over 65, 70% of whom support the policy.3 Nearly 19 million houses in the UK need to be

Tenure provides information about whether a household rents or owns the accommodation that it occupies and, if

upgraded because they do not meet the energy

rented, combines this with information about the type of landlord who owns or manages the accommodation.4 FIGURE . 06/ OWNERSHIO AND TENANCY BY TYPE

performance certificate (EPC) rating of C, yet frequently homeowners lack the financial incentives and support needed to make significant improvements to their homes. Programs like the green deal and the green housing award, designed to address the financial issue, fell short of expectations since they came with a large administrative cost and inconvenience for customers, and the programmes ended too soon.

49

3. “65% of People Support a National Retrofitting Taskforce, with Only 7% Opposing the Policy, New Polling Shows.” n.d. New Economics Foundation. https://neweconomics.org/2021/09/65-of-people-support-a-national-retrofitting-taskforce-with-only-7-opposing-the-policy-new-polling-shows.

50 4. “Leeds Observatory – Housing.” n.d. Observatory.leeds.gov.uk. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://observatory.leeds.gov.uk/housing/#/view-report/85fe651fd2af40e0bf133770aaa91687/___iaFirstFeature/G3.

03.4 CASE STUDIES

The Construcio Industry' Zero Carbon Change Progame Organiztos like Construcio Leadrship Council also points out it is cruial to reduc the embodi carbon emitd throug the whole retofi proces.

French New Sustainbly Law New sustainabil i ty l a ws have been issued by the

It is the construi sector ’ respon. It set out how the industry can coletivy met the Net Zero. They have used the Climate Change Cosmite’ 6th Carbon budget to establih the priotes tha frame our action plan, how they wil measur the proges and hold themslv to acount.

French governm e nt to assist in achieving carbon neutrality for the nation by 2050. The new regulation will require that at least 50% of the materials used to construct new public structures in France be wood or other natural resources. France's minister for cities and housing, made the statement, which was partially

The devlopment of the framewok draws on the detaild work undertakn acros the sector by specialst groups and repsntaiv bodies to understa their emison and devlop their own plans. It sek to draw thes detail plans togehr to provide Governmt and Industry with a comprehnsiv view at a sector lev on proges.

motivated by the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Additional, yl the French government will contribute 2€ 0 im lion (£16.8 im lion) to the development of 100 urban

Measur include tracking the number of domestic retofis achievd, changes in the amount of no-diesl plant in use, and reductions in the amount of enrgy used to produce key products.

farms.

FIGURE .07/ CO2NSTRUCT ZERO PRIORITIES

UK net-zero straegy: Build back gren In the face of climate change, the UK has developed a zero-carbon strategy called Build back greener. It covers many aspects, including power, fuel, industry, heat, buil d ings, transport and so on. Like in the building section, people are encouraged to upgrade fuel poor homes to EPC Band C. However, it seems to be m o re am b itious, broader and l a cking som e enforcement.

Italin 110% superbon schem Retrofi Module Design Guide: Prefabictd façde modules In May 2020 the Italian Government issued urgent legislation to assist with the recovery of the Italian econom ,y fol l o wing the unprecedented shock of the covid-19 pandem i c. “110% Super-bouns” is a bonus scheme to incentivize restoration and home

The prefabictd facde modules are mounted on a subtrce made of , timber whic is mounted onsite ont the facde-surface. The subtrce acts as leving lathing and host instalo like wirng and pie-work.

Therfo the entir heat dispaton sytem and al suply-lines are instaled in this layer – the intermda space is filed with insulato materil.

improvement.

The reason why this tax break is up to 110% of qualifying expenses is that a further 10% is added to the total qualifying expenses (100%) actually incurred,

The large-scaled facde modules have a length of 12 m and are 3 m hig, so it is posible to transpo them with a low-loader to the construi-site. The asembling procedu on-site was done by a truckmoned crane and aditonl mobile-cranes.

to cover technical costs during the planning. People who have the permission of the house owner can all FIGURE .08/ ASSEMBLING THE PROTOTYPE IN THE FABRICATION OF CARPENTRY KULMER BAU

DIAGRAM .03/ POLICY MAP

By Yu Zhang

attend to the scheme.

As of 1 March, more than 122,000 applications had been approved. This scheme boosts the construction GDP, offers more than 15.000 new jobs, cuts down CO2 em i ssions and raises publ i c awareness of retrofitting.

51

52

REFERENCE Huet, Natalie. 2021. “What’s in France’s New Climate Law and Is It Green Enough?” Euronews. July 20,

Figure. 02/

2021. https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/07/20/

“65% of People Support a National Retrofitting

france-s-new-climate-law-has-just-been-approved-so-

Taskforce, with Only 7% Opposing the Policy, New

why-are-activists-so-unimpressed.

Polling Shows.” n.d. New Economics Foundation. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://neweconomics.

TWinFM. n.d. “France Unveils New 50% Timber

org/2021/09/65-of-people-support-a-national-retrofit-

Sustainability Law.” TWinFM. Accessed September

ting-taskforce-with-only-7-opposing-the-policy-new-

23, 2022. https://www.twinfm.com/article/france-un-

polling-shows.

veils-new-50-timber-sustainability-law.

Figure .03-06/ George, Emma. 2020. “French Government Announce

“Leeds Observatory – Housing.” n.d. Observato-

Plans to Make All New Public Buildings 50% Timber.”

ry.leeds.gov.uk. Accessed September 23, 2022.

Quercus Forest Products Ltd. March 2, 2020. https://

https://observatory.leeds.gov.uk/housing/#/view-re-

quercusfp.com/french-government-announce-plans-

port/85fe651fd2af40e0bf133770aaa91687/___iaFirst-

to-make-all-new-public-buildings-50-timber/.

Feature/G3.

‌“Italian Super-Bonus.” n.d. Casa & Country. Accessed

‌Figure. 07-08/

September 23, 2022. https://www.casaandcountry.

“CO2nstructZero» Construction Leadership Council.”

com/article/italian-super-bonus.

n.d. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/constructzero/#sec-

“Wood Building.” n.d. Ministry of the Environment.

tion-the-performance-framework.

https://ym.fi/en/wood-building.

Woodfield, Jack. 2021. “Retrofitting a Home: The Definitive Guide.” Homebuilding & Renovating. October

12, 2021. https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/retrofitting.

“Approved Documents and Technical Guidance England | Building Regulations | LABC.” 2019. Labc.co.uk.

2019. https://www.labc.co.uk/professionals/building-regulations-guidance-documents/approved-documents-and-technical-guidance-england.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Littlewood, John, and Elisa Di Giuseppe. 2019. Smart Strategies for Resilient Building Adaptation and Retrofit. Bradford, West Yorkshire: Emerald Publishing Limited. ‌Expert Meeting Report : Retrofit Implementation - a Neighborhood at a Time. 2012. Washington, D.C.: United States. Dept. of Energy. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Moazzen, Nazanin, KaragülerMustafa Erkan, and Touraj Ashrafian. 2019. Life Cycle Energy Assessment

of a School Building under Envelope Retrofit: An Approach towards Environmental Impact Reduction. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

Engineers, American Society of Civil, and . 2017.

Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings : ASCE/SEI, 41-17. Reston: American Society of Civil Engineers.

FIGURE Figure. 01/ “Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Ventilation Systems | Building America Solution Center.” n.d. Basc.pnnl.gov. https://basc.pnnl.gov/information/pre-retrofit-assessment-ventilation-systems.

53

54

04. LOW-TECH RETROFIT WITH STRAW 04.1 LOW-TECH RETROFIT 04.2 COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING IN STRAW RETROFIT 04.3 LOW-CARBON RETROFIT SYSTEM 04.4 SITE SPECULATION IN HAREHILLS 04.5 RETROFITTING IN HAREHILLS 04.6 PROBLEMS OF BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE 04.7 COOPERATION SCENARIO IN COMMUNITY 04.8 RETROFIT DETAILS 04.9 INSULATION RETROFIT MATERIALS 04.10 HOW TO INSULATE WITH STRAW 04.11 INSULATED WALL DESIGN 04.12 RETROFIT EFFECT 04.13 COMMUNITY RETROFIT 04.14 DECONSTRUCTION SITE 04.15 FLY FACTORY 04.16 COMMUNITY SCENARIO RENDERING 04.17 COMPARISON In this chapter, we focus on the use of straw materials in retrofitting the back-to-back house in Harehills and using specific techniques to update the housing insulation to improve the house’s energy performance.

In addition to this, we also explain the local framework in detail from the community to the building scale including deconstruction, reusing the materials of existing buildings, building fly factories, workshops, and other related retrofit methods to create better houses and communities for the residents, as well as reduce the CO2 emissions during the retrofit process.

55

56

04.1 LOW-TECH RETROFIT WHAT IS LOW TECH

LOW TECH WITH STRAW IN LEEDS

In order to reduce the embodied carbon emitted in the whole supply chain, create more sustainable, more FIG.01/ PRINCIPLES OF LOW-TECH Arthur Keller and Emilien Bournigal

resilient, and be beneficial for the cultural transformation, trying to combine the low-tech principle and living materials retrofit methods to achieve the low carbon retrofit system in Leeds.

Strong Sustainability The whole system focuses on the residents’ requirements nowadays, which is the need to improve the houses’ energy performance and the living environment and cut down the energy bill under the background of rising energy prices. Apart from that, because of climate change, there is a need to find a solution to reduce the energy use in residential parts.

Using living material——straw to retrofit would largely reduce the embodied carbon emitted during the materials’ whole life span, including production, distribution, and use to end of life, compared with conventional materials

From Arthur Keller and Emilien Bournigal's point of

like concrete.

view, a low-tech includes objects, systems, techniques, services, know-hows, practises, behaviours and even

Living materials like straw are eco-friendly materials and could be contributing very positively to the climate.

ways of thinking, which is essential to an individual or community. Low technology mainly use technique and technology according to three principles : Strong Sustainability

This is partly thanks to the CO2 sequestered in the straw and wood, and partly due to the fact that the straw is a

Hot air outlet

1

byproduct of the agricultural sector and is already being produced. And by the end of the life of straw, it can be finally degraded which could not cause environmental problems. So considering the functional, ecological, and beneficial for human influence, it is a good choice for the low-carbon retrofit system.

Air Circuit

FIG.02/ THE SOLAR AIR HEATER Arthur Guy Isabel

Frame

2. Efficiency

Collective Resilience

Battens

Straw retrofitted buildings don’t require any special maintenance. But the material itself needs to be protected against direct contact with water. And Straw and wood are both materials that are made to last.Some companies

Minimizes the consumption of energy and resources,

offer a 25-year producer guarantee for the insulation layer and 50 years for structural integrity for the straw-built

from extraction of raw materials through production, distribution and use to end of life.

or straw retrofitted houses. However, as long as the installation standards are met, the life expectancy of a straw

Slates

retrofitted building can be measured in centuries.

3. Durability

It could be easy for residents themselves to use to retrofit under some guidance, and the products could easily

Presents maximum technical, functional, ecological as

get in almost all the regions in the UK if there is a straw field, and because the straw is harvested on the local

well as human viability in the short, medium and long

farm, the transportation CO2 emission would

term.

be much less.

Cold air inlet

Collective Resilence

Cultural Transformation

4. Maintainability

Solar rays

The products can be maintained and repaired by users themselves so far as possible, using standard

could be transparent to them, so they can know each procedure in detail.

Solar captor

parts and materials.

FIG.03/ THE SOLAR WATER HEATER Arthur Eric Lafond

This kind of system could enable the citizen to retrofit their own houses on their own, and the whole process

Hot water outlet

Besides, the system combines householders, professionals, and organizations together. They have a strong connection during the retrofit process sharing knowledge, social cohesion, and links with each other.

5. Accessibility Heated water

Offer maximum ease of use from local supplier.

Applying low-tech retrofit methods could provide more possibilities for the whole construction retrofit industry and could let more people engage in the industry, and understand the importance of low carbon.

Coil

6. Autonomization

Tank

Which means the products are made from resources that are exploited and tranformed as locally as possible.

Regulator-circulator

DIAGRAM.01/ LOW-TECH APPLIANCE IN LEEDS RETROFITTING STRATEGY

By Yueshan Zhu

Cultural Transformation

Heat transfer fluid

Cold water intel

7. Empowerment Facilitates appropriation by the greatest number, gives power to citizens and communities, or even the whole

9. Simplification

city.

Decomplexifies at the socio-economic and organizational levels based on reflection about needs

8. Coonectedness

and vulnerabilities.

Promotes the sharing of knowledge and know-how, cooperation, solidarity, social cohesion and links

General Examples

a heat exchange balloon.

Using solar radiation to directly heat the air entering

Therefore, depending on the contexts, it is possible

the house is a low tech poeration. And the thermal

to greatly reduce the energy use for heating in the

solar panel is transformed solar radiation into heat

houses. By using these kind low-tech devices could

which will be transmitted to the domestic hot water in

save energy bills for the dwellers.

between communities.

57

1. McMahon, Chris. 2022. “Low-Technology: Why Sustainability Doesn’t Have To Depend On High-Tech Solutions”. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/low-technology-why-sustainability-doesnt-have-to-dependon-high-tech-solutions-176611.

58

04.2 COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING IN STRAW RETROFIT

04.3 LOW-CARBON RETROFIT SYSTEM

Community Wealth Building

According to the principle of low tech, living materials, and anchor institution, the system hope to achieve the target of source locally, engage largely, and affect

Community wealth building is a progressive approach

greatly, and finally reach the goal of low carbon.

to economics and economic development. The case

study in Manchester shows the system work with

01 Firstly, The Leeds sustainability Institution will evaluate whether the house needs

partners and funders in places across the UK and

to be retrofitted, then the residents could get the subsidy from the city council by

internationally – local governments, anchor institutions,

applying for the grant.(Diagram.03)

the community and private sectors and the public – to bring them together, connect them to progressive

02 The retrofit company could help design the plan and if the plan passes the

agendas, devise solutions and deliver change.

LABC audit, it can be implemented later. When the plan is finalized, the retrofit

The activities include independent action research,

company could cooperate with living material companies like Straw works who are

evaluation and the and performance management,

one of the members of Straw-bale Building United Kingdom to find local suppliers.

best practice advice and strategy development.2

(Diagram.04)

Support and provide subsidies to encourage house own}}.v}.`]Ro]]vPu]oUv R˘}v(}R}ovR]}]oR}˙X

Chance in Leeds With combined procurement budgets of £2bn, the network is a significant economic agent in the Leeds economy 3. Having worked with CLES to analyse DIAGRAM.03/ THE BEGINNING OF STRAW RETROFIT PROCESS

By Yueshan Zhu

current spending, the network has now agreed objectives to shift spending towards suppliers who DIAGRAM.02/ ANCHOR INSTITUTION IN LEEDS

By Yu Zhang

generate greater economic and social benefit for local people. Members are now working together to adapt their procurement practice and identify sectors where they can collaborate to create more economically generative local markets.

We would like to : Based on the understanding of case study of Community Wealth Building, we would like to create a network to stimulate the local economic development – community wealth building, system change and coproduction, housing, public health, place-making and planning, procurement, local industry – and how these disciplines can relate to the great challenges of local housing crisis, lack of job opportunities, not least the environmental crisis.

Anchor Institution One key factor of Community Wealth Building is

DIAGRAM.04/ GET THE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT OF RETROFIT FROM ANCHOR INSTITUTION

By Yueshan Zhu

‘anchor institutions’, the term is used to refer to organisations which have an important presence in a place, usually are large nonprofit organizations rooted in the local region and have a significant stake in the local area, like councils, colleges, universities, hospitals.

In 2018-2019, 'Leeds Anchors' network has been launched through which many biggest organizations in the city work together to maximise the local benefits from their spending, services and recruitment. It provides the opportunity to retrofit with anchor institution system.

The anchor institutions including Leeds city council, Local Authority Building Control (LABC), Leeds Sustainability Institution, retrofit organizations like Leeds Building Society, and some living materials

59

2. “What We Do | CLES”. 2022. Cles.Org.Uk. https://cles.org.uk/about/whatwe-do/.

3. “Anchor Institutions – Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy”. 2022. Leedsgrowthstrategy.Co.Uk. http://www.leedsgrowthstrategy.co.uk/anchor-institutions/.

organization like Strawbale Building United Kindom

All of these anchor institution could be the support

(SBUK),School of Natural Buildings (SNaB), and

of the whole retrofit system, and if they operate

Natural Buildings United Kindom (NUBC) which

well with each other, they can support growth and

have the local members in Leeds, and the lcoal

inclusion hand in hand, significantly adding to local

housing association like Leeds & Yorkshire Housing

employment, business growth, skills, incomes, health

association, and potentially, the private sector too.

and wellbeing.

60

SOURCE LOCALLY

ENGAGE LARGELY

03 To ensure the local farm can provide the straw used in the construction industry, the farmers need to be trained under professional guide from the National Thatching

05 While looking for suppliers, it is also necessary to look for rental factories that

Straw Growers Assocaition, the contexts including how to test and harvest the straw

can be used as “flying factories”. In the “flying factory”, residents will assemble

of specific condition of moisture under 25%, how to divide the straw into different

prefabricated panels composed of straw and wood together under the guidance

types for different use, how to store them and how to transport them as well. Only

of professionals together with the qualified contratcors. The empty factory nearest

with those technical supprt, can the straw served as the qualified construction

to the construction site will be selected to be "fly factory", in order to shorten the

material. The improvement of the professional institutions link the industrys more

distance of transportation and also cut down CO2 emissions during transportation.

closly.(Diagram.05)

(Diagram.07)

04 Once straw in local farms meets the standard, they could get the qualification

06 Those straws provided by local farms will be transported to the selected flying

which enable them to sell straw to living material companies in construction industry through the anchor institution like Strawbale Buildings United Kindom. By doing so, the clients can eaisly trace the suppier of the products, and have the promise of the quality of the products. (Diagram.06)

factory. And before the step in fly factory, the contractors or engaged residents TR}(]}vo}Pv]}vR}o]oR]. `R]RRRP]v}(R}`}Ro]]vPu]o }.u]oU]}oR(v(}Ro]UvR }voo]}(Ru]oX

TRHoo}ooP`}o}]Rv]o}}ov R}`}}.`]Ro]]vPu]oUv}(]}vo ˘(}uvR}]v}v}oR}oo} }Ro]}}.]vo˙X

need to study the programme of retrofitting with living materials in Hull College to ensure they are on the right way of retrofitting. After the prefabricated panels are assembled, the retrofit materials will be sent to the site.(Diagram.08)

DIAGRAM.05/ FIND POTENTIAL LOCAL SUPPLIER

By Yueshan Zhu

DIAGRAM.07/ FIND THE NEAREST “FLYING FACTORY”

By Yueshan Zhu

retrofitting strategy

DIAGRAM.06/ SELECT THE SUITABLE FARMS AS SUPPLIERS

By Yueshan Zhu

DIAGRAM.08/ TRANSPORT THE STRAW TO THE SELECTED “FLYING FACTORY”

By Yueshan Zhu

61

62

AFFECT GREATLY

07 While the panels are sent to the site, together with the contractors, the dwellers

09 Finally, by retrofitting with living materials mode, it not only can offer more

can use these prefabricated panels to retrofit their own houses under professional

affordable houses for locals, brings more opportunities for the construction

guidance. If there are more and more people in Leeds using this method to retrofit,

industry, but also promotes the local market of planting, manufacturing, and animal

there will be more professional workers and contractors needed while retrofitting,

husbandry, forming an interlinked industrial network, creating more employment

which could provide more job opportunities for local citizens.(Diagram.09)

opportunities, and promoting the local economic development. (Diagram.11)

08 After retrofitted, the houses will be evaluated, and the ones meet EPC standard

With these three parts of aspects, the community can achieve the low-carbon

rating to B and C, will be recorded in the database of local Housing Association. And

retrofit system finally to link the people and industry related to retrofit closely, and

these well-functioned housings retrofitted from old buildings could be provided for

thrive great amount of local industries.

more local residents through Housing Association at reasonable price. (Diagram.10)

This is a mode (Diagram.12) that can be applied anywhere, according to their own unique characteristics, the supply chain can be different, by using this model in DIAGRAM.12/ THE STRATEGY OF USING STRAW TO RETROFIT IN LEEDS

By Yueshan Zhu

different regions, it can create an innovative, various and sustainbale way of retrofit industry in the UK. And hopefully, the global GHG may be decreased greatly by applying this mode worldwide.

DIAGRAM.09/ GET THE SUPPORT FROM ANCHOR INSTITUTION WHILE RETROFITTING

By Yueshan Zhu

H}]vPA}]}v`}o}ooR}(}.'R} ]v]o]vo]vPR}.u]oUv}]]}v}( vvP].o]]vP}.'R}]vRP]}vX

DIAGRAM.10/ THE RETROFIITTED HOUSE WILL BE RENTED THROUGH HOUSING ASSOCIATION

By Yueshan Zhu

DIAGRAM.11/ THE MODEL CAN BE THE PROTOTYPE USED IN OTHER PLACES

By Yueshan Zhu

63

64

04.4 SITE SPECULATION IN HAREHILLS THE CURRENT SITUATION OF COMMUNITY IN HAREHILLS

04.5 RETROFITTING IN HAREHILLS TYPE OF BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE IN HAREHILLS

To explore the possibility in retrofitting the houses

Most back-to-backs are double-fronted, with a window either side of the front door, and this design is so distinct, that

in harehills, try to analysis the situation in Harehills,

it is the primary means of identifying back-to-backs. Secondly, a walk down both sides of a block will reveal that the

and find one potential area to apply the straw retrofit

streets have fronts only, so each road presents the "best" face. While Lupton commented in 1906 that the lack of

system.

a rear yard in which filth was deposited was one of the advantages of back-to-backs4,it could be considered that in reality, service functions are simply transferred to the front, giving back-to-back streets a more cluttered appearance5.

The factors to determine whether the site is ideal include whether the site is within a 30-minute drive

In Harehills, the type of back-to-back houses can be concluded into 3 types, the first type has one room per floor. The

from the anchor organization, the wheat farm, and

second has two rooms on at least one floor, and the third one has two rooms on every floor in each house.

factory; whether the houses there can be retrofitted with living materials; and whether the community is suitable to retrofitted with living materials.

DIAGRAMXlTHEINSITITUTIONUFARMANDTHEFACTORYNEARTHESITE

By Yueshan Zhu

Background information of research site Address: Fo}vG}UHR]ooULLSıAN Construction Time: in the 1890s Aera Type: Urban Ward:G]}vHR]ooW Houses Type: Back-to-back house Current EPC: E (51) Need to Meet the EPC Standard: B Ownership:S}uo}vP}]˙}v]oU}u]

TYPE 1

TYPE 2

TYPE 3

`}}}u}voR

}v}}u(o}}

`}}}u}v˙(o}}

P}v(o}}}(](o}}

DIAGRAM.15/ BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE TYPE IN THE SITE

By Yueshan Zhu

vacant factory which could be potential to used as fly

In our site, we find there are a lot of places could be able to transfer into the important roles during the whole retrofit process, using some useless places to be the site of the anchor institutions, and by connecting thoses of the sites in the community to create a demonstration site in Harehills, and a case study of retrofitting with straw project, that in other places, this strategy can also be applied in the similar way.

The southern car repair shop can be used as warehouse, fly factory amd a workshop prefect the supply chain, and any other empty space in the shop can be sometimes used as exhibition halls to make the public learn more about retrofitting DIAGRAM.16/ TYPE 2 BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE MODEL

By Yueshan Zhu

and living materials advantages in construction industry. And improve the transportation in the community to connect every site, to make the transformation route be more clear and convenient.

TYPE 2

attic

(](o}}

DIAGRAM.14/ THE POTENTIAL FACTORY AND WORKSHOP IN THE SITE

By Yueshan Zhu

P}v(o}}

uv

In our site, most of the back-to-back houses are type 2, so we mainly choose type 2 back-to-back houses to analyze their retrofit method and technology.

There are 4 families living in one house, and every family occupies one quarter of the house. They share party walls on three of the four sides, with only doors and windows on the front walls except for the first one in each row.

The size of a single-family home is relatively small, with a basement, first floor, ground floor, and Attic.

65

4. Muthesius Stefan, The English terraced house (New Haven : Yale University Press, 1982), 122-123 5.Joanne Harrison , Back-to-back houses in twenty-first century Leeds (Historic Environment: Policy and Practice, 2019), 10

66

04.6 PROBLEMS OF BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE DIAGRAM.17/ PROBLEMS OF BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE IN HAREHILLS

By Xueyu Wang

PROBLEMS EXISTING IN EVERY COMPONENT

Based on the understanding of the history and structure of the Back-to-Back house. There are many existing problems in back-to-back houses.

Damaged tiles, which may cause roof leaks. And clogged chimneys, poor ventilation, and a lack of light in the attic could be potential problems for the residents (Pic.1,3). And some cracks, bends, and paint starting to peel can be seen on the ceiling (Pic.4).

Poorly constructed staircase, worn-out furniture, old bulbs, and plugs that need to be replaced in terms of comfort and saving energy use (Pic.5). The walls are poorly insulated in thermal and acoustic. The frames of the windows are distorted and rot (Pic.10). The frames of the windows are distorted and rot (Pic.11).

Additionally, heavy erosion can also be seen on the garden wall, the floor may suffer from gaps, cracks, unevenness, and swollen edges due to high moisture.

67

1

3

4

5

10

11

68

04.7 COOPERATION SCENARIO IN COMMUNITY

04.8 RETROFIT DETAILS

HOW TO RETROFIT IN COMMUNITY

trucionsDe

framework. The raw materials come from the the nearest local wheat farm, and S}u u P } }o ] l } ]o v } o U v `} o v } R ( }˙ } } } ˙ (} R ] }v o]( ]v } R }v ]}v o]l U lvuvX

transport to the "fly factory" to be assemble and processed into the construction living materilas, when finished, the boards or panels could be directly sent to the site, to be ready to retrofit the house. The dwellers can engage in the process from the step in the "fly factory", and work together with professionals from anchor institutions. They could get involved in every parts of retrofit, and retrofit their

}ovo ˙o]o roof windows

DIAGRAM.20/ RETROFIT DETAILS IN BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE

By Yueshan Zhu

The different parts in the community work together to achieve the low carbon retrofit

RETROFIT IN BUILDING

]o]vP ]vo]}v

houses by themselves.

Intergerating with the three parts in the community can make the whole process

Fly oryactf

reach the goal of source locally, engage largely, and affect greatly.

DIAGRAM.18/ THE RETROFIT WORKFLOW AND FOUR STEPS OF THE PROCESS

By Yueshan Zhu

THE RETROFIT WORK FLOW:

decorated `oo TR }o u ] o v R prefabricated strawboard and `ov }v uo R U ] }o R v } ]u v }`v CO u] ]}v ]vP process.

exterior ]vo`oo

shoprk W R ] v v ] R }( ]}v o lv}`o P v experience how to retrofit Ru o ˙ o v]vP }u } } ] ˙ v R} ]v ] ]}v ]v R `} l R U v o } P R ] }v their own projects.

considering the living materials' features. The straw needs to be kept dry and stored under cover, and the evrionment moisture content should not exceed 15%. Be careful of the Insects and rodents while they are exposed during the building phase.

Only in this case can straw bales serve as good insulation. The same principle applies to other living materials.

LEDo]PR o}l reused bricks Ru }oRuo v]o]}v

ofitreR

But during the retrofit process, there are some evironmental requirements

o]]vPu]o furniture

A ( }( ]}v o ]v]vP ( } u R ` } l R } U ` oo R } } ]v (o˙ ( } ˙ } retrofit their own house `]R R }(]}vo Ro X M v`R]o U R ˙ o } v o] ]v R R} `R]o retrofitting.

The retrofit parts in the housing can be divided into two parts, the first are some ordinary retrofit methods like install solar panel, replace the damaged bricks and tiles with reused ones or ones made from eco-firendly materials, and update the drainage, ventilation, solar thermal system and so one. The second is the part retrofitted with living materials including changing the furniture into the one made from living materials and the most important one is insulation. In this project, we mainly use the straw insulation products to insulate the houses, in order to imporve the whole house's enery performance, and reduce CO2 emission while living in it.

DIAGRAM.19/ LIVING MATERIALS RETROFITTING PROCESS

By Yueshan Zhu

LIVING MATERIALS TRANSPORT CONDITION

69

70

04.9 INSULATION RETROFIT MATERIALS

CEILING INSULATION

DIAGRAM.23/ THE STEPS OF RETROFIT WITH STRAW PRODUCTS

By Yueshan Zhu

CHOOSE THE INSULATION MATERIALS

04.10 HOW TO INSULATE WITH STRAW

}}(]o Attic ]u(u

strawboard

PRODUCT

S]uo]vv }]vP}(o}

TYPE

DIAGRAM.21/ RETROFIT MATERIALS COMPARISON

By Yueshan Zhu

INSTALL METRHOD

}l`}}o

strawboard

Ivv}]vP l˘vo} }(˘]]vP`oo

interior stucco

(]`vo E˘voS`Ivo]}v `o } ˘]]vP]o]vP

}v]vP]u R]uR

}(]`oo }(]`oo

El}vo˙ strawboard

oR`R}o˘]]vP`oo

Ivv}]vP}(˘]]vP`oo

WALL INSULATION IN EACH FLOOR

INSULATION PROPERTIES ~Uro

EASY TO INSTALL

u]]o interior stucco

THICNESS

}v]vP]u R]uR strawboard

PRICE

]u(u reused bricks

EXTRA PLASTER CO2 TRUEMISSION ro}(]o]vP}u}vvo]l`ooU}}(}`]v}`UuRu}v}(vP˙~Ro}R}PRu~u}(Ru]o(}˙ P~K]+v]vu`vR]v]vR}]X First Floor

APPLY IN THE BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE

STRAWBAORD

˘]]vP`oo Rrvo

Inner covering of existing walls ]o(}]vP}v}R]vvo ˘]]vP`oo}]vo`R]R}ov} l}}uR]vR}}uX~ }vo˙uu thick )

]u(u `o o]urvv

DIAGRAM.22/ STRAWBOARD AND STRAW BALE PROPERTY

By Yueshan Zhu

uv B UP}vU(](o}}v]

Ground Floor

STRAW BALE

External Straw Insulation to existing building

waterproof o]vP

]o(}P}v(o}}˘vo ]vo]}v`R]R`}ov}lR ]v}}v]vR]o˙o](U v]o}PR`]RPvX

}v]vP]u R]uR strawboard ]u(u ˘]]vP`oo bricks foundation

G}v(o}}}]

straw board `o Basement

71

72

04.11 INSULATED WALL DESIGN DIAGRAM.24/ STRAW RETROFITTED WALL DESIGN STRATEGY

By Yueshan Zhu

WALL SECTION IN EACH FLOOR

WALL DESIGN DETAILS

First Floor

strawboard

B o}v˙ to expand the space

strawboard

straw

Ground Floor

S`TV`oo }u]v`]R`o

S`SRo( store the stuff to save space

]u

STRAWBAORD INSULATED wood

WALL

reused brick

Straw Decoration ]vR`}]vo `oo

strawboard

S`}P]]}vWoo with decoration function

Straw Drawer and Desk }PR`]R`oo ]vo]}v

strawboard

Basement

straw

o]urv

STRAW BALE INSULATED WALL strawboard

]u

reused brick

˙B W]v}` ]vR`o`oo

Straw Bench }u]v`]R`oo

S`BoGvWoo }u]v`]R]u

(u

`o

WALL DESIGN SCENE

`Ro(v`}]]}v`oo

73

o}v˙]vR}}u

˙`]v}`]vRo]]vP}}u

`oPv`oovov]vRPv

Considering the insulation products could take up the space in the room, so we try to use the thickness of straw insulated walls we designed bookshelves and drawers, and

For thickness over 150 mm straw bale insulation, it allows the introduction of bay windows on the ground floor, making the room more spacious and allowing more sunshine

add a recessed balcony to enlarge the living spacet on the first floor outside to enlarge the living space, and provide both sunshine and shelter or shade simultaneously.

into the room. Not only for insulation, but strawbales can also be used as a bench, garden wall, and planter, which While creating more usable space for each household,

Moreover, it could enable residents to have more space to use in the limited area.

also beautifies the neighbourhood environment at the same time.

74

04.12 RETROFIT EFFECT BUILDING RETROFIT

DIAGRAM.25/ LIFE EMBODIED CARBON CALCULATED BY FCBS CALCULATOR

By Yueshan Zhu

LIFECYCLE EMBODIED CARBON conventional materials

DIAGRAM.26/ ENERGY SAVING OF STRAW RETROFITTED HOUSE

By Yueshan Zhu

living materials

solar panel ]vP]vo}`}

vP˙]oo

roof window u}o]PR}R]}

o]]˙]oo

LED bulb ]vPo]]˙u}((]]v

By using the FCBS Carbon Calcuator to calute the CO2 emison for each house, find out tha using livng materils to retofi can reduc about 20% CO2 emison compared to convetial ones.

DIAGRAM.27/ EPC STANDARD OF RETROFITTED BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE

By Yueshan Zhu

u}vP˙vPu}

(Diagram 25,26)

And for the cur ent situa on of back-to-back house now in the Harehil s, most of the EPC stand r score

`u

straw product insulation

E , b u t i f w e r e t f o i th e s h o u s e w i t h o u r m e t h o d , e a c h o f t h e h o u s e c o u l d i d e a l y g e t t h e B s t a n d r o f E P C score, whic means it would cost the residnt les money and have lower envriomtal impact for the whole .comunity

solar thermal

(Diagram 25) and can also save 15% on enrgy bils

]u}R`R}oR}vP˙

(Diagram 27)

((]]v˙

If we aply this method widely in other places, we could largey reduc the CO2 emison in the construi , industry improve the loca econmy and provide more job oprtunies relatd to the .industry

75

EPC STANDARD

EPC STANDARD

vP˙((]]v˙]vP

v]}vuvo]u~CO]vP

76

04.13 COMMUNITY RETROFIT THE CURRENT SITUATION OF COMMUNITY IN HAREHILLS

Based on the analysis of problems,we focus on one district of Harehills.The area currently has Harehills Working Men's Club, auto repair shop, car sales shop, gym,

community traffic analysis (Left)

providing entertainment, service, car purchase and repair and other functions for surrounding residents.The road between the back-to-back houses has cut-offs and is characterised by poor space utilisation, poor environment, random parking, and a lack of space for residents to move around.In Car repair shops, there are problems Spaces in Harehills Working Mens Club & Institute that are not utilized,and there are no small outdoor Spaces close by to provide residents with a short break.In

community design strategy (Right)

DIAGRAMXlC}uuv]˙vo˙]

By Xueyu Wang

such as poor environment, old facilities and unused space.There are external

the following, we will present the overall community and building retrofit process in conjunction with the Straw retrofit strategy.

DIAGRAMXılBl}lR}`oo}v}v

By Xueyu Wang

BACK-TO-BACK HOUSE WALL DECONSTRUCTION

Back-to-Back house deconstruction profile 77

78

04.14 DECONSTRUCTION SITE HOUSES & SHARED STREET DECONSTRUCTION public pavements and roads. This helps reduce resource waste and carbon

The work is first carried out on the parts of the building that need to be

dioxide emissions. After this, retrofit can start in stages so people can stay at

deconstructed and renovated.

home while different floors are retrofitted and the owners can reduced the cost by

To reduce construction waste, we incorporate the deconstruction of housing

using subsidised living materials as per our strategy.This proposal is conducive to

elements, such as walls and roofs, so the brick and other materials can be

enabling more people to use living material to transform their houses.

repurposed for the design and reparation not only of adjacent buildings but of

DIAGRAMXlH}vR}v}v

By Xueyu Wang

Back-to-Back house & Street deconstruction 79

80

04.15 FLY FACTORY

04.94 WORKSHOP

PROVIDES PREFABRICATED STRAW MATERIAL

PROVIDE A SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO LEARN, EXPERIENCE,AND EXCHANGE IDEAS

DIAGRAMXlFo˙(}˙

By Xueyu Wang

DIAGRAM.33/ Workshop

By Xueyu Wang

fly factory

workshop

This fly factory provides prefabricated straw material and was retrofitted with the used of straw bale to repair the walls while the paving was reworked using waste stones

In the workshop,people will experience the process of making small furniture and other objects from straw materials under the guidance of professionals.In the outdoor

from the neighbourhood.Straw from the surrounding farms is processed here. ECOCOCON is able to provide the relevant technical support.Materials can be stored here

experience space, professionals will explain the process of making a house out of straw with the help of a model. Courses related to straw material renovation are provided

temporarily to ensure their dryness and can be carried from here to the adjoining building for repairs saving time and reducing carbon footprint of transport.

for nearby residents to meet the needs of some people who want to participate in building renovation.

FLY FACTORY PARTIAL VIEW

WORKSHOP PARTIAL VIEW

fly factory retrofit

fly factory material order office

straw items making workshop

workshop wall retrofit

fly factory material processing place

fly factory material storage & transport place

outdoor experience space

training workshop

DIAGRAMXlFo˙(}˙o]`

By Xueyu Wang

DIAGRAMXlW}lR}o]`

By Xueyu Wang

81

82

04.16 COMMUNITY SCENARIO RENDERING COMMUNITY RETROFITTING PRACTICE

Here is the vision of Community Retrofit,after retrofitting the flying factory can remain as a regional hub, wwfor the, processing, storage, and transportation of living materials in Leeds.Improving the regional environment and function is conducive to promoting straw materials and is convenient for the surrounding population.The integration of Fly Factory's ordering, processing, storage, and transportation functions can DIAGRAMXælC}uuv]˙v]}v]vP

By Xueyu Wang

become a future model to be built in more areas that need to be transformed.

The Workshop, could retain some original functions, but mainly serve as a learning and training resource and facility for living materials with low tech methods.

Furniture and materials, and workshops can be built in other areas that need renovation.The original building function is retained here, and the outside space is used to place rest chairs and other facilities to provide residents with outdoor social rest. community scenario rendering 83

84

04.17 COMPARISON STRAW VS CONVENTIONAL MATERIALS

DIAGRAMXlC}vv}vo}.}

By Yueshan Zhu DIAGRAMXlS`}.}

By Yueshan Zhu

Compared with the conventional retrofit process, straw stores the carbon during the cultivating part, however, the cement production will emit more than 15% CO2.

Because of sourced locally, the CO2 emission in distribution will be largely decreased. In addition to transportation, using the prefabricated panel with offsite techniques acts as a viable step towards cutting down CO2 emissions. Straw has better insulation properties than conventional materials, which could help reduce 20% CO2 emission and save 15% energy bills when living in a straw-retrofitted house. In the end life of the straw materials, it can be degraded instead of demolition and become a kind of waste.

All in all, retrofitting with straw can reduce CO2 emissions by 50% and provide affordable housing for all, promote the development of new, organic, and biodegradable materials, and reduce construction waste at the same time.

85

86

REFERENCE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowtechlab.org. 2022. Low-tech Lab – Low-techs.

Krarti, Moncef. 2018. Optimal Design and Retrofit of

[online] Available at: <https://lowtechlab.org/en/low-

Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban

techs> [Accessed 24 August 2022].

Centers. Saint Louis: Elsevier Science & Technology.

McMahon, Chris. 18.02.2022. “Low-Technology: Why

‌Stahl, Thomas, and Karim Ghazi Wakili. 2021. Ener-

Sustainability Doesn’t Have To Depend On High-Tech

gy-Efficient Retrofit of Buildings by Interior Insulation

Solutions”. The Conversation. https://theconversation.

Materials, Methods, and Tools. San Diego: Elsevier

com/low-technology-why-sustainability-doesnt-have-

Science & Technology.

to-depend-on-high-tech-solutions-176611. ‌GendelisStaņislavs, JakovičsAndris, and Max Engel“Defining Community Wealth Building”. 06.06.2020.

hardt. 2019. Thermal and Moisture Adsorption/Deso-

Community-Wealth.Org. https://community-wealth.org/

rption Properties for a Selection of Vegetal Insulation

content/defining-community-wealth-building.

Materials. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

“Anchor Institutions – Leeds Inclusive Growth Strat-

‌Chen, Fuzhen. 2021. Study on Mechanical and Ther-

egy”. 2022. Leedsgrowthstrategy.Co.Uk. http://www.

mal Performance of Building Energy-Saving Wall with

leedsgrowthstrategy.co.uk/anchor-institutions/.

Insulation Materials. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

‌ Joanne Harrison ,“Back-to-back houses in twenty-first

‌J ones, Barbara. 2015. Building with Straw Bales :

century Leeds”. Historic Environment: Policy and

A Practical Manual for Self-Builders and Architects.

Practice. (2019)

Cambridge, England: Green Books.

Harrison, Joanne “The origin, development and decline of back-to-back houses in Leeds, 1787-1937”.

Industrial Archaeology Review, 39 (2). (2017):

FIGURE

101-116.

Figure. 01/ “Leeds Sustainability Institute | Research | Leeds

Commons.wikimedia.org. 2022. File:Low-tech inno-

Beckett University”. 2022. Leedsbeckett.Ac.Uk. https://

vation.jpg - Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.

www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/leeds-sustainabili-

wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Low-tech_innovation.jpg

ty-institute/.

Figure. 02-03/ “About Local Authority Building Control | LABC”. 2022.

Wiki.lowtechlab.org. 2022. Chauffage solaire version

Labc.Co.Uk. https://www.labc.co.uk/about-labc.

ardoise — Low-tech Lab. <https://wiki.lowtechlab.org/ wiki/Chauffage_solaire_ version_ardoise

“Home - SBUK”. 2022. SBUK. https://strawbalebuildinguk.com/.

“Home-NBUK”. 2022. Nbuk.Org.Uk. https://www.nbuk. org.uk/.

“The School of Natural Building (SNaB)”. 2022. Strawworks.Co.Uk. https://strawworks.co.uk/the-school-ofnatural-building-snab/ /www.thelaststraw.org/ “Renovation mortgage”. 2022. Ecology.Co.Uk. https:// www.ecology.co.uk/mortgages/residential-mortgages/ renovation/ Joanne Harrison ,“Back-to-back houses in twenty-first century Leeds”. Historic Environment: Policy and Practice. (2019):3 Mark Piepkorn, “Moisture and Straw-Bale Walls”. thelaststraw.org. https://www.thelaststraw.org/ Timothy Dale. “7 Things to Know About Rockwool Insulation Before Installing It in Your Home”. 2021. bobvila.com. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/rockwool-insulation/ “Product catalog”. 2022. Ekopanely.Co.Uk. https:// ekopanely.co.uk/#system “The panel”. 2022. ecococon.eu. https://ecococon.eu/ the-panel EKOPANELY SERVIS. EKOPANELY: Instructional Film. 15 March 2015. Accessed 2 August 2022. https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1bL7QfQZ7I&t=305s

87

88

05. BARRIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

05.1 MORGATES AND INSURANCE 05.2 KNOWLEDGE GAP 05.3 SKILLS AND JOBS 05.4 RISKS

Based on the above analysis of the straw retrofit system, related architectural details and community-related transformation, this chapter analyzes the barriers and opportunities that straw materials may meet in the transformation and promotion. From the perspective of mortgages and insurance, the article analyzes the current situation and how mortgages, insurance and mortgages, and Finance limit choice.

Moreover, knowledge gap is studied and analyzed to supplement the problems encountered in promoting and implementing straw material. Finally, the author conducts a survey and analysis of skills and jobs and possible measures in terms of risks. Improve straw retrofit system from the perspective of research.

89

90

05.1 MORGATES AND INSURANCE

IT IS SUBSTANTIALLY MORE DIFFICULT TO MORTGAGE AND FINANCES A STRAW HOUSE THAN ONE MADE WITH TRADITIONAL BUILDING MATERIALS, DISCOURAGING THEIR WIDESPREAD USE.

05.2 KNOWLEDGE GAP

THERE ARE NUMEROUS MISCONCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS IN THE COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF STRAW MATERIALS. FOR EACH OF THE ISSUES LISTED BELOW, IT WOULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO CONDUCT ADDITIONAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION TO FILL KNOWLEDGE GAPS.

One of the most difficult aspects of building with straw bales may be finding money to finance the project.

Conventional lending institutions do not like to take big risks when lending their money. Something that is outside of their comfort zone is very quickly turned away. This has plagued straw bale builders and our clients for years.

Why do most people still build with masonry?

The answer is simple:lack of knowledge and awareness.Most builders prefer to stick with what they already know.

Yet there are hundreds of homes throughout the UK made entirely of straw and other natural materials. There

How to obtain mortgages for a straw build

are an equal number of extensions and garden offices made from the same materials.6

Typically, a mortgage is required for both the construction of new dwellings and the renovation of existing

1.Humidity sensitivity

residences. Mortgage lenders will only finance a project if they are confident that it is insurable. Insurance

Wet conditions can cause straw bales to mold, decay and even collapse. Properly-constructed straw bale homes

requires structural warranties, and large national providers of Structural Warranties do not typically certify straw

include a high stem wall, roof with large overhanging eaves, and interior and exterior plaster coats to reduce

construction.

moisture problems.7

There are many mortgage providers offering products which are appropriate for sustainable, low carbon

Whilst it is essential to keep the straw dry before and during construction,once the external plaster or cladding

construction. The Ecology Building Society (EBS) 4based in West Yorkshire, and mortgage broker BuildStore,

has been installed it will not be a problem as the straw's hygroscopic nature is its own moisture management

are both options—although BuildStore caters solely to the self-build market. Housing Growth Partnership (HGP)

system.

is a social impact investor. Backed by Lloyds Bank and Homes England, they are helping to address housing affordability by providing support to the regional residential development community to increase the number of

However, these precautions sometimes fail. In wet climates with blowing rain, straw bale structures may become

new homes built in the UK.

damp and may never dry out. In this kind of situation, it may be best to build only the driest sides of a structure from straw bales, and use another construction method for the wetter sides of the house.

Ecology Building Society only lend on properties and projects that respect the environment, and they believe in treating their borrowers individually and fairly.No matter if your project is straightforward or unusual, innovative or one that other lenders have rejected – if they can see an environmental benefit, they'll be interested in talking to you.Through their straightforward approach, low fees, mortgage discounts and lexible features, you'll find that a sustainable mortgage doesn't have to cost the earth.5The EBS will investigate individual projects with the small number of insurers with whom they work, to obtain the assurance they require that the design and build quality will meet the necessary standards.

2.Fire resistance Straw walls have been tested around the world, including the UK, Australia and the USA, and in all cases exceeded the fire standards of traditional building types. This is mainly because fire requires oxygen to continue burning and the compression pack has removed the oxygen.Other siding materials such as wood or aluminium are less desirable as any gaps will allow more air along the surface of the straw bale and increase the risk of fire.8

FIG.01/ }o}P˙ E ]o]vP}]˙`]v]}v

By Xueyu Wang

FIGXlBoV]ooPHooR(]Ruv

By Steve Allen - www.burtlevillage.co.uk

Insurances and warranties The National House Building Council (NHBC) provides many of the structural warranties for new homes in the UK, as well as setting standards in consultation with the industry. They do not currently offer warranties for a broad palette of biobased construction systems.

3.Durability No one can completely answer this question, because the first straw bale building was built about 140 years ago.

In the USA there are about a dozen houses of 100 years old that are still inhabited and showing no problems.

They have an increasing stock of houses built since 1980 that are also enduring with no problems. In the UK we started building in 1994, and in France there is a house built in 1921. As with any other technique of house building, if your straw bale house is constructed with a good design, with quality work and is properly maintained throughout its life, there is no reason why it should not last at least 200 years.9

Finance limiting choice Due to EBS’s limited size, they are currently unable to provide mortgages for large scale developments. They limit loans to £3million to an individual client. As a consequence they aren’t able to support community-led

91

4.Pests

developments of more than 20-30 homes. These limitations make straw construction less appealing than using

Rodents find it difficult to dig holes through the straw and once the grain is removed they are no longer

conventional materials.Connect Housing based in Leeds are a housing association with a 3500 home portfolio

interested as it does not provide them with nutritious food.Hay provides food value to animals and insects, but

across West Yorkshire, which is currently growing by 65 units every year. Connect Housing finance future

straw does not. Straw is used to build houses because it does not attract rodents, termites or other insects.

projects through mortgaging their existing housing stock. But they tend not to work with biobased construction

Actually, a conventional, stick-built house is more likely to suffer a termite infestation than a straw-bale house.

materials,despite the fact that they are interested in better and more sustainable construction, and would

As with any home, proper maintenance and repair ensures that your straw-bale home will provide many years of

otherwise be in a strong position to brief designers and contractors to work with them.

comfort and safety.9

1. “Ethical, Residential & Commercial Mortgages - Ecology.” n.d. Ecology Building Society. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.ecology.co.uk/ mortgages/.

3.“Straw.” n.d. Nbuk. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.nbuk. org.uk/straw.

5. Jones, Barbara. 2020. “How to Build with Straw Bale.” Homebuilding & Renovating. June 9, 2020. https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/how-tobuild-with-straw-bale.

‌ .“ModCell :: Mortgages.” n.d. Www.modcell.com. Accessed September 14, 2 2022. https://www.modcell.com/mortgages/.

4.“Straw FAQs.” n.d. School of Natural Building. http://schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk/straw-faqs/.

6.“Straw FAQs.” n.d. School of Natural Building. Accessed September 14, 2022. http://schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk/straw-faqs/.

92

05.3 SKILLS AND JOBS

05.4 RISKS

STAKEHOLDERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY CHAIN HAVE POTENTIAL TO EXPOSED TO TRANSITION RISKS. NEW MARKET ENTRANTS AND MARKET INCUMBENTS ALIKE ARE EXPOSED TO TRANSITION RISKS, TO A DEGREE DEPENDENT ON THE NATURE OF THEIR PRODUCTS AND THE SPEED WITH WHICH INDIVIDUAL BUSINESSES ADAPT TO CHANGING SOCIAL AND POLITICAL EXPECTATIONS.

“A BIG PART OF [THIS CHALLENGE] WILL BE UPSKILLING THE CURRENT WORKFORCE SO THAT THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT SUSTAINABLE BUILDING IS ALL ABOUT.” CARR & CARR BUILDERS 10

In the UK Net Zero Strategy Build Back Greener,it support up to 100,000 jobs

Below builds on the prior chapter on barriers and opportunities to identify some key transition risks that

in the middle of the 2020s and up to 175,000 in 2030 in the Heat and Buildings

stakeholders across the supply chain may experience. The impact of such risks, and possible mitigating actions

FIG.03/ SBE `A o]o]vP]v]vP}

By Xueyu Wang

sector.11CITB estimates that 350,000 new construction skills jobs need to be created

are also given.

by 2028 to meet the government’s net zero targets for 2050. Moreover,the Ecology

Policy & Promotion

Building Society who provide loans on projects constructed with predominantly 12

natural materials are experiencing significant growth. And the straw construction

Italy's super bonus policy is mentioned in the previous section, and France government announced plans to

materials skills courses are currently uncommon in UK further education colleges.

make all new public buildings 50% timber. Quercus Forest Products Ltd.Finding a home insurance company willing to insure your straw bale home may be difficult or impossible. This is not because they are not worthy of insurance. Still, because many insurance underwriters are operating from a place of fear and ignorance16.

Therefore, building codes need to be further strengthened for the promotion of straw materials in the UK. FIGXælS`o]o]vP}v}v

By Xueyu Wang

1.Improvement of relevant professional skills and offer more related courses

School of Natural Building and some courses may be advertised at short notice because we work with self-builders who may not be able to give a long lead-in time. We will advise all trainees of courses by email as they are finalised.13 The European Straw Building Association is an independent European association, devoid of any profit making motive. The object of the Association is to promote and develop the use of straw, as a sustainable way of building in all the senses of the term “sustainable”: renewable, ecological, healthy, energy and climate efficient, social and economic.

The complete STEP-Training about straw bale building(400h with all 8 modules, bilingual EN/DE) is offered.14 Sourcing and Availability of Straw in the UK There is limited awareness of the untapped yield revenue potential of building bales for farmers, even though

2.Upskilling

many straw providers and farmers in the UK advertise construction bales for sale. Farmers would have a new When construction codes change, builders are not currently obligated to upgrade their skills as plumbers and electricians are. The introduction of courses for new entrants into the industry would

FIG.04/ SR}}o E }(NB]o]vP}

By Xueyu Wang

be supported if builders were forced to upskill. This would encourage construction skills courses

source of revenue if construction materials were switched to those derived from nature.

Construction bales do not currently have a formal supply chain in the UK. Thus each project is responsible for

for the active working population.

sourcing its supply. While this offers the advantage of bringing local farmers to a project site, the consistency

For example,according to a report by CITB, the North East and Yorkshire can expect a demand

required to participate in the provision and quality assurance.

of the bale standard may not be as carefully regulated. As a result, more institutions and straw suppliers are

of 49,000 additional construction workers in the five years from 2018.15If this demand is not met, these skills will need to be imported from other regions of the UK or internationally. Construction Skills Village and SOHOCO of North Yorkshire state that this potential loss of employment opportunities in the region. So it is important to require significant upskiling of the workforce.

Market In terms of the market, it may happen that as time goes by, the demand for straw construction and straw materials is getting higher and higher, and the phenomenon of short supply may occur. This could affect the number of potential investors. Therefore, the state should increase investment in the development and production of straw materials, improve relevant staff technology, add more courses related to straw construction in education and use policy and procurement rules to incentivise local production.

FIGXlS`u]o}v}]vP

By Xueyu Wang

3.Partnerships between manufacturers and skills colleges

Progress is clearly being made in partnering manufacturers and skills colleges in Yorkshire and the North East. However, the general lack of funding, and the elevated price of natural building materials is holding this progress back.

The demand will rise along with it as more professionals become proficient with these materials and become aware of how to use them. It would also help and encourage construction colleges to put more of an emphasis on biobased building materials within their curricula if there was better leadership in the prioritisation of straw materials from the course certifiers.

9.Comment recorded in Interview with Ecology Building Society

by Material Cultures on 20th of September, 2021

93

7.Construction Industry Training Board. (2021). Net Zero: 350,000 new construction roles to be created by 2028.

Retrieved September 29, 2021 from https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/ news-events-and-blogs/net-zero-350-000-newconstruction-roles-to-be-created-by-2028/ 8. GOV.UK. 2021. “Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener.” GOV.UK. October 19, 2021. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy.

10.“Courses.” n.d. School of Natural Building. Accessed September 15, 2022. http://schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk/courses-2/.

11.“Training | ESBA.” n.d. Accessed September 15, 2022. https://strawbuilding.eu/category/training/.

12.Saini C., El-Haram M. and Bennett M. (2018). Construction Skills gap analysis for the York, North Yorkshire & East Riding area. Norfolk: CITB

94 13.“Insurance for Your Straw Bale House.” 2006. September 21, 2006. https://strawbale.com/insurance/.

REFERENCE

FIGURE

“Ethical, Residential & Commercial Mortgages - Ecolo-

Figure. 01/

gy.” n.d. Ecology Building Society. Accessed Septem-

Left: “Ethical, Residential & Commercial Mortgages -

ber 14, 2022. https://www.ecology.co.uk/mortgages/.

Ecology.” n.d. Ecology Building Society. https://www. ecology.co.uk/mortgages/

“ModCell :: Mortgages.” n.d. Www.modcell.com. Ac-

Right: “Invest & Fund | UK Residential Bridging and

cessed September 14, 2022. https://www.modcell.

Development Finance.” n.d. Www.investandfund.

com/mortgages/.

com. Accessed September 17, 2022. https://www.investandfund.com/.

“Straw.” n.d. Nbuk. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.nbuk.org.uk/straw.

‌Figure. 02/ “** Burtle Village **.” n.d. Www.burtlevillage.co.uk. Ac-

“Straw FAQs.” n.d. School of Natural Building. http://

cessed September 17, 2022. http://www.burtlevillage.

schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk/straw-faqs/.

co.uk/.

Jones, Barbara. 2020. “How to Build with Straw Bale.”

‌Figure. 03/

Homebuilding & Renovating. June 9, 2020. https://

“STEP Straw Bale Training for European Profession-

www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/how-to-build-with-

als | ESBA.” 2021. February 28, 2021. https://straw-

straw-bale.

building.eu/european-straw-bale-training/.

“Straw FAQs.” n.d. School of Natural Building. Ac-

‌‌Figure. 04/

cessed September 14, 2022. http://schoolofnatural-

“Courses.” n.d. School of Natural Building. http://

building.co.uk/straw-faqs/.

schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk/courses-2/.

Construction Industry Training Board. (2021). Net

‌‌Figure. 05/

Zero:350,000 new construction roles to be created

Left: Cadmon. n.d. “Straw Bale House Retrofit.” Paja

by 2028.Retrieved September 29, 2021 from https://

Construction. Accessed September 17, 2022. http://

www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/net-

pajaconstruction.com/portfolio/straw-bale-house-retro-

zero-350-000-new-construction-roles-to-be-created-

fit/.

by-2028/

Right:Pros and Cons of Straw Bale Building – Natural Building Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved September 17, 2022,

GOV.UK. 2021. “Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Green-

from https://naturalbuildingblog.com/pros-and-cons-of-

er.” GOV.UK. October 19, 2021. https://www.gov.uk/

straw-bale-building/

government/publications/net-zero-strategy. ‌‌Figure. 06/ Comment recorded in Interview with Ecology Building

“Straw Supply.” n.d. FGS Agri | Sustainable Solutions

Society by Material Cultures on 20th of September,

in Agriculture. Accessed September 17, 2022. https://

2021

www.fgsagri.co.uk/dt_gallery/straw-supply/.

“Courses.” n.d. School of Natural Building. Accessed September 15, 2022. http://schoolofnaturalbuilding. co.uk/courses-2/.

“Training | ESBA.” n.d. Accessed September 15, 2022. https://strawbuilding.eu/category/training/.

Saini C., El-Haram M. and Bennett M. (2018). Construction Skills gap analysis for the York, North Yorkshire & East Riding area. Norfolk: CITB “Insurance for Your Straw Bale House.” 2006. September 21, 2006. https://strawbale.com/insurance/.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Jing-hui, Li, and Xiao Li-guang. 2016. Influence of Straw Fiber on the Insulation Properties and Frost Resistance of the Cement Based Materials. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences. ‌Minke, Gernot, and Benjamin Krick. 2020. Straw Bale Construction Manual : Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser, “Ökobuch, Staufen im Breisgau.” ‌Minke, Gernot, and Benjamin Krick. 2020. Straw Bale Construction Manual : Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser, “Ökobuch, Staufen im Breisgau.”

95

96

06. ACTIONS TO MEET GROWTH

06.1 DIRECT ACTION 06.2 ENABLING FACTORS 06.3 SIMULTANEOUS FURTHER WORK

The plan for living retrofit urbanism in the future is divided into three actions. Firstly, we need to create some successful demonstrator projects as examples to show to the public and establish the complete supply chain to lay the foundation for the subsequent transformation of the retrofit system.

Secondly, such a transformation will involve many industries, organizations, and individuals, it needs time to communicate with each other. Although the time is quite long, that will create the conditions for longer-term change. Lastly, in order to make the system more sustainable, we need to consider more details about future work including finance, cooperation, environmental problems, wellbeing, etc.

97

98

06.1 DIRECT ACTION FUND SPECIFIC PROJECT

IMPORVE PLANNING POLICY IN LEEDS

An importan factor in build ng sup ort and confide in the liv ng materi l ret ofi industry is trying to creat

Livng materil retofid construi is a smal sector in the buildng , industry and it is not a mainstre buildng

sevral sucefl projects withn the region. Thes projects can prove the best practie of using livng materils

materi l, and the regulations are not wel establi hed. Althoug ther is a strong voice in the natio s to ask

to retofi the housing and comunites while showing the resilnc of the loca suply chain.

the governm t to change the Build ng Regulations to regulat the embodi carbon of build ng or ret ofi ng materils in construi, the Futre Homes Standr consultai

Using the back-to-back house and com unit es in Harehil s as typol gies to ret ofi could be one specif

5

indcates thes changes would not hapen

very son at a natiol lev.

exampl to demonstra whetr the straegy wil be implentd locay with those anchor instuo and what the fect of retofi is. Only with one sucefl demonstra project, can we se the potenial of livng materils

The policy change as ume the exist nce of a sufic ently wel -dev loped dat b se. Such a dat b se can

in the construi .industry

s u p o r t t h e m e a s u r n t o f t h e c a r b o n f o t p r i n o f m a t e r i l s , l i f e c y l e s , a n d e n r g y ef i c n y o f b u i l d n g s , and its consi tency and stand r izat on wil facil ta e policy imple nta ion and contr l. In ad it on to the establihmn of a datbse, loca relatd polices should also encourag the use of livng materils in retofing

counil, Leds Sustainble Instiuo, and Local Authoriy Buildng Control are establihd to ensur the whole

homes throug subide, promte the use of sutainble materils in construi or by construi companies,

proces can be goin on wel and under the lega monit r g. And ev ry house en rgy perfo manc wil be

a n d p r o v i d e r e a s o n b l e m o r t g a e f o r t h e l o c a m a t e r i l s u p l i e r s . F i ,n a l y t h i s w i l p r o m t e t h e u s e o f t h e s

recod in terms of best practie regadin whole lifecy embodi carbon in the retofi proces in orde to

biomaterls in the loca construi .industry

DIAGRAM.03/ LOCAL AUTHORITY BUILDING CONTROL

By Yu Zhang

For the demonstra project to be a suc e , it is crui al tha early partne ship with loca authori y like city

met the industry' net zero carbon ambiton.

DIAGRAM.01/ LEEDS CITY COUNCIL

By Yu Zhang

The ne d to ad conte about liv ng materi ls and ret ofi t ng of housing to the rel vant plan i g polic es The Leds City Council has alredy securd a huge amount from ERDF and governm t grants of fundig

includg Local Plan, Local Planig , Policy and Suplemntary Planig Documents throug the loca , authoriy

to upgrade to improve the proetis' enrgy , ficeny and they are comiter to spendig another £100m to

whic can help the bioased materils to be the prioty choie for the construi .industry

improve enrgy ficeny of counil proetis by 2025 on 750 back to backs in prioty neighbourds along htiw gnirb wol nobrac tcirsd gnitaeh ot stalf ni 10 skcolb

1

ANCHOR INSTITUTION PARTNERS:

. A p i h s r e n t a h t iw y t i c l i cn u o dl u o c e b e n o e vi t c f

way of quickly identfyg potenial demonstra projects. And it is also recomnd tha thes projects are open design competins, drawing on loca and natiol design talen, with stric critea for the bidng proces from

Leds City Council

archite to .contra

opeanEur egionalR telopmnvD Fund

Regulatin in favor of livng materils in retofing can indcate the urgent to avert climate emrgncis, and lead other regions to fol w the actions, pushing the governm t to change natio l y in the Build ng Regulations

7

.

ANCHOR INSTITUTION PARTNERS:

It can also gen rat deman s for industr e , not only constru i industr e , but also agricult a industr e ,

Leds City Council

manufctrig industre, etc. More , importanly it could stimulae the ned for more skil from the labour market and creat more job oprtunies .simultaneoy

ARIB alLoc Authoriy Buildng Cooltrn

FUND LARGE SCALE LIVING MATERIALS SUPPLY CHAIN DEVELOPMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

FIG.01/ LEEDS CITY VIEW https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/news/new-report-plans-aroadmap-to-a-zero-carbon-leeds/

With the demonstra livng materils retofi project sucefly set up, the advntges of using livng materils can be se n by the public, peo l wil draw more at en io to the liv ng materi ls in the constru ion ret ofi .industry , Graduly the scale of the retofi project wil graduly increas, and the loca authoriy housing retofi devlopmnts in the region wil devlop into a complet sytem, by whic time the whole of the livng materil 2

retofi suply chain in Leds wil have becom a model and region skil base for the whole of the UK.

.When

such a network for the suply and retofi of biolgca materils is perfctd, it wil help the construi industry in Leds achiev its ambiton of net-zero emison by 2030

3

.If aplied this method can be adopte at scale and

at pace acros the city over the next deca ., it would save a large amount of en rgy saving for Le ds and creat lots of extra employnt for loca citzens.

DIAGRAM.02/ STRAW BUILDING UNITED KINDOM

By Yu Zhang

The bigest barie to the use of biomaterls as a prioty choie of construi materil at scale is the lack of confide in the suply chain. The coner is as to whetr those livng materil suplier wil be able to delivr the volumes necsary and the quality up to standr. A large-scale project would be able to tes and monitr the viablty of such a suply chain .fectivly 4

It also recomnds the loca authoriy could colabrte with Straw Buildng United Kingdom or Unyte Hemp to find the potenial field to grow the livng materils like straw and hemp, whic are used to sequtr carbon

ANCHOR INSTITUTION PARTNERS:

befor harvesting, and hemp can also store and extrac polutans from the soil when growin in the field.

Ther fo e, large-scale dev lopment projects can play a posit ve role in creating markets for liv ng material

Leds City Council

growes and proces and demonstraig how sutainble buildng compnets can be put into practie.

99

1. “Retrofitting Energy Efficiency In Buildings”. 2022. Leeds City Council News. https://news.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-spotlight/retrofitting-energy-efficiency-in-buildings.

2. Summer Islam, Emily Walport, Tom Hart, Robbie Firth. “Circular Biobased Construction in the North East and Yorkshire”. ( Material Cultures, 2021), 126.

3. “Our Energy And Carbon Plan | Leeds | Can-Do Cities”. 2021. Leedscli-

waStr Buildng Unedit Kindom

mate.Org.Uk. https://www.leedsclimate.org.uk/our-energy-and-carbonplan.

4. 2. Summer Islam, Emily Walport, Tom Hart, Robbie Firth. “Circular Biobased Construction in the North East and Yorkshire”. ( Material Cultures, 2021), 127.

5. “The Future Buildings Standard”. 2021. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/ government/consultations/the-future-buildings-standard.

6. Summer Islam, Emily Walport, Tom Hart, Robbie Firth. “Circular Biobased Construction in the NEY”. ( Material Cultures, 2021), 128.

7. Ibid., 129.

100

06.3 SIMULTANEOUS FURTHER WORK

ESTABLISH A COLLABORATIVE LIVING MATERIALS RETROFIT WORKING GROUP

STIMULATE FINANCING FROM MORTAGE PROVIDERS

DIAGRAM.06/ ECOLOGY BUILDING SOCIETY

By Yu Zhang

06.2 ENABLING FACTOR

A liv ng material sup ly chain that dev lops and su tains con ections betwe n anchor insti utions and stakeholdr is esntial. The coperatin betwn them can have to build the knowledg datbse of livng m a t e r i l s f o r t h e c o n s t r u c i o n i n d u , s t r y w h i c c o u l d r o b u s t r e l a t d i n d u s t r i e i n t h e s u p l y c h a i n . M o r e ,v

Cu, rently Ecolgy Buildng Society has the mortgae for the sutainble design homes and retofi projects,

it could also improve cir ula ty throug the reus of materi ls. So in orde to make the whole sup ly chain

but ther are no mortgae provides specifaly for livng materil retofi projects acros the UK. By encouragi

a c h i e v b l , a c o l a b r t i v e L i v n g M a t e r i l s o rW k i n g G r o u p , w h i c c o n e t s d i s p a r t e s t r a n d o f t h e i n d u s t r y

other providers to ent r the market, with governm t fundi g sup ort, the mortga es ofer d wil be more

, togehr wil ned to be establihd.

competiv and acesibl. And thes provides could work with the city counil or any other anchor instuo

ANCHOR INSTITUTION PARTNERS:

to expand their servic, making livng retofi .easir

One of the roles of the Livng Materil oWrking Group would be to build a Suply Chain eWbsit or Map to

olgycE Buildng tySocie

enabl the whole ret ofi proces to be transp e to the clients. And on the platform, the informat can be DIAGRAM.07/LEEDS SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTION

By Yu Zhang

shared betwn the parties responibl for each step of the proces to improve the fectivns of the retofi.

DIAGRAM.04/ SCHOOL OF NATURAL BUILDING

By Yu Zhang

And on the websit, each mebr of the group can share informat on livng materils includg the potenial suplier and technial documents on each livng materil, and creat a datbse for livng materil retofing projects, whic could provide relvant exampls to ref to for futre retofi projects. The websit could be a usefl resouc for profesinal, anchor instuo, and evn for the residnt when they are goin to retofi 8

the existng house, as wel as those who are loking to entr the livng materil industry as a care path

.

For exampl, the retofi company could lok up the potenial loca livng materil company to provide the ones

ANCHOR INSTITUTION PARTNERS:

tha can be used directly on the construi site, and the livng materil company could find the proces who can proces the raw materils into construi materils throug the websit, and the proces can find the potenial loca farms whic could provide the raw materils on the platform. And the whole proces of retofi is

Schol of Naaltur Buildng

visble to the clients who are wilng to use livng materil to retofi, they selct the retofi company acording to

LOOK INTO THE IMPACT OF LIVING MATERIALS ON THE HEALTH AND EVIRONMENT

Hul Coelg

the informat provide on the websit.

oC cE onc Co, ympan opanely Ek Coympan

Using livng materils as construi materils could have a positve impact on healt and wel-being, no mater for the house user, contras, or proces. Some acdemi repots ned to be intaed to provide evidnc.

DIAGRAM.05/ THE NATIONAL THATCHING STRAW GROWERS ASSOCIATION

By Yueshan Zhu

orkingW with some universt, or profesinal resach instuo like Leds Sustainbly Instiuo to do the work includ g as e ing the housing en rgy perfo manc regula y and monit r g the demonstra projects,

SUPPORT EXISTING FARMERS, GROWERS AND PROCESSORS

whic could colet furthe knowledg and help explor more potenial advntges and use of livng materils.

ANCHOR INSTITUTION PARTNERS: Leds ainbltySus tiuonIs

The suplier to provide livng materils in the construi industry is relativy smal, but they are the key factor in the whole sytem, as the market and deman for thes materils are growin, ther is a ned to ensur the amount and the quality of the livng materil can suport the loca sytem. So, it is vital the suplier reciv the right suport, no mater the fund or technial suport to harvest or store the products, and for some contrvesial materils like hemp, the growes ned extra traing and formal industral licensg to .grow

ANCHOR INSTITUTION PARTNERS:

, S e c o n d l y t h e L i v n g M a t e r i l o rWk i n g G r o u p m e n t i o d a b o v e n e d s t o p a r t n e w i t h e x i s t n g r e p s n t a i v of the loca agricult e industry to educat exist ng farme s on the ben fits of constru i crops. And the by-

SUPPORT THE SUPPLY CHAIN AND LAND MANAGEMENT

The National Thchingta waStr serwoG tionAsca

products like straw could not be wasted in the end but can make another profit by reusing it as construi livng

Uneyt Hemp

materils.

To transfom the buildng transfomi industry from a tradionl buildng materil-based industry to a livng m a t e r i a l - b a s e d i n d u s t, r y t h e k e y f a c t o r o f t h e j o i n t i s t h e c h a n g e i n t h e i n d u s t r i a l s u p l y c h a i n . A n d m o r e , importan ly the land man ge t of the field growin raw materi ls should be taken into considerat , whic n e d s t h e c o p e r a t i o n w i t h o t h e r o f i c a l a p r t m e n s t o c a r y o u t t h e s t r a e g y t o m e t t h e r e g i o n ’s c a r b o n reduction .straegy

CHANGE CONSTRUCTION SKIILS CURRICULUM AND STIMULATE DEMAND BY EDUCATING HOMEOWNERS AND HOME-BUYERS

DIAGRAM.06/ HULL COLLEGE

By Yueshan Zhu

Pye and Mal end r mentio d tha the number of peo l working in the constru ion industry is exp ct d to increas to 2.75 milon

9

, if we aplied the livng materil retofing method , widely ther is a ned to provide new

INFLUENCE THE WHOLE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND OTHER INDUSTRIES

curilms for various jobs in the suply chain and the relatd , industry in aditon to the scarity of skil in the convetial housebildng market.

Demand orf emor inglv erialmt edtiofr stprojec and edbioas iontrucs wil be luencdif by het yoregulat pres ure from authorit es and the market demand wil be influenc d by the house owners or house user .

Therfo, the main targe of the campign should be the public, as long as they are informed about the orign of

ANCHOR INSTITUTION PARTNERS: Coeslg

biomaterls, the benfits of using them, and their impact, it wil finaly stimulae the use of livng materils in the whole .industry

101

egLar Media Coympan

Livng materils can be used not only in retofi projects but also in planed new constru ion projects. The advoc ti n of the use of such su tain ble materi ls would help the whole constru ion industry wil becom more sutainble, gren, and enviromtaly .friendly And the corespndig conept can also be aplied to the manufctrig , industry clothing , industry and so on.

102 8. Ibid., 130-131.

9. Pye, D. and Mallender, R. (2021). City and Guilds Technical QualiŔcations in BSE. 3.

REFERENCE Ny: Alpha, A Member Of Penguin Group (Usa) Inc. “Retrofitting Energy Efficiency In Buildings”. 2022.

Leeds City Council News. https://news.leeds.gov.uk/

‌Straw Bale Building Details : An Illustrated Guide

leeds-spotlight/retrofitting-energy-efficiency-in-build-

for Design and Construction. 2019. Gabriola Is-

ings.

land, BC, Canada: New Society Publishers.

Summer Islam, Emily Walport, Tom Hart, Robbie Firth.

‌Athena Swentzell Steen, and Bill Steen. 2000. The

“Circular Biobased Construction in the North East and

Beauty of Straw Bale Homes. White River Junc-

Yorkshire”. ( Material Cultures, 2021), 126-139.

tion, Vt.: Chelsea Green Pub.

“Our Energy And Carbon Plan | Leeds | Can-Do Cities”. 2021. Leedsclimate.Org.Uk. https://www.leedsclimate.org.uk/our-energy-and-carbon-plan.

“The Future Buildings Standard”. 2021. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-buildings-standard.

“Retrofitting Energy Efficiency In Buildings”. 2022.

Leeds City Council News. https://news.leeds.gov.uk/

FIGURE Figure. 01/ “New Report Plans A Roadmap To A Zero Carbon Leeds - Priestley International Centre For Climate”.

2022. Priestley International Centre For Climate. https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/news/new-report-plans-aroadmap-to-a-zero-carbon-leeds/.

leeds-spotlight/retrofitting-energy-efficiency-in-buildings.

“Home - SBUK”. 2022. SBUK. https://strawbalebuildinguk.com/.

“About Local Authority Building Control | LABC”. 2022.

Labc.Co.Uk. https://www.labc.co.uk/about-labc.

“Welcome To The School Of Natural Building (Snab To Our Friends) - School Of Natural Building”. 2022.

School Of Natural Building. http://schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk/.

“The National Thatching Straw Growers Association Aims”. 2022. Ntsga.Org.Uk. http://www.ntsga.org.uk/ thatching/aims.htm.

“Construction And The Built Environment | Level 3”.

2022. Hull-College.Ac.Uk. https://www.hull-college. ac.uk/course/construction-the-built-environment-level-3-qE47.

“Ecology Building Society - Ethical Savings & Mortgages”. 2022. Ecology Building Society. https:// www.ecology.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_ medium=cpc&utm_campaign=997343660&utm_ adgroup=48193079166&utm_keyword=ecology%20 building%20society&gclid=CjwKCAjw4JWZBhApEiwAtJUN0J65y2MoJCodpLmQ9V-yXP6n2zH6SC7gIp-6jagwsiud_kW0MY05RxoCGKkQAvD_BwE. “Leeds Sustainability Institute | Research | Leeds Beckett University”. 2022. Leedsbeckett.Ac.Uk. https:// www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/leeds-sustainability-institute/.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Zlateva, Penka, Krastin Yordanov, and Rositsa Petkova-Slipets. 2020. A Study of the Thermal Properties of an Alternative Straw-Containing Building Material. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences. ‌S oekoco, Asril S, Dody Mustafa, and Jane. 2018.

Recycled Fiber from Straw Waste: Effect of Take-up Speed and Spinneret Diameter to Linear Density and Tenacity. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences. ‌Tullock, John. 2015. Straw Bale Gardening. New York,

103

104

REFERENCE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

“PoliMapper - Mapping Policy Data Interactively.” n.d.

Labc.Co.Uk. https://www.labc.co.uk/about-labc.

Visualisation.polimapper.co.uk. Accessed July 10,

“Training | ESBA.” n.d. Accessed September 15, 2022.

“Product catalog”. 2022. Ekopanely.Co.Uk. https://

Primc, Kaja, Miha Dominko, and Renata Slabe-Erk-

Sustainable Architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser, “Ökobuch,

https://strawbuilding.eu/category/training/.

ekopanely.co.uk/#system

er. 2021. “30 Years of Energy and Fuel Poverty Re-

Staufen im Breisgau.”

2022. https://visualisation.polimapper.co.uk/?dataSet-

“Welcome To The School Of Natural Building (Snab

Key=fuel-poverty-england&client=politicscouk.

To Our Friends) - School Of Natural Building”. 2022.

Saini C., El-Haram M. and Bennett M. (2018). Con-

“The panel”. 2022. ecococon.eu. https://ecococon.eu/

Journal of Cleaner Production 301 (June): 127003.

Zlateva, Penka, Krastin Yordanov, and Rositsa Petko-

School Of Natural Building. http://schoolofnaturalbuild-

struction Skills gap analysis for the York, North York-

the-panel

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127003.

va-Slipets. 2020. A Study of the Thermal Properties of

ing.co.uk/.

shire & East Riding area. Norfolk: CITB EKOPANELY SERVIS. EKOPANELY: Instructional

Koh, Chuen Hon (Alex), and Dimitrios Kraniotis.

“The Guardian View on Unaffordable Homes: Build-

search: A Retrospective Analysis and Future Trends.”

ing Injustice into the Economy | Editorial.” 2022. The

an Alternative Straw-Containing Building Material. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

Guardian. February 21, 2022. https://www.theguard-

“The National Thatching Straw Growers Association

“Insurance for Your Straw Bale House.” 2006. Sep-

Film. 15 March 2015. Accessed 2 August 2022. https://

2021. “Hygrothermal Performance, Energy Use and

ian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/21/the-guardi-

Aims”. 2022. Ntsga.Org.Uk. http://www.ntsga.org.uk/

tember 21, 2006. https://strawbale.com/insurance/.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1bL7QfQZ7I&t=305s

Embodied Emissions in Straw Bale Buildings.” En-

‌S oekoco, Asril S, Dody Mustafa, and Jane. 2018.

an-view-on-unaffordable-homes-building-injustice-in-

thatching/aims.htm.

ergy and Buildings 245 (August): 111091. https://doi.

Recycled Fiber from Straw Waste: Effect of Take-up

Lowtechlab.org. 2022. Low-tech Lab – Low-techs.

Huet, Natalie. 2021. “What’s in France’s New Climate

org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.111091.

Speed and Spinneret Diameter to Linear Density and

Law and Is It Green Enough?” Euronews. July 20, 2021. https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/07/20/

Chen, Fuzhen. 2021. Study on Mechanical and Ther-

france-s-new-climate-law-has-just-been-approved-so-

mal Performance of Building Energy-Saving Wall with

‌Tullock, John. 2015. Straw Bale Gardening. New York,

why-are-activists-so-unimpressed.

Insulation Materials. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

Ny: Alpha, A Member Of Penguin Group (Usa) Inc.

to-the-economy.

“Construction And The Built Environment | Level 3”.

[online] Available at: <https://lowtechlab.org/en/low-

“Public UK Government Data and Local Informa-

2022. Hull-College.Ac.Uk. https://www.hull-college.

techs> [Accessed 24 August 2022].

tion.” n.d. Britdata.net. Accessed July 10, 2022.

ac.uk/course/construction-the-built-environment-lev-

https://britdata.net/map/housing-affordability?view-

el-3-qE47.

McMahon, Chris. 18.02.2022. “Low-Technology: Why

Tenacity. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

Sustainability Doesn’t Have To Depend On High-Tech

box=63.54094183322837.

“Ecology Building Society - Ethical Savings & Mort-

Solutions”. The Conversation. https://theconversation.

TWinFM. n.d. “France Unveils New 50% Timber

Littlewood, John, and Elisa Di Giuseppe. 2019. Smart

‌Straw Bale Building Details : An Illustrated Guide for

“Projects | Grain Architecture.” n.d. Grainarchitecture.

gages”. 2022. Ecology Building Society. https://

com/low-technology-why-sustainability-doesnt-have-

Sustainability Law.” TWinFM. Accessed September

Strategies for Resilient Building Adaptation and Ret-

Design and Construction. 2019. Gabriola Island, BC,

Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.grainar-

www.ecology.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_

to-depend-on-high-tech-solutions-176611.

23, 2022. https://www.twinfm.com/article/france-un-

rofit. Bradford, West Yorkshire: Emerald Publishing

Canada: New Society Publishers.

chitecture.co.uk/projects.

medium=cpc&utm_campaign=997343660&utm_

veils-new-50-timber-sustainability-law.

Limited.

adgroup=48193079166&utm_keyword=ecology%20

“Defining Community Wealth Building”. 06.06.2020.

“Local Authority CO2 Interactive Maps - NAEI, UK.”

building%20society&gclid=CjwKCAjw4JWZBhApEi-

Community-Wealth.Org. https://community-wealth.org/

George, Emma. 2020. “French Government Announce

‌Expert Meeting Report : Retrofit Implementation - a

Beauty of Straw Bale Homes. White River Junction,

n.d. Naei.beis.gov.uk. https://naei.beis.gov.uk/la-

wAtJUN0J65y2MoJCodpLmQ9V-yXP6n2zH6SC-

content/defining-community-wealth-building.

Plans to Make All New Public Buildings 50% Timber.”

Neighborhood at a Time. 2012. Washington, D.C.:

Vt.: Chelsea Green Pub.

co2app/.

7gIp-6jagwsiud_kW0MY05RxoCGKkQAvD_BwE.

‌Athena Swentzell Steen, and Bill Steen. 2000. The

Quercus Forest Products Ltd. March 2, 2020. https://

United States. Dept. of Energy. Office of Energy Effi-

“Anchor Institutions – Leeds Inclusive Growth Strat-

quercusfp.com/french-government-announce-plans-

ciency and Renewable Energy.

to-make-all-new-public-buildings-50-timber/.

“Construction Materials: The Current State of Play.”

“Leeds Sustainability Institute | Research | Leeds

egy”. 2022. Leedsgrowthstrategy.Co.Uk. http://www.

n.d. Ww3.Rics.org. https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/journals/

Beckett University”. 2022. Leedsbeckett.Ac.Uk. https://

leedsgrowthstrategy.co.uk/anchor-institutions/.

construction-journal/construction-materials--the-cur-

www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/leeds-sustainabili-

‌

‌“Italian Super-Bonus.” n.d. Casa & Country. Accessed

rent-state-of-play.html.

ty-institute/.

Joanne Harrison ,“Back-to-back houses in twenty-first

September 23, 2022. https://www.casaandcountry.

of a School Building under Envelope Retrofit: An Ap-

century Leeds”. Historic Environment: Policy and

com/article/italian-super-bonus.

proach towards Environmental Impact Reduction. Les

“CONSTRUCCIÓN CON PAJA.” n.d. META2020

“Ethical, Residential & Commercial Mortgages - Ecolo-

Arquitectos. Accessed April 24, 2022. https://www.

gy.” n.d. Ecology Building Society. Accessed Septem-

meta2020arquitectos.com/construccion-con-paja/.

ber 14, 2022. https://www.ecology.co.uk/mortgages/.

“Retrofitting a House with Straw Bales.” 2007. Strawbale.com. May 29, 2007. https://strawbale.com/retrofitting-a-house-with-straw-bales/.

Practice. (2019)

Leeds City Council.

“ModCell :: Mortgages.” n.d. Www.modcell.com. Ac-

Industrial Archaeology Review, 39 (2). (2017):

cessed September 14, 2022. https://www.modcell.

101-116.

Engineers, American Society of Civil, and . 2017.

Woodfield, Jack. 2021. “Retrofitting a Home: The De-

: ASCE/SEI, 41-17. Reston: American Society of Civil

finitive Guide.” Homebuilding & Renovating. October rofitting.

“Straw.” n.d. Nbuk. Accessed September 14, 2022.

Beckett University”. 2022. Leedsbeckett.Ac.Uk. https://

https://www.nbuk.org.uk/straw.

www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/leeds-sustainabili-

“Approved Documents and Technical Guidance Eng-

ty-institute/.

land | Building Regulations | LABC.” 2019. Labc.co.uk.

“Straw FAQs.” n.d. School of Natural Building. http://

Accessed April 11. https://

schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk/straw-faqs/.

yaction.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Local-materials-in-construction.pdf.

https://ym.fi/en/wood-building.

Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings Engineers.

12, 2021. https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/ret“Leeds Sustainability Institute | Research | Leeds

Crabtree, Tim. 2022. “Local Materials in Construction”. www.dorsetcommunit-

Ulis: EDP Sciences.

cline of back-to-back houses in Leeds, 1787-1937”.

Leeds City Council, 2021. THE LEEDS LOCAL PLAN

Touraj Ashrafian. 2019. Life Cycle Energy Assessment

“Wood Building.” n.d. Ministry of the Environment.

Harrison, Joanne “The origin, development and de-

com/mortgages/.

UPDATE SCOPING CONSULTATION. 2021. Leeds:

Moazzen, Nazanin, KaragülerMustafa Erkan, and

Krarti, Moncef. 2018. Optimal Design and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Buildings, Communities, and Urban Centers. Saint Louis: Elsevier Science & Technology.

2019. https://www.labc.co.uk/professionals/build-

‌Stahl, Thomas, and Karim Ghazi Wakili. 2021. Ener-

“About Local Authority Building Control | LABC”. 2022.

ing-regulations-guidance-documents/approved-docu-

gy-Efficient Retrofit of Buildings by Interior Insulation

Labc.Co.Uk. https://www.labc.co.uk/about-labc.

ments-and-technical-guidance-england.

Materials, Methods, and Tools. San Diego: Elsevier

Jones, Barbara. 2020. “How to Build with Straw Bale.”

Science & Technology.

Homebuilding & Renovating. June 9, 2020. https://

“Home - SBUK”. 2022. SBUK. https://strawbalebuildin-

“Retrofitting Energy Efficiency In Buildings”. 2022.

www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/how-to-build-with-

guk.com/.

Leeds City Council News. https://news.leeds.gov.uk/

straw-bale.

‌GendelisStaņislavs, JakovičsAndris, and Max Engelhardt. 2019. Thermal and Moisture Adsorption/Deso-

leeds-spotlight/retrofitting-energy-efficiency-in-build-

“Home-NBUK”. 2022. Nbuk.Org.Uk. https://www.nbuk.

rption Properties for a Selection of Vegetal Insulation

ings.

org.uk/.

Materials. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

“The School of Natural Building (SNaB)”. 2022. Straw-

‌Chen, Fuzhen. 2021. Study on Mechanical and Ther-

“Circular Biobased Construction in the North East and

works.Co.Uk. https://strawworks.co.uk/the-school-of-

mal Performance of Building Energy-Saving Wall with

Yorkshire”. ( Material Cultures, 2021), 126-139.

Construction Industry Training Board. (2021). Net

natural-building-snab/

Insulation Materials. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences.

Zero:350,000 new construction roles to be created

/www.thelaststraw.org/

“Straw FAQs.” n.d. School of Natural Building. Accessed September 14, 2022. http://schoolofnatural-

Summer Islam, Emily Walport, Tom Hart, Robbie Firth.

building.co.uk/straw-faqs/.

“Our Energy And Carbon Plan | Leeds | Can-Do Cit-

by 2028.Retrieved September 29, 2021 from https://

ies”. 2021. Leedsclimate.Org.Uk. https://www.leedscli-

www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/net-

“Renovation mortgage”. 2022. Ecology.Co.Uk. https://

A Practical Manual for Self-Builders and Architects.

zero-350-000-new-construction-roles-to-be-created-

www.ecology.co.uk/mortgages/residential-mortgages/

Cambridge, England: Green Books.

by-2028/

renovation/

GOV.UK. 2021. “Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Green-

Joanne Harrison ,“Back-to-back houses in twenty-first

Straw Fiber on the Insulation Properties and Frost

er.” GOV.UK. October 19, 2021. https://www.gov.uk/

century Leeds”. Historic Environment: Policy and

Resistance of the Cement Based Materials. Les Ulis:

government/publications/net-zero-strategy.

Practice. (2019):3

EDP Sciences.

Comment recorded in Interview with Ecology Building

Mark Piepkorn, “Moisture and Straw-Bale Walls”.

‌Minke, Gernot, and Benjamin Krick. 2020. Straw Bale

leeds-spotlight/retrofitting-energy-efficiency-in-build-

Society by Material Cultures on 20th of September,

thelaststraw.org. https://www.thelaststraw.org/

Construction Manual : Design and Technology of a

ings.

2021

mate.org.uk/our-energy-and-carbon-plan.

‌J ones, Barbara. 2015. Building with Straw Bales :

“The Future Buildings Standard”. 2021. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-buildings-standard.

Jing-hui, Li, and Xiao Li-guang. 2016. Influence of

“Retrofitting Energy Efficiency In Buildings”. 2022.

Leeds City Council News. https://news.leeds.gov.uk/

Sustainable Architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser, “Ökobuch, Timothy Dale. “7 Things to Know About Rockwool

105

Staufen im Breisgau.”

“Home - SBUK”. 2022. SBUK. https://strawbalebuildin-

“Courses.” n.d. School of Natural Building. Accessed

Insulation Before Installing It in Your Home”. 2021.

guk.com/.

September 15, 2022. http://schoolofnaturalbuilding.

bobvila.com. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/rock-

‌Minke, Gernot, and Benjamin Krick. 2020. Straw Bale

“About Local Authority Building Control | LABC”. 2022.

co.uk/courses-2/.

wool-insulation/

Construction Manual : Design and Technology of a

106

107

108

109