MRes: Adaptive Reuse – quantifying the structural and embodied carbon impact of timber construction solutions (1 year)

About the Project

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

There are several barriers to the adoption of timber in construction including for example perceptions of risk with respect to durability and fire which can have a significant impact on the insurability of a building. Supply chain capacity and resilience are also of relevance in the UK given the reliance on imported products with construction projects corresponding being at the mercy of global price fluctuations during times of heightened demand. However, the UK Government is committed to help reduce embodied carbon in construction and the Timber in construction roadmap (DEFRA, 2024) is centred around seven priority themes in this respect:

1. improving data on timber and whole life carbon
2. promoting the safe, sustainable use of timber as a construction material
3. increasing skills, capacity, and competency across the supply chain
4. increasing the sustainable supply of timber
5. addressing fire safety and durability concerns to safely expand the use of engineered mass timber
6. increasing collaboration with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers
7. promoting innovation and high performing timber construction systems

In addition to these priorities there is also a need to consider ways of enhancing value of reuse against demolition and rebuilding. Around 80% of the world’s buildings will still be here in 2050. Reusing them is vital to achieving Net Zero, but they also need to be fit for purpose for the people and communities who use them (WSP1, N/A; Hakimian, R, 2024). The adaptive reuse of existing buildings and infrastructure is therefore fundamental to create a built environment fit for modern life, and essential to meeting the principles of sustainability and net Zero Carbon. However, every project is unique, and each building is often a complex system with historic community considerations with layers of previous retrofits to navigate (WSP2, N/A). Within this context is the need to ensure resilience if the building is to be changed or extended with structural modifications, specifying materials and approaches that are compatible with the existing fabric so as not to create unhealthy buildings. Furthermore, upgrading a building to reach net zero carbon emissions requires to not only account for the improved operational efficiencies that can be achieved but will, going forward, require a more holistic approach including the need to account of embodied carbon emissions (UK-NZCBS,2024). Biogenic materials offer a solution to this in many instances with a particular emphasis on structural timber given it is manufactured from trees which sequestrate carbon as they grow and can be relatively easily worked in to engineered and mass timber products such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Timber is also relatively light weight when compared to concrete and steel which creates opportunities for adapting and extending buildings without compromising the existing structure whilst minimising disruption with respect to fabric or foundation upgrades. As products such as CLT can also be combined with other materials to maximise the efficient use of resources (WSP3, 2024) there is also a need to consider what is the optimum use of materials in composite or hybrid form as part of the total solution. In this respect there is a need to improve the perceived advantages of these approaches by means of quantifying the impacts and creating a more robust evidence base to inform future projects. Correspondingly the objectives of the proposed WSP and ENU MRes research project are as follows:

• Undertake a review of existing literature and market information to develop the case for advanced timber technologies with respect to adaptive reuse, the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification (CRCF) Regulation
• Utilise available case study examples working with WSP to codify the structural and embodied carbon benefits of structural timber systems for given contexts.
• Where possible define the financial, social & environmental benefits, i.e. less site-based disruption (less air quality / acoustic challenges etc), lower site based risks, programme benefits for the timber in construction case studies under review.
• Determine any regenerative design and circular economy benefits that can be employed considering opportunities to re-use available timber from demolition.
• Draw upon the findings of the research and engage with a future WSP project to influence the decision-making process during the design and specification stages.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.2) ideally in Civil Engineering with a good fundamental knowledge of Structural Engineering and Environment Performance.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Experience of fundamental analytical modelling and structural analysis including Eurocodes
• Competent in life cycle analysis and embodied carbon counting
• Knowledge of timber construction methods
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

Desirable attributes:

Structural design and detailing with environmental performance evaluation experience in a design office setting would be beneficial. Previous research evaluating timber and/or modern method of construction approaches would also be favourable and the ability to produce academic outputs such a conference paper with associated communication skills.

Application details here: How to apply

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of
• What you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

Funding Notes

Fees fully covered for a home (UK) student. £16,875 funding is available to cover the home fees and stipend for the one year duration of the MRes.

The current home fee rate is £5,075 per annum.