Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit is designed to give an introduction to the construction of a small building and the integration of services which serve human comfort. By considering the dwelling as an autonomous built structure, the unit will introduce the ideas of both resources and needs. By understanding the human needs in relationship to climate and the notions of natural forces, the needs can be evaluated against likely sources of resource. In particular the needs for a sustainable energy source are considered, and the various technologies that can be used. All these services are further considered as informing the architectural form and finally being integrated into a small building. By using a small scale structure, the intention is to consider, in depth, the consequences of various decisions on architectural design and create a small but comprehensive design proposition.

Aims

A1 To introduce the use of resources to service a small autonomous building.
A2 To introduce fundamentals of constructing an interior environment. 
A3 To introduce fundamentals of structure for an interior environment.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate:

LO1 Awareness of how simple interior spaces are constructed. 
LO2 Awareness of how simple interior spaces are structured.
LO3 Awareness of how environmental control issues are dealt with in simple domestic buildings.

Method of Delivery

• Regular lectures 
• Studio projects 
• Seminars Visits
• Individual and group tuition

Return of Work
Work will be returned to you no later than four weeks after the deadline.

Reference Material

Key
Ashcroft, R. (1992), Construction for interior designers London, Longman
Barry, R. (1999), The Construction of Buildings Vol. 1 & Vol. 2: Blackwell 
Burberry P., Mitchells Building Series: Environment and Services: London
Borer, P. and Harris C. (2005) The Whole House Book (2nd Edition) Machynlleth, Centre for Alternative Technology
Ching, F. (2001), Building Construction Illustrated Chichester, Wiley
Chudley, R. and Greeno, R. (2008) Building construction handbook, Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann
Guzowski, M.2000 Daylighting for Sustainable Design New York, McGraw-Hill
Foster, J.S. (2000), Mitchell’s Building Series – Structure & Fabric London, Longman
Francis, D.J. (1989), Introducing Structures, Chichester, Horwood
Gauld, B. (1996), Structures for Architects, Harlow, Longman
McLean, W. and Silver, P. (2008) Introduction to architectural Technology London, Laurence King
McLeod, V (2007) Details in Contemporary Residential Architecture, London, Laurence King
Seeley, Ivor H. (1995) Building Technology, London, Macmillan

Recommended
Burger, E.B. (ed.) (2004). Translucent Materials. Basel: Birkhäuser
Deplazes, Andrea (2005) Constructing Architecture Basel: Birkhäuser
Frampton, Kenneth (2001) Studies in Tectonic Culture, Cambridge MA, MIT Press
Hugues, T., Steiger, L. and Weber, J. (2005). Dressed stone Basel: Birkhäuser
Hugues, T., Steiger, L. and Weber, J. (2004). Timber construction. Basel: Birkhäuser
Peck, M. (ed.) (2006). Concrete Basel: Birkhäuser
Reichel, A., Hochberg, A. and Kopke, C. (2005). Plaster, render, paint and coatings: details, products, case studies. Basel: Birkhäuser
Richartz, C., Schulz, C. and Zeitler, F. (2007). Energy renewal in buildings. Basel: Birkhäuser
Schittich, C. and Jocher, T. (2000). In detail: single family houses Basel: Birkhäuser
McLeod, V. (2007) Detail in contemporary residential architecture, London: Laurence King Publishing, 2007

Video/DVD
McCloud, Kevin (2004) Grand Designs: series 1, 2 and 3 Channel 4
View On-Line at 4oD

Web
Architects Journal
Architectural Review Awards (AR) 
DETAIL.de 
Channel 4 - Grand Designs