Abstract
“An investigation of alternative, appropriate, sustainable approaches to low energy, mass-market, Scottish rural housing”
Aim
The aim of this doctoral study is to develop an approach to create new sustainable, low energy housing in the rural Scottish context.
The study will offer a new approach to appropriate sustainable housing and appropriate sustainable housing development, which responds to the future energy and climatic conditions. It also aims to address the lack of contextual response and identity within many new housing developments, particularly in Scottish rural housing and current low energy housing models.
Wide spread housing typologies, (suburban, traditional rural, sub-rural, low energy) are all fundamentally contradicting the needs of appropriate sustainable housing in the rural context. Such as the continuing use of suburban housing models in the rural context and the proposal of ae-contextual low energy housing models for future developments.
Research
The approach will take a broad overview of the current state of the art and define the strengths and weaknesses. It will be used to develop a theoretical standpoint to generate a series of criteria and aims. These research elements will be used to develop design project brief.
Method
The design project(s) will take the form of a vehicle to test the theoretical framework and meet attempt to holistically meet the research criteria.
This work will reference and extend previous research carried out by such organisations as: Scottish Government, The Forestry commission, Architecture and Design Scotland, Building Research Establishment, Princes Trust Foundation, Zero Carbon Hub and others.
Application and benefits
The doctoral study intends to open up further research fields within its context due to the depth and breadth of the initial study.
The outcome will significantly contribute to the design and building of low energy housing in rural areas due to the current lack of knowledge and approaches that appropriately respond to the problem.
The proposed research would be utilised by architects as a design exemplar approach, planners and developers as a guidance document, and community’s knowledge to improve future developments, creating sustainable, low energy housing in the rural Scottish context.
Background
Having recently completed a Masters of Architecture at Dundee school of Architecture focusing on a zero carbon housing models and alternative sustainable developments to suburban rural development I have up to date knowledge within the subject.
The proposed doctoral study will create a far more grounded and realistic approach, than previous study, that is aimed to be of substantial use within the current and future housing market.
Further I have two years previous work experience at RMJM, an internationally renowned architectural practice working on varied live projects, including large scale low energy, mass-market, Scottish rural housing.
In addition I have been closely involved with numerous Low energy competition entries in collaboration with a small architectural practice.
Future
The doctoral research will form a base of knowledge that could other wise not be accrued such a holistic way so early in a career. The intention is that the approach will be adapted and progressed over a lifetime of work in practice and teaching, to create appropriate, sustainable, low energy, housing.
Alex Pearson 
No trackbacks yet.