scholarly journals Heritage retrofit and cultural empathy; a discussion of challenges regarding the energy performance of historic UK timber-framed dwellings

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 386-404
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Whitman ◽  
Oriel Prizeman ◽  
Pete Walker ◽  
Julie Amanda Gwilliam
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Cultural Significance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emotional Connection ◽  
Timber Frame ◽  
Energy Retrofit ◽  
Frame Buildings ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The energy retrofit of the existing building stock, and specifically the thermal upgrading of the buildings’ envelopes, has been identified as a key action for both the decarbonisation of the built environment and the reduction in fuel poverty. When considering the energy retrofit of heritage buildings it is, however, important to recognise both the technical issues that this entails and the potential impact on their cultural value and the emotional responses to it. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the thermal upgrading of historic timber-framed buildings in the UK. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins by exploring the cultural significance of this form of building construction, before examining three case studies using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Findings The results show that whilst the application of energy retrofit actions to this emblematic typology may have limited success, the emotional connection of the buildings’ occupants often results in the work resulting in higher user satisfaction than would otherwise be expected. Research limitations/implications Although limited in number, the three case studies provide an insight into the complex issues surrounding the low energy retrofit of historic timber-framed buildings. Further research into this area is encouraged. Practical implications The paper contains the monitoring of specific retrofit details, the results of which should inform future projects. Social implications The review of the cultural significance of historic timber-frame buildings in the UK underlines the importance of the conservation and continuing survival of these buildings. Originality/value Previous heritage retrofit research in the UK has focussed on solid wall construction with little investigation into the issues surrounding the retrofit of historic timber-frame buildings. This paper explores this previously under-researched area. Additionally, this paper begins to explore the possible links between occupants’ emotional connection to historic buildings and their perceived levels of comfort.

scholarly journals Winning tenants’ loyalty in the private rented sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Claire Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Cultural Significance ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Willingness To Recommend ◽  
Rented Sector

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to help landlords and property managers to understand what they can do to increase tenants’ satisfaction and propensity to renew their lease, and their willingness to recommend their landlord to other people. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyses almost 5,000 interviews with private rented sector (PRS) tenants in the UK, conducted over a four-year period, to investigate determinants of resident satisfaction, loyalty (lease renewal) and willingness to recommend their landlord. Statistical analysis is performed using respondents’ ratings of satisfaction with many aspects of their occupancy as explanatory variables. Comparisons are made between interviewees who renew their lease and those who do not renew. Findings The research finds that “ease of doing business” with their landlord is a strong predictor of residents’ satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy. Other key indicators for lease renewal include relationship management, rent collection and residents’ perception of receiving value for money. Tenants’ willingness to recommend their landlord depends mainly on their relationship with their landlord, how the landlord compares with tenants’ previous landlords and the property management service they receive. Research limitations/implications Limitations to this research include the fact that the residents have a single landlord and live on a single estate, one with particular cultural significance, therefore potentially restricting the general applicability of the findings. Although the sample size is large, the number of residents who have reached the end of their lease is relatively small, because the estate has only been occupied by PRS tenants since 2014. Practical implications Over the past five years, the PRS has become a significant asset class for institutional investors in the UK. This research should help to improve the landlord – tenant relationship in the PRS, and to increase occupancy rates without compromising rents. Originality/value The large sample size in this research, and the use of repeat interviews at various stages of a resident’s occupancy, highlight early signs of discontent that a landlord can act upon to reduce the risk of a tenant moving elsewhere.

scholarly journals Projecting at the project level: MMC supply chain integration roadmap for small housebuilders

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Dowsett ◽  
Martin Green ◽  
Martin Sexton ◽  
Chris Harty
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Timber Frame ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Key Aspects

Purpose This paper aims to provide insights into how supply chain integration may occur for small housebuilders adopting modern methods of construction (MMCs). The process of creating an empirically informed road map is described, whereby the practical day-to-day challenges of adopting a timber-frame solution on a small housing development in Southeast England were fed into a road map of future supply chain integration scenarios. The intention is to better position small housebuilders to contribute in addressing the shortfall in housing that continues to face the UK. Design/methodology/approach Interviews with supply chain members along with on-site observations captured key aspects of integration. Findings were used within two collaborative forums to guide discussion in a dual approach; discussing the challenges of timber-frame on the project and what would be needed on future projects for the firms analysed. Findings Empirically informed malleable roadmaps, of the kind developed within this study, provide feasible options for small housebuilders and suppliers of MMCs to collectively collaborate when transitioning towards fully integrated supply chains. Practically, the roadmapping approach, and the roadmap itself, would help small housebuilders and suppliers of MMCs transition towards full integration. Opening up avenues of integration that are spread across yet connected through numerous phases, firms and technologies helps construction professionals use more sophisticated modular and volumetric off-site solutions. Research limitations/implications Data collection took place over the course of a year. Future research could expand this relatively short duration to analyse the potential for construction professionals within the supply chain to integrate further over a longer period of time. Originality/value The novelty and contribution of this paper lie in the development and application of an alternative approach to roadmapping that departs from the normative linear examples of roadmaps found within the technology-roadmapping literature. The authors present a structured yet flexible approach to roadmapping that is both representative of the strategic planning and innovation activities that occur within small housebuilding firms and open to adaption to account for firm-level characteristics and contingencies. Positioned alongside firm-level dynamics (e.g. business cases and approaches to design), the roadmapping approach also reinforces the potential of incremental rather than whole-scale transitions.

scholarly journals Thermal analysis and post construction verification

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67
Author(s):  
Cormac Flood ◽  
Lloyd Scott
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thermal Transmittance ◽  
Standard Calculation

Purpose The residential sector in Ireland accounted for 25 per cent of energy related CO2 emissions in 2016 through burning fossil fuels, a major contributor to climate change. In support of Ireland’s CO2 reduction targets, the existing housing stock could contribute greatly to the reduction of space-heating energy demand through retrofit. Approximately 50 per cent of Ireland’s 2m dwellings pre-date building regulations and are predominantly of cavity and solid wall construction, the performance of which has not been extensively investigated at present. Although commitment to thermal upgrade/retrofit of existing buildings may increase under future government policies, the poor characterisation of actual thermal performance of external walls may hinder the realisation of these targets. Thermal transmittance (U-values) of exterior walls represents a source of uncertainty when estimating the energy performance of dwellings. It has been noted in research that the standard calculation methodology for thermal transmittance should be improved. Implementing current U-value calculation methods may result in misguided retrofit strategies due to the considerable discrepancies between in situ measurements and calculated wall U-values as documented in the case studies carried out in this research. If the method of hygrothermal analysis were to be employed as a replacement for the current standard calculation, it could have significant implications for policy and retrofit decision making. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This research project analysed a case study situated in Dublin, Ireland. The case studies offer an account of the in situ thermal transmittance of exterior walls and link these to hygrothermally simulated comparisons along with more traditional design U-values. Findings The findings of this research identify discrepancies between in situ and design U-values, using measurement, hygrothermal simulation and standard method U-value calculations. The outcomes of the research serve as an introduction to issues emanating from a larger research project in order to encourage researchers to understand and further explore the topic. Originality/value It has previously been highlighted that moisture content is linked to the increase in thermal conductivity of building materials, thus reducing the thermal effectiveness and increasing the elemental U-value. Therefore, it is vital to implement reliable prediction tools to assess potential thermal performance values. This paper presents the findings of a critical instance case study in Dublin, Ireland in which an existing west facing external wall in a semi-detached dwelling was analysed, simulated and measured to verify the elemental wall assembly and quantify thermal transmittance (U-value) incorporating the major criteria required for building performance simulation.

Breaking the retail rules

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 32-34
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Massive Point ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The UK TV sitcom “Open All Hours” is a truly terrible example of convenience retailing. The situation is that of a corner shop in Northern England run by a cantankerous middle aged man with a pronounced stutter, who variously abuses, gossips about or tries to flatter his customers. Inventory is massive, point of sale technology primitive, and as the title suggests, opening hours are long. Hilarity ensues. Practical implications – This study provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and an easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Implementing HBIM on conservation heritage projects

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexa Woodward ◽  
David Heesom
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Actual Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Representations ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Conservation Projects ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Heritage or historic building information modelling (BIM), often referred to as HBIM, is becoming an established feature in both research and practice. The advancement of data capture technologies such as laser scanning and improved photogrammetry, along with the continued power of BIM authoring tools, has provided the ability to generate more accurate digital representations of heritage buildings which can then be used during renovation and refurbishment projects. Very often these representations of HBIM are developed to support the design process. What appears to be often overlooked is the issue of conservation and how this can be linked to the BIM process to support the conservation management plan for the building once it is given a new lease of life following the refurbishment process. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a review of the context of conservation and HBIM, and then subsequently presents two case studies of how HBIM was applied to high-profile renovation and conservation projects in the UK. In presenting the case studies, a range of issues is identified which support findings from the literature noting that HBIM is predominantly a tool for the geometric modelling of historic fabric with less regard for the actual process of renovation and conservation in historic buildings. Findings Lessons learnt from the case studies and from existing literature are distilled to develop a framework for the implementation of HBIM on heritage renovation projects to support the ongoing conservation of the building as an integral part of a BIM-based asset management strategy. Five key areas are identified in the framework including value, significance, recording, data management and asset management. Building on this framework, a conceptual overlay is proposed to the current Level 2 BIM process to support conservation heritage projects. Originality/value This paper addresses the issue of HBIM application to conservation heritage projects. Whilst previous work in the field has identified conservation as a key area, there is very little work focusing on the process of conservation in the HBIM context. This work provides a framework and overlay which could be used by practitioners and researchers to ensure that HBIM is fully exploited and a more standardised method is employed which could be used on conservation heritage renovation projects.

scholarly journals The event and festival life cycle – developing a new model for a new context

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 986-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Holmes ◽  
Jane Ali-Knight
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model ◽  
Alternative Pathways ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Cultural Sector

Purpose The events and festivals literature relies on theories and models borrowed from tourism studies which may insufficiently account for the unique characteristics of events and festivals. Using four case studies from Australia, United Arab Emirates and the UK, this paper aims to analyse events and festival life cycles using the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) framework (Butler, 1980). Design/methodology/approach The paper is conceptual in that it theorises the range of event and festival life cycle trajectories; however, four event case studies are also used to illustrate this approach. Findings Findings facilitate an extension of Butler’s model to include additional trajectories and accompanying underpinning critical factors that better explain and predict the nature of events and festivals. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on four case studies from the cultural sector which is ideal for developing theory but limits the contexts examined in this paper. The findings are only applicable to recurring events and festivals. Practical implications In the new model, seven different pathways, ranging from continued growth to cancellation, suggest potential opportunities and risks for events and festivals. The results are of particular relevance for event managers, who can use the case studies and trajectories as reference points for event growth and consolidation. Social implications The case studies reveal that successful events are seen to have strong ties to their local communities and are rooted in the destination. Originality/value The paper’s originality is in both the context of utilising diverse international cultural festival and events as case studies and the proposal of seven alternative pathways for events and festivals, which extend Butler’s TALC to the unique context of these temporal phenomena.

Modelling energy retrofit investments in the UK housing market

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Adan ◽  
Franz Fuerst
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Housing Market ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
Investment Decision ◽  
Property Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Efficiency Measures ◽  
Energy Retrofit ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – Improving the energy efficiency of the existing residential building stock has been identified as a key policy aim in many countries. The purpose of this paper is to review the extant literature on investment decisions in domestic energy efficiency and presents a model that is both grounded in microeconomic theory and empirically tractable. Design/methodology/approach – This study develops a modified and extended version of an existing microeconomic model to embed the retrofit investment decision in a residential property market context, taking into account tenants’ willingness to pay and cost-reducing synergies. A simple empirical test of the link between energy efficiency measures and housing market dynamics is then conducted. Findings – The empirical data analysis for England indicates that where house prices are low, energy efficiency measures tend to increase the value of a house more in relative terms compared to higher-priced regions. Second, where housing markets are tight, landlords and sellers will be successful even without investing in energy efficiency measures. Third, where wages and incomes are low, the potential gains from energy savings make up a larger proportion of those incomes compared to more affluent regions. This, in turn, acts as a further incentive for an energy retrofit. Finally, the UK government has been operating a subsidy scheme which allows all households below a certain income threshold to have certain energy efficiency measures carried out for free. In regions, where a larger proportion of households are eligible for these subsidies,the authors also expect a larger uptake. Originality/value – While the financial metrics of retrofit measures are by now well understood, most of the existing studies tend to view these investments in isolation, not as part of a larger bundle of considerations by landlords and owners of how energy retrofits might influence a property’s rent, price and appreciation rate. In this paper, the authors argue that establishing this link is crucial for a better understanding of the retrofit investment decision.

Prospering in uncertain times

2009 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Price
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Executive Development ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Climate ◽  
Flexible Planning ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline some of the measures that UK business leaders can take, during times of economic turbulence, to ensure that their companies survive and thrive.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is written from the perspective of the UK and Ireland CEO of Vistage International, the world's leading executives' organisation; it explores some of the most effective methods and ideas, drawing on current Vistage members as case studies.FindingsIt was found that even during times of uncertainty, adequate preparation and innovation can enable UK businesses to conquer economic challenges and potential obstacles.Practical implicationsCompetitive advantages are to be optimised, preparation and flexible planning are to be prioritised and teams are to be reorganised, if appropriate.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful survival guide for all those business leaders – particularly those who have never before experienced a troubled economic climate – who have an interest in executive development.

scholarly journals Prevalence of POE in UK higher education institutions

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Riley ◽  
Alison Cotgrave ◽  
Noora Kokkarinen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Uk Higher Education ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the extent to which Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is understood and applied within higher education institutions across the UK and identify users’ perceptions of its efficacy. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methodology was applied to this research. Part one consisted of an online survey intended to generate an overview of the extent of POE use across the sector. The second phase, intended to develop greater insight and understanding of users’ perceptions of POE, relied upon in-depth interviews with a smaller sample drawn those who had completed the survey in part one. Findings – Differing models of POE are used within higher education institutions with varying degrees of complexity. Models exist that are based on standard structures and templates, whilst entirely bespoke options have been developed by some institutions. The work found that there is a clear preference for applying bespoke methods rather than standardised ones. Research limitations/implications – The research is based on a sample of Directors of Estates (DOEs) from UK Universities. The conclusions relate specifically to that sector and context. The extent for broader generalisation is limited by the research sample. Practical implications – The work shows that POE is understood to have differing purpose and effectiveness in individual Universities. As a result there has been a proliferation in the number of models developed and applied. This leads to the conclusion that more coherent and consistent understanding should be promoted within the sector. Social implications – The work has implications for the effective management of university buildings to support user satisfaction. Originality/value – This paper indicates that there is prevalence of applying POE processes in higher education institutions and that specific models have been developed for the sector. However, the extent to which the process is valued and understood is highly variable.

Organising in-house cleaning services in public FM

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (13/14) ◽  
pp. 828-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Johanne Klungseth ◽  
Siri Hunnes Blakstad
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Span Of Control ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Chain Of Command ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose This paper aims to describe and discuss in-house cleaning services in local authorities to gain a better understanding of current practices. These descriptions are intended to increase researchers’, practitioners’ and educators’ understanding of the studied issue, as there at present does not exist a solid understanding of in-house cleaning services in local authorities. Previous studies provide little detailed information regarding the internal environment of facility management (FM) organisations, in particular with regard to FM organisations’ individual services. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on two descriptive case studies, one from Norway and one from the UK. The case studies are based on semi-structured, face-to-face in-depth interviews and document reviews. Findings The cases demonstrate that in-house cleaning services can be structured and managed in different ways, particularly with respect to the split in services, the management of staff and customer contracts, the span of control, the chain of command, self-managed leadership, cleaners’ hours of duty and the use of outsourcing. Research limitations/implications Although the previous research on particular FM services is limited, this paper’s detailed descriptions may stimulate further development and research within the field. The knowledge brought forward is part of bridging a knowledge gap on cleaning in FM research. This knowledge can contribute to advancements in the way this service is discussed and measured across contexts by encouraging more rigour and specific studies on cleaning. Originality/value This paper constitutes one of the first detailed descriptions of in-house cleaning organisation in local authorities. This is a type of service supply that is common in certain contexts and identified as beneficial to cost-saving in other contexts.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document