ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8494-7861
Current Organisation
University of Sydney
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Sustainable design | Timber engineering | Automation and technology in building and construction | Building |
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-12-2021
DOI: 10.3390/EN15010230
Abstract: Currently, the available studies on the prediction of building energy performance and real occupancy data are typically characterized by aggregated and averaged occupancy patterns or large thermal zones of reference. Despite the increasing diffusion of smart energy management systems and the growing availability of longitudinal data regarding occupancy, these two domains rarely inform each other. This research aims at understanding the potential of employing real-time occupancy data to identify better cooling strategies for activity-based-working (ABW)-supportive offices and reduce the overall energy consumption. It presents a case study comparing the energy performance of the office when different resolutions of occupancy and thermal zoning are applied, ranging from the standard energy certification approach to real-time occupancy patterns. For the first time, one year of real-time occupancy data at the desk resolution, captured through computer logs and Bluetooth devices, is used to investigate this issue. Results show that the actual cooling demand is 9% lower than predicted, unveiling the energy-saving potential to be achieved from HVAC systems for non-assigned seating environments. This research demonstrates that harnessing real-time occupancy data for demand-supply cooling management at a fine-grid resolution is an efficient strategy to reduce cooling consumption and increase workers’ comfort. It also emphasizes the need for more data and monitoring c aigns for the definition of more accurate and robust energy management strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Ubiquity Press, Ltd.
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.5334/BC.87
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 11-2021
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/2069/1/012248
Abstract: In 2020 the residential sector witnessed a complete transformation of the way people live and occupy the spaces. Indeed, different Countries introduced total lockdowns as a measure to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19, forcing people to stay at home. These measures impact the indoor hygrothermal environment: higher internal thermal loads and moisture generation rate may create the perfect situation to support mould growth. This project aims to understand the impacts of increased work-from-home practices on the hygrothermal performance of residential buildings. The assessment uses a two-step methodology: firstly, whole building transient simulations (software trnsys) are used to generate the indoor temperature and humidity profiles, secondly hygrothermal transient simulations (software WUFI) are used to quantify the risk of mould growth. This research reveals the inadequacy of current design and construction practices to support flexible occupation patterns.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/588/2/022072
Abstract: Energy performance certificates (EPCs) 3re conventionally employed to certify the design according to different indicators. However, they 3re often used to evaluate the design outcomes, overlooking their potential as decision-making tools during the design process Among those, Passivhaus is currently being debated in Australia. Currently, there are only less than 30 certified cases, and all of them 3re residential buildings. Thus, the question about its suitability for commercial cases in the Australian context is still open. This paper contributes to the discussion, analysing the case study of the Woodside Building for Technolog f and Design in Melbourne. the first University Buildmg to aim for the Passivhaus certification. The paper quantifies the impacts of the Passivhaus criteria on the facade design, benchmarking the energy demand agamst the 2016 Building Cede of Australia (BCA-2016) deemed to satisfy (DTS) design approach. Results show that the approach adopted in this C3se studs- leads to much better environmental performance when compared to the minimum performance required by the Australian standard DTS design approach. This building sets a nesv sustainability target in the Australian design culture, showing that it is necessary to change the way buildings are designed, toward a more sustainable and integrated design process.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-06-2021
DOI: 10.3390/BUILDINGS11060261
Abstract: Timber envelopes provide multiple benefits in reducing both operational and embodied energy environmental impacts in construction. However, when poorly designed, they may incur in high risk of mould growth, affecting both building performance and occupant’s wellbeing. This research investigates the risk of mould growth associated with emerging timber envelopes in Australia, particularly looking at mass-timber and timber-framed wall typologies. The study compares the use of two mould growth assessment models: the VTT and the IBP biohygrothermal. Results provide relevant insights on both current design approaches and performance assessment methodologies. Whilst the study is based on Australian practice, conclusions have international relevance and applicability.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: UCL Press
Date: 22-08-2022
DOI: 10.14324/111.444/000133.V2
Abstract: Mould growth affects 1 in 3 homes, and it is the biggest cause for complaints and litigations filed to the relevant authorities in Australia, while significantly affecting the physical and psychological health of the building occupants. Indoor mould is caused by excessive d ness, resulting from poor architectural specification, construction and maintenance practices, as well as inappropriate occupants’ behaviour. The consequences range from early biodeterioration of building materials, requiring anticipated renovation works, to deterioration of the indoor environment, posing a serious threat to the building occupants. This study investigates indoor air quality and mould growth, providing a snapshot of the current indoor air quality of Australian residential buildings regarding air pollutants. It uses a case study representative of the typical Australian suburban home to investigate the effects of unnoticed mould growth. Results of the monitoring c aign indicate that buildings with a high concentration of fungal spores are also more likely to present poor indoor air quality levels, high concentrations of particulate matters (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) and CO 2 . This research suggests the need for the development of early detection strategies that could minimize the health hazard to people, thereby preventing the need for a major renovation.
Publisher: WIT Press
Date: 16-11-2020
DOI: 10.2495/ARC200051
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/588/2/022003
Abstract: Improving building performance is key to tackling the challenges of climate change, considering that buildings account for 40% of the global energy consumption. The urgent need for energy efficiency improvement of buildings calls for the implementation of suitable policy instruments, including performance assessments. Currently, the performance of buildings is officially assessed by Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) schemes. However, EPCs certify the design more than the building, relying on simulations and assumptions rather than on the buildings’ actual demand for energy which is partly determined by occupant behaviour, execution of the work and malfunctioning of the equipment. This work investigates how the governance of the performance certification scheme could be improved with the objective of a more robust EPC scheme. Based on a qualitative study through interviews with energy experts the current EPC system in Switzerland is characterized, allowing to understand important limitations. The insights help to shape a list of recommendations for further development of the EPC scheme. This research is relevant because the failure to correctly assess building performance leads to excess carbon emissions and higher energy costs, undermining the attainability of the energy policy targets.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-03-2018
Publisher: Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)
Date: 21-10-2021
Abstract: This research explores what is required for sustainable Indigenous housing in remote Australia to deliver positive health outcomes, so that housing stock is maintained at high levels and is designed with climate change in mind.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-10-2021
DOI: 10.3390/BUILDINGS11100478
Abstract: The uptake of buildings employing cross-laminated timber (CLT) assemblies and designed to Passivhaus standard has accelerated internationally over the past two decades due to several factors including responses to the climate crisis by decarbonising the building stock. Structural CLT technology and the Passivhaus certification both show measurable benefits in reducing energy consumption, while contributing to durability and indoor comfort. However, there is a general lack of evidence to support a fast uptake of these technologies in Australia. This paper responds to the compelling need of providing quantitative data and adoption strategies it explores their combined application as a potential pathway for climate-appropriate design of energy-efficient and durable mass timber envelope solutions for subtropical and tropical Australian climates. Hygrothermal risk assessments of interstitial condensation and mould growth of CLT wall assemblies inform best-practice design of mass timber buildings in hot and humid climates. This research found that the durability of mass timber buildings located in hot and humid climates may benefit from implementing the Passivhaus standard to manage interior conditions. The findings also suggested that climate-specific design of the wall assembly is critical for mass timber buildings, in conjunction with excellent stormwater management practices during construction and corrosion protection for metallic fasteners.
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 11-2021
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/2069/1/012065
Abstract: In Australia, one-third of new constructions are affected by condensation and about 50% of buildings suffer from mould risk, mainly due to inappropriate design and management strategies. Despite the potential structural damage and serious health hazards, there is a lack of preventive moisture management strategies at the legislative level. The first hygrothermal management provisions were adopted in the National Construction Code only in 2019, with very general indications that correlate the breathability of the membranes with the climate zone. However, the building code identifies only eight zones for the entire Australia, which were originally developed for thermal analysis and energy efficiency provisions. The result is a coarse climate grid that clusters locations with highly variable humidity conditions. This paper undertakes a semi-empirical approach to identify whether the current climate zones are suitable for hygrothermal purposes. This research represents the first step towards an Australian-specific moisture risks management framework, and it advances the discussion about the suitability of the current hygrothermal design and construction policy and practices. The outcomes reveal the highly variable moisture indices obtained for the different representative cities, affirming the inappropriate use of existing climate zone clustering for hygrothermal assessment purposes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Start Date: 10-2023
End Date: 10-2028
Amount: $2,959,803.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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