Transforming Homes hosts HAMMAR technical day
Prof. Pete Walker, Principal Investigator, University of Bath; Emma Taylor, Research Associate, University of Bath; Dr Francis Moran, Research Associate, University of Bath
On Thursday, July 18th, the Transforming Housing team at the University of Bath co-hosted a Housing Asset Management Maintenance and Regeneration (HAMMAR) technical seminar day with a focus on Net Zero Carbon and Retrofit. HAMMAR is the Southwest regional group of the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) and serves as a forum for sharing expertise and communication among professionals working in social housing maintenance and asset management across the Southwest region. Over 50 delegates attended the event, including representatives from registered social housing providers (housing associations and local authorities), energy companies, consultancies, and researchers.
Two of the seven presentations throughout the day were delivered by Transforming Homes team members. Pete Walker welcomed delegates to the University of Bath and provided an overview of past and current research on bio-based construction materials, and other innovative technologies, setting the context to introduce the Transforming Homes project, outlining its background, aims and objectives. The presentation also included a summary of work completed so far and an update on progress to date.
Following this, Emma Taylor and Francis Moran jointly presented a more detailed summary of our work in Knowle West, part of Work Package 3. Emma presented an overview of the Knowle West community, the expected outcomes of our work with the community, our approach and how we have been collaborating with residents to co-design the brief. Francis presented some findings from the house surveys and initial monitoring of the six demonstrator homes, highlighting issues the residents are facing, such as space limitations, damp and mould, poor acoustic, and energy performance. Findings from initial energy modelling, comparing options for remodelling, were also summarised. Emma’s and Francis’s presentation, which concluded with options for shared energy systems and outlines for delivery and procurement of the remodelling works, stimulated a lot of questions and comments from delegates keen to learn more about our work and proposals. The feedback, suggestions and discussions with delegates were extremely valuable for the Transforming Homes team.
Emma Fletcher, Low Homes Director from Octopus Energy, kicked off the day summarising Octopus Energy’s work to deliver zero energy bill homes, focussing on new build but also outlining potential for the retrofit market. Her presentation included a vision for the role for smart technologies, integrated HP, solar voltaic and EVs in delivering net zero carbon homes. Before lunch delegates were taken on a guided tour the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering’s facilities at the University of Bath. The 45-minute tour included visits to the department’s main research labs, a presentation on the specialist V-Simulator facility by Will Bazeley, the design studios and workshop facilities, and a site visit to the BaleHaus, a prototype prefabricated straw bale panel building on campus.
After lunch – which included some particularly excellent cake – technical presentations continued with a topical update on social housing sector legislation from Andrew Burke (NHMF), a talk on data-driven retrofit by Gemma Brookes (Orbit Housing), and a presentation on Heat Networks and forthcoming legislation changes by Will Routh (Chirpy Heat). The final technical presentation was delivered by Louise King, member of the Transforming Homes team, who talked about her work on another UKRI-funded research project dealing with climate-related overheating in UK housing. The day concluded with a brief talk by Julian Ransom (ion-consultants), on behalf of NHMF, on a recent study tour to Sweden.
A fascinating and highly informative day that has successfully raised the profile of the Transforming Homes project among key stakeholders. Thanks to Julian Ransom, who also serves on the Transforming Homes Steering Group, for arranging the day, and to Transforming Homes project manager Helen Perryman (University of Bath) for her help with the organisation.
Image credit: Francis Moran