Research Projects
Lincoln College: Thermal Mass in Buildings
Specialist Advisor: Kevin Davey
From humble beginnings as a bricklayer, I began teaching my trade at Lincoln College (formerly Lincoln Technical College) 25 yrs ago. Now qualified to Degree level in Architecture, I have taught BTEC courses up to HNC level in many Construction topic areas for the last 15 yrs. More recently I have qualified and practiced in both domestic and non-domestic energy assessment.
As Specialist Advisor for Lincoln College in Thermal Mass in buildings, I have found that there is really nothing new in using the Mass of the structure in maintaining a comfortable internal environment during both hot and cold seasons. Look at many picture postcard cottages; undoubtedly they will have very thick, very heavy walls that will keep the building cool in summer and once warm, will help to keep the building warm in winter, by releasing the embodied heat back into the internal environment during the later part of the day. What is new are the technology advances in the materials and processes being used to replicate this action. Many of the innovative products being used today are based on a modular size common to that of a cavity wall that will keep the footprint of the building similar in overall size to that of using an alternative method of construction; important to many developers to maximise the available space; while at the same time still maximising the Thermal Mass of the building elements to help provide ‘coolth’ and warmth within the internal environment.
Due to the size of the project, I have had to limit the research and expertise expected of the role to wall structures; however, all elements such as floors, roofs and staircases etc. all will contribute to the Thermal Mass of the structure. I will be developing both teaching and learning material for use within the network as well as liaising with industry to provide CPD events for designers, specifiers and contractors etc. and working with them as required to find a solution to their Thermal Mass problems during the design and construction stages.
Contact Details:
Kevin Davey
Tel: 01522 876 000 ext. 6703
Email: kdavey@lincolncollege.ac.uk
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Prof. Roy Morledge Nottingham Trent University School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment Burton Street Nottingham NG1 4BU
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0115 848 2507
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roy.morledge@ntu.ac.uk