Aims: To develop an awareness and enthusiasm for building design and construction using natural materials and methods. To develop and understanding and design ability using natural building techniques.
Learning Outcomes: Students who have completed this unit should be able to demonstrate: a broad understanding of the context, characteristics, manufacture and applications of natural building materials; sufficient knowledge and insight to design, specify and build with confidence using natural materials and methods.
Skills: Research, construction of models.
Content: Precedent lectures, including invited guest speakers covering: climate change, sustainable development, environmental impact of building materials; natural alternatives; Stone; Earth; Pozzolans; Natural binders; Underground dwellings; Ice; Lime construction; Natural fibres (including straw, grass, hemp, reeds); Green oak and round pole construction; Bamboo; Recycled natural products; Natural building materials and building regulation requirements.
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