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AR40392: Natural building materials

[Page last updated: 09 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CWPI 30%, EXOB 70%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CWPI 30%)
  • Examination (EXOB 70%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the unit the student will 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.


Aims: To develop an awareness of and enthusiasm for building design and construction using natural materials and methods, and develop understanding and ability.

Skills: A range of knowledge and analytical techniques necessary for the architectural and building engineering design using natural building materials.

Content: Outline the main issues of sustainability relating to building materials and the role of natural materials in including vernacular and mainstream building methods and appropriate technology. Designing to take account of unfamiliar material properties and appropriate construction methods; designing in the absence of prescriptive codes of practice. These issues are then to be considered in relation to a range of material types and construction methods and broadly include, natural, sustainable and bio-based construction materials. This will be supported by design inlcuding structural mechanics and hydrothermal properties as well as investigation through different case studies.

Course availability:

AR40392 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • UEAR-AFM03 : MEng(Hons) Civil and Architectural Engineering (Year 4)
  • UEAR-AKM03 : MEng(Hons) Civil and Architectural Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 5)
  • UEAR-AFM07 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering (Year 4)
  • UEAR-AKM07 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 5)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.