Module Details

Module Code: ARCH8028
Title: Technical Design for Retrofit
Long Title: Technical Design for Retrofit
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 5810 - Architecture & Urban Environment
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Technical Design for Retrofit focuses on interventions to an existing structure to produce a building with improved energy performance and comfort based on application of research and industry practice. Structural systems, envelope design and legislative requirements are considered and addressed.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Investigate and analyze the structure and fabric of an existing building (highlighting issues/problems) as a basis to developing an approach to retrofitting that complies with Building Regulations.
LO2 Propose modifications to the internal layout to demonstrate improved circulation to, from and around the building and access to service systems within the building in compliance with building regulations and health and safety.
LO3 Propose envelope strategies for the entire building envelope to reduce energy use and improve comfort
LO4 Use software to assess and optimize the building performance.
LO5 Research, analyse and propose structural strategies for the modification of an existing structure
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Building Analysis
Study of the existing structure and building fabric highlighting the key problems areas in relation to heat loss & thermal bridging, air tightness and moisture movement.
Policies & Legislation
Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD) Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) performance standard. Compliance with national legislative building regulations.
Energy Calculations
Theory, principles and software application for 2D analysis of construction details to determine planar fabric heat loss, (U-value), interstitial condensation, and surface condensation and mould (fRsi)
Structure & Building Fabric
Exploration of structural solutions, material selection, specification and installation appropriate for the retrofit of a multi-storey commercial building.
Technical Design
Integration of architectural technical design, construction methods, systems and detailing, materials and specification, and regulation to produce a coherent proposal.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Stage 1 – Investigate and analyze an existing building. Produce an annotated photographic survey and a set of drawings: context, site plan, structure, layout and building fabric as a basis for a retrofit proposal. Undertake and present heat loss calculations and analysis.
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Stage 2 – Feasibility study & preliminary schematic design proposal: applying regulation and using building fabric analysis to inform design solutions for the retrofit of an existing building.
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Stage 3 – Updated design strategies: propose technical solutions that address the performance issues of the retrofit building through redesign of floor plan/roof layout and envelope/façade design complying with legislation.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Tutorial Contact Individual tutorial Every Week 0.50 0.5
Lecture Contact Studio based delivery of module Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Completion of studio assignments Every Week 12.50 12.5
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Studio based delivery of module Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Individual Tutorial Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Completion of studio assignments Every Week 12.50 12.5
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Watts, Andrew. (2019), Modern Construction Envelopes: Systems for architectural design and prototyping, 3rd. Birkhauser, [ISBN: 9783035617702].
  • Herzog T, Krippner R, Lang W. (2018), Facade Construction Manual, 3rd. DETAIL, [ISBN: 9783955533697].
  • Knaack U, Klein T, Bilow M. (2014), FACADES Principles of Construction, 2nd. Birkhauser, [ISBN: 9783038210443].
  • Ajla Aksamija & Perkins + Will. (2013), Sustainable Facades, 1st. John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, [ISBN: 978-1-118-45860-0].
  • Andrew Hall (Editor). (2010), Details in Architecture, 1st. The Images Publishing Group Pty Ltd, Australia, [ISBN: 9781864703429].
  • Margit Pfundstein, Roland Gellert. (2008), Insulating Materials: Principles, Materials, Applications, 1st. Birkhauser, Basel, Switzerland, [ISBN: 978-3-7643-8654-2].
  • James Douglas. (2006), Building Adaptation, 2nd. Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, [ISBN: 978-0750666671].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Nicol, F & Spires, B. (2013), The limits of thermal comfort:avoiding overheating in European buildings, CIBSE TM52.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CARCT_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Technology 7 Mandatory