Short answer

When designing building extensions, consider modular timber systems that integrate passive environmental controls and locally sourced materials to achieve sustainability goals.

Field
Resource Management
Source
Designs (2018)
Method
System development and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Evidence
Strong effect

A modular, prefabricated timber construction system can facilitate the sustainable vertical expansion of existing office buildings, addressing urban densification while minimizing environmental impact. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Designs. Using System development and life cycle assessment (lca), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing building extensions, consider modular timber systems that integrate passive environmental controls and locally sourced materials to achieve sustainability goals.

Study
Resource ManagementHigh ImpactStrong effect

Modular Timber Systems Enable Sustainable Vertical Office Building Extensions

A modular, prefabricated timber construction system can facilitate the sustainable vertical expansion of existing office buildings, addressing urban densification while minimizing environmental impact.

Designs · 2018

01

Key Findings

  • 01A modular timber system can be adapted to diverse structural grids and typological requirements for vertical extensions.
  • 02The system integrates bioclimatic design principles for enhanced energy performance and occupant comfort.
  • 03The use of local, eco-friendly materials and prefabricated elements reduces environmental impact and construction time.
  • 04Life Cycle Assessment confirms the sustainability benefits, including reduced embodied carbon and operational energy.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing building extensions, consider modular timber systems that integrate passive environmental controls and locally sourced materials to achieve sustainability goals.

How to apply

When planning vertical extensions for existing buildings, investigate the feasibility of modular timber construction systems that incorporate passive environmental design strategies and locally sourced materials.

Project actions

  • 01Consider how prefabrication can speed up your design project.
  • 02Research local sustainable material options for your construction.
  • 03Investigate how passive design features can improve energy efficiency.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop an innovative, modular, and prefabricated timber construction system for the sustainable vertical extension of existing office buildings.
MethodSystem development and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
ProcedureThe research involved designing a modular timber system adaptable to various structural grids and typologies. This system incorporates bioclimatic features like high-performance insulation, passive solar gain management, natural ventilation, free cooling, and integrated photovoltaic surfaces. A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact, including mobility effects.
ContextUrban densification and office building retrofitting

Variables

IV["Modular timber construction system","Bioclimatic design features"]
DV["Sustainability of vertical extension","Environmental impact (e.g., embodied carbon, operational energy)","Construction efficiency"]
CV["Type of existing building (office)","Urban densification context","Local material availability"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Addresses a pressing urban issue (densification).
  • +Integrates multiple sustainability aspects (materials, energy, biodiversity).
  • +Provides a practical system with a real-world application example.

Limitations

The structural capacity of the existing building may limit the feasibility of vertical extensions.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by the use of established LCA methodologies and a real-world application. Reliability is enhanced by the detailed description of the modular system's design and its adaptability.

Think critically

How might the long-term maintenance and durability of timber structures in urban environments compare to traditional materials, and what design considerations are needed to mitigate potential issues?

05

Design Principles

"Prioritize modularity, prefabrication, and bioclimatic design with sustainable materials for efficient and environmentally responsible building extensions."

This approach offers a viable solution for increasing urban space without consuming additional land. By utilizing local, eco-friendly materials and incorporating bioclimatic design principles, it significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with new construction and urban sprawl.

06

What This Means for Your Design

You can add more floors to existing office buildings using pre-made wooden parts that are good for the environment and save energy.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this research to justify the choice of sustainable materials and construction methods in your design project.
  • 2.Refer to the LCA findings to support claims about the environmental benefits of your design.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The Working Space project demonstrates that modular, prefabricated timber construction systems offer a sustainable and adaptable solution for the vertical extension of office buildings. By integrating bioclimatic design principles and utilizing local, eco-friendly materials, such systems can effectively address urban densification challenges while minimizing environmental impact, as supported by comprehensive life cycle assessments.

09

Source

Designs

A Modular Timber Construction System for the Sustainable Vertical Extension of Office Buildings

journal · 2018

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about modular timber systems enable sustainable vertical office building extensions?
When designing building extensions, consider modular timber systems that integrate passive environmental controls and locally sourced materials to achieve sustainability goals. Evidence: Designs (2018).
Why does "Modular Timber Systems Enable Sustainable Vertical Office Building Extensions" matter for design?
This approach offers a viable solution for increasing urban space without consuming additional land. By utilizing local, eco-friendly materials and incorporating bioclimatic design principles, it significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with new construction and urban sprawl.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing building extensions, consider modular timber systems that integrate passive environmental controls and locally sourced materials to achieve sustainability goals.
What were the main findings?
A modular timber system can be adapted to diverse structural grids and typological requirements for vertical extensions.. The system integrates bioclimatic design principles for enhanced energy performance and occupant comfort.. The use of local, eco-friendly materials and prefabricated elements reduces environmental impact and construction time.. Life Cycle Assessment confirms the sustainability benefits, including reduced embodied carbon and operational energy.
What research method was used?
System development and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Designs.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When planning vertical extensions for existing buildings, investigate the feasibility of modular timber construction systems that incorporate passive environmental design strategies and locally sourced materials.
What are the limitations?
The adaptability of the system may be constrained by the structural integrity of the existing building and local building codes.