About Pst29
I'm a PhD student studying Structural Engineering at the University of Cambridge. My research is about active control of tall buildings.
Student How can we make buildings better? Competition:
Buildings are designed to take much larger loads than they will normally ever see in their lifetime. This results in much more material being used than required. While this relates more to emissions and energy use from the initial construction, if less structural material can be used, this leaves more space for insulation, without the client needing to compromise on floor area.
My idea is to design buildings for the average load they are expected to take (e.g. this could be recorded in a similar use existing building), and then have active members which come into play under 'special cases' when the building needs to take more load (e.g. a party with lots of people).
What do you then do with the freed up space due to using minimal structural material? I suggest using vacuum insulated panels to reduce the energy use of the building in use - these panels have great insulating properties, while being very thin, giving the added advantage of maximising internal floor area, which is always desirable!
Featured articles and news
Sustainable Urban Drainage and Biodiversity
Awards for champions of these interconnected fields now open.
Microcosm of biodiversity in balconies and containers
Minor design adaptations for considerable biodiversity benefit.
CIOB student competitive construction challenge Ireland
Inspiring a new wave of Irish construction professionals.
Challenges of the net zero transition in Scotland
Skills shortage and ageing workforce hampering Scottish transition to net zero.
Private rental sector, living standards and fuel poverty
Report from the NRH in partnership with Impact on Urban Health.
.Cold chain condensing units market update
Tracking the evolution of commercial refrigeration unit markets.
Attending a conservation training course, personal account
The benefits of further learning for professsionals.
Restoring Alexander Pope's grotto
The only surviving part of his villa in Twickenham.
International Women's Day 8 March, 2025
Accelerating Action for For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Lack of construction careers advice threatens housing targets
CIOB warning on Government plans to accelerate housebuilding and development.
Shelter from the storm in Ukraine
Ukraine’s architects paving the path to recovery.
BSRIA market intelligence division key appointment
Lisa Wiltshire to lead rapidly growing Market Intelligence division.
A blueprint for construction’s sustainability efforts
Practical steps to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Timber in Construction Roadmap
Ambitious plans from the Government to increase the use of timber in construction.
ECA digital series unveils road to net-zero.
Retrofit and Decarbonisation framework N9 launched
Aligned with LHCPG social value strategy and the Gold Standard.
Competence framework for sustainability
In the built environment launched by CIC and the Edge.
Institute of Roofing members welcomed into CIOB
IoR members transition to CIOB membership based on individual expertise and qualifications.
Join the Building Safety Linkedin group to stay up-to-date and join the debate.
Government responds to the final Grenfell Inquiry report
A with a brief summary with reactions to their response.