During this talk Architect Mhairi Grant of Paper Igloo will give an introduction to some of the key principles of building physics. All of which are relevant to existing construction, along with describing over-arching aims for insulation and services strategies.
She will then examine three main case studies, which are all projects at Paper Igloo in varying stages of development, detailing various key aspects of the strategies used.
The case studies
The first is a deep retrofit with replacement rear extension to a 1920's house in Edinburgh which is now complete and occupied.
The second is a deep retrofit featuring external wall insulation (EWI) plus proposed rear extension and loft conversion to an existing semi-detached post-war dwelling which is at Building Regulations stage.
The third is an historical dwelling in the highlands which is being renovated using internal wall insulation (IWI) and has a very small rear extension, alongside alterations to the roof structure and a new rear dormer.
By looking at these 3 differing types of existing construction, the aim is to discuss typical issues that arise in this type of work, such as problematic junctions and compromises that must be made for either constructional, heritage or other aesthetic reasons.
About Mhairi Grant
Mhari Grant is an experienced architect, registered with ARB for 20 years, with key sustainability credentials. On top of this, she is Vice President of the RIAS Chapter Stirling Society of Architects, their Sustainability Sub-Committee Convener, and a member of the RIAS Sustainability Working Group.
Mhairi runs a micro practice specialising in high quality, high performance residential projects, with an emphasis on passivhaus and climate change mitigating design using natural materials. She has a qualification in Hygrothermal Risk Assessment, attained Living Future Accreditation through the ILFI, and is an AECB endorsed user of PH Ribbon for Embodied Carbon calculations.
As active Passivhaus Trust members, Paper Igloo committed in 2020 to only design new build to the Passivhaus Standard, and in 2022 to the End Gas Now campaign. They also aim to promote a broader sustainable agenda through their work.
She and her partner constructed and work from a RIAS Award-winning certified Passivhaus home, with the aim of creating a contemporary, low-energy, comfortable building. This building exceeds the RIBA Climate Change 2030 metrics and attained Sustainability Gold under the Scottish building regulations.
Learn more about Paper Igloo via their website and follow Paper Igloo on instagram.
