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Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to report research conducted to explore the insights of UK architects on the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) in relation to low carbon housing design and delivery. Design/methodology/approach – To explore the awareness and knowledge of CSH in low carbon housing design and delivery in the UK, a mixed method approach comprising of interviews with architects in practice and academia were combined with questionnaires to UK sustainable architectural practices. Findings – The results confirmed that, although UK architects are aware of CSH, it is only very few (11.8 per cent), who have the expert knowledge. This is in comparison to 52.9 per cent of those with some knowledge, and 35.3 per cent of those who are very knowledgeable in the use and implementation of CSH to design and deliver low carbon new homes in the UK. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this study are based only on the sustainable architects in the UK, therefore the findings may not represent the view of other constructional professionals in the UK. Practical implications – The research focused on investigating the judging criteria and opinions of architects who are strongly identified with sustainable housing design practices in the UK. It explores the insights of architects on the CSH, because their knowledge, use and implementation of it, along with other information on low carbon housing design, from the onset determines how soon zero carbon homes in the UK can be achieved; leading towards tackling energy use in the UK and on a wider level, the European commitment reduction of energy consumption. Originality/value – The paper is able to expose the weakness of architects in the use of information that is not represented graphically, pictorially or in the recognised Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) plan of work stages familiar to architects and the general construction industry in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the range of philosophical issues that can encourage practitioners toward a reflective and meditative consideration of refurbishment as a way of re-imagining existing architecture. Design/methodology/approach – The paper critically reviews existing architecture literature and the emerging applied ethical enquiry in the built environment. Findings – Refurbishment projects can help achieve an extension of the economic life for many buildings. The re-imagining of buildings is far from merely being a technical exercise. By analogously considering a building as a human, various characteristics and traits can be found – a voice, emotions and memory. The messages that are recovered from buildings need to be decoded. The ongoing applied ethical enquiry based upon the responsive cohesion model is encouraging architects to reconsider the philosophical basis of their obligations to existing buildings. Originality/value – The paper offers an applied consideration of three linked issues that can encourage a more meditative approach to re-imagining architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is threefold; to investigate the potential impact of energy conservation policies and legislation on building design; examine energy conservation practices in the building industry; and identify associated barriers to an integrated low energy architectural design process. Design/methodology/approach - A survey of UK architectural design practices was conducted to assess the impact of current energy conservation policies and legislation on current building design, and ascertain architects' views on the associated barriers and incentives to implementing and sustaining energy conservation strategies in their projects. Findings - Results reveal that building design is affected by existing legislation but often not by policies. Additionally, there is a lack of incentives for the building industry to adopt and implement low energy design strategies that are outlined in existing policies and guidance. Furthermore, results identify a need for increased awareness of the available energy saving technologies. Research limitations/implications - Architects are the first point of contact for driving more energy efficient design and conservation strategies. Therefore, this study was confined to a cross section of their opinions of energy conservation within the UK building industry. Practical implications - The study is useful for those interested in the current levels of implementation of low energy design strategies and the recommendations for the future of the energy conservation and building design in the UK. Originality/value - The study of energy conservation and building design provides insights into current environmental design practices; and identifies problems for the implementation of effective and integrated low energy building design process. The content should be of interest to architects, as it highlights the current level of implementation of energy conservation measures in building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to compare the aesthetic responses of three groups (architects, engineers and non-experts) to a set of non-conventional structures. Design/methodology/approach - A group of 150 respondents (divided into three equal sub-groups of architects, structural engineers, and non-experts) were selected to participate in the main study, which used 14 different non-conventional structural systems. The images of these systems were derived from an earlier pilot study. The evaluation tool included 38 semantic items, also derived from the pilot study. Two statistical analyses were applied to the collected data: factor analysis and ANOVA. Findings - Finds, first, that factor analysis revealed a set of factors identified by all participants as meaningful dimensions, by which they evaluate structural systems. Second, ANOVA revealed differences between the three groups when evaluating different structural systems using the identified factors. Differences between the groups were attributed to their different backgrounds and technical training. Practical implications - The study argues that understanding the aesthetic experience of architects, engineers and ordinary users of structures is essential. First, it helps the designers to establish the basis for selecting appropriate structural methods and materials in relation to building design. Second, it would also help the designers to better understand the relationship between the structure and architecture in terms of a trade-off between the technical and aesthetic issues. Third, it helps the designers to better understand how their designed structures are perceived by the public. Originality/value - This study introduces an alternative approach to the study of the aesthetics of structures, with a focus on non-conventional structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]