Less and more in Aotearoa New Zealand : more houses and less CO₂ emissions
Date
2017-12Citation:
Hall, M. (2017, December). Less and more in Aotearoa New Zealand: More houses and less CO₂ emissions, In M. A. Schnabel (ed), Back to the Future: The Next 50 Years, (51st International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA)), Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA), pp. 200-217.Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4294Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present the case for further research into using a broader range of bio‐based materials, specifically straw, for construction in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is predominantly a literature review providing the background for more detailed research and for speculation on how a new low carbon building material, might be integrated into mainstream construction over the next 50 years. Reflection on a previous attempt to introduce an uncommon building material, soil cement, into mainstream construction 70 years ago aims to provide insight into factors beyond the scientific that could affect the success or failure of a contemporary proposition.
The proposed research would follow the lines of enquiry introduced in this paper:
interrogation of the different methodologies involved in measuring embodied CO₂ emissions,
engagement with researchers and farmers to gain an understanding of the grain growing methodology in Aotearoa New Zealand,
analysis of overseas prefabricated straw construction techniques.
Engagement with the prefabrication industry in New Zealand is not covered in this paper but would be part of the proposed research.