The art and science of building physics is a term that describes an understanding of how buildings respond to moisture, heat, light and air movement. This concept, together with ‘The Whole House’ approach, looks at buildings in a holistic way and how one measure can affect other measures.

By bringing together all the key aspects of building physics we can build safely, healthily and sustainably.

However, sometimes the terms used can be a bit mysterious…what’s the difference between a breathable and a hygroscopic building material for example?

About the session

This two hour session (including Q&A throughout) with trainer Lucy Pedler, The Green Register, will explain some of the terms used and the science behind them.

We will cover, amongst other topics:

• the whole house approach
• fabric first
• breathability
• hygroscopicity
• moisture risk in buildings
• ventilation strategies
• airtightness
• heat loss
• intertsitial condensation
• avoiding unintended consequences
• appropriate building materials

About the trainer

Lucy Pedler, BA Arch, Dip Arch, ARB
Lucy is an architect with 34 years of professional experience in the UK and USA and has particular expertise in sustainable building practices. Lucy created The Green Register in 2000, now a nationwide networking and educational not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable building practices to all disciplines of the construction industry.

In 1999, Lucy started her own sustainable architecture practice, archipeleco, designing buildings that have a low impact on the environment. In 2005, Paul McWilliams joined archipeleco to then create develeco limited, a company exclusively self-funded to offer refurbishments of existing buildings - usually in very poor condition - and transform the properties into sustainable, beautiful buildings fit for 21st century living.

Lucy is an Earth Champion, on the panel of the Bristol Urban Design Forum and a keen cyclist.