ESR4

Lifecycle cost analysis and socioeconomic impact of existing social housing construction methods

School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

Back to Projects

Supervisor

Prof. Karim Hadjri

Co-supervisors

Dr. Krzysztof Nawratek, School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

Dr. Vasco Moreira Rato, School of Technology and Architecture, ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal

Secondments

School of Technology and Architecture, ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal

South Yorkshire Housing Association Ltd, Sheffield, UK

Research project

Lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) is used at the design stage to estimate the overall cost of project alternatives in order to establish the lowest overall cost of ownership and operation of a building. LCCA is a key methodology to environmental impact assessment of urbanisation, redevelopment and construction, as well as the production and recycling of building materials. These processes can have significant impacts on the environment and local communities.

The purpose of this project is to examine LCCA for existing building methods used for social housing (traditional vs offsite) by considering the socioeconomic impact on tenants of this type of housing using qualitative and quantitative techniques. A review of indicators and simulation of data will help develop a framework for design and construction of affordable and durable social housing.

The expected results of this research project will increase our understanding of lifecycle costs of homes built using different construction methods. This will also provide a framework that will guide the design, construction and use of social housing to benefit housing providers and tenants.

The ESR will have secondments at University Institute of Lisbon to study the integration of energy assessment and simulation tools in the design and building process; and at South Yorkshire Housing Association to study real projects on lifecycle analysis and socioeconomic impact of building types on tenants.

Tasks
->To conduct an individual research project, interlinked with the other ESRs projects, focusing on:
  • Current building methods for social housing.
  • Evaluation of whole life environmental burden and monetary costs of existing building methods for social housing (traditional vs offsite).
  • Assessment of the socioeconomic impact on tenants of this type of housing.
  • Development of a framework for design and construction of affordable and durable social housing.
  • Use of BIM and energy simulation tools in the design, construction and operation phases.
  • Involvement of residents in the building lifecycle to reduce the energy performance gap.
->To participate in the network-wide activities (workshops, summer schools, conferences)
->To carry out the training required by the PhD programme of the host university.

As part of the individual research project, ESRs will carry out two secondments, each of 3 months, at the partner organisations.

ESRs are expected to have completed a doctoral thesis that can be defended at the host institution within or shortly thereafter the project lifetime.

Host university

The Sheffield School of Architecture is a large, lively and diverse School with a strong social and ethical tradition, as befits a School within a Faculty of Social Sciences. The School has a strong reputation for excellence and innovation in teaching (joint first in the UK National Student Survey 2016). The Architect’s Journal Top 100 Survey rates us as one of the best UK Schools outside London, and we are the only School consistently within the top five as ranked across all the main UK league tables.

Research is currently carried out in three research groups: Space, Cultures and Politics; Design, Engagement and Practice; People, Environments and Performance. Each group brings together academic staff, researchers and postgraduate research students within common areas of interest. In addition, the School develops world class practice-based research within the work of staff and students through collaborative leadership and collegiate support. We have the first academic ‘Urban Room’ in the UK, via our LiveWorks, project which encourages engaged research in the community.

Contact

Prof. Karim Hadjri (k.hadjri@sheffield.ac.uk)

Back to Projects