A short film about Fritz Schumacher. (9 mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_fYeo5rNRg

The highlights of the conference (24 mins)
https://youtu.be/riGX8A0g37k

The full edited conference (over 2 hours)
https://youtu.be/bg8Jyn6Xl9g

 

 
 

Hello if you are looking for the Book of the compilation of 12 sustainability articles from issues of the RIAS Quarterly. then please email me. I've had a little problem with getting approval for a couple of photos but it will be available soon as an online pdf. The income will be donated to Ukraine.
 

Passive Design Strategies
Please paste into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4exl-Pm7dRw
 

Consultant: – ALDAS Air tightness Collective Mar22 www.aldas.co.uk
Lecture: Architecture & Design Scotland: 20 Minute Rural Neighbourhoods?  Mar22
Thinkpiece: RIAS Q – Islands: Constraints & Inventiveness Mar22
Lecture: SUAS: A Short History of Good Ideas Feb22
UG Design Reviews: University of Strathclyde – Jan/Feb22
Lecture: Build It: Liberté, égalité, fraternité, ecologie Jan22
Thinkpiece: RIAS Q: Magic concrete, planes & glass, reusable eggs & other unicorns Jan22
Course: Sustainable Construction: Univ of Strathclyde Y1 Jan22
(a) History of Ideas & Design Precedents
(b) Circular Economy & Embodied Everything
(c) Appraisal Tools, Policy & Urban Ecology
Thinkpiece: RIAS Q: "An ineffective virus kills its host* Oct21
Consultant: Gottstein Architects: Low Impact Logistix Buildings & Sites Oct 21
Consultant/Advisor: Ryder Architects: All Things Sustainability- Strategic Development: Industrial, Commercial, Teaching, Housing, School & Hospitality Nov20 – Sep21
Presentation: Architects Declare Dublin: Liberté, égalité, fraternité, ecologie Jul21
Thinkpiece: RIAS Q – Rural Architecture – Survival of the Fittest – Jul 21
RIBA Future Architects Podcast: Architecture Beyond Climate Targets with Scott McAuley & Sumita Singha, 2021 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rEGmhrq7LgLyFb6AAhxOo?si=d8a1e427b2624485
Thinkpiece: RIAS Q – Liberté, égalité, fraternité, ecologie – Mar21
Presentation: Rural Housing Forum – Quality, Health & Well Being in Housing–– Feb 21
Consultant: Grangegorman Campus Architectural Competition– Feb 21
Course: University of Strathclyde – Y1: Sustainable Construction– Feb/Mar 21
Presentation: Scotland’s Climate Assembly: New Housing – Jan21
Thinkpiece: RIAS Q – Eco-heroism – January 2021
Presentation: ICE Engineering Climate Change Breakfast:- Responding to Net Zero Nov 2020
Keynote: Build It Aberdeen  Future Housing and the Circular Economy November 2020
Seminar: The Centre for Strategic Research & Development, Tblisi, Georgia – Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainable Construction Policy, Process & Cost Effectiveness Nov 2020
Research Contract: Zero Waste Scotland Resource Efficient Housing- 2020 Vision – October 2020 https://vimeo.com/483984642/425860213
Presentation: CSIC Prepare for COP 26 Made in Scotland  October 2020
https://vimeo.com/475490269/1b63cdec55
Presentation: Cross Party Group on Architecture & the Built Environment – Fabric First  Sep 2020
Thinkpiece: RIAS Quarterly - What policies can help create built environments that are more socially accountable and less damaging to the environment? – September 2020
Finalist Team: Homes for 2030 with Outpost, Straw Works, EcoCocon, Milk / others July 2020  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/finalists-revealed-in-competition-to-find-homes-of-the-future
Thinkpiece: RIAS Quarterly - The Future of Housing and The Circular Economy July 2020
Article: SEDA Magazine – COP 20 Special: - Facts & Imaginings June 2020
Women’s Engineering Society Award - Top 50 Women in Engineering: Sustainability June 2020
Contributor: Climate Emergency Summit 4: Construction – A Provocation May 2020
Consultant: Dublin Architects – A Sustainability Strategy for Hospitality – March 2020
CPD Course: ECE Architects, London – Sustainable Construction – January 2020
Contributor: Climate Action Pioneers Convention – Stirling January 2020
Presentation: Waste Build – Amsterdam - Circular Construction – December 2019.
Keynote:  Build It - No More Baby Steps! Aberdeen November 2019
Keynote: Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture 5:  Is Scotland’s Housing Fit for Purpose? Nov 2019
Jury Member: The Environmental & SME categories of Georgia's Responsible Business Awards, Meliora 2019. Part of "Georgia's Civil Society Sustainability Initiative”.
Research Contract: With Edinburgh School of Architecture – Housing 2040: A Scotland Wide Housing Exhibition commissioned by Architecture & Design Scotland. April – Dec 2019
Presentation: RIAS Stirling Chapter Things to know about Sustainable Construction –Nov 2019
Presentation: Circular Economy in Construction – A business model & examples October 2019
Contributor: Air Quality & Dementia for Hammond Care publ 2020
Author: A Policy document on Ecological Buildings for Commonweal October 2019
Keynote Speaker:  The Legacy of Ian McHarg & the Genesis of Urban Ecology, Glasgow Landscape Institute, October 2019
Keynote Speaker: Oslo Green Capital Livke og Liv Examples of Exemplar European Housing and Workshop Leader: Can we deal with Climate and be happy? Oslo, October 2019

Please enjoy this video on the chellenges of 20 minute rural neighbourhoods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9-acA7_5J0

A conversation: Part of the RIBA Climate Crisis series: - the irrepressible Scott McAuley, the inspirational Sumita Singha and yours truly..

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rEGmhrq7LgLyFb6AAhxOo?si=d8a1e427b2624485&nd=1

THis video was recorded to summarise the results of work undertaken for Zero Waste Scotland into Resource Efficient Housing for 2030. The full report is available from Gaia Group Ltd.
https://vimeo.com/483984642/425860213
 

https://vimeo.com/475490269/1b63cdec55

Finalists with the Janus House
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/finalists-revealed-in-competition-to-find-homes-of-the-future

 

For anyone wanting to follow up on the housing theme here are a number of films here on housing for our future
Scotland’s Housing – More than Just Numbers
A conference organised by Gaia Group with SEDA 22/05/19
(1.43 mins)
https://youtu.be/Lf1WSIIosLY
 
Scotland’s Housing – More than Just Numbers (7 mins)
https://youtu.be/6Z6Rc7WSyzQ
 
Kalkbreite.. (6 mins)
A Swiss collective housing Project
https://youtu.be/MkHFeb8tkCU


Tubingen... (18 mins)
Cities of Small distances
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSfFF0Lx4cw
 
Children’s Eco-City 1996  (6 mins)
Edinburgh Children plan their city
https://youtu.be/3q7QeX1gxd8


 

Halliday S.P 2018 Sustainable Construction 2nd edition Routledge
 https://www.routledge.com/Sustainable-Construction-2nd-Edition/Halliday/p/book/9781138200289

Description (3 mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMJtLb4nDUU
 
 

Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture 1: 2015
The 1st memorial lecture – A short history of good ideas
Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byXGJjp5vVs
 
Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture 2: 2016
The 2nd memorial lecture looked at the life and legacy of Rachel Carson through a film of her life and a short play. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf4QArjw-Uw
 
Follow up to Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture 2: The focus on environmental toxicity caused significant interest and led to multiple screenings of the Swedish Film Underkastelsen by Stefan Jarl – image attached.
The attached is a film of the discussion following one screening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEiQtxhF1AI
 
Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture 3: 2017
The 3rd memorial lecture looked at the life and legacy of Barry Commoner and the timely showing of the film A Plastic Ocean. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWwTe4Kx2LI
 
Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture 4: 2018
The 4th memorial lecture looked at the life and legacy of Ian McHarg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVsChcBj51I&t=259s
 
Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture 5: 2019
The 5th memorial lecture looked at the life and legacy of Sherry Arnstein 
- presented here as 4 films
Sandy Halliday
https://youtu.be/jxa7j0o8zC8
Stirling Howieson
https://youtu.be/hzXn-eAeYi0
Fionn Stevenson
https://youtu.be/dupps_MshVo
Andy Wightman
https://youtu.be/aljAqiVpqlE
 

Research
> 2020 Hindsight - Resource Efficient Housing for the Future Apr20
> With Edinburgh School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture (ESALA) – Housing 2040 – A Scotland Wide Housing Exhibition commissioned by Scottish Government Jul-Dec19

Teaching
> The Sustainable Buildings & Placemaking component of the Oslo Summer School Course in Energy & Environment July 2019
> The Anthropocene Architecture School Climate Emergency Crisis Studio 01 Tutorial.

Publications
> Sustainable Construction –  2nd edition Routledge 2018
> ·A Policy Document on Ecological Buildings for Commonweal publ pending 2019
> Air Quality & Dementia for Hammond Care 2020

Networks
> Climate Action Pioneers Convention, Stirling Jan20
> Jury Member for the Environmental & SME categories of Georgia's Responsible Business Awards, Meliora Oct19. Part of Georgia's Civil Society Sustainability Initiative.

Presentations
> "Sustainable Construction CPD" - ECE Architects, London Jan'20
> "Circular Construction" at Waste Build, Amsterdam Dec19.
>  "No More Baby Steps!" - Keynote, Build It, Aberdeen Nov19
> "Is Scotland’s Housing Fit for Purpose?" - SEDA's 5th Howard Liddell Memorial Event: Edinburgh Nov19
> "Things you need to know about Sustainable Construction" Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Stirling Nov19
> "A business model and Examples in practice" for Zero Waste Scotland/SEDA The Circular Economy in Construction – Edinburgh Oct19
> "The Legacy of Ian McHarg and the Genesis of Urban Ecology"  Landscape Institute - Keynote  - Edinburgh, Oct19
> "Can we deal with Climate and Be Happy?" Oslo Green Capital Livke og Liv Workshop - Exemplar European Housing Oslo, Oct19
>  "RIAS Maximum Architectural Value – Minimum Environmental Harm" – A workshop at the RIAS Annual Convention 2019
> "Things you need to know about Sustainable Construction"   RIAS Dundee  Sept19
> "Health & Well Being in Buildings and Environmental Impact" European Straw Bale Network Straw Bale Gathering –Todmorden Aug19.
> "Urban Ecology" Keynote at Scotland’s Housing – More Than Just Numbers Edinburgh May19
> Why can’t we have sustainable buildings? Festival of Debate,  Sheffield Apr19
Sustainable Design Policy - RIAS, Aberdeen  Apr19
> Sustainable Construction- SEDA, Glasgow Feb19
> Sustainable Design Best Practice, Glasgow Institute of Architects Jan19

 

Report of the Conference…
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ijp4xwfwk3j39z3/190709%20Scotland%27s%20Housing%20final%20report%20SHORT.pdf?dl=0

Reviews of Sustainable Construction (Halliday 2018)
 
“It’s hard to know quite where to start to do justice to this book, especially as I have the prosaic language of an engineer and not the flowing prose of an architect. What is brilliant about Sandy is that she combines both the rigour of an engineer (which she is) and the eye of an architect (honed, no doubt through her many years with Howard Liddell) into one person. Combine this with a drive for perfection, a massive thirst for knowledge, a willingness to consult with experts in their own field and a desire to see truly sustainable solutions in the built environment and the result is clear to see - a book that draws on Europe and beyond to find some of the best examples of sustainable construction around.
 
There are twelve separate sections, including (unusually and massively welcomed) one on water and sewage management. Each section has a design checklist and rules of thumb, and a selection of inspiring case studies. As Sandy writes: There are many opportunities for water conservation and benign disposal, but with wide availability of mains water, sewerage and stormwater drainage connections, water issues have rarely been considered as serious concerns in building projects until recently … Using and expressing water in the built environment is an emerging area of interest because of the benefits to biodiversity and the creative opportunities it offers.. She follows this up with examples from Herbert Dreiseitl such as the Cloudburst project in Copenhagen, to smaller projects such as The Lost Effra  project in London, and Thames Water’s Water Efficiency in Schools Project of which ech2o are a proud part.
 
In this short video Sandy explains about why she wrote this book and what is covered in the 12 chapters. We reckon that every architect and design studio should have a copy.”
-  Cath Hassell ech2o consultants ltd
 
‘Professor Sandy Halliday’s Sustainable Construction, Second Edition is a robust examination of a vast set of issues that are especially important to today's construction practices. Her work takes on the social and political climate as well as the practice of building sustainably. To consider passive design strategies foremost is the guiding principle of the book—mechanical systems and alternative energy devices are considered back ups that can be reduced in size and expense by the effective use of passive strategies. The text is thoroughly illustrated with case study examples and images and illustrations. Both historic and contemporary issues and examples are presented. It's a tour de force in sustainable construction instruction.’
Bruce Haglund, Professor of Architecture, University of Idaho, USA
 
 
‘This encyclopedic view of sustainable development re/introduces giants upon whose shoulders we stand, their theories, experimentation, lessons learned, some forgotten, others adopted into our collective current understanding of environmental design. This is just what we need, succinct nuggets of information supported by a profusion of well-chosen images illustrating its core and many recent case studies. 10 years since the first edition, there is so much more to learn, and so much of this book has been updated. I need this edition too.’
- Brian Murphy, Green Building Encyclopaedia
‘This timely second edition of a foundational text on sustainable design and construction has been thoroughly updated with a glorious collection of 120 inspiring case studies based on best practice in relation to core principles. These are grounded in the deep wisdom of an author who really gets to the underlying issues. The unique guidance on cost and value as they relate to design is invaluable. This book is required reading for all those want to make a difference to our built environment.’ Professor Fionn Stevenson, The University of Sheffield School of Architecture, UK 
 
The time for a truly sustainable approach to construction is more important now than ever, this revised edition will help to further advance and inform the construction and design industry sectors. If we are to have any hope of remaining in equilibrium with what our planet can withstand the contents within this book should become standard practice. This updated edition builds upon known, tried and tested techniques, all of which can play their part in transforming construction into a truly sustainable endeavour. This book should be seen as a "go to" reference for all those involved in construction and design of new buildings who truly care about the impact we are having on our planet
Julian Brooks, Good Homes Alliance.
 
“Before Sustainable Construction was published the publisher sent me an un-illustrated manuscript to evaluate in hope that I’d provide an endorsement, which I did. An extract from that endorsement is quoted on the book jacket, “…a robust examination of a vast set of issues that are especially important to today’s construction practices…takes on social and political climate as well as the practice of building sustainably. It’s a tour de force…” Last month I received the fully illustrated and formatted final publication. Should I retract my praise? No, the book is even better than I imagined. Sandy’s perspective as a long-time researcher spans the disciplines in the sustainable construction arena and melds her words with images and graphics that speak to all those fields of expertise. It provides the historic context of what has worked and why as well as what should be done and how. I encourage you all to take the journey through its pages!”
- Bruce Haglund, Professor of Architecture, University of Idaho, USA
 
 

Thanks to Natalie Bennett for the invitation to talk about sustainable construction at this fantastic series of events in Sheffield.
 

Very positive reception from the Aberdeen Chapter of the RIAS for the sustainability agenda. Enjoyed the venue - The Maggie Centre - the talk and reception enormously. Thanks

I'm really delighted to announce that I have been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland for services to the built environment & sustainability. I look forward to getting even more involved in promoting sustainable scottish built environments.

This is the link to the 3minute  tour. It gives a flavour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMJtLb4nDUU

 

That's the 2nd edition. Full of lots of Urban Ecology, Exciting materials, Mushroom Buildings, People Powered Housing and Pee Powered Lighting... Video Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMJtLb4nDUU Link here gives access to pre-order at 20% OFF AND FREE POSTAGE. Sustainable Construction 2nd Edition 

Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture: Eco Max 4
 The Life & Legacy of Ian McHarg  – the genesis of Urban Ecology
 
Thursday 22nd November 2018 – 6.00pm to 9.30pm
Lecture Theatre G.03 University of Edinburgh
50 George Square  Edinburgh EH8 9LH
 
The Scottish Ecological Design Association is delighted to invite you to the 4th Howard Liddell Memorial Lecture: Eco Max 4.
 
The evening will involve a talk about Ian McHarg - a Scottish Landscape Architect and writer on regional planning using natural systems.  Born in Clydebank in 1920 he went on to found of the department of landscape architecture at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. His 1969 book Design with Nature pioneered the concept of ecological planning and remains a seminal book on landscape architecture and land-use planning.
 
The talk will present Harg’s thoughts and ideas about ecological planning, including some in his own inimitable words, and look at some of the best contemporary practice in Urban Ecology.
 
As in previous years, this will be an enlightening and enervating evening illustrating the best ecological thinking, and why it is needed now more than ever. The event will strengthen the strong impetus for environmental change and innovation in Scotland.
 
Tickets are limited so book in advance here!
SEDA members, unwaged and students £3.00
Others: £6.00
 
Programme:
1800: Registration
1830: Eco-Max 4
2000: Discussion – Q & A
2030: Drinks 
2130: Close
 
The History of Eco-Max
Howard Liddell OBE was a co-founder of SEDA. When he died in 2013 he was working on a book, "Eco-Max”, about pioneers of ecological design and their legacy. In 2015 Howard’s widow, Sandy Halliday, gave SEDA's first Howard Liddell memorial lecture on this theme.  The 2nd memorial lecture in 2016 focused on the life of Rachel Carson and the 3rd in 2017 on Barry Commoner.

Off to Oslo to lecture on the energy and Environment course on processes, procurement, barriers, participation and eco-minimalism. It will be good to be able to air some of the best practice projects that are in the forthcoming book and to play the Futures Game. Sounds like I'm going to meet another amazing bunch of students from 24 countries.

Delighted to be invited to converse with the Connect Network and Equate Scotland about my career, the importance of sustainability in the built environment and tackling gender inequality in STEM.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-conversation-with-professor-sandy-halliday-tickets-47663051470

Thank you for the opportunity to provide a little provocation by way of a short talk on Urban Ecology to the diverse audience at the Transition Edinburgh event.

A study tour of environmental projects with friends and associates from Germany, Norway, Ireland, England, Hungary, Sweden, Chile, South Africa and Denmark. The tour included the International Building Exhibition Wilhemsburg and Hafencity in Hamburg, Bruno Taut Housing, The Zeughaus, Spreefeld Co-operative, Prinzessinengarten and Block 6 Roof Water Garden in Berlin, the German Environment Agency Building in Dessau - whilst staying in the Bauhaus, the Okohaus in Frankfurt, Vauban in Freiburg, numerous solar and co-operative housing projects in Zurich and the 22-26 buildng in Lustenau, Austria. WOW!

Upcoming screening of a Plastic Ocean organised by Glasgow students. Includes panel discussion. 
MARCH 14th 2018
Doors open 6.15PM
Reid Theatre
..............................
Film Screening with Q&A:
Intro from Sandy Halliday (SEDA)
Conversation with
Doug Allan (Blue Planet), James
Hobson, Anne Baker (EXXpedition)
and James Daw (SEDA).
Supported by SEDA & GSA SiaG
& MEARU
Broadcast from Hill52
Free but ticketed- Eventbrite

Wed 7 March 2018
16:30 – 19:30 GMT
EDINBURGH
The EAA and SEDA join together to discuss problems of polluted internal environments in low energy buildings. As we try to make our buildings more air-tight, to reduce energy consumption, are we making our interiors bad for us and the structure? Is it something that can be managed, and are there ways to achieve both?
Book via Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/healthy-passive-buildings-reality-and-lessons-from-practice-tickets-42955394742

Lovely time in Karpacz as a guest of the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies / Office of the Economic Forum. Presented a paper on Zero Energy Buildings. A lot of concern about the forthcoming regulations. Karpacz is lovely. Lots of snow, a beautiful Stave Church brought all the way from Norway and an excellent tree. 

Supplied Sustainability advice for 18 flats and 3 houses for Hanover Housing Association with Icosis Architects. Completed and handover to begin in January. 
 

Delighted to be invited to present a keynote paper on 21st Century Settlements at Buildings and Biodiversity Conference Perth organized by the Tay Landscape Partnership. A great event. Thanks to all for organising it. 

A short talk on Barry Commoner – His Life & Legacy followed by  a screening of A Plastic Ocean. 

It's launched.

NORWAY 2017 - Another group of fabulous students at the International Summer School, Mariana's garden gets evermore beautiful and now they have the greenhouse, plus Oslo never fail to surprise - that's some scary graffiti... !!!
 

Lords Cricket Ground, Switch Gallery, Walter Segal Housing, UEA Enterprise Centre, Sheffield's Grey to Green and Lovely LILAC

An opportunity to talk about Gaia Group Past and Present to Bruce Haglund and Alison Kwok and a group of their architecture students from IDAHO University. Thanks for the presents. 

The updated web site has the year 2008 missing from the timeline.  It was Howard's book year. The 2nd edition is available from http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/eco-minimalism-the-antidote-to-eco-bling-2nd-edition/80357/

Enjoyed giving my short talk on Urban Ecology to this very busy conference. Krakow is an inspirational place. 
 

Some quality presentations and great information at the Brighton Green Architecture Day 2017. 

Looking for excellent case studies of sustainable urban design, lighting, ventilation, policy, appraisal tools and the rest

A "Cocktail" Party -  Due to popular demand, SEDA will be re-screening Underkastelsen in Glasgow on 1st March. 
 

Sandy will be speaking at the 3rd European Congress of Local Governments is to take place on 27/ 28 March 2017 in Cracow, Poland. The main topics to be covered include public finance, regional development, management, public administration, political marketing, waste disposal, health, education and training, social policy and tourism. The conference has become a platform for exchange of views and a meeting place for local politicians representing governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. 
Implementation of sustainable development strategy by regions and cities has a crucial impact on the country’s socio-economic factors, while maintaining the balanced natural environment. Taking specific actions that improve the quality of life and at the same time do not generate costs for future generations is one of the challenges of the modern world.

Invited to speak at Green Architecture Day. Brighton Saturday 25 March 2017. 
http://brightonpermaculture.org.uk/courses/greenarchitecture

http://soundcloud.com/gaiagroup/vision-for-edinburgh-sandy-halliday

Time: 4.00pm - 7.30pm
Venue: Godfrey Thomson Hall, The University of Edinburgh,
Thomson's Land, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ
Cost: £20 Members, £30 Non Members, £10 Concession,
Students Free*
Registration from 3.30pm
In celebrating James Craig New Town 250th anniversary. we ask ourselves what are we, the current generation, going to leave the next century? Are we planning a better future? Or are we just muddling along?

We need all to put our thoughts together coherently, and in working together, make a Vision for Edinburgh, so that we can look forwards towards a better planned and designed future, a sustainable future that takes care of our culture and heritage of many directions. This forum the EAA is leading the way for, asks that we put our professional knowledge to good use, make partnerships across the city with all other related professions and colleagues, and make our input heard and put into action.

These sessions have an eminent speaker and consultants to inspire and discuss all our ideas and thoughts in workshop format, put all of it on the table for a collation into a coherent strategy or charrette that can be submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council. I have tied up with the City of Edinburgh Council Chief Executive office to feed directly into their City Vision, and with the good will of Planning Transportation and all other departments of the Council, the efforts and input of our workshops will not be just talk, but put into action.
TICKETS FROM
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eaa-lecture-and-workshop-18th-jan-2017-tickets-30297656105

This film by Swedish director Stefan Jarl will be shown on Thursday 1st December at 6 for 6.30. 
It was a great event. Plan to rescreen in January in Glasgow. 

The evening event followed the theme of Eco-Max, set out in the 1st memorial lecture in 2015, by focusing on the life and legacy of Rachel Carson. It began with a film “The Power of One Voice: A 50-Year Perspective on the Life of Rachel Carson“  - a documentary examining the profound implications of her environmental work.  Following the film, Liz Rothchild gave a totally absorbing reading of her show about Carson's life.
Society owes a debt to Rachel, an American writer, biologist and campaigner and a courageous woman. Her writing is totally absorbing. In the late 1950s, she turned her attention to conservation and the environmental and medical problems caused by the over-use of synthetic pesticides. Her book Silent Spring brought these concerns to the American public. It prompted a reversal in national pesticide policy, which led to a nationwide ban on DDT and other chemicals which had been proved responsible for the increase in cancer and other diseases.
Her campaign resulted in personal ridicule and antagonsim. It continues today. Ironically Carson died after a battle with breast cancer. The film Underkastelsen - to show in Edinburgh in December - will continue the story.

Well it's taken a while to get us together again but it's worth it. Great conference at Rolf's eco-village project in Hurdal. This is Dilly or Dally Llama.  Everyone in Gaia International excellent form doing exciting work. Making plans for a German meeting  and study tour in May 2017. 

It's available again.

Working on the 100 Sustainable Scottish Buildings Publication for SEDA. Found some interesting little projects like these Basil Spence Houses in Dunbar.
 

Good Progress
 

Ian Tod asked me to contribute something on Glencoe for this 500th anniversary of More's Utopia exhibition at the Fisherman's wharf in Eyemouth. Managed to put together some reflect, reconcile and inspire images, worked with Michael Wolchover on these lovely silk scarves, projected Howard's eco-minimalism videos made by Mike Gower and added in the painting of Glencoe by Alasdair Fiddes Watt. Altogether inspiring. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4crzU5Q2pA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz964Kuvh3Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3GqSP1THPQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5GRR4Ytvi8
 

Social Infrastructure was a good topic. But the lovely thing about this summer school apart from the students, and swimming in the Oslo Fiord is the opportunity to catch up with all the Gaia Norway crowd. The garden that Marianne is creating at Gartneriet is extraordinarily lovely. All this in 1 year. Cafe opening in 2017 with all produce from the garden. 

Great Venue and a Lot of Fun. Camping facilities excellent. Without wishing to put the 'fluence on it.. it does seem to attract good weather. 

In search of best practice. Some great landscaping and urban ecology strategies and this lovely co-housing project in Spreefeld. They were having a collective planting day. 

It hasn't been easy and it hasn't been fun but if it helps to make a difference then it will have been worth it. Feedback welcome.

Evening lecture to the architecture school in Canterbury.

Good opportunity to chum my old friend along to the opening of his latest hydro plant. https://vimeo.com/146632881

Some excellent potential Heads of 3rd World States here this year. Took time out to visit the Stave Church and Gaia Oslo's eco community centre. Loved both.

Another excellent AGM. Thanks to Jim & Wendy and everyone else involved

Was treated to a tour and chat about the landscape strategy for the Olympic Park.. and I learnt something new about London's East End. A heavy responsibility.

SCHOSA Conference - RIBA London
I remain very unsure as to how deep this goes or how far it travels. 

If you love someone make sure you take them to New York. I don't know why I left it until now.

Energy & Low Income Tropical Housing is a £750k EPSRC/DFiD research programme to identify, and to propagate, ways to reduce the energy consumption of low-income housing in tropical countries.
 
In wealthy countries environmental considerations have generated new designs, materials, guidance and regulations for several decades. With rising populations and shrinking land, timber and fuels resources, the consequences of inefficiencies are now being felt in tropical countries and the benefits of energy saving are increasingly recognised.
Sandy was invited to undertake a capacity building trip to address two aspects of the programme.  In Tanzania she advised builders, researchers, clients, manufacturers and architects on the scope for reducing the energy intensity and embodied toxicity of building materials. In Uganda she worked with teachers at the Martyrs University and with practitioners and students on sustainability issues and affordable low impact housing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boKrHT243EQ

Many thanks to Barbara Jones for the intro to straw bale class. It was good to see Hardcastle Crags again too. Shame i won't be able to include it in Sustainable Construction 2. So photogenic.
 

Delighted to be asked to contribute to this project to extend the railway line from Alston to Slaggyford. Real opportunity for some sustainable infrastructure and interpretation. 

Good to see Glencoe and Dunning again and the clients loved the houses at Tombreck. The Straw Bale Community Centre in Haringay is a lovely project. BRE less impressive apart from the informative demo of the simple solid clay block structure.

Another great Summer School. 30 students from 29 countries. Focus on communities was good and I really enjoyed John Rogers session on Alternative Money. 

Lovely selection of projects to see and people to hear at Tombreck and Aberfeldy. Thanks to everyone.

Very much enjoyed contributing a non-technology solution to the debate at the European Congress of Local Governments,
ICE KRAKÓW Congress Centre. Krakow fascinating too.

Good collection of inputs from SEDA's research community. Videos available at https://vimeo.com/channels/745591

Good to be back at the place where I did my first metal bashing. Evening lecture to the Part II Architecture & the Environment MSc students and then a day of tutorials. CAT seems to have lost its way but the students were great. Called in at Coventry Cathedral on the way back. 

Design for dementia is increasingly a factor for consideration in provision of housing. This paper raises concerns that some of the current thinking in dementia design risks creating environments that are less sustainable than they might otherwise be. It raises questions about how the benefits of sustainable design can be better perceived and incorporated into dementia design.

Get it from Dropbox here

Sandy, Principal of Gaia Research, was invited to speak at this year's Ecobuild event in London on the subject of "Passive design strategies for non-domestic buildings" as part of the "Near-zero non-domestic buildings - the best approach" seminar. 

You can find and download a copy of the slides from the talk here -
https://www.dropbox.com/s/iytp029558k746m/Ecobuild%202014%20SH.pdf

and the accompanying narrative is available on SoundCloud -
http://soundcloud.com/gaiagroup/passive-design-strategies-for

Gaia Research are working in collaboration with Icosis Architects on designs for a new-build amenity housing development of 21 units for Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association.

We are very pleased to confirm that the project has received board approval to proceed to planning submission.
 

Plummerswood House, Innerleithen will be open to the public as part of the The International Passive House Days on 8th and 10th November.

The following video is a recently filmed client's perspective of the house:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVfTu_Vza4w

Plummerswood was awarded the Scottish Home Awards Architectural Excellence Award (Single dwelling) in 2012.

Gaia Research are currently coming to the end of their two year monitoring of the building and will be reporting the results soon.

 

Gaia Research are currently acting as Sustainability Consultants within the design team for a new-build 33 flat supported living development in Forres.

Gaia Research have been undertaking two separate pieces on work in relation to design for dementia, recently.

The first is a publication with Stirling Dementia Services Development Centre at Stirling University, providing best practice guidance on ventilation and indoor air quality design for dementia.

The publication is in it’s final draft form currently, so watch this space for a publication date.

In tandem, Gaia have been undertaking a feasibility study for a housing association, to determine the extend of works required to ensure one of their current supported living properties is compliant with best practice guidance for those with dementia.

Gaia Research are part of the successful team bidding for the preparation of the Outline Business Case for Dumfries learning town. The OBC is due to be submitted in November.

http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11765

Howard continues to inspire future generations of architects worldwide.

Two sessions Howard recorded for The University of Oslo International Summer School are now available to view here:

http://www.gaiatv.org/CPD_modules.htm

Gaia group are delighted to announce that Plummerswood has been shortlisted for the UK Passivhaus Awards 2013.

The winner's will be announced on 4th July.

http://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/uk_passivhaus_awards/2013/#2013%20shortlist

We are making plans to progress Howard's ambitions for his next book "eco-max – the carbon free sustainability lectures" and we will post info out as we go forward. Meanwhile we thought we would mark the 3 month anniversary of Howard's death by circulating a lecture on ecominimalism from the gaia tv site.

http://gaiatv.org/CPD_trailers.htm

Sandy has dedicated this keynote lecture that she delivered in November to Howard's memory and to the progress that we need to make.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/stream/media/swatch?v=cb5f302d398a

It is with deep regret that we must announce that Professor Howard Liddell OBE, Principal of Gaia Architects passed away on the 23rd February 2013.

A graduate of Edinburgh University, Howard’s career included ten years within academia - firstly as a senior lecturer and then director of research at the innovative School of Architecture at Hull, followed by two years as Guest Professor in Building Technology at Oslo. He developed a huge creative bond with his students who went on to form the Green Association of Idealistic Architects (Gaia) in Norway.

Howard maintained strong links throughout his career to the Gaia Norway office after returning to Scotland to establish Gaia Architects (Scotland). He pioneered ecological architecture with passion for the environment, community and placemaking.
Notable projects from his time as Principal of the practice are numerous, but include; Fairfield Housing which won a UN Habitat Award for regeneration and individual schemes within the development that pioneered attention to indoor environmental health and minimal environmental harm, Glencoe Clachan Visitor Centre – for it’s fittingness - realising the rarely achieved link between access and environmental protection. More recently; Acharacle Primary School – the first brettstapel building in the UK and; Plummerswood – the first (passive house certified)
brettstapel house in the UK. The Gaia network extended overtime to embrace the very best of those involved in ecological design and community development.

Howard co-founded the Scottish Ecological Design Association in 1991, and remained active within the organisation throughout his career. SEDA’s primary aim is to share knowledge, skills and experience of ecological design.

Howard also found time to undertake extensive charity work, most notably as a founder member of the EcoCity Projects, a partnership between Gaia and The Children's Parliament where children aged between 9 - 12 are supported to create a large scale model of their environmentally-friendly community.
Witnessing children's enthusiastic and informed participation, Howard became a strong advocate for children's participation. The first EcoCity had a Children's Parliament at its centre, an idea that Howard supported and within 4 years of the first project, Howard became a Trustee of Scotland's Children's Parliament and remained so until the past few months.

Howard also led a group of skilled volunteers to Tanzania in 2009 to complete a workshop building, a garden store, a well for agricultural and a deep well for clean drinking water for the charity, who provide training and healthcare for children affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS.

Howard’s passionate and tireless contribution to the world of ecological design debate, research, publication and built works will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure and honour of working for and alongside him.

He was an inspiration.

Howard Liddell, Principal of Gaia Architects and Co-Founder of the Scottish Ecological Design Association has been recognised in the New Years Honours List with the award of the title ‘Officer of the Order of the British Empire’, for services to Ecological Design and charity.

Howard is currently busy completing the second edition of “Eco-minimalism” (due out in March) before tackling his next venture “Eco-max – the carbon-free papers”  which will deal with the rest of the much ignored agenda of sustainability.
However, he took time out to be interviewed by Hattie Hartman of the AJ shortly after the New Years Honours List was published.  You can read the article, where he tallks about what the award means to him, here:

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/sustainability/aj-footprint-exclusive-howard-liddell-on-his-obe/8640947.article

We are delighted to announce that Plummerwood has won the 2012 Scottish Home Awards Architectural Excellence Award (Single Dwelling).

An Eco-house that wins a national Architectural Excellence award is a rarity but not unique. Gaia achieved this 20 years ago with the Weem House (UK House of the Year 1992).

http://www.scottishhomeawards.com/

Gaia Research is Lead partner in-an depth assessment of the performance of Plummerswood house, which is part of the UK’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB) Building Performance Evaluation programme. This research will result in a report on the user experiences and monitored findings for the passive standard house, built from Brettstapel mass timber, completed in 2011. The goal of the TSB in-depth studies is to ensure that the UK construction industry is better placed to understand the performance of a range of different building types, design strategies, construction methods and occupancy patterns, and the relative contribution of various factors to the eventual overall performance of buildings. This understanding is intended to enable the construction industry to meet the government aim of all new buildings being carbon-neutral by 2016 (domestic) and 2019 (non-domestic). Gaia Research, and their partners in the monitoring are particularly keen to investigate the moisture buffering performance of the structure and finishes, the effectiveness of the MVHR in creating a good indoor environment and the implications in terms of energy compared to local occupant control. To date the monitoring has reviewed build quality and handover, and the energy and internal environmental conditions, under occupant and automatic control conditions over a short period.

Forestry Commission Scotland’s flagship centre, Glentress Peel, has been given a Gold star rating in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

The gold star rating is the highest possible within the scheme and is acknowledgement that the visitor centre development is built and managed on eco-friendly principles.

Andrea Nicholas, Manager of Green Tourism Business Scheme:

"We're delighted to award Forestry Commission Scotland with the Gold award for its stunning Glentress Peel development.

"Not only does the building look fantastic, it is also very practical
for the outdoor visitors that it caters for. The Commission has approached the whole development on sustainable principles and its green credentials are just what we would like to see replicated elswhere."

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/WebPressReleases/C0345B2FC428767380257A0C002E43AD

Earlier this year, we were delighted to be informed that Glentress had been shortlisted for the 2012 Edinburgh Architectural Association's 'Building of the Year' Award.
We were particularly pleased to be shortlisted for this particular prize as the award recognises design quality, rather than the sustainability credentials Gaia is already renowned for.

http://www.eaa.org.uk/edinburgh/awards/2012/glentress-peel/

We are very pleased to be working with Hanover Housing Association again - this time on the refurbishment of a property in Elgin, which was badly effected by the flooding there in 2002.
The building's river adjacent site sets us an interesting challenge and we are currently busy developing a strategy for improving the building's thermal peroerformance, that addresses the ongoing flood risk in the area.

Acharacle Primary School was formally opened in February.

The pioneering eco-friendly timber school is proud of its title as “Scotland’s first wholly sustainable school”. The brief for an exemplar school that underpins the building was written by Gaia Group following participation by some members of the Highland Council in study tours of Norwegian and German schools organised by Gaia.
Gaia Architects went on to design the school incorporates many special features such as high insulation levels, lots of natural light and minimal mechanical and electrical engineering to ensure a very low energy use.

Now named Plummer’s Wood, Gaia have handed over the brettstapel-constructed private house above the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders.

In addition, we are very pleased to announce that Gaia Research have received funding from the Technology Strategy Board to intensively monitor the dwelling’s energy performance.
http://www.innovateuk.org/content/competition-announcements/more-building-developments-to-undergo-energy-perfo.ashx

The Post Occupancy Evaluation of Acharacle undertaken for TSB by a team led by Gaia Research is due for completion in December 2011.

We are delighted to announce that Glentress Visitor Centre has been shortlisted for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Award 2011.
http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/daily-news/aj-exclusive-doolan-prize-2011-shortlist-unveiled/8621405.article

The development also features in the 2011 Wood Awards Winner’s Brochure.

Gaia Architects have been specialist advisers to New Gorbals Housing Association and Austin Smith Lord Architects on the delivery of 50 apartments on McNeil Street, where the objective has been to deliver on Gaia’s sustainability Framework for Laurieston.

Gaia assisted Fife Council Architects in developing the brief for a number of new schools.

Historic Scotland has published Gaia’s scoping study on research into energy efficiency and indoor climate.

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/gaia-research-report-indoor-air-quality-and-energy-efficiency-in-traditonal-buildings.pdf

March 2011

With the Government launch of the most recent ‘Housing Design Quality Standards’, Gaia have been approached by a number of housing associations across the country to develop strategies for improving the thermal performance of their existing building stock. In depth technical and social analysis of the buildings and occupants has highlighted common weaknesses, and gaia are working with these organisations to develop site-specific solutions to alleviate fuel poverty, improve occupant comfort and reduce building defects.

March 2011

Following recommendation by the Climate Challenge Fund, Gaia were approached to carry out a Feasibility Study to develop strategies for LifeCare, an Edinburgh-based welfare charity, to improve the energy efficiency of their 1970s office. Recommendations from the subsequent air-tightness and thermographic surveys led to a number of parts of the building fabric being replaced and upgraded, and LifeCare’s open day to celebrate this work will be held on Monday 28th March.

December 2010

Construction workers from Austria have been erecting the Brettstapel superstructure for the private house at Plummer's Knowe, which despite tough snowy conditions has now been completed.

With all the external windows and doors also now fitted to the superstructure, the first air-tightness test could be conducted to establish the performance of the building fabric. The result achieved for this test was 0.38 ACH (1/h) (0.51m3/(h*m2)), which exceeded the PassivHaus standard target 0.6 ACH (1/h).

In the New Year, the next phase of the project will commence and will be the internal and external fit-out for the house, with an estimated completion date of May 2011.  

Gaia were invited by Port of Leith Housing Association (POLHA) to assist the HA in the development of a tailor-made Sustainability Policy based on specific priorities and aspirations. The outcome was a strong and transparent policy aimed at ratcheting up design quality and environmental performance of all new and refurbishment development. The policy also included an implementation plan for Staff of POLHA and other stakeholders based on short, medium and long term goals. GAIA also undertook a gap analysis to determine an action plan that would assist the HA to move from their current position to where they aspire to be.
 

http://gaiagroup.org/projects/project/61
 

January 2010
GAIA is partnering with Stirling Prize winners Macreanor Lavington on the development of a visitor centre in East London.
 

December 2009
For a 3 year period the office is supporting activity on the Kijiji project:  www.childrenofsongea.org.uk  This is an Edinburgh based charity that supports Children in Songea, Tanzania who are victims of HIV/ Aids. Gaia staff and their families have volunteered their time to develop a Masterplan and building design for new accommodation including a pre-school for the Trust and raised finance to fund and to participate in the construction activity. Please consider donating and click here for a Kijiji brochure.
Click here to view Gaia Group work
 

Historic Scotland have published Gaia’s scoping study on research into energy efficiency and indoor climate.