Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Integrated Building Retrofit
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BSV11155
Module leader: Behrang Vand Alimohammadisagvand
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module examines the evolution and adaptation of the UK’s historic building stock, beginning with an analysis of archetypes, ages, and characteristic features—flooring, walls, and roof systems—found in traditional domestic and commercial structures. Students will explore the properties, limitations, and long-term behaviour of vernacular materials (such as lime mortar, timber framing, and natural stone) alongside the methods by which they were originally assembled.Building on this foundation, the course then addresses sustainable retrofit: surveying relevant UK standards and performance metrics, introducing best-practice techniques, and reviewing case studies of successful interventions and material innovations. Attention is paid to social factors influencing retrofit decisions, as well as the integration of traditional services—ventilation, heating, and cooling—into upgraded heritage buildings. By marrying historical understanding with contemporary sustainability goals, learners will be equipped to design sensitive, effective retrofit strategies for the UK’s aging built environment.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: To analyse the characteristic archetypes, periods, and construction features of domestic and non-domestic UK buildings.

LO2: To evaluate the properties, limitations, and performance of traditional materials and methods in existing UK buildings.

LO3: To apply UK sustainable retrofit standards and guidelines to heritage structures.

LO4: To design and recommend effective sustainable retrofit strategies for domestic and non-domestic buildings.

LO5: Demonstrate deep understanding of health and safety principles in the execution of architectural refurbishment projects to ensure regulatory compliance and risk management.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Behrang Vand Alimohammadisagvand
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 160 Guided Independent Study: Guided independent study may involve reading, working on tutorial tasks or reflective exercises, accessing resources discussed in class and working on assessments.
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lecture: Lectures are to introduce and explain topics and to guide students towards further reading or other resources for self-study. This may be supplemented by class discussions, group or individual work and videos.
Face To Face Tutorial 20 Tutorial: Tutorials deepen students’ knowledge of specific topics through a variety of activities, including guest lectures (in-person or recorded), scheduled group work, class discussions, practical case examples, presentations, individual or group exercises, and videos with follow-up discussion.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 HOURS= 25 minutes This individual presentation requires each student to select an existing building—of any era—and develop a sustainable retrofit plan. Students must conduct a detailed analysis of strategies to enhance the building’s environmental efficiency and overall performance, considering factors such as energy use, material durability, indoor comfort, and heritage conservation.
Report 60 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 5000 words This individual coursework requires students to investigate UK building archetypes—examining their historical context, traditional materials, common defects, and existing energy systems—and to propose tailored retrofit strategies for each.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Integrated Building Retrofit (BSV11155)
 

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