by applying heat and pressure. “These forces will make the wood denser, which is intrinsically linked to phenomena like conductivity,”
explains Hughes. These
techniques could be especially advantageous in a territory like Finland, where timber diversity is limited. “The country only possesses two major commercial softwood species – pine and spruce – and a single hardwood variety, birch. Softwood species are low density, so they’re good thermal insulators but don’t provide high heat capacity. Because of these constraints, if we’re able to augment certain properties whilst suppressing others, this could make wood products far more flexible, irrespective of the raw material.”
could be productively manipulated likely to raise heating levels,
in
domestic settings. If occupants consider their homes to be warmer, they may become less
thus
saving fuel. “We’re currently six months into the
project, and making exciting progress,” states Hughes. “We have a lot of latitude to investigate new discoveries and tangents of research as they arise. This is extremely helpful for all of the academic departments involved, since our particular area of focus neatly dovetails with other initiatives occurring throughout Aalto. A PhD student has recently been recruited, who will assist our professor in studying the psychological aspects, obtaining hard data about
the
AT A GLANCE Project Information
Project Title: Wood Life: Energy-efficient living spaces through the use of wooden interior elements
Project Objective: The overall aim of Wood Life is to substantially increase the whole- of-life energy efficiency of housing by investigating new ways of integrating the unique material properties of wood and other plant-derived materials, modified as appropriate, into the fabric of dwellings.
Project Duration and Timing: 4 years, beginning June 2013
“A room furnished with exposed wood would likely feel cosier, even if the actual
temperature in the space was lower than in a concrete counterpart”
Achieving this equilibrium often proves
challenging since, if treated with a layer of varnish, the moisture exchange process is neutralised. “We’re trying to enhance this interaction, but it’s tricky to find a balance between a system which repels liquid water but simultaneously absorbs water vapour,” says Hughes. One possible means of enhancing so-called ‘breathability’ is to increase the surface area to volume ratio of a product. “Hypothetically, this gives it more opportunity to interact with moisture in the environment, and to absorb it more rapidly. Conversely, it’ll also release it quicker, in response to an environmental change”. Curiously, wood may also affect human
perceptions, which cause us to experience heat fluctuations differently, depending on our surroundings. “If you’re situated in a bare concrete room, its appearance, and the presence of cold walls, can make this environment seem colder to us,” says Hughes. “But wood can have the opposite effect. A room furnished with exposed wood would likely feel cosier, even if the actual temperature in the space was lower than in a concrete counterpart.” These impressions could also be partly attributed to
the material’s moisture Consequently, gathering
qualities, in concert with subjective responses.
these
www.projectsmagazine.eu.com effects
relationship between people and wood. This is important, as studies have indicated that too much of it in a building can become objectionable. We need to learn how it can be incorporated – perhaps even by disguising or processing it in an inconspicuous
fashion. Unless these
sentiments can be changed, the technology might not achieve its full potential.” Present conditions hint it has a promising
future, notably at national level. “Wood construction currently has quite a high profile in Finland,” says Hughes. “People are trying to use it more effectively, as it’s considered positive and sustainable from an environmental standpoint. This has benefited us, and we hope it will also help to encourage the dissemination and practical implementation of our findings. If we can map common perceptions,
these can be
used to inform design principles, which we will look to share with the industry and public. We’re also working closely with our school of architecture, which offers an international program on building with wood to graduate architects and other students. If we can equip these future design professionals with knowledge about its qualities, and the best ways of using the material, they’ll be well equipped to exploit its unique advantages.”
★ 73
Mark Hughes Mark Hughes is originally from the UK, has worked at Aalto since 2006 and was appointed professor in 2007. His background is in mechanical engineering and wood science and his current research focuses on the use of wood in the built environment and composite properties and micromechanics.
Contact: Tel: +358 50 512 2615 Email:
mark.hughes(at)
aalto.fi Web:
http://puu.aalto.fi/en/research/ research_groups/wood_material_ technology/
http://energyefficiency.aalto.fi
Project Funding: Aalto Energy Efficiency Program; €900,000
Project Partners: Three Aalto University schools: School of Chemical Technology; School of Engineering and School of Arts, Design, and Architecture
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