Dr Simon Tucker
Research Associate, Thermal Simulation

Research Group: Architectural Science Group

E-Mail: TuckerS3@cardiff.ac.uk

Postal Address:
Welsh School of Architecture
Bute Building, King Edward VII Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3NB

Telephone: 029 20875149
Fax: 029 20874623

Responsibilities
My role at WSA is research associate for the EPSRC project ‘Developing better outputs from building thermal simulation tools to improve decision making in the design of low energy buildings’. The project aims to develop ways of representing thermal simulation data in a way that is useful to building designers. Responsibilities include;

• To develop, test and apply qualitative and quantitative research techniques to extract information relevant to building designers from outputs of thermal simulation tools;
• To analyse the data available to formulate methods of representing simulation results and showing possibilities of undertaking design changes that are relevant to building designers;
• To transcribe key findings from the data analysis into a set of program design ‘requirements’ to enable discussion with software developers.

project summary

Profile
After lecturing at the University of East London, I moved to Wales to the Centre for Alternative Technology where I was programme leader for the Professional Doctorate in Ecological Building Practices, carried out research and consultancy projects, taught building environmental simulation and modeling and research methods,  supervised three PhD’s and Professional Doctorates and over 60 MSc theses. I have worked in architectural practice designing extensions to listed domestic buildings and on refurbishment and renovation projects.

Qualifications:
PhD: A simplified method of building thermal assessment, University of East London
Diploma: Psychoanalytical Psychology, Birkbeck College, University of London
MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies, UEL
B. Arch, Mackintosh School of Architecture
BSc: Engineering, Lanchester Polytechnic

Research interests
Research interests focus around the design and assessment of low environmental impact buildings, thermal and energy performance, integration of environmentally responsive technologies into buildings, and development of assessment methods and design tools. Funded research has included a project to develop and assess the hygrothermal performance of bio-insulations ‘Energy Efficient Bio-based Natural Fibre Insulation’ (2009-2012), and a TSB ‘Design for Future Climate’ case study (2011). I am a certified Passive House consultant, and was a member of the design team for an entry to the 2010 Welsh Passive House Competition at Ebbw Vale (placed equal 2nd).