The Importance of Micro-climate Modification for Adaptation of Welsh Housing to Climate Change

Abstract

This paper addresses opportunities for adaptation of the microclimate surrounding housing in response to climate change. It is based on study of an existing town and two local social housing organisations in South Wales, UK. It argues the design of external spaces around dwellings will become more important as changes in lifestyle and levels of outdoor activity are likely to increase, in natural response to changed climatic conditions. It suggests that: in South Wales housing is still being built that, in its fabric, risks overheating within perhaps two decades ( some overheating is already experienced); hence that external contextual environment adaptation measures may become increasingly critical; and that current regulations and codes focus overmuch on the building, so the external contextual environment is not addressed with the importance it deserves. This is compounded because mastery of integrated micro-climate simulation with building and urban modelling tools is a challenge for the average architectural designer. More data, more research, better tools and file data exchange are held necessary.