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BNV4097 RCHistory of Residential

Buildings in Britain

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Users, activities, space, construction

• Building purpose or function

• Building form, activities and function

• Construction ensures well-being of people and good care of equipment and stored items

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“Man has to construct some form of dwelling since the birth of civilisation. At the very beginning he could only construct very simple shelters to protect himself from the elements and wild animal. As his standards of living improved his dwelling also improved”

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Factors Affecting the Design and Construction of Shelter

• Climate• Materials.• Social pressures.• Advances in Technology.• Religion.• Work.• Pleasure.27/9/2015

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Performance Requirements (PR)

Early civilisations required shelter

• Few resources: materials, labour or knowledge

• No economic system; users undertake entire process

• Based on users basic innate needs.

• PR few in number.27/9/2015

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NANT-Y-CWM, South Wales

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Earliest examples

Based upon the range of activities and climate

Activities housed within the shelter would determine space form and division.

Limited by construction methods available

Use existing resources ordevelop new construction?

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10Ancient England- Reed House, Essex

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The Roman

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LimestoneGraniteSandstoneLime mortar

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What Technology had they brought?

• Materials & Construction• Straight paved roads• Stone Buildings• Defensive walls• Brick and tiled roofs• Plumbing• Underground central heating• Water viaducts• Lead was mined for making water pipes. Silver was

mined for its value• Bricks were manufactured in large quantities

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13The Roman viaduct to transport fresh water from a higher ground27/9/2015

14The soldiers’ bath house at Chester27/9/2015

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Timber structure

Wagon Shed, Becks Farm, Hanbury, Worcestershire:

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• After the collapse of the Roman empire the manufacturing and construction skills introduced by the Roman were lost and local population reverted to their native traditions???

• What are the “Saxons Tribute influences” on building construction”?

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The Norman William the Conqueror 1060

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Early Norman Castle

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Despite their imposing positions and solid construction, these early Norman castles with their wooden palisades and keep were more vulnerable to attack than castles built from stone.

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Lincoln Castle

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Lincoln castle was one of the first Norman castles in England which was built by the order of William the conqueror

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Late Victorian facade

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A plan layout of late Edwardian house

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Early PR• Remain dry• Stay warm• Stability/longevity• Integrity/modes of

failure• Maintenance• Useful life

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