Toby studied Acoustical Engineering at the University of Southampton followed my an MSc in sustainability at Cardiff University. While at Cardiff he was also a research assistant on a project evaluating energy savings from air conditioning inspection. In 2010 Toby co-founded Greengauge, a building physics and services enginerring consultancy. As part of this work Toby has developped an expertise in moisture in buildings and is interested in applying this in a deep-energy retrofit context.
Tittle of his PhD project:
Investigating the performance of solid walls with water-repellent surface treatments
Brief description of the project:
The interaction between rain (and other moisture) and the surface of solid walls is important building and occupant health as well as energy and comfort performance. Hydrophobic treatments are sometimes applied in conjunction with retrofitting IWI to help manage moisture risk. Although there are case studies where such approaches have been succesful, failures have also been reported. The project seeks to advance the understanding of surface interactions, including naturally occuring effects and traditional materials and methods as well as more modern products.
Supervisors: Dr Hector Altamirano and Dr Valentina Marincioni