Dr Jim Carfrae, Plymouth University

Dr Jim Carfrae, Lecturer in Building Physics, Energy Use in Buildings and Low Impact Materials, Plymouth University
Dr Jim Carfrae is a research fellow and lecturer at the University of Plymouth.
He is a researcher in the Interreg project called CobBauge, which is developing an optimized version of the traditional earth building technique known as ‘cob’ that will pass the current UK building regulations, both structural and thermal.
The project has developed a composite wall system, half of which is a lightweight thermal material and the other half a dense structural mix. Crucially, both these mixes are made from clay rich subsoil, water and natural fibers.
Jim’s expertise is in the thermal and moisture performance of natural building materials particularly earth and straw bale. He has a special interest in quantifying and reducing the embodied energy in buildings. He also runs a design practice and works as a consultant for natural building practitioners.
In another life he would have been lead guitarist in a successful blues rock band.