Abstract:
Collaboration between the construction industry and academia has always been difficult. Both sides of
the equation have different wants, needs and requirements and these are seemingly at odds with each
other. However, it is well documented that, despite the challenges involved, the outputs of such
collaboration are seemingly very successful. It is against this backdrop that the United Kingdom
Government has recognised the importance of facilitating opportunities and helping in the
development of models to assist in overcoming the gap between industry and academia. One of these
models is the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The KTP model specifically allows businesses
to solve issues they have by accessing knowledge and expertise held by academic institutions that
otherwise may be out with their reach. In this paper we demonstrate how the Scott Sutherland School
(SSS) and Abertay Housing Association (AHA) fostered a partnership with the aid of KTP funding to
test/ monitor a solution to upgrade some of their non-traditional housing stock. We found that a deep
relationship developed during the initial stages of drafting the funding proposal set the foundation for
the rest of the project to date. The partnership has allowed both parties to benefit - AHA has new
found knowledge of the performance of their existing housing stock, whilst SSS has added knowledge
of steel house behaviour to its expertise of other house types.
