Dr Shan Shan Hou

Overview

Dr Shan Shan Hou is a Lecturer in Architectural Technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. She holds an MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings and a PhD in Low Carbon Architecture, which underpin her expertise in sustainable architecture, low-carbon technologies, and zero-carbon housing retrofit. She is also a certified Passivhaus designer. Her research addresses the environmental challenges facing the built environment, with a particular focus on bridging the gap between STEM education and the technical skills required for a decarbonised construction industry. Through this work, she aims to help shape a future workforce capable of delivering energy-efficient, low-carbon, and healthy buildings.

Before joining Cardiff Met, Shan Shan worked at Cardiff University, where she established a strong track record in education, research, and professional training. Her contributions included:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching – Co-led the Year 3 Architectural Technology module and the MSc in Sustainable Mega-Buildings, equipping students with skills sought by the construction sector.
• Doctoral training and supervision – Led the Doctoral Academy course “Writing and Planning your PhD” for postgraduate researchers; supervised one PhD student to completion as first supervisor and two as second supervisor; served as chair, internal, and external examiner for PhD vivas.
• Widening participation – Worked with the Brilliant Club to design and deliver How to Transfer Homes to Power Stations for disadvantaged pupils in Wales, raising awareness of home energy saving, low-carbon targets, and higher education pathways.
• Professional and international training – Delivered specialist low-carbon programmes for architectural professionals in the UK and internationally.

In addition to her academic career, Shan Shan has worked as a building energy consultant on prestigious low-carbon projects in Switzerland, the UK, and the US. These include Dock B Airport Terminal, Kunsthaus and Sihlcity in Zurich, the new IWC factory in Schaffhausen, the UN offices in Geneva, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, and Brickell shopping mall in Miami.

Her research and collaborative work at the Low Carbon Built Environment Centre have been recognised through several national awards, including the Environment Champion Award at the 2022 St David Awards, Excellence in Housing Innovation and Sustainability in Housing Awards (2022), and the CIBSE Building Performance Champion Award (2023).

At Cardiff Met, Shan Shan brings this breadth of academic, research, and professional experience to her teaching and research, supporting the next generation of architectural technologists while advancing sustainable solutions for the built environment.