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      Ken Yeang and sustainable architecture

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use the architectural work of Dr Ken Yeang to create my own designs.

      Key learning points

      1. Dr Ken Yeang is known for being an eco-architect
      2. Eco-buildings can include nature in their design.
      3. Eco-buildings don’t waste materials.
      4. Eco-buildings use space wisely and have little impact on the environment.
      5. Eco-buildings use natural energy and water carefully.

      Keywords

      • PhD - studying one subject a lot at university, finding something new, and becoming a doctor of that subject

      • Eco-architect - someone who designs buildings that are sustainable

      • Sustainable - using resources wisely so that they do not run out

      • Eco-house - a house that is designed to be sustainable

      Common misconception

      Sustainable buildings have to be buildings that are new.

      Sustainable buildings can reuse materials from old buildings or be older buildings that have been redesigned.

      Teacher tip

      Look at buildings in the surrounding area and compare them for design and sustainability.

      Equipment

      Examples of buildings in the locality.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does it mean if something is “sustainable”?

      It's very expensive
      Correct answer: It will not run out
      It only works indoors
      It uses lots of energy

      Q2.
      Which of these is a renewable source of energy?

      Coal
      Oil
      Correct answer: Wind
      Correct answer: Sun

      Q3.
      What do we use to turn the sun's energy into electricity?

      Torches
      Correct answer: Solar panels
      Thermometers
      Light bulbs

      Q4.
      What is one way to save water at home?

      Leave the tap running
      Take long baths every day
      Correct answer: Collect rainwater to use in the garden
      Use more soap

      Q5.
      What does an architect do?

      Constructs buildings
      Correct answer: Designs buildings
      Decorates buildings
      Demolishes buildings

      Q6.
      Order the stages of making a house

      1 - Ideating (thinking of ideas)
      2 - Designing (putting ideas on paper)
      3 - Constructing (building from designs)
      4 - Decorating (finishing off finished buildings)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What do plants and trees in and around buildings help with?

      Blocking fresh air
      Correct answer: Cooling buildings
      Making buildings louder

      Q2.
      What is one sustainable reason to have big windows in an eco-house?

      Correct answer: To bring in more sunlight and have fewer electric lights
      To be able to see in and out well
      To use non sustainable materials

      Q3.
      What kind of materials are best for building an eco-house?

      Correct answer: Sustainable wood
      Correct answer: Metal from other projects
      Materials that come from far away
      Glitter and glue

      Q4.
      What does an eco-architect do?

      They construct sustainable buildings.
      Correct answer: They design sustainable buildings.
      They design and construct buildings.

      Q5.
      Order the places where Dr Ken Yeang was educated.

      1 - Penang, Malaysia
      2 - Cheltenham, UK
      3 - London, UK
      4 - Cambridge, UK

      Q6.
      Which two parts of a design specification are not covered by Ken Yeang’s list for an eco-building?

      function and performance
      materials and environment
      Correct answer: users and appearance

      To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Ken Yeang and sustainable architecture, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...