Striking low-energy mews house on-site in Clontarf

This article was originally published in issue 20 of Passive House Plus magazine. Want immediate access to all back issues and exclusive extra content? Click here to subscribe for as little as €10, or click here to receive the next issue free of charge

The house is of pre-engineered post-and-beam glulam construction, with structural insulated panels. It features a passive foundation system from Kore, triple-glazed alu-clad windows and doors, and a Nibe exhaust air heat recovery system that will provide space heating, hot water and ventilation. The dwelling will also feature a smart building management system that enables smartphone control of indoor heating, hot water and energy management.

The design is in the style of a contemporary mews house, in keeping with neighbouring properties. Situated on a quiet cul de sac, the house is laid out to take advantage of the southern aspect.

“This mews house is a simple white form set in a predominantly green site,” say Ryan Lamb Architects. “It is designed as a flexible space with the front living room capable of being converted into a bedroom with a direct connection to the generous ground floor bathroom. To the rear, an open plan kitchen, living and dining space opens out to the southfacing back garden.”

“On the first floor there are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Roof lights and a sculpted interior create contemporary, well-lit spaces appropriate for a family home.”

Ecohouse is a new low energy design and build-service that employs a team of architects, engineers and builders, that constructs dwellings using its glulam timber frame system with structural insulated panels.

The company told Passive House Plus it can deliver turnkey passive houses, and that it offers fixed price contracts with “no hidden extra costs”.

Ecohouse’s showhouse at Horkans Garden Centre, Glen of the Downs, Bray, Co Wicklow, is open for viewing from 12pm to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

For more information see www.ecohouse.ie.