Issue 35 - passivehouseplus.ie

Radon in passive houses

Radon is one of the most dangerous indoor air pollutants, yet there is little research on how it is affected by different forms of construction and ventilation. A new study, however, suggests that homes built to the passive house standard are significantly less at risk of radon build-up.

Award-winning passive house makes elegant mark on the South Downs

Despite the challenges of getting planning permission within a national park, a new passive house on a hillside in the South Downs managed to woo the planners with a sympathetic, discerning design inspired by a surprising source — two dilapidated old chicken sheds.

Scottish passive house built with an innovative local timber system

A beautifully detailed and rustic new passive house in the north of Scotland was built with a unique off-site construction system using local timber, and was created by a design-and-build firm that aims to put sustainability at the heart of everything it does.

Zero in - Inspired design offers route to net zero energy living

It sounds like an impossibility: a high density, architectural, zero energy home on the tightest of back garden sites, adaptable to the needs of everyone from empty nesters to a family of six without opening a toolbox. But sometimes a project comes along that redefines what is possible.

International - Issue 35

This issue features an intriguing new passive house apartment building in north-west Spain.

Strong demand for GGBS from Irish market

There is strong and growing demand for GGBS on the Irish market, according to leading Irish supplier Ecocem, as the company gears up to respond to a market and regulatory environment that is increasingly demanding low embodied energy construction products.

Get up to NZEB with Grant heat pumps

High efficiency is a hugely important factor in choosing a heating system and this is a key priority for industry leading manufacturer Grant, whose wide portfolio of heating technologies has advanced over the years and now includes air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, pre-plumbed hot water cylinders, aluminium radiators and fan convector radiators.

The condensation myth

Condensation within the structure of buildings is a lot more complex than condensation in a sweaty pub on a Friday night, writes building physics expert Toby Cambray.

Will we really build back better?

As governments rush to jump-start their economies, there is a danger that important lessons for how to retrofit homes will be lost in the rush to build. But there is a better way, writes Dr Peter Rickaby.

The world’s first ‘zero energy’ house

Returning to his regular series on the evolution of sustainable building during the 20th century, Dr Marc Ó Riain takes a look at the first serious attempt to build a house with net zero energy use.

Small is beautiful for Ecocel

Cork-based cellulose insulation manufacturer Ecocel continues to grow its business as the company aims to deliver on its mission of producing sustainable, low carbon, natural insulation for the Irish market and beyond.

Expert, impartial advice key to quality ventilation — AerHaus

A well-designed, well-installed ventilation system is one that your ear will not tell you is running, but your nose will tell you when it’s not. This is the belief of Stephen Walsh, managing director of AerHaus Ventilation, and he says that having access to a broad range of ventilation solutions is key to achieving this.

NIBE celebrates 20 years in Ireland

Leading Swedish heat pump maker NIBE is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Ireland this year, with the news that two NIBE heat pumps that were installed in Cork at the turn of the millennium are still in excellent working condition.

Kilsaran publishes EPDs as part of green journey

Leading cement products manufacturer Kilsaran has become the latest Irish building materials company to publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for some of its key products.

Deep retrofit plans: the current state of play

The need for decisive movement on deep retrofit has never been more pronounced, given the twin needs for urgent, radical action to tackle the climate crisis and jobs-intensive stimulus at a time of great uncertainty caused by the pandemic. In the following statement, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment sheds light on its progress in delivering on the government’s deep retrofit pledges.

Why join the PHAI?

Simon Bell of the Passive House Association of Ireland outlines how the organisation can help clients, professionals and suppliers to deliver the passive house standard.

Landmark case may empower tenants on radon

A landmark legal case may give tenants the chance to discover if their building poses a lung cancer risk, Passive House Plus can exclusively reveal.

Why shading will be critical in the age of Covid

Over the coming years there will be growing demand for openable windows in our office buildings to help prevent virus transmission — which is why high-quality solar shading will be more important than ever, says Smartlouvre managing director Andrew Cooper.

NHS to get its first passive building

The NHS has given the go ahead for its first passive house building. The new Foleshill health centre in Coventry is designed by Tooley & Foster Partnership. Patients and doctors at Foleshill are currently using a temporary building situated in a carpark.

Dún Laoghaire passive house scheme will be one of world’s largest

ABK Architects has received planning permission for 597 homes at Shanganagh, Co Dublin, the overwhelming majority of which will be passive houses. The project has been developed in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Land Development Agency.

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