Site Diary of a Low Energy House
This is the diary of a low energy house under construction in Co. Sligo. It is the culmination of several years of informal research and design development for low energy one-off houses. In this house we have built on the knowledge gained over the years and have pushed the boundaries further in the design and specification for this house. In particular were the issues relating to passive solar design, the use of renewable materials with low embodied energy, renewable energy sources, robust construction techniques, high thermal insulation standards, air tightness, low energy appliances and intelligent heating/ hot water controls. It is not the end but part of an ongoing process….
The concerns driving this house were many...
Oct. 2008 / Week 5 - Eco-friendly concrete slab is poured
Week 8 - The timber frame structure in place
Week 14 - The rain screen: fibre cement panels & windows fitted
Week 12 - The roof is tiled & Solar panels fitted
Week 32 - The house is rendered.
Week 8 - Timber frame walls and roof are erected
Week 12 - Insulation layer 1: Cellulose (recycled paper)
Week 20 - Insulation layer 2: Mineral fiber
Week 15 - Air tightness layer installed
Week 32: The walls are plastered.
Natural Materials
GGBS low CO2 generating concrete used in foundation and floors
200mm deep timber frame with cedar and cement cladding panels outside
200mm Cellulose (recycled paper pulp) wall insulation between studs
50mm mineral wool insulation envelops the inside of walls and ceilings
330mm mineral wool insulation in the roof
Breathable but airtight membrane to the inside of the timber frame.
Highly insulated wooden windows with aluminium external cladding
Timber floors finished with orange oil and waxes
Natural paints for walls, ceiling and timberwork
Site and Shelter
The site is on an exposed hill overlooking Sligo Bay which has little shelter from the buffeting Atlantic storms. The challenge was three fold: to design a robust house that could weather the storms but would provide sheltered outdoor spaces; that would nestle into the hill side and respect this highly sensitive coastal location; that would maximise the stunning views across the bay.
The end result was to design a house that tucks itself into the existing hill side and which has become a natural part of the surrounding cluster of houses and farm buildings. In addition the house has been designed to maximise the views west and north across the bay with carefully sized and located windows. Maximum glazing has been provided to the south onto the sun capturing courtyard which in itself provides warmth and shelter even on winter days.
Energy efficient healthy house
High energy rating due to low energy input and low carbon emissions
Unheated sun space on south facade acts as a passive solar collector
High levels of insulation and minimal cold bridging ensure low heat loss
Maximum use of natural and renewable materials with low embodied energy
Minimal use of CO2 polluting materials such as concrete or chemicals
Airtight but breathable structure maintains a healthy balance internally
Large bank of solar panels enhance the energy performance of the house
June 2009 completed building
