Project Description

Passive Certified Semi Detached

This 350 square metre semi-detached houses located in Salthill, Co Galway, became the first of it’s kind to achieve passive certification here in Ireland.

Our team worked on this project for a total of 10 months. It involved demolishing an existing dwelling and re-constructing two new independent semi-detached residential properties.

Careful consideration was given to all key components of a passive house.

  1. Foundations
  2. Walls
  3. Windows/ Orientation
  4. Roof
  5. Air Tightness/ HRV

Due to the sheer size of this project along with all the windows and doors, regular toolbox talks were held on site to increase awareness of the importance of air tightness. An MHRV system was installed in both houses to provide quality air. 

Project Details

Architectural Design: Karina Heaslip
Builder: Mannion

Construction Details

Build Type: Block Build
Windows: Triple Glazed

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Other considerations:

The decision was made to run both houses using separate heating systems. We installed solar panels on both houses to provide domestic hot water. A heat pump was installed in House A and a highly efficient oil condensing boiler was installed in House B to provide space heating.

The key features of this build:

  • Thermal bridge free construction
  • U-values as low as 0.10 W/m2K
  • Optimised orientation
  • Installed an MHRV

Energy conservation of the building services included a rain water harvesting tank which supplies all grey water requirements which are efficiently consumed using products such as dual flush toilets and A-rated taps.

This project was named Runner Up in the 2012 for the Green Energy Awards. If you are interested in speaking to a member of our team about this project call us today on 01-5313655.