We use KORE, Irish insulated raft foundation system which meets passive house standards. Surrounding the part of the building touched by the ground, it acts as an intelligent foundation. The building insulation above ground is continuous, from the edge of the insulation system, eliminating the need for energy consuming thermal bridges. This results in continuous allround insulation, protecting the build from mould and moisture growth. This costeffective and fastlaying modular system can be adapted to the appropriate planning and architectural requirements of each build. Foundation UValue is 0.10 W/m2k.
Glulam
Our structure is made up of glue laminated timber (Glulam) frame – a highly innovative structural material that delivers strength, beauty and reliability. We are the only company in Ireland to use the advanced Glulam timbers for all our buildings. Up to 70% stronger than solid timber, this strongerthansteel structure eliminates settling and movement in the build.
SIPs
Structured Insulated Panels (SIPs) are a high performing building material. This innovative material is energy efficient, cost effective and strong; making it the superior choice for the structure of our builds. SIPs saves time, money and labour; reducing the cost of build for the client.
Thermal UValues
Our Thermal UValues meet passive house standard which exceeds current building regulations by up to 250%. This results in a low energy build, saving energy and money, both in the short and long term. Wall UValue is 0.129 W/m2k. Roof Uvalue is 0.124 W/m2k
Air Tightness
Homeowners demand airtight homes and that’s what we provide. Air tightness is more than simply keeping a house energy efficient; it avoids structural damage to a house from moisture or dampness and removes the ageold problem of drafts.
We use SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) in our wall makeup. Poor air tightness is a big cause of heat loss, dampness and moisture. A SIP home provides a controllable indoor environment due to the superior air tightness of the system. This is enhanced by the use of a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system (MVHR).
Habitable Roof Spaces
SIPs do not require roof trusses; just another advantage of building with Structural Insulated Panels. This allows for an additional living space in the roof. These rooms have the added advantage of benefitting from sunlight throughout the day as well as adding value to the build and resale value.
Extra Floor Space
A SIP Building System structure provides superior strength and insulation in a smaller wall section than masonry construction. This allows for more internal floor space for the same external dimensions as traditional construction methods.
Low Wastage
SIPs are pre-engineered in a factory environment resulting in less defects and wastage throughout the manufacturing and construction processes. This in turn saves time and money.
Fast Construction Method
Using SIPs Structural Insulated Panels typically cuts onsite construction time by up to 3 times. This dramatically reduces the unexpected cost and stress often associated with masonry construction.
Improved Scheduling and Programme Control
SIP Building System is wrapped with a tighter membrane offering a weathertight shell. This results in a faster project finish; allowing external and internal followon trades to can start work sooner than with a conventional build. Because the SIP system is relatively simple to erect and requires no wet trades or bricklayers, project completion times can be easily predicted.
Design Flexibility
We use expert inhouse 3D CAD software for our build. This ensures our system can be tailor made to suit each individual construction. This allows us to build according to our client’s specific requirements.
Tegral Roofing
Tegral Roofing meets our high sustainable standards, providing us with impressive roofing options that can withstand extreme weather conditions over their lifetime. Made specifically for Irish weather, these durable roofs are both reliable and beautifully finished, adding to the appearance and strength of our builds. We advise each client on the roof that will best suit their needs and budget, so they are happy with the end result.
Windows and Doors
All our doors and windows are tripleglazed as standard, meeting Uvalue as low as 0.5W/m2K . This extreme protection window is the perfect choice to ensure low maintenance and ensures lowenergy efficiency. We offer a range of custom made UPVC, timber or Aluclad windows to meet our client’s requests.
Heating and Hot Water
We use Panasonic Aquarea for domestic applications. This hot water and heating system creates a consistently comfortable temperature; regardless of outdoor weather conditions, at an affordable price. An air source heat pump captures fresh air to cool or heat the property, giving a superior low energy, clean and safe option that outsmarts the alternative gas, oil or other electrical systems currently on the market.
Water is heated for home use and for the radiators or radiant floors with one outdoor unit. This may be reinforced by solar panels. Installation costs can be reduced by retrofitting it to the central heating system. This innovative option is ideal for complete retrofits and for new builds.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating delivers the most comfortable, affordable and efficient form of heat available; radiant heat, delivering a constant controlled heat throughout the home. This is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland, especially in eco homes and sustainable construction. Underfloor heating requires a much lower temperature to heat a room, making them extremely efficient. This is the perfect alternative to unsightly, costly radiators, as heat can be targeted to specific space at a specific time with controls or a central station. Other benefits include reduced airborne dust, increased space, consistent room temperatures and of course warm feet.
Heat Recovery/ Air Exchanger System
Clean air is essential for a safe and healthy home environment. That’s why we use Komfovent Solutions. This innovative system is a low energy and affordable system, most suited to our typical Irish climate. This sophisticated air handling unit is made up of fans that supply and exhaust air, air filters to clean pollutants, an energy efficient heat exchanger, an innovative heating element and automatic control of the ventilation system; saving energy and ensuring optimum living conditions.
Solar PV or solar photovoltaic is the futurefocused answer to powering homes. This lowcost, clean energy is supplied by nature, with extremely low or no maintenance requirements. This system can take excess power and store it, removing any dependency on mains power as a source to heat your home, heat water or power lighting. At Eco House, we offer custom solutions to enable our client to benefit from the advantages of solar PV.
