Home & Build Autumn 2015 by Clear Designs

Your Dedicated Home Improvement Magazine

Ireland’s

Autumn 2015

home&build €2.95 / £2.50

www.homeandbuild.ie

SELF BUILDERS GUIDE Only

€2.95

COASTAL CONNEMARA HOME DISPLAY UNTIL JANUARY 5TH

01 9 772009 866017

WINDOWS & DOORS see page 40

A new build perched right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean

ESSENTIAL STOVE GUIDE Over 15 pages dedicated to your new stove purchase

PASSIVE HOME see page 58

WHY SELF BUILD? see page 74 SEE INSIDE FOR MORE DETAILS

PUT FLOGAS AT THE HEART OF YOUR HOME And Get 1,200 Litres of LPG Free* 34326_Flogas_Home_Heat_Strip.indd 1 HomeBuildCoverAutumn.indd 1

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1,200 Litres o

FREE f LPG

PUT FLOGAS AT THE HEART OF YOUR HOME… ...AND GET 1,200 LITRES OF LPG FREE*

If you’re thinking of converting your existing oil heating system to gas or building your own home, talk to us about our fantastic offer of 1,200 Litres of LPG for FREE* when you install a new Flogas Cosy Home heating system. Flogas can supply everything you need for a cosy home including clean & efficient central heating, hot water, cooking, gas fires and gas tumble dryers too! And, by converting from oil to gas you’ll have no more worries about oil theft and you could even find yourself eligible for an SEAI grant too (Only available in the Republic of Ireland).

Now that’s an offer you’re sure to warm to! Flogas…clean, fast, efficient and flexible. The Flogas Solution.

FLOGAS DROGHEDA Tel: (041) 983 1041 Email: info@flogas.ie www.flogas.ie BELFAST Tel: (028) 9073 2611 Email: info@flogasni.com www.flogasni.com * Terms & Conditions apply. See www.flogas.ie/t&c

facebook.com/flogasireland

34326_Flogas_Home_Heat.indd 1 HomeBuildCoverAutumn.indd 2

@FlogasIreland

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FP.pdf

01/10/2015

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www.divinewindows.ie

Divine Windows has over 15 years experience in the home improvement industry and today we are a brand recognised for quality and service. We use only the highest quality products and work with carefully selected installers. When you choose Divine Windows, you know you are in safe hands.

Contact us for more information 01 903 0123 North Dublin Unit 33, Slaney Rd, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 South Dublin The Wigoders Premises, 109-113 Long Mile Road, Dublin 12 Autumn 2015.indd 1

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Contents

Letter from the editor

elcome to the first issue of Ireland’s Home and Build. Whether you’re building a new home from the ground up or looking to make minor changes to your current home, we have a variety of articles to help your current situation. In this issue we have a stunning new build project by GreenTec Ecological Homes in coastal Connemara taking pride of place on our cover. Achieving a low energy build and making use of the stunning views were equally important when planning this project and I think you’ll agree it looks amazing. If you’re looking to buy a stove in the lead up to Christmas well you’re in luck. We have over ten pages dedicated to buying stoves. So whether it’s a self build project and you want the room built around the stove or you’re looking for a stove for your current home, we have some of the best brands and some top tips in our Stove Special. We also have a dedicated windows and doors feature. Before upgrading your current home or going out making a purchase of triple glazing for a new project you’re working on then read this section. It could save you money in the long term. Finally, we also have other self build articles to keep you busy along with our car review section which will be a permanent feature going forward plus our new gear section where you will find lots of handy gadgets. Hope you enjoy the issue and our next issue will be in shops very early January. As the lowest priced magazine in our sector be sure to pick up a copy. In the weeks ahead we will have plenty of offers and prizes for readers. Log on to our website www.homeandbuild.ie and fill in just your name and email. We’ll then add you to our mailing list going forward.

4 10

Until the next issue, Home and Build Team

Sales & Marketing Director: Anthony Kelly Production Manager: Keith Wealleans Graphic Designer: Colin Brennan Editorial Assistant: Emer Kelly Design & Layout: cleardesigns.ie For all advertising and marketing queries, contact Anthony on ph: +353 1 458 7672 or email: info@homeandbuild.ie Home and Build Magazine Ltd Ph: +353 1 458 7672 Email: info@homeandbuild.ie Address: The Loft, Main Street, Newcastle, Co Dublin © Home and Build Magazine Ltd 2015

ISSN: 2009-8669

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Contents

NEWS 4 Latest news from the self building and home sector in Ireland COVER STORY 10 A low energy build in coastal Connemara STOVE SPECIAL 15 In depth guide to making your stove purchase NEW GEAR 32 The latest work tools and gadgets DO IT YOURSELF: CONTAINER HOME 34 New E-book released for building your own container home

CAR REVIEW We preview the all new Volvo XC 90

WINDOWS & DOORS FEATURE 40 An open and shut case INSULATION 46 U Value celebrates over 30 years in business

CARLA BENEDETTI PERIOD HOME 52 We look inside interior stylists home ONE-OFF HOMES CAN OPT OUT OF REGULATIONS 56 Home and house extensions will be exempt A PASSIVE HOME CAN BE 58 AFFORDABLE We look at a new development In Enniscorthy 6 EASY TIPS TO CHOOSE A PERFECT BUILDER We give our advice

THE EATON FAMILY HOME 66 A home a-blaze with colour and quirkiness WHY SELF BUILD? The benefits of self building

INTERNATIONAL HOME 78 Modern country house on River Thames

WEBSITE

SUBSCRIPTIONS

www.homeandbuild.ie for further information

For subscriptions, please contact info@homeandbuild.ie +353 1 458 7672

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News

NEWS Learning To Build Passive With Saint-Gobain

he Passive House Academy, in association with Saint-Gobain, will run a Passive House Tradesperson course on 21 and 22 October at the Saint-Gobain Technical Academy in Erith, Kent. The course will cover passive house design principles, U-value calculations, thermal bridging and airtightness, insulation materials, passive house glazing, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, and much more. For £395 (plus VAT), trainees will receive two full days of hands-on practical training. Those who book places before 2 October can send two delegates for the price of one, while CITB grant funding of £100 is also available. The course also includes an option of two additional days of online coursework for attendees who want to prepare to sit the exam for international accreditation as a certified Passive House Tradesperson, by the Passive House

Institute. This course is aimed at Building Contractors looking to learn the practical skills required of building to the world’s most efficient energy standard, namely Passive House. Whilst this course is focused mainly on the challenges of the building envelope, an overview of the full range of Passive House mechanical systems will also be provided.

Government Announces €1.5bn Investment in Social Housing

he government has announced that it plans to invest over €1.5 billion in local authority housing up until the end of 2017. The Department of Environment says it is aiming to reduce waiting lists by 25% during this period, and the money will be spent on a combination of construction, purchasing and leasing programmes. A statement read: The move comes as part of the Government’s €3.8 billion social housing strategy announced last November out to 2020. Each local authority was asked to bring forward housing unit targets and specific building projects out to 2017. As part of the strategy, targets had to be agreed with each local authority in 2015. In the case of the Dublin local authorities, these will be given housing targets over and above what they proposed to the Department of Environment to ensure strong delivery where the need is greatest. The combined funding total for the Dublin local authorities comes to over €500 million to 2017. Approximately 300 separate building proposals by local authorities are currently being assessed by the Department and will be announced in a number of phases starting in Mid-April. Construction is already underway for social housing in approximately 33 sites throughout the country. Minister Kelly said: “Housing is the number one priority for the Government. What we are announcing today is ambitious targets for each local authority right throughout the country for each local authority area. This will have a major impact for those on the housing waiting lists with a national reduction of 25% targeted over the period from these schemes alone. The recovering economy is allowing us to invest in vital public services such as housing and we

are doing that,” Minister Coffey said: “Today’s announcement shows the commitment of this government to tackle the issue of housing lists across the country. The Social Housing Strategy is a key action under the Construction 2020 Strategy and I am pleased to see it being progressed so that priority housing projects can be delivered in the years 2015-2017. €1.5 billion over the next three years is a huge investment in housing; and Minister Kelly and I now expect Local Authorities to deliver on the plans that they have submitted to our Department over the next 3 years.” The various schemes will target the refurbishment of vacant social housing units and local authorities will have the option of both building and acquiring housing. The average cost of building a social housing unit is €185,000 – meaning in some parts of the country it will remain cheaper and quicker to acquire as opposed to build. Local authorities will have some discretion to adapt to local circumstances, but all will be expected to kick-start a building programme.

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News

Rate Of Growth In Construction Industry Slows Again - PMI

he rate of growth in activity in the construction sector slowed in August for the second month in a row, a new survey shows. The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index posted a reading of 56.5 in August, down from 59.1 in July but still showing a sharp monthly rise in activity. A figure over 50 signals growth, while under 50 signals contraction. Ulster Bank said that total output has increased continuously throughout the past two years, but the pace of expansion has eased from a near record level in June. The index studies three sections of the building industry - residential, commercial and civil engineering. The commercial sector remained the best-performing of the three sectors last month, posting a substantial monthly increase, albeit the weakest since March. Residential activity eased for the second month in a row and recorded the slowest pace of growth in five months. Civil engineering activity also

decreased for the second successive month and although modest, the rate of contraction was slightly sharper than that seen in July. Ulster Bank said that growth of total activity in the building sector was supported by a further expansion in new business. It noted little sign of a slowdown in growth of new work as the rate of expansion was broadly in line with the previous month. New orders have now increased in each of the past 26 months. The rate of job creation was also little changed from the previous month and remained strong. About 24% of respondents took on extra staff and companies linked their higher headcount to rising workloads. The August data showed another harp increase in input prices, due mainly to the weakness of the euro against sterling. Business sentiment among construction companies remained strongly positive amid predictions of ongoing new order growth. About

58% of companies surveyed said they expected activity to increase over the coming 12 months. “The latest results of the Ulster Bank Construction PMI indicate that the Irish construction sector experienced a further solid rise in activity in August, albeit that the pace of growth moderated since July,” commented Ulster Bank’s chief economist Simon Barry. He noted that the headline PMI fell for the second month in a row in August, but these declines are from what was the second-highest reading in the survey’s history in June. Mr Barry said that the latest official jobs statistics from the CSO indicate that construction was the fastest-growing sector of the economy in terms of job creation in the year to the second quarter. “The July and August readings of the employment index of the PMI survey indicate that the sector has continued to generate strong jobs growth since then,” he added. Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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News

Tax Break Extended For ROI Home Improvements

lucrative tax break which allows families to claim back over €4,000 on home refurbishments will be extended until the end of 2016 under plans signed off by Finance Minister Michael Noonan. The Home Renovation Incentive has continued to be very successful, with works on 25,634 plus properties (as of 1st September) have been notified to Revenue’s HRI online system. This represents more than €566 million worth of works involving some 5,975 contractors. The potential total cost to the Exchequer in respect of these properties is approximately €38.26m. The incentive generates employment in the tax compliant construction sector, increases sales and provides support for homeowners and landlords for building works. The announcement of the 12-month extension to the home renovation grant has been fast-tracked so as to encourage interested families to start making arrangements for the works in the coming weeks.

The scheme provides for a minimum tax credit to the homeowner of €595, which increases to over €4,000 depending on the scale of the works involved. The type of work covered includes extensions, landscaping, garages, attic conversions, supply and fitting of kitchens, bathrooms and built-in wardrobes, window fitting, plumbing, tiling, rewiring and plastering. But the payback will only be available for homeowners who hire legitimate builders who are registered for tax. “Seeing the success of the measure, and to provide some security to the construction sector, Minister Noonan will be extending the scheme for a further year, until December 31, 2016,” a source confirmed. The credit is calculated at 13.5pc on spending between €4,405 and €30,000. The maximum level of tax relief is €4,050. Official figures show that the grant has seen a huge take-up since it was first introduced.

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News

Internorm Launches â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Framelessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Triple-Glazing Systems

he well-known Austrian low energy window manufacturer Internorm has launched Panorama HX300. The large-scale glazingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s which can be integrated completely into the brickwork create freedom without limits for your home. They bring light into the interior and at the same time offer complete view to the outside. Innovative solutions such as glass joints with almost invisible transitions from glass pane to glass pane offer many possibilities in the modern, large-scale glazing architecture. Available in Ireland via Internorm partner Ultimate Joinery, Panorama HX300 offers designers the opportunity to increase daylighting and passive solar gains. In terms of thermal insulation the product performs very well with a U-value 0f 0.73 W/m2K, in addition to sound insulation with soundproofing of up to 40db. Some key design features of the Panarama HX 300 include: Modern, squareedged glass appearance inside and outside along with frameless fitting into the

brickwork - window sills and patio floors can be connected neatly and tightly The advantages of the product include: Best thermal insulation at low weight, Single pane security glazing protects from injuries when glass breakages occur, Innovative glazing technology enables large, continuous glass areas up to 10.5 m2. Narrow glass joints ensure discreet transition of large glass areas and the fact that all Internorm timber/aluminium windows (one or two sash) can be integrated into HX 300. For more information Ultimate Joinery can be contacted on 01-685 3353

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Cover Story

COASTAL

CONNEMARA HOME This property in Connemara sits at the end of a narrow road and the sloping site is home to an existing cottage perched right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Cover Story

“Achieving a low energy build was as important to the client as capturing those great northern views.”

t’s exposed and inaccessible. Despite being a hugely challenging site, the house manages to take full advantage of its setting and still delivers low energy efficiency. Contractor Niall Dolan of GreenTec Ecological Homes explains that despite the fact that part of the road leading from the house was actually washed away during the storms in Winter 2014 and the property getting a battering from the elements, the client was blissfully unaware of how bad the weather actually was. “They didn’t know it was even windy outside,” he says, “because inside in the house with the wall build-up and triple-glazed windows, they were completely protected.”

The client wished to retain the existing cottage as an annex, which essentially made this a new build project. The first difficulty facing the design team, in addition to the exposed nature of the site and its inaccessibility, was the fact that it faced exactly the wrong way. Architect Eugene Mulcaire explained the dilemma, “you have these terrific views literally facing true north. All our solar energy is behind us.” How to create open, light-filled living areas and at the same time respond to the landscape’s natural contours? The solution was placing the living areas on the upper floor and the bedroom spaces downstairs.

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Cover Story

“The road to which the building relates is elevated over the landscape,” says Mulcaire. “There’s a very old retaining stone wall, probably about a storey tall which means we come in off the road onto the entrance level. We played with that a little bit, so that the building is approached by way of a bridge just to accentuate that idea of being elevated over the landscape.” Achieving a low energy build was as important to the client as capturing those great northern views. Keeping glazed areas to a minimum would be the norm on that elevation in order to maintain a high performance building envelope. Also, there was nothing to see on the southern elevation, where all the passive solar gains lie. The architects came up with a solution. They took a monopitch roof, then elevated the southern edge to create an overstorey consisting of high level ribbon glazing which overlooks a narrow flat roof. A white membrane on this roof converts it into a light shelf, which amplifies the southern light, directing it up into those high level windows which overlook the vaulted living spaces below. The southern elevation features long, slot windows which are very precisely positioned to deliver light directly to kitchen worktops in one instance, and to the stairwell in another. With the living spaces flooded with southern light, the next step was to tackle the northern views. Mulcaire explains, “we pointed out the orientation contradiction to the clients and they were more than happy to invest significantly in a window package.” They chose triple-glazed timber aluclad windows from True Windows in Sligo, which deliver a whole window U-value of 0.92. Mulcaire believes “Before even committing to specs, it’s incumbent on the low energy design team to flag these contradictions and these hotspots and get a buy-in from the client very early.” The window spec features double height glazing that turns the corner on the northeastern corner and a zincclad oriel window in the northwest. Niall Dolan of GreenTec took responsibility for managing both thermal bridging and airtightness. He says that the Letterard house was one of the trickiest he has ever worked on. Installing the long-span slot windows also required a lot of what Eugene Mulcaire calls ‘hidden structure’. Wherever possible, the steel systems were installed so that they didn’t cross from outer to inner leaf, and so didn’t break

the thermal envelope. The build method chosen was traditional with a difference: block, but with an extra-wide 250mm cavity pumped with EPS platinum bead insulation. Blocks were chosen primarily because on the one hand they deliver the thermal performance required, and on the other, a block built house relies on local skills and suppliers. “When you can plug into local skills pools and local supply chains, you’re going to get a bit more security attached to your endeavour.” Building in this environment and terrain brought all kinds of logistical difficulties. Including getting sand down to the site and having no room for the crane which would usually be used to position the hollowcore concrete

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Cover Story

SELECTED PROJECT DETAILS Architects:

Mulcaire Heffernan

Airtightness Testing:

2eva.ie

Contractor:

GreenTec Ecological Homes Ltd

AAC blocks:

Quinn Lite

Structural engineers:

John Britton Consulting

Thermal breaks:

Armadillo & Ancon

Mechanical contractor:

Airflow Renewable Solutions

Low carbon cement:

Ecocem

Windows:

True Windows

Cellulose insulation:

Sustainable Insulation Products Ltd.

Larch Cladding:

MTS Wood Components

Wool insulation:

Sheep Wool Insulation Ltd

Zinc:

Let it Rain

Foundation insulation:

Xtratherm

Airtight products:

Partel

Wood burning stove & flue: Spartherm & Schiedel

Air to water heat pump:

Mitsubishi

Flooring:

Heat recovery ventilation:

Brink

Junkers

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building in this environment and terrain brought all kinds of logistical difficulties.â&#x20AC;? Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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Cover Story

floor. Instead, each slab was maneuvered into place using a tracking machine with rolls of heavy duty DPC used to protect it and stop it tearing. Blocklaying was also routinely postponed, due to the severity of the wind. The wet-plaster finish acted as the primary airtight layer. A range of additional details were required to get the building down to a target of 0.6 ACH. Niall Dolan estimates that over 2km of sealing tape was used, in particular on the aforementioned structural details. Ply boxes were used behind the windows to close the cavities, and here again, extensive use was made of airtightness tapes to provide the required seals. The clients decided early in the project that while they would aim for passive house standards, they would not seek certification. Eugene Mulcaire says that in recent years, the costs involved in full certification have made it a difficult sell. “What’s emerging is a lot of willingness to go low energy, to drive the elemental composition as hard as possible. But certifying passive adds to the overall cost considerably, and there’s no real net gain at the moment in the marketplace.”

PROJECT OVERVIEW Building type: 167 square metres, two storey, wide cavity masonry build Location: Letterard, Co. Galway Completion date: January 2014 Budget: Confidential Passive house certification: n/a Space heating demand (PHPP): n/a Heat load (PHPP): n/a Primary energy demand (PHPP): n/a Airtightness (at 50 Pascals): 0.56 ACH at 50 Pa or 0.61m3/m2/hr at 50 Pa Energy performance certificate (EPC): Pending Carbon performance coefficient (CPC): Pending BER: Pending Thermal bridging: Armatherm bolt-through structural thermal breaks were used on the cantilevered steel balcony. In addition to this the first course of all warm walls are in Quinn Lite blocks. Low thermal conductivity TeploTie cavity wall ties were used throughout. The eaves were also thermally broken using a double wall plate. Ground floor: Traditional cold raft foundation with 140mm of Xtratherm PIR insulation board on top and 50mm isolation perimeter insulation, U-value: 0.13 Walls: Sand and cement render on concrete block external leaf with 250mm cavity pump filled with EPS platinum bead insulation with concrete block inner leaf with airtight sand and cement render. U-value: 0.12 Flat roof: Kaliko PVC-P membrane on WBP plywood on firing joist on Ampac’s Ampatop Protecta membrane on 500mm twin joist 150mm top and 100mm bottom. Twin joist zone pump filled with of high density cellulose insulation, with 40mm uninsulated service cavity and 12.5mm plasterboard under. U-value: 0.09 Lean to roof: Standing seam zinc cladding on two staggered layers of 9mm OSB sheets on battens for air flow on Ampac’s Ampatop Protecta membrane on 225mm timber joists pump filled with high density cellulose insulation, with 100mm service cavity filled with Sheep Wool Insulation with 12.5mm plasterboard under. U-value: 0.13 Windows: Triple-glazed, aluclad timber by True Windows, overall U-value of 0.92 Heating system: Mitsubishi Eco Ecodan Monobloc air source heat pump with a COP of 4.18 (assuming an air input temperature of 7C and water output of 35C) running with underfloor heating with stats in every room. Forecasted running cost for space heating and hot water is €320 annually. Ventilation: Brink 400 heat recovery ventilation system — SAP Appendix Q testing 88% heat exchange efficiency Green materials: Cellulose insulation, sheepswool insulation, all constructional timber is native and from sustainable managed sources, 50% ecocem in foundations

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STOVE FEATURE SPECIAL

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Stove Special

YOUR SEARCH FOR A

WOOD BURNING STOVE Can you imagine anything more heart-warming on a cold winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night that sitting at home, with a glass of wine perhaps, beside a wood burning stove? Or should that be hearth-warming?

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Stove Special

“The starting point is whether you want to heat a single room or the whole house.”

he fact is that mankind has been keeping snug and warm, burning solid fuel on open fires or in stoves since our earliest times. And there’s something really satisfying about watching flames (especially in safety from behind the glass window of a wood burning stove). Something almost instinctive which says “you’re home, warm and safe beside the fire”. Choosing the right stove With the wide range of stoves available it is important to choose the stove that is right for you.

The starting point is whether you want to heat a single room or the whole house. There is a wide variety of styles to suit all tastes from the traditional to very contemporary. Matching the heat output of a stove with the room it is going to heat is very important and it is best to take advice on this. Most stove retailers are very knowledgeable and willing to give advice. Look for the CE mark when purchasing. It is now compulsory to have a CE mark. Both Ryan Stoves and Murphy Heating are excellent retailers stocking a variety of well-known brands to suit everyone’s tastes and requirements. They also have the expertise on hand to help you make that all important decision and

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Stove Special

“It is vital to look for high quality when choosing your stove.”

take the guess work out of what’s a very important purchase. It is vital to look for high quality when choosing your stove. All registered stove systems are listed on Sustainable Energy Ireland’s Home-heating Appliance Register of Performance (HARP) database or the HETAS Guide. You should consult these databases prior to selecting a stove. www.seai.ie and www.hetas.co.uk. Check to see whether the stove has been manufactured to Irish and European standards • CE Mark - this means that they comply with the essential requirements of the European health, safety and environmental protection legislation. • ISO certified - IS0 9000 Quality Standard and ISO 14001 Environmental standard - these are the Quality and Environmental standard set by NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) • Q Mark - EIQA certification confirms a manufacturer’s commitment to the highest standards of quality and excellence. • BER Requirements - current building regulations as set out by the Department of Environment The HETAS Guide is a handy way to check the pedigree of a stove but it is not mandatory to be in the guide and some of the best European manufacturers are not in it. Check the efficiency of the stove. The better stoves have efficiencies in excess of 70% and some more than 80%. The efficiency reflects the amount of heat being delivered into the room. Installing a stove is not a DIY job and a competent installer should be engaged if you want to get the full benefits from your stove. As the name suggests, if a stove is described as a wood burner then it’s designed to burn wood (naturally) that’s been seasoned for at least two years in a dry area with good air circulation. This type of wood burns hotter and more efficiently than wood that’s new or wet and reduces the amount of

creosote in your chimney lining. What’s more, there are many key benefits to heating your home with a wood burning or solid fuel stove. For example, with a solid fuel or wood burning stove, you don’t have to worry when there’s a power cut as your appliance can be relied upon to be a constant heat source at any time. It’s better for the environment too, simply because burning timber from managed or coppiced forests helps conserve fossil fuels and is very cost efficient. After all, wood is essentially a waste material if it is just left to rot. In fact using a wood burning stove can offer a carbon neutral, wholly sustainable heat source – simply because trees (when they are growing) take in carbon dioxide which sooner or later must be released when they die and either rot where they fall or their wood is burnt. Heat your home with a wood burning boiler stove Make no mistake. Wood is plentiful, especially from one of today’s sustainable resources from managed or coppiced forests. Its price, when you have to buy it at all, is stable unlike some of the other limited resources in the world such as gas and oil. But did you know that you can use a wood burning boiler stove for your hot water – and heat your entire home with a complete central heating system? Back boiler log burning stoves can even reduce your home’s CO2 emissions! A wood burning stove can be linked up to your existing central heating system (run by oil or gas) to reduce your home heating bills, or it can even be combined with combi boilers, under floor heating or solar thermal panels to help make you extremely environmentally friendly. Some boiler stoves look like a familiar and traditional wood burning stove, no bigger than the same stove without a boiler as the boiler is sited inside the stove, while others you may think resemble a standard gas or oil central

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Stove Special

heating boiler. But they both do the same job, transferring heat from the boiler to your domestic hot water, via a storage tank, where it can be efficiently piped through to where it’s most needed. Heat produced by wood burning boiler stoves is measured in btu’s. And as a useful rule of thumb, you should allow 9,000-10,000 btu’s to heat hot water in the average sized home and around 4,000 btu’s to heat each individual radiator in your home’s central heating system. You should check the compatibility of your existing central heating system with a qualified installer before purchasing any boiler stove or heating stove. In summary, there’s no question that wood is cheaper than other fuels. According to SEAI, the delivered energy cost per kWh is only 5.99c for wood in comparison with 7.6c for natural gas and 64.75c for electricity. If you have a wood supply available to you, this means little to no cost and even if you are purchasing wood, either logs or pellets, there are savings to be made here. A good stove typically costs from a few hundred euro to a few thousand supplied

and installed, and you should always check with the supplier if the cost of the flue is included in the price. Their longevity is in the region of 5-30 years, but it really depends on how you use the stove. It’s also worth considering investing in a reputable brand because you’ll have the guarantee of being able to pick up spare parts if necessary. One of the disadvantages of having a wood-burning stove is that you need somewhere to store the timber. In suburban areas, where garden size might be very small, this could prove problematic but if purchased on a weekly/ monthly basis it shouldn’t cause too many problems. Another issue is that the demand for them has seen a lot of models coming on the market; people are seeing competitive prices and purchasing wood-burning stoves without first doing the research to see if that particular stove can be installed in their homes or what type of quality are they getting. Get the right advice from some of the reputable stove suppliers in this issue and enjoy your new purchase with peace of mind.

“The delivered energy cost per kWh is only 5.99c for wood.”

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Stove Special

CLEAN & MAINTAIN YOUR STOVE A multi-fuel stove can burn smokeless coal, wood or peat, which is why they are sometimes also referred to as solid-fuel stoves. We will show you the best way to clean and care for your matt or enamel stove as well as the glass in the door.

CMY

toves are now easier and cleaner to use than ever before. They come in two different types of exterior: Enamel - a glossy vitreous enamel, and Senotherm - matt black.

Cleaning a Vitreous Enamel Stove The high gloss vitreous enamel finish on your stove is tough and hardwearing but should be treated with care. Here are some tips to help you keep it in the best condition: • Cleaning must be carried out when the stove is cool. • Regularly wipe the stove with a damp, soapy cloth, followed by a polish with a clean and dry duster. For stubborn deposits, carefully use a non-abrasive, soapy pad. • Only use products that are recommended by the stove manufacturer. Most stove companies sell their own brand of approved enamel cleaner. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning product. • Do not use abrasive pads or oven cleaners containing citric acid on enamelled surfaces.

Cleaning a Matt Black Stove You only need to use a dry cloth on your matt black stove to remove any dust or dirt. Do not use any water on the matt black finish as this will cause it to rust. You can refresh a matt black stove with a fresh paint finish, either by brushing on tinned paint or by spraying on an aerosol paint. Here is a brief step-by-step guide to painting your matt black stove. Please also follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions. 1. Prepare Brush down the cast iron using a grade one steel wool, ensuring that an even coat remains on the surface. Then dust the area. 2. Apply Paint Apply the paint evenly over the surface. Two to three coats may be required depending on the condition of the original paint. Do not paint on thick coats and always allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. Allow the final coat to dry overnight. When firing the stove for the first time since painting, open a window as the paint will give off a smell during this first use.

Home & Build Autumn 2015

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boruStovesFullPageAd copy.pdf 1 28/08/2015 13:42:09

CMY

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Stove Special

Glass On Stoves Typically the glass will clean itself when there is sufficient heat generated by burning fuel. If a build-up of creosote occurs on the glass it may be due to draught conditions, poor quality fuel or low burning for a long time. Only clean the glass when the stove has thoroughly cooled. Either use a stove glass cleaner or hot water and a soapy cloth to clean the glass. For stubborn stains also use a fine (grade zero) steel wool. Prevent stove glass from blackening with the following tips: • The air wash system is only effective on higher rates of burn so ensure the fire is blazing strongly before closing the vents. • Avoid poor grade or damp fuel, which exacerbate the condition. • Even with good quality fuel, low burning will sometimes show this condition, however when the draught is opened it should clear up.

Prolong The Life Of Your Stove • Do not burn fuel with a high moisture content such as damp peat or unseasoned timber, as they lead to a build-up of tar in the stove and chimney. • Burning soft fuels such as timber and peat can stain the glass. Regular cleaning will prevent permanent staining. • Do not burn rubbish or household plastic. • Clean the flue ways of the stove every month and ensure there no blockages. Please refer to your stove manufacturer’s manual for instructions as they vary from stove to stove. • Clean the chimney at least twice a year. • Before loading fresh fuel into the stove, fully remove all ashes to allow better and cleaner burning. • Never allow a build-up of ashes in the ash pan, as this will cause the grate to burn out prematurely. • Allow adequate air ventilation to ensure plenty of air for combustion.

“Typically the glass will clean itself when there is sufficient heat generated by burning fuel.”

Home & Build Autumn 2015

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JP Distributors LTD FP.pdf

28/09/2015

10:11

LONDON

NEW YORK

CHESNEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Please contact jpdlsales@eircom.net to find your nearest dealer Autumn 2015.indd 25

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Stove Special

STOVAX & GAZCO

An outstanding range of stoves, fires and fireplaces. From contemporary to traditional, here are some selections to suit everyone’s requirements.

All New Woodburning Stove - Timeless Style With The Vogue Midi

he Vogue Midi’s customisable design presents a variety of installation options. Homeowners can opt for either hearth mounted, plinth or Midline installations in order to create the desired look. Both the plinth base and Midline log store are styled with matching subtle curves that perfectly complement the cast iron door and integral cast iron top plate, ensuring a seamless look whichever base is selected. The Vogue Midi produces a nominal 5kW heat output - providing ample warmth whilst realising the fuel’s full potential. Available in Smoke Control Areas, this woodburning stove is also designed to be fully sealed and supplied with an external air supply. www.stovax.com

The Vogue Midi combines cutting edge design with modern-traditional elegance

The Radiance: A New Age of Electric

ombining striking aesthetics and cutting edge technology, the breathtaking Radiance electric fire series is the very latest addition to grace the Gazco Electric range. The wall mounted Radiance incorporates Gazco’s state-of-the-art Chromalight™ LED backlighting on both Glass and Steel frames, effortlessly setting the atmosphere with its mood enhancing illumination. All Radiance fires benefit from variable heat output between 1.0 or 2.0kW and feature additional thermostatic control, or alternatively you can even enjoy

the effect without the heat at all. The Radiance can be fitted almost anywhere you wish to create a warming visual or to add some localised heat. With no building work required, these fires are great not just for lounges, but for studies, kitchens, conservatories and even bedrooms - bringing style and sophistication to virtually any location. www.gazco.com

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Stove Special

Unique Fires With Unique Possibilities

rand new to the Lotus’ esteemed fire range is the extremely versatile Unico cassette series. Displaying all the hallmarks of a premium fire, the engineering behind the Unico’s impressive construction is clearly visible, with each surface beautifully finished in a Matt Black, high temperature coating. The Unico also features a number of design innovations that enhance both the fire’s functionality and ease-of-use. The door employs a soft-close mechanism that not only prevents slamming and ensures a secure, airtight seal, but also facilitates easy opening. To increase the fire’s versatile fitting options, all Unico models feature an adjustable base, allowing the fire to be raised or lowered to the correct height before installation. www.lotusfires.com

Yeoman Gas And Electric Range Expands

ur popular CL5 gas and electric stoves are now available as Midline or Highline versions, expanding the Yeoman range and offering even more options. With their highly realistic log fuel beds, both gas and electric CL5 Midline and Highline stoves work perfectly with the integrated log store, where logs can be added to complete the look. Featuring a heavy duty steel construction with a handy levelling system for easy installation, the subtle curving door and curved top plate ensure that both Midline and Highline CL5 stoves can add a fitting centrepiece to rustic or contemporary interiors alike. Adding a whole new aesthetic to the CL5 range, the Midline and Highline versions are perfect for homeowners wishing to make a bigger statement with their stove. www.yeomanstoves.co.uk

New Stovax Cassette Fire Range… THE ELISE

dvanced engineering and stylish aesthetics combine to bring you the Elise, a woodburning and multi-fuel fire range that leads the way to a greener future. Presented in a choice of three sizes, offering both landscape and portrait perspectives; the versatility of the Elise is only matched by its progressive design, offsetting its minimalist lines and surfaces with a tapered firebox featuring a scalloped lining. Heralding a new era of ultra-green technology, the Elise is a forerunner of Eco-Design fires, redefining cleaner burning with its all-new design. These forward-thinking fires incorporate a complex series of chambers, allowing air to be delivered with precision accuracy to multiple areas of the firebox. This groundbreaking airflow system facilitates the Elise’s ultra-green combustion process – reducing emissions to remarkably low amounts. Delivering a truly unmatched performance in greener heating, homeowners can be confident that the Elise is prepared for the increasing push towards greener energy and ever tightening emission standards. www.stovax.com Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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See The Light The sustainable building conference for professionals

13 Nov 2015 REGISTRATION @ 0830

Architecture Factory Bishopstown, Cork

For more information, visit http://stl.phai.ie/

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STXGZ

Firing imaginations for over 30 years...

Over 30 years of design and engineering have gone into creating the UK and Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most comprehensive range of high quality woodburning, solid-fuel, gas and electric stoves and fireplaces.

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Stove Special

MURPHY HEATING Interview Situated in the picturesque village of Kinvara, Co. Galway, Murphy Heating was established in 1969.

hey have over 54 years of experience in the stove business and are proud of their very professional and dynamic team, all of whom are employed locally. They have an excellent back up service and the stove business is a market they are very familiar with. Over the years they have established close links with UK and European Manufactures, working together improving the efficiency design and quality control of new products being introduced to the market. Home & Build: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us and give our readers some of your many years’ experience. So first off what size stove does someone actually need? Murphy Heating: A number of factors determine what size stove they should choose, the size of the room that needs to be heated, what fuel customers wants to burn, what is the existing heating system, what is the insulation situation like. H&B: Can a stove be a viable way to heat a home and if so how? MH: Yes of course, they are 80% efficient and prove to be one of the most practical ways to heat an area. They can be used as a space heater to heat large or smaller rooms or can be lined into the heating system. H&B: What about insulation? MH: With many new builds being built passive or close to passive standards, this is a very important factor. As choosing a stove or Insert which is too big for the area to be heated will result in burning the unit at low temperatures. This will result in the fire burning poorly and therefore not burning clean. So as you can see it’s very important to choose the stove wisely.

dealer and always ask about their after sales service, as you need to have access to replace parts like grates and glass. H&B: How important is a chimney and what if you don’t have one? MH: As previously stated, it’s a very important factor. Flue design should be one of the most important aspects in ensuring a stove works efficiently. If you don’t have a chimney you can either choose a twin wall insulated flue or else pick gas as your fuel and you can choose a balance flue option H&B: Do you get what you pay for when it comes to stoves and if so what life span can a buyer expect? MH: Yes, you get what you pay for. With our many years of experience, we have seen that buying quality produced units which have been tested to the highest standards ensures that you will get value for money. For instance, a good quality cast iron stove should last 30 years. Obviously, there are some parts like glass and grates that will need to be replaced over the unit’s lifetime but by burning good fuel and making sure the unit is regularly cleaned and your chimney has an annual service, you can benefit from many years of cosy warmth from your stove. H&B: Can you provide any other hints or tips that you feel would be important for a family thinking of buying a new stove? MH: Think about your lifestyle when deciding what fuel to burn. Is the stove going to be used as a space heater or perhaps it’s going to form part of your full heating system. When buying a stove, buy from a reputable dealer as you need to be able to buy spare parts over the lifespan of the unit. A good quality stove will save you money and it is cosy to sit in front of on a cold winters evening

H&B: Is location of the stove important? MH: The location is an important factor but what’s more important to consider, is the location of the chimney or flue so as ensure it’s positioned in the correct location. By having the chimney in the correct position the unit will draught properly and downdraught should not be an issue. The position of the stove in relation to other furniture and viewing area are also important factors to consider. H&B: How should one of our readers choose a stove. What key factors should they take into account? MH: Best advice to a customer is to bring any plans/drawings & some images to us and we can go through the different options with the customer. Quality and style are also important factors in determining what customers choose as it the budget. Choosing a stove is a lifetime purchase. Choose well and it will be in your house for 30 years or more. Buy from a reputable

“A good quality stove will save you money” Home & Build Autumn 2015

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Since 1969

www.murphyheating.com

For the widest choice in modern and traditional stoves Kinvara Co. Galway. Tel: 091 637159 www.murphyheating.com Since 1969

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New Gear

NEW GEAR Stanley FatMax Tape

he Stanley FatMax Tape is without doubt one of the top tape measures available. If you don’t have a tape measure in your toolbox, then this is the one to get. With its cleverly designed hook, the Stanley FatMax Tape will allow you to grip the top as well the bottom of any object you are measuring. On top of this, the hook grips onto the side of objects without you ever having to tilt the tape measure. What is also great is that you don’t have to bother with holding the metal blade in place when it is extended. With the use of a switch, you can lock the FatMax so that the blade doesn’t retract suddenly. This feature will prevent you from losing a measurement or injuring your fingers while on the job. Furthermore, the FatMax’s blade is difficult to break and it can extend further than that of your average tape measure without collapsing. This will come in handy when you are measuring the height of a high wall, as the blade won’t collapse backwards onto you. Other FatMax features include: • A powerful spring giving you the benefit of fast blade retraction • A soft grip to prevent the tool from slipping out of your hand • A wide blade with numbers that you can see easily Price range from €20 www.stanleytools.com

DeWALT Tough System 2 Drawer Unit

ll your tool storage needs are met by this DeWalt Tough System drawer unit. This is an ingenious storage system that most handymen will never leave home without. You can configure your tools in order of which is the most important for a specific job with ease. Its strong construction not only enhances its service life, but also protects the tools you store in it. Further tool protection is made possible through the use of heavy duty ball bearing sliding drawers which can accommodate a great amount of tools all at once. A DeWalt Tough System drawer unit is suitable for various types of professionals such as builders and mechanics – as long as you need a smart way to store your tools, this toolbox will do the job right. If you would like to stack more than one DeWalt Tough System drawer unit, you can do so by using the engineered plastic side clips. It is easy to transport from one jobsite to the next with its lockable side handles and bi-material top carry handle. Price range from €85 www.dewalt.ie

Home & Build Autumn 2015

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New Gear

Snickers FlexiWork Work Trousers

t’s been almost ten years since Snickers Workwear revolutionised the industry with the launch of its 3-series work trousers that today are true classics. Now the company is celebrating 40 years and is focusing on once again demonstrating its leading position by launching the next generation of work trousers and with them a range of innovative features. FlexiWork are extremely flexible high-tech trousers in a stretch material for maximum freedom of movement. Light work trousers in high-tech body-mapped design for extreme working comfort and flexibility. Combining ventilating stretch fabric with Cordura® reinforcements and a range of pockets for outstanding freedom of movement and functionality. Price range from €100 www.snickersworkwear.ie

Hitachi DS18DSAL Lithium-Ion Cordless

owered by a long-lasting 1.5Ah lithium ion slide battery, the Hitachi DS18DSAL 18-Volt Compact Pro Lithium Ion Drill/Driver packs a powerful punch. Efficient and easy to handle, this variable-speed tool provides professional power in the most compact, lightweight, and ergonomically designed body currently available. For added convenience, it comes with Hitachi’s UB18DAL Lithium Ion Flashlight. The first in Hitachi’s compact Pro Series of cordless tools, the DS18DSALmeasures only 7.7 inches in length and weighs 3.5 pounds. This impressive driver drill features a variable speed trigger to set speed from zero to 350 RPM or zero to 1,500 RPM so you always match the right speed to the job. The DS18DSAL comes with a convenient metal belt hook and an LED job light to illuminate your work surface. It also features a keyless 1/2-inch ratcheting metal chuck that accepts a wide variety of bits, giving you greater flexibility. This driver drill is powered by a long-lasting 1.5 Ah lithium ion slide battery. And because this Lithium Ion battery weighs roughly half as much as a NiCd or NiMH battery, you can work longer, with better accuracy. For value and peace of mind, it drill is covered by Hitachi’s 10-year lithium ion tool warranty and two-year lithium ion battery warranty. Price range from €125 www.hitachipowertools.com

Casio G-Shock Burton

ugged. Tough. Endures abuse and emerges strong. That might describe you or your ideal watch, because tough guys need tough timepieces that can keep up with the action, shed the dirt, and take a hit, unphased. Maybe you’re prone to drop things, or maybe you just like beating up your gear. Whatever the cause, the GShock Burton is your ideal watch. G-Shock and globally recognised snowboard company Burton have released their first limited edition collaborative watch, to celebrate GShock’s 30th Anniversary. This limited edition watch combines both Burton and GShock’s prolific ability to seamlessly merge functionality with style. Using the GDF100 Twin Sensor as a canvas, the Burton collaborative watch is packed with features with winter sports in mind. However the watch was developed not only for those who enjoy outdoor sports, but also for anyone who works outdoors in harsh conditions. If you’re looking for a new work watch that can endure some abuse then you could do a lot worse than this Casio. Price range from €250 www.gshock.com

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Container Home

DO IT YOURSELF:

CONTAINER HOME

What was a container became a home in a matter of daysâ&#x20AC;Ś and now the story of the build has become an E-book Home & Build Autumn 2015

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Container Home

35 Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Tania Flores of Ceardean Architects

“Every aspect of the project was designed to require minimal specialist input and to facilitate a self-builder.”

he Ripple Container Team released a full guide on how to build their container home which was exhibited in the Irish Museum of Modern Art in late August of this year, with the container garnering national and international interest and coverage since last November. Ceardean Architects who are based in Inchicore in County Dublin were delighted to lead the Ripple Team to achieve the conversion of a 40 foot shipping container into an emergency home unit for Saint Vincent De Paul in three days in the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham, a project which became the country’s first container home. Ceardean Architects have gone on to release a ‘How to do it Yourself’ free E-book for anyone who would like to turn an ordinary container into a home. The idea of the free E-book is to inform the public of how the house was built and if the public find this information useful, they ask that people would consider making a contribution to Saint Vincent De Paul in honour of the Ripple Team. The Ripple project as it has become known is a container which was fully fitted out as a home with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, plumbing and electrical appliances with the objective of the project being one of providing an emergency housing unit for Saint Vincent De Paul and the aim was to use an alternative building system. Every aspect of the project was designed to require minimal specialist input and to facilitate a self-builder that does not have a very high level of skill. The project took one week to build and brought together over 60 contractors who donated their time, expertise and labour with the container and all materials used within been donated by suppliers and those invovled. Speaking at the time of the project build, Ms Tallon said “A low cost model of housing was inevitable after the property market crash and this container project shows that there are new housing solutions available to accomodate different lifestyle choices for Irish people.’’ The project was co-ordinated by Derek Trenman and Carol Tallon of Ceardean Architects and saw more than 60 professional and trades people, many of whom are members of Ireland’s business networking group BNI donated materials and their time and expertise to the project with Buyers Broker International and Business Network Ireland also working incredibly hard on the task at hand. Almost 12 months on, everyone involved with the project is overwhelmed by the response that this project has not only attracted but the fact that people both here and internationally are speaking about it. The Ripple project was exhibited in the Irish Museum of Modern Art for one month before offering a family in Cork temporary accommodation and it is now currently in Longford where it is acting as a refuge for families. Shipping Containers range from 20 to 45 foot in length and 20 to 40 foot containers are easier and cheaper to source than 30 to 45 foot containers, and for anyone who is thinking about taking on the project of turning a container into a home, the following things have to be thought of! Proper planning permission must be obtained if you plan to use the container as a separate dwelling unit in your region or country, the container will require a waste water treatment system, a percolation area and soakway or a connection to foul surface and drainage area. The container must also be internally or

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Container Home

externally insulated. It will need an appropriate foundation which will have to be designed by a structural Engineer and consideration must be given to how the container will be connected to utilities such as water, electricity and gas prior to the beginning of the project. The design for the Ripple Container Project was on the conversion of a used shipping container into a fully functional compact residential unit that would house a small family on a temporary basis. The spatial arrangement in particular for this unit was designed for a family of between three to four people with a bedroom space, cooking and sanitary facilities and a living space as well as the design requiring the consideration that the container would be lifted when complete and moved to its final destination. This therefore then placed restrictions on the fenestration openings that could be made in the container and added the requirement for structural strengthening of the container. Before setting to work on a container home, it is imperative that the container is clean and free from contaminants and has not been used to transport chemicals and the plywood floor must be checked for wet rot. The steel base plate needs to be checked for rust and the container must be watertight before the container is lifted off the ground and a compacted hardcore base or concrete pad is designed especially to suit the container as its foundation before the main openings are made. All of the above were done to the container in question before a vapour control membrane was taped to the exterior of the container in order to achieve air-tightness value closer to that of passive standard with the base deal of the timber frame being a vital part of the project followed quickly by insulation and weathering membrane being applied. Following all of these steps, the roof build up and drainage were the next point of focus and saw the roof been constructed using a similar back up to the wall structure with Fiberglass been used as the primary water proofing and drainage outlets were made from a piece of cut pipe. Building ventilation was and is imperative, as with a built system where the inner surface is impermeable and airtight, it is essential that condensation from the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s occupancy is avoided; thus mechanical ventilation in the shower/bathroom, living area and in the kitchen is of upmost importance. The

system used in the Ripple project was an independent system of in-tube heat recovery vents, which typically recover between 80 to 90% of heat. The electrical strategy and the layout of all of the protrusions through the wall fabric of the container must be decided before any work commences on the container. In terms of this project, a solar smart meter and a photovoltaic panel were integrated into the system so that the container could supplement its heating by generating its own power. The containerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heating is provided by a stove with a backboiler providing hot water and space heating through radiators, which is supplemented by the solar panels. To retain the aesthetic of the container, the inside walls were left exposed. Therefore all of the wiring had to be surface-mounted with galvanised steel conduits on the walls and ceiling. The container was also fitted with a conventional bathroom and kitchen which in turn had to have an appropriate waste water treatment system, percolation and soakway or a connection to foul and surface area drains.

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Container Home

With this project, various cladding systems such as fibre cement or metal were and are appropriate for use on the facades of the container. Bamboo cladding was donated to the Ripple Project by Bamboo Suppliers of Ireland with bamboo proven to be a durable, sustainable and long-lasting material. Vertical timber battens were also fixed at intervals along the exterior walls of the container to allow drainage of the membrane. All of the exterior timber was pre-treated against rot with a design decision being made to use different options of cladding including a secondary system of timber battens which would support the vertical bamboo cladding; where the cladding of the facade is horizontal, a secondary system of battens is not needed. On the interior of the container, the floor build-up was designed to accommodate thermal insulation and to act as an airtight service zone followed by the placing of a vapour control membrane being placed on top of the container’s existing plywood floor which was then followed by rigid insulation, timber battens and an OSB floor. The raised battens allow for the services to be integrated into the floor. The interior finishes for this project were designed by Ciara Smullen of SKI Interiors in County Kildare which saw the steel walls sprayed a light-grey colour. The interior walls of the container are timber solid walls with sliding doors built into them. The stud walls are painted with MDV and instead of plastering them, the walls were spray-painted a dark grey to eliminate the need for plasterers on site. The following are a list of the Ripple team members, many of which are BNI

Ireland members: Ait Place, Balmar Ironmongery and Accessories, Bamboo Suppliers of Ireland, Blindstyle, Buyers Broker International, B&G LRD, Ceardean Architects, Coillte Panel Products, CMR Specialist Repair, Decking NI Group (Deck 25), Dryseal Roofing/Hambleside Danelaw Door Depot Dublin/ Carroll Residential, Enrich Environmental LTD, Forbo Marmeloum Flooring Specialists, Ger Harte Painting and Decorating, Greenstar Recycling, Halton Construction, Hear Me Roar Media, Heiton Steel, HSS Hire, Idealismart, Interlam Architectural Wall Panels, Irish Wire Products, John Egan Heating, JTM Power Power, JP Tallon, Kingspan Environmental, Kingspan Insulation, Lawlor Burns & Associates, Mannions Builders Providers, Metallica Steelworks, MRCB LTD- Specialists in Paint, Mullingar Electrical Wholesale, Murphy Heating, M&M Electrical Contractors, NAA LTD, O’Sullivan Safety, Partel Ireland/ Lunos/Ampak, PQ Fibreglassing Flat Roof Specialists, Rubber Matting Systems, RVR.IE/ RVR Energy Technology Limited, SAP Group, Schiedel Chimney Systems, Seal Systems LTD, SKI Interiors LTD, Straffan Kitchens, Terraplas Rental, The Watershop, TileStyle LTD, Truck & Crane Hire Paddy Devoy, Unipipe Ireland Underfloor- Renewables, Vincent Brady Consulting Engineers, Wexford Timber Frame and 2eva.ie. With supporters of the project been: Allsop Space, Brian Daly Magician, BNI Network Ireland, Cosmopolition Communications, DMPR Public Relations, Extreme Structures, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Joseph Whelan Auctioneers, Lilliput Stores, OPW, PJ&E McGarrell LTFD, Punctual Print, ReImagine Sign Specialists and The Park Studio.

“Building ventilation was and is imperative.”

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Car Review

ith the 60kw electric and 2.0-litre combustion engine working in harmony this new SUV produces just 49 g/ km CO2, and uses 2.1-l/100 km or returns 104mpg in old money. There is 43 km of pure electric range and it can do 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds along with putting out a combined power figure of 407hp. The car has five different driving modes that deliver a range of performance and efficiency-enhancing characteristics. Using either a scroll wheel on the centre console or a touchscreen on the dashboard, drivers can choose from 5 different settings. Hybrid: This is the default mode, suitable for everyday use. Here, the vehicle will automatically alternate between drawing power from the 2-litre, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine and the electric motor to deliver the best overall fuel consumption Pure electric: In this mode, when the highvoltage battery is fully charged, it serves as the car’s sole energy source, powering the electric motor over the rear axle. The XC90 T8 has a range of more than 40km using just electricity, which covers the total distance many people drive in one day. And thanks to the regenerative braking system, this mode is super-efficient in the stop-and-go traffic of city environments. If more power is needed, the Drive-E combustion engine starts up automatically. Power mode: Here, drivers get the combined performance of the combustion engine and the electric motor. On start-up, the SUV takes advantage of the electric motor’s superior response and instant torque curve, while the combustion engine gets up to speed. This combination offers better torque at lower revs, equivalent to that of a large displacement engine like the V8.

AWD: This mode offers constant all-wheel drive on demand. The advantage of being able to select AWD manually is that the driver can use it when needed, or choose to save energy for later. Save: If the battery is charged, this mode allows the driver to “freeze” the battery level and save it for later use with Pure Electric drive. On the other hand, if the battery is low, the driver can use the combustion engine to charge the battery to a certain level for later use with Pure Electric drive. Overall it’s not just a fantastic looking vehicle but also more a look into the future and what Volvo is about to offer in many new models. They plan to completely change each and every model over the next four years thanks to significant investment. Right now in Ireland there are other hybrid alternative SUV’s on the market but from what we can see none are offering this type of performance. We hope to get a week long test drive in both the diesel and twin engine variant and its at this point we will be truly in a position to offer a verdict. Will people just buy a diesel powered XC90 with a starting price of €70,950 or is the T8 Twin Engine Plug In Hybrid priced at €80,950 the way forward. We will keep you posted.

Technical Specification Engine Size 2.0l turbo hybrid 60kw Fuel Type Petrol Power 407hp Torque 640Nm Combined Acceleration (0-100km/h) 6.4 seconds Top Speed 230 km/h Consumption (Combined) 2.1L/100km CO2 Emissions 49g/km A2 Road Tax Road Tax – Band A €170 Base Price €70,950

Dermot Bannon

Home & Build Autumn 2015

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Car Review

39 Words: Justin Delaney Pics: Volvo Press

Volvo XC90 Preview We were recently treated to the first viewing of the new XC90 and whilst the diesel looks mighty impressive, it was the T8 Twin Engine Plug In Hybrid that stole the show thanks to its incredible power and low fuel consumption figures.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drivers get the combined performance of the combustion engine and the electric motor.â&#x20AC;? Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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Windows & Doors

“Today’s windows and doors are designed for low maintenance.”

Home & Build Autumn 2015

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Windows & Doors

WINDOWS & DOORS AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE

The ideal windows and doors must be tough, yet handsome and gracious

very home has a personality. One of the first impressions that make up that personality is the main entry door and the windows. Elaborate entry doors and high design windows were traditionally reserved for the wealthy upper-class, to glorify their elaborate mansions. In recent times, however, innovations in the industry have put stunning window and door treatment designs within reach of middle class income homeowners, and incredible examples are springing up on many self build projects and in many housing estates across Ireland. When building or remodelling a home, people often do not consider the importance of windows and doors. That’s too bad, because they not only play a huge functional role in the home, they are the only building product that impacts the look of both the interior and exterior. On the outside, windows can be defining elements in the architectural style of the home, adding drama and distinction. Studies show a more stylish entry door can add to the perceived value of the home. On the inside, windows provide natural light and ventilation, of course. They also bring the outside in, allowing us to enjoy nature from the comfort of our sofa. Imagine drinking your

morning coffee, and how enjoyable it would be to look out to the back garden through a wall of glass. Today’s windows and doors enable you to do it, without feeling the cold drafts of winter or the hot rays of the sun in summer. Windows and doors are available with a huge number of style options and finishes to meet a wide variety of tastes. Grids and grilles can be added to provide added detail to the home. Decorative glass, including leaded and stained glass designs, can add unique charm to a home. Windows and doors can be supplied pre-finished in numerous colours and even non-wood products can be provided in numerous choices of woodgrain looks. And, today, even window and door hardware can be coordinated with other hardware in the home, whether it’s antique brass, brush nickel or any number of stylish finishes. Today’s windows and doors are also designed for low maintenance. Vinyl products, for example, never need painting and can be easily cleaned with the occasional wipe of a wet cloth. Wood windows and doors, today, are offered with exterior cladding that eliminates the regular need for repainting on the outside. There’s even new low-maintenance glass options that use the sun’s rays and a little rain to keep the outside clean.

Finding A Quality Product There is no one “best” window or door. Much depends upon the performance demands, individual taste, and budget. One way to determine whether a window or door is a quality product, however, is to see if it is “certified.” Certified products are all measured against a single performance standard, with ratings achieved for various criteria. These criteria may include structural performance, air and water infiltration resistance, thermal performance, solar heat gain resistance, and forced entry resistance. Certified products are tested and rated to allow proper selection of a product that will meet a home or building’s needs. CE marking in the window & door industry is official from July 2013. The CE mark serves as verification that the product conforms with the essential requirements of the Construction Products Directive (CPD), a legal mandate of the European Commission. Double or Triple Glazing Triple glazed windows are typically more energy efficient than double-glazed windows and can achieve a U-value as low as 0.6 W/ m2K versus a U-value for a good doubleglazed window of 1.2 W/m2K. However, triple-

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Windows & Doors

glazed windows are typically considerably more expensive than doubleglazed windows. For this reason, investing in triple glazed windows is more suited to a situation where there is a high level of insulation, e.g. new builds or refurbishments with a very good Building Energy Rating, i.e. an A-rating. This is because if a house has a lower level of insulation, the investment in triple glazed windows with a low U-value would not be cost effective as heat retained would be lost through the other fabric elements of the house. With regard to double glazing the cost for replacing windows/doors in a typical three-bed semi with Alu-clad is going to be about €17,000 whereas to go with UPVC would be in the region of €11,000. The cost of triple glazing has come down a lot in recent years, but triple glazing will still be the more expensive option. For best results it is preferable to go for triple glazing on a north-, west- or east-facing window but on southfacing windows double glazing will be adequate. Frames Timber: Hardwood or durable softwood frames come from a renewable source, use comparatively little energy in manufacture, should last decades (with regular maintenance) and can be repaired easily. Double or triple glazed windows are A-rated and can achieve a whole-window U-value of as little as 0.8. They’re only available in casement style, although they can be made to unusual designs; energy-efficient timber sash windows are harder to find. uPVC: uPVC will typically be cheaper than an equivalent wood window and will require virtually no maintenance, apart from the occasional clean. You can get them in virtually any colour and if you want a wood feel, but without the maintenance associated, you can opt for a wood-grain finish, although again quality is everything to get a realistic look. Ultimately the decision is purely an aesthetic and budgetary one. In extreme circumstances (on new builds) the planning permission may only be given if you install wooden frames. However, on the whole, Ireland’s most popular choice for new windows is uPVC. On the down side uPVC is an environmentally-nasty material. Frames can be very bulky and junctions can be awkward. Also it’s impossible to repair or maintain uPVC once it’s damaged. Metal: Metal-framed windows are durable and require little maintenance, and

can be ideal either for modern projects or to suit a period property. They used to have a reputation for being cold and draughty – metal is a good conductor, making heat loss through the frames a problem. Modern design, however, has made it possible for metal windows to be just as energy-efficient as other types. Most metal-framed windows are made from aluminium, and it is possible to find A-rated aluminium casement windows, as well as energy-efficient aluminium windows in other styles. Composite: Composite windows are made from more than one material. Timber faced with an aluminium exterior is common. It’s also possible to find timber clad with PVC-U and PVC-U clad with aluminium. Alternatively, windows may be made of a ‘sandwich’ of different materials. Composite doors and windows are perfect for any style, because they can come in any shape and colour, perfectly harmonising with modern or traditional styles. You can opt for keeping a wood finish or for a painted version if you want your door or windows to stand out. Glazing There are two ways to make window glass more efficient – put simply, either add extra layers or use a special coating. Where double glazing is better than single, triple is better than double – though triple glazing may not be worth the extra expense unless you’re building to a very high green specification overall, and can thus be sure that heat won’t be lost elsewhere in the building. Gas and air: Double glazing traditionally used air in the spaces between the layers of glass, but modern, high-specification windows now use an inert gas, most commonly argon. Krypton is more effective and therefore more expensive, while xenon is the best-performing of all, and correspondingly the most costly. Installation: The installation of windows is as important as its manufacture – a poorly installed window can be hugely compromised in its effectiveness, perhaps increasing heat loss by as much as 30 per cent. Positioning of the

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U ha te up re

Utimate Joinery have built their business on providing high quality bespoke products using the latest technology and designs to meet the growing market. Manufactures of bespoke timber front doors in traditional and contempory designs. Conservation up and down timber sliding sash box weight and casement windows. Suppliers of high quality upvc windows, frenchdoors, bifold doors and single reardoors. A large varity of composite enterance front doors. Bespoke by design or standard staircases. Internal doors, door sets and handles. Ultimate Joinery are the Irish distributors of Internorm, Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 manufactuers of low energy passive house windows. Internorm have been developing and producing high quality doors and windows for 80 years in Austria. They are brand leaders of innovative technology, design and sustainability. Be it an entrance door made of aluminium or timber/aluminium, a window made of upvc, upvc/aluminium or timber/aluminum Internorm products are made to measure and manuactured according to individual requirements. Internorm provides comprehensive warranties and passive house certiďŹ cations.

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Windows & Doors

window in relation to the insulation, and how far back within the wall it is set, are both important factors. Entry doors must be tough enough to withstand wind, rain, scorching sun, and would-be intruders, yet handsome enough to make a good first impression. Unfortunately, meeting those needs is a tall order for many front doors. Most older ones are made of wood or wood veneer, both of which warp, crack, and delaminate after years of exposure to the elements. Metal doors don’t last forever, either — the surface on some older steel doors can peel. Picking A Front Door Whether you buy the door by itself or the entire door-and-frame system, keep these shopping tips in mind: For complete entry systems, be sure all components come from the same manufacturer. (Many systems are assembled by distributors with parts that might not mate perfectly.) Check the weather stripping seals properly and that the threshold interlocks with the bottom edge of the door. Look for low-e glazing on window units. For added security, some manufacturers offer glazing designed to resist break-ins. Decorative windows with real lead or brass cost more than ones with the fake stuff. High-quality steel and fiberglass doors have a thermal break — often a vinyl strip or part of the wood frame — that separates the inside and outside door skins. This prevents outside cold and heat from being conducted through the skin and frame, and frost from forming on the inside surface. Interior Doors Interior doors play a huge role in your home’s décor. The right doors should blend in and feel right in your hand whether you’re self building or redecorating. Door Construction There are three types of interior door: solid wood, solid core and hollow core. Solid wood doors are the most expensive option but they look great and provide that heavy feel in the hand that is associated with quality. They are long lasting, provide excellent heat and sound insulation, and can even increase the value of your property. Solid core doors consist of a moulded composite or plywood exterior on

a frame that is filled with wood fibres. They achieve better fire ratings than hollow core doors, and also feel better in the hand because of their weight. They provide a similar look and level of heat and sound insulation to solid wood doors, but for a much lower cost. If heat and humidity levels fluctuate in your home, solid wood or solid core doors are not a good idea. Continually expanding and contracting wood can lead to the door warping. This is where hollow core doors come to the fore. They cope with temperature and humidity fluctuations better, and are also the cheapest option. Not completely hollow, a cardboard honeycomb is sandwiched between the plywood exterior panels. They feel lightweight in the hand, provide less insulation, and can be damaged if hit with a heavy object. Door Material Classic timbers such as oak, pine and walnut are timeless and suit both modern and traditional style homes. White doors give a clean and minimalist look, ideal for contemporary living areas. Doors can be purchased finished, pre-finished, primed or unfinished depending on your preference. Finished doors come already coloured and protected, ready to use. Pre-finished doors are prepared with a layer of undercoat, ready for you to paint, stain or varnish in your chosen colour. Primed doors require sanding and undercoating before you can treat or paint them. Unfinished doors are cheapest and have not been primed or prepared for painting. Door Style Flush doors are sleek and minimalist in style and more suited to modern interiors. Panelled or Regency doors add depth and dimension that complements a traditional décor. If your home is low on space and natural light, doors with glass panels can help create a brighter and more spacious environment. Another option is to mount a mirror to the door, and for this a Flush door is more suitable. Picking the right windows and doors will pay off in smoother operation, less maintenance, and added energy savings. Apart from the internal benefits you’ll also have an elegant outward facing home that makes a great first impression for years to come.

“Interior doors play a huge role in your home’s décor.”

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Windows & Doors

K&K WINDOWS LTD K&K Windows Ltd is an Irish owned Company established since 1995.

n this time we have rapidly grown in to one of Ireland’s largest fabricators and installers of uPVC & Aluminium products for both residential and commercial products. All our products are fabricated at our state of the art factory in Craanford, just outside Gorey in Wexford, Ireland.

Your Design, Your Home Our Staff are completely and utterly committed to the best design and quality. We offer an extensive range of bespoke framed glazing products providing a cost effective and reliable solution to your needs. Our extensive knowledge of the current building regulations can help you create the perfect window, door or screen. Let our Sales Reps talk you through your dream to make a house a home. We Create from Design to Finish (No Middle Man) Our in house team comprising of Sales, CAD Technicians and Production Personnel are highly experienced in the commercial glazing industry with many years experience with various glazing facilities. We will work tirelessly

to ensure you get the very best of the best. All hardware used by K&K Windows Ltd are sourced from Europe’s leading suppliers. All glass used by K&K Windows Ltd is sourced from Ireland’s largest suppliers. With 72 different types of glass K&K can offer a wide range of glass options with workable lead times, K&K are leading the way in insulating glass by offering “Vistatherm Elite” a Low E energy efficient double and triple glazed units, and for extra care a treble seal. K&K Windows offer a much lower U-Value. Rejuvenate your Home We have completed many small to large projects over the years and one of our more familiar projects was the K Club completed in 2006 and the Amber Springs Hotel in Gorey completed in 2006. All our expert and highly trained fitting team are impeccable and courteous in their work. We have completed many small to large projects over the years and one of our more familiar projects was The K Club completed in 2006 the Amber Springs Hotel in Gorey completed in 2006.

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE WE SELL MANUFACTURE, AND INSTALL ALUMINIUM AND UPVC WINDOWS DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

35% SALE NOW ON ISS OUT NGS, DON’T M

MASSIVE SAVI

VISIT OUR NEW AND EXCLUSIVE MUST SEE SHOWROOM AND HAVE A ONE ON ONE CHAT WITH OUR EXPERTS. K&K WINDOWS LTD CRAANFORD GOREY CO. WEXFORD

FOR A PROMPT FREE ESTIMATE PLEASE CONTACT US 0539383526

FREEPHONE 1800 250 260 WEB www.kkwindows.ie EMAIL info@kkwindows.ie OPENING HOURS 9AM - 5:30PM MONDAY - FRIDAY | 10AM-2PM SATURDAY | ANY OTHER TIME BY APPOINTMENT Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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Insulation

U VALUE INSULATION & DRYWALL LTD When you need Insulation advice, materials & support there is only one place to look.

aving recently celebrated 30 years in the insulation industry, U Value Insulation clearly understands what it takes to achieve a well-insulated home. As insulation levels are increased and changes to the building regulations are implemented it is important to understand both the pitfalls as well as the benefits. Thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, breathability, ventilation, airtightness and fire safe solutions are all part of the building system ensuring your home is energy efficient, comfortable and safe. U Value Insulation knows only too well that getting your insulation specification right before you enter the site can save you hours of agonising decisions, reduce future fuel costs and save you so much time and energy. U Value Insulation have undoubtedly one of the strongest sales and technical insulation support teams in the country. Our sales and technical support team is headed by Dermot Kearns an insulation industry expert with over 30 years construction and insulation experience. Dermot knows that having the expertise of insulation materials is one thing but we must also have expert knowledge in all aspects of building works and associated building materials to truly call ourselves insulation experts. To avoid potential heat loss, condensation risks, noise pollution and fire spread we must also understand the purpose of Breathable roofing and wall membranes, Vapour control and Airtight solutions, Ventilation, Acoustic wall and floor insulation, Thermal insulation and Fire Stopping materials. At U Value we believe system building advice and solutions to include all the aforementioned is a sure fast way of achieving an energy efficient, comfortable and safe home. U Value Insulation are undeniably the insulation industry market leader offering a one stop shop approach to sustainable energy efficiency backed by unrivalled expert insulation and associated building material advice. Our advice and support includes a well-structured insulation and

associated building material specification. This can remove any unanswered questions and some of the difficulties in having to source information from many different locations. Dermot also knows that a well-structured insulation and associated building material specification will ensure the correct materials are priced prior to awarding the building contract. This can protect both the builder and the homeowner. U Value Insulation are distributors and suppliers of Rockwool, Isover, Superglass, Knauf, Quinntherm, Kingspan, Ballytherm, Actis, and ARC insulation materials. Knauf Drywall, Gypsum drylining systems, Breathable wall and roof membranes, airtight systems and much more. U Value is a family run Irish company headed by brothers Niall and Stuart McEvoy. Together they strive to improve quality, energy efficiency, sustainability and service. Based in Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 our store is only a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from the M50 making deliveries and collections easily accessible Ph: 01-8612000 www.uvalue.ie E-Mail sales@uvalue.ie for a free copy of our insulation solutions guide.

IN BUSINESS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;U Value Insulation are undeniably the insulation industry market leader.â&#x20AC;?

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ARC Building Solutions

Manufactured Solutions for the Construction Industry

Established in 2008, ARC are specialists in preventing heat loss, noise pollution and the spread of fire through a wide range of products including; Cavity Fire Barriers

Cavity Closers

Insulated DPCs

Restrict the spread of smoke and flames within external masonry and timber frame walls and minimise noise pollution. Up to 4 hours fire integrity

Close off the cavity around door and window reveals without a block return, preventing cold bridging, as well as eliminating moisture and mould staining. Up to 1 hour fire integrity

Close off the cavity around door and window reveals where a block return is used, also preventing moisture penetration. Up to 4 hours fire integrity with rockfibre version

NEW Award-Winning T-Barrier® Available for all building types, the ARC T-Barrier combines three products in to one and performs better than the conventional methods of closing off a cavity. Independently tested, the ARC T-Barrier has won the Field & Laboratory Research award at the 2015 Leeds Beckett RISE awards. For more information on ARC’s complete product range, visit www.arcbuildingsolutions.co.uk

ARC’s complete product range is available in Ireland from U Value Insulation & Drywall Ltd, an international company and market leader in the distribution, supply of insulation and associated building materials. T: 01 8612000 F: 01 8612220 E: sales@uvalue.ie W: www.uvalue.ie

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Floor Screed

EASY SCREED As the longest established liquid floor screeding company in Ireland, Easyscreed are the sole suppliers and nationwide installers of Easy Screed.

he vastly experienced site and office staff have dealt with the installation of over 200,000 mÂ˛ throughout Ireland. They are the market leaders in liquid floor screed installations in Ireland offering a professional, reliable and quality service every time. An Irish owned company, offering advice and expertise to architects, builders, home-owners, the underfloor heating industry, timber frame manufacturers, pre-fabricated building systems and the renovation market. Easy Screed is a self-levelling liquid, natural floor screed. A fast, efficient alternative to traditional sand and cement floor screed, Easy Screed is designed for smoothing and levelling floors before installation of the final floor finishes. Easy Screed is made from a blend of the highest quality materials available combining a mix of sand, water and an alpha-hemihydrate calcium

sulphate binder agent. It contains no cement and therefore eliminates many problems generally associated with traditional floor screeds. Because of its unique high-strength properties, Easy Screed is poured in a much thinner layer than traditional screeds, from just 10mm when used for floor levelling and between 35mm and 50mm with underfloor heating. Easy Screed is a CE certified product, conforming to DIN EN 13454. Advanced Pumping Technology Easy Screed is mixed and pumped on your site, producing only the amount you require. The compact mixer allows access to difficult locations. The machine is parked on-site and a hose run-in to the area being screeded, with minimal disruption to site. Easy Screed use their own Irish manufactured pumps, which they also manufacture for export to the UK and European markets.

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Floor Screed

Under Floor Heating When traditional cement screeds are used with underfloor heating they need to be a minimum of 75mm to try to prevent cracking in the floor when the heat is turned on. With this depth of screed, you essentially turn the underfloor heating into storage heating, which takes a long time to heat-up and cool-down and is therefore difficult to control. Easy Screed is a pumped thin floor screed system, poured at a minimum of 35mm up to a maximum of 50mm, based on German best practice. As a thin screed system it allows the floor to heat up fast and cool down when needed. Easy Screed has a lower thermal mass than traditional concrete screeds and heats quicker. Therefore, it takes less time and energy to get a room to the required temperature. Once the desired temperature is reached, it is far easier to maintain with Easy Screed. In an era where energy has become expensive, the benefits of using thin floor screeds with underfloor heating are now more important than ever before. Energy Efficiency - Building Energy Rating Materials with a low thermal mass inside a dwelling are favoured in the DEAP Software, which is used to calculate and assess the energy performance of a dwelling, which is in turn used to produce Building Energy Rating (BER) certificates, under new legislation. EcoScreed - Helping the environment Easy Screed uses a specially formulated binder which is made from recycled materials and meets the highest environmental standards. If you have a self build project and would like to know more, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact Easy Screed Ph: 01-837 3555 www.easyscreed.ie Email: Gerry.beades@gmail.com

162 Richmond Road Fairview, Dublin 3

What is Easy Screed? EasyScreed is a self-levelling liquid, natural floor screed, alternative to traditional sand and cement screeds. Designed for smoothing and leveling floors before installation of the final floor finishes, Easy Screed is made from the highest quality natural materials available in Europe.

For more information, please give us a call +353 (01) 837 3555

Email: gerry.beades@gmail.com

Web: www.easyscreed.ie Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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Interior Design

nterior Stylist Carla Benedetti reimagined her Victorian home on Tritonville Road in Sandymount, County Dublin into a smart living and working space with a long garden and views to the Aviva Stadium over the last five years; having bought the house for €750,000 the property is now valued at €1.7 million. Benedetti loved the original features and big west-facing garden of the two-storey over-basement period redbrick and wiith Paul Sinnott of Stewart and Sinnot Architects, she set about turning it into an on-trend home with lots of smart looking living and working space. “I love Sandymount and both lived and worked there for 10 years prior to moving into this house in 2010,’’ revealed Ms Benedetti. “The house was across the road from where I worked and I had been looking for over three years for one (a house of this type). It was (the house) a project just waiting to be realised despite needing to be gutted and completely refurbished. It had great potential, a really nice aspect and the garden was a generous size for a city centre pad. “It also retained some of its original features back to when it was built in 1860, so after a lot of figure crunching to see what was the best way I could restore it, I spent 10 months with the builders in getting it to a stage that it could be lived in,’’ she added. “It was and is a big undertaking to take on renovating an old period house especially if and when it requires more than cosmetic work. In saying that, the proportions to this house were just fantastic to work with and the original period features lend an elegance that when juxtaposed with modern architecture and vintage design pieces, create something really

special. “The house was a huge labour of love and like any house it is difficult to get everything exactly right without living in it for sometime and this is the difficulty with buying and moving into any house before living in it,’’ said Carla. “I have changed the interiors over the last five years as I got to know exactly what I wanted for certain rooms and as I acquired new pieces. The beauty of working as a designer is the daily access to new ideas and pieces that you can integrate into your own home. I also brought clients to the house to see what they could do to their homes, which also afforded me the opportunity to change (my house) too.’’ Throughout there is evidence of Carla’s credo; to reinvent, reimagine and repurpose. In the large open plan kitchen and double height sitting room there is a lounge area that she has screened off from the home office, where she runs her graphic design company Design Etc, by covering the metal-frame doors in leopardprint hide. While most of the house is light and airy she has opted for a dark and moody colour scheme here. It is a theme that she also exploits in other rooms. In this room the underlit stairs up to hall level add illumination. The made-to-measure kitchen units by Rhatigan and Hick have pale basalt countertops. A sliding door, made from raw scaffolding planks, another Carla-ism, conceals a storage room. The niches in the sitting room wall provide repositories for books and objects and draw the eye upwards. “The kitchen area is probably my favourite part of the house. It has a double height ceiling which makes it pretty special. I like the rooms overlooking the kitchen which also look out

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Interior Design

CARLA BENEDETTI

PERIOD HOME

When Carla bought her home she paid €750,000, the house is now worth €1.7 million. She spent the last five years turning it into the house of what dreams are made of...

“The beauty of working as a designer is the daily access to new ideas.” Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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Interior Design

onto the garden and get great afternoon and evening sun,’’ revealed Carla. Originally from County Roscommon but living in Dublin, she studied Visual Communications in DIT to Masters level followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning and teaching before embarking on a brief career teaching design whilst setting up her own business. Ms Benedetti’s work currently crosses over between the field of visual communications, styling and interior work. The garden is 21m long and the patio area cleverly incorporates some ceramic tiles that mimic the look of timber decking. The raised lawn is big enough to kick a ball around. There is a second office on the hall return. The room is open to the kitchen below. Upstairs the entrance hall has lovely original plasterwork and there are matching fireplaces in the fine interconnecting reception rooms. In the sitting room to the rear, the original window has been removed to open it to the level below. The room on the hall return has been turned into a luxurious bathroom with a free-standing tub and a large separate shower that has been lined in encaustic tiles. Upstairs on the first floor there are two bedrooms. The master overlooks the garden. From it you can see the Aviva Stadium. Extending the depth of the house it includes a walk-in wardrobe and a naturally lit en suite bathroom. “My inspiration for the house and its interiors comes from research, reading interior blogs, a firm favourite is Remodelista- I collect tonnes of design books and often spend my free time walking around Town and seeing the crop of really exciting shops and restaurants that have pushed the boat out in terms of design,’’ imparted Ms Benedetti. “I also love visiting London and find it a really inspiring place to breathe

in the hive of design talent that is on every street corner in the city. I have worked in design for close to 20 years and I use my experience and an innate sense of style to guide my design decisions. It also helps when it’s your own project and that the only limits are your imagination and how you can make it work for you. “My passion is interiors and in this house, the commitment to design really demonstrated how much value good interiors can place on a house. It’s a really enjoyable process to take a house in bad disrepair and to restore it to a level that it looks completely different to what it was. Every element of design was considered and I think this is reflected in the time I invested in the house,’’ said Carla. “It was great to be included as a featured home on the RTÉ programme ‘Home of the Year’ earlier this year. All of the houses were extremely different and it couldn’t have been an easy task to pick an overall winner. “I wasn’t a bit disappointed not to win the show as from an interior’s perspective, I felt the house featured very strongly and I think this is how the judges rated it too. They used really favourable comments such as ‘the interiors was a confident design statement’ ‘so cool’ ‘being blown away’ ‘and ‘how my personality shone through.’ This is a strong acclaim of my work on national television so I was pretty happy with that,’’ she added. “I often used the house to demonstrate ideas and how colours and styles work together so it was a great opportunity to showcase my ideas to people who viewed the show and for my clients. “It’s great when people say nice things about what I’ve done to the house. Ultimatley it’s a true reflection of my style and what I can do so of course it feels good that people appreciate that,’’ enthused Carla.

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Interior Design

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Benedetti loved the original features and big west-facing garden.â&#x20AC;?

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Regulations Feature

Builders Of One-Off Homes

CAN OPT OUT OF REGULATIONS One-off homes and house extensions will be exempt from regulations introduced just last year to prevent shoddy building work, it has been confirmed.

he Government announced that from September just gone these properties will not be subject to a formal sign-off from a building professional to ensure they are built in line with the building code. However, they will be subject to inspection from local authorities, according to Planning and Housing Minister Paudie Coffey. The regulations, introduced in May 2014, will also be extended to local authority housing developments and will be required for all multi-unit developments comprising two or more units. The move to exempt one-off homes comes amid concerns that the cost of inspecting a property was too expensive, with suggestions that complying with the regulations costs up to €16,000, and was adding considerably to building costs. Last year, some 5,171 homes - almost half the total constructed in Ireland - were one-off. “I am satisfied that the new arrangements will level the playing field for individuals and families planning to build or extend their own home,” Mr Coffey said. “They will no longer be held to ransom by excessive quotes for design and completion certificates. Owners who wish to invest in statutory certification may of course continue to do so and I believe many will do so where reasonable and affordable prices can be obtained.” Under existing regulations, each home under construction is obliged to be inspected by an “assigned certifier” - which includes an architect, engineer or quantity surveyor - to ensure that building regulations are complied with. If a problem arose, the certifier was held legally responsible. However, the regulations will be changed from September, exempting one-off homes and extensions. At the same time, however, a rigorous inspection regime will be rolled out in the local authorities to prevent a re-occurrence of the Priory Hall development, which had to be abandoned on fire safety grounds. Property owners may be asked to demonstrate that what they have built is in line with the regulations, and these homes will be subject to inspection. At least 15pc of all new builds, including one-off units, housing developments and commercial buildings, will be inspected - including those funded by local authorities, which are currently exempt.

Education courses will also be developed to allow people become assigned certifiers. The move comes despite industry sources cautioning against removing the requirement, given that so many one-off homes eventually come back on to the market. The lack of certification means that the purchasers of these properties might not be afforded the same protection as someone buying a home in a development. The regulations, introduced in March of last year by Minister for the Environment Mr Alan Kelly’s predecessor, Phil Hogan, required builders to have assigned certifiers – registered architects, engineers or building surveyors – inspect building works during construction and certify that a finished building complied with building standards. Mr Kelly said the inspections system imposed too great a cost burden on builders of single homes and “outlandish” fees were being sought by certifiers. “Nobody who invests in their own home would spend money on substandard work, but people should not have to pay at inflated rates for excessive inspection services,” he said.

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Regulations Feature

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, some 5,171 homes - almost half the total constructed in Ireland - were one-off.â&#x20AC;?

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Passive Home

A PASSIVE HOME Is Within Reach For Us All

Seen by many as costly, out of reach and for the elite. Michael Bennett Group is challenging that surmise with his new development of passive homes in Enniscorthy

Grange Lough, Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford

ichael Bennett Group are not new to the area of building passive homes. Back in 2010 they built Grange Lough at Rosslare Strand, Co Wexford. This was the first fully certified passive home development in Ireland. A certified passive house is not only built to a rigorous thermal specification but it is also constructed in a highly cost effective manner taking advantage of the latest materials, technologies and processes. The new development under construction is Maderia Oaks in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford and is a development of 12 passive homes at affordable prices. According to Michael Bennett “This new development represents exciting times and a progressive move forward in the provision of affordable low energy housing. I have always tried to maintain my connection with the market when undertaking new projects and I believe that the market is not only in need of

but also ready for truly sustainable housing. These houses will provide the buyer, with a choice of what way they wish to live. I am proud to say that I believe I am providing a viable option for buyers who prioritise reduced running costs and financial outlay.” Before we take a closer look at the passive house scheme in Enniscorthy we’ll have a quick overview of the Rosslare Strand development. This unique development delivered running costs for heating and hot water in the region of €550 per annum which is a fraction of the budget for a traditional home of similar size. The passive design employed at Grange Lough took home comforts to a new level with controlled fresh air all year round and a completely draughtfree interior. Indeed, it is widely recognised that the sympathetic nature of passive design is an important catalyst for stress-free living. Entering a passive home for the first time will strike the unwary with an immediate

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Passive Home

sense of well-being, vitality and tranquillity. Insulation is a key element of passive homes and Grange Lough was no exception. The exterior envelope - consisting of external walls, ground floor slab and attic ceiling - is bulwarked against all kinds of weather. Performance was two and a half times better than insulation regulations. And this would not have been possible without bespoke triple glazed doors and windows sourced locally from Munster Joinery. The design also placed new demands on timber-frame construction techniques and these have been fully addressed thanks to a close working relationship with Shoalwater. There was fanatical attention even to the smallest details which might compromise the overall insulation performance. This even extends to plumbing and electrical works, particularly at the external interfaces. All the local partners and sub-contractors took a keen interest in this flagship project putting in time and resources far beyond their original remit. A welcome by-product of exceptional insulation is the level of sound-proofing in the finished home which adds significantly to the overall comfort level. Passive houses also rely on optimal orientation to the sun, with a carefully calculated window area facing south while smaller and fewer windows are present on north-facing walls. Because of the closed system, internal heat gains from domestic appliances also play a part in keeping the house at a natural design temperature of approximately 20 degrees Celsius. An efficient heat recovery ventilation system constantly recycles fresh air from outside meaning that the cumbersome habit of opening and closing windows is relegated to a bygone era. Other eco-friendly technologies such as solar panels also play their part in reducing bills, increasing comfort levels and giving these homes an exceptionally low carbon footprint. And serving a uniquely Irish requirement, an efficient and low-maintenance wood-burning inset stove is the focal point of the living/ dining room. Certification Apart from the standard Homebond certification and the statutory BER Energy Rating, Grange Lough was also certified by the Passive House Institute in Germany. This imposes a rigid framework throughout the construction cycle from preliminary design to final fit. The evolution of the initial concept was always constrained by complex energy calculations which would not have been possible without special-purpose software. And once the first foundations were laid, rigorous checks, counter checks and audits ensure continual compliance culminating in eventual certification Award Grange Lough was the overall winner of the Isover Energy Efficiency Awards for 2011.

PROJECT DETAILS Developer: Michael Bennett & Sons Timber frame manufacturer: Shoalwater Timber Frame Ltd Design: Seamus Mullins & Co. Passive house certification: MosArt Airtightness testing: GreenBuild Energy Rating & Building Information Services Ltd Windows & doors: Munster Joinery Insulation: Moy Isover Stove: Stovax MVHR Supply: Pure Renewable Energy Ltd Central vacuum system: Beam Vacuum and Ventilation Solar panel supplier: Igneus Ltd Consulting engineer (external works): Niall Barry & Co Ltd Structural engineer: Arthur Murphy & Co Consulting Engineers Permeable paving: Kilsaran Group

PROJECT OVERVIEW Location: Rosslare, Co Wexford Building: Passive residential development, first of eight houses, 168m2 Building method: Timber frame BER: A3 Space heating demand: 10 kWh/m2/yr (PHPP) Primary energy demand (hot water, heating, household electricity): 83 kWh/m2/a Airtightness: 0.51 ACH at 50 Pa or 0.53 m3/hr/m2 at 50 Pa Walls: 20mm sand/cement render, 100mm block, ventilated cavity with wall tie, 100 micron breather membrane, 10mm Panelvent, 220mm Stud with 220mm Metac insulation, Intello diffusion open airtight membrane, 90mm service cavity with Metac Insulation, 12.5mm skimmed plaster board Windows: triple-glazed uPVC Munster Joinery Future Proof windows with 2 panes of soft coat low-e glass, two argon filled cavities, two warm edge spacer bars Sloped roof: cement slate, tiling battens on counter battens, Solitex roofing membrane joints taped, 280mm Metac Insulation TC 0.034, Intello diffusion open airtight membrane, 90mm service cavity with Metac Insulation TC 0.034, 12.5mm skimmed plaster board Flat ceiling: 450mm glass wool insulation U-values: floor 0.121 W/m2K, external wall 0.128 W/m2K, sloped ceiling 0.11 W/m2K, flat ceiling 0.088 W/m2K, windows 0.8W/m2K (whole window U-value) Ventilation: Paul Novus 300 MVHR system Solar panels: Kloben direct flow evacuated tube CPC panels

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Insulation is a key element of passive homes.â&#x20AC;? Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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Passive Home

Maderia Oaks, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford This new development of passive houses by Michael Bennett Group comes to the market at €170,000. Bear in mind that price may rise for the later built properties to reflect market valuations but best to direct your enquiries to Michael Bennett Group on 053-938 8651. Whether you’re interested in one of these properties to purchase or for ideas and information on your own passive house project, read on. The Basics Floor Area per Unit is 1,100 sq. ft (102sq.m) 2 storey, 3 bedroom, Semi-detached. Certified Passive House BER Rating of A2 Homebond Guarantee Scheme The Benefits Passive dwellings comply fully with the Passive House standards of very high thermal efficiency, quality of build, high comfort levels, and low running costs. The annual cost of heating these houses, including the heating of all necessary hot water will be in the region of €200.00 per year, making these houses become completely affordable to first time buyers. The money saved

can be used to pay property tax and water charges with a consider amount left to go against the mortgage. Comfort levels are delivered by insuring a constant internal air temperature 21°C throughout the dwelling over a full 24 hour period each day. Limited variance occurs in room temperature, and because the whole house is at the one temperature annoying draughts are eliminated to undetectable levels. The Science All the incoming fresh air supply is controlled mechanically to give a minimum eight complete air changes per day, and is warmed up by the heat from the outgoing stale air. So heat is being reused continuously, and is not lost to the atmosphere as is the case with a conventional house. Uncontrolled ventilation caused by varying external wind speeds through openings in the external wall, or a window left open unintentionally is therefore eliminated. Each house is constructed to fully Certified Passive House standards. The certificate for each will issue on completion of the building works, having been designed using PHPP calculations software. For internal fitment information or any other queries please contact a member of the team at www.bennett.ie or on 053-938 8651

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Passive Home

SPECIFICATION

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Excavations & Foundations Remove min. 225mm thick layer of topsoil and store for re-use. Over-site excavation to levels as shown and cart material off site. Concrete strip foundations to Engineer’s design and specification. External Walls Consists of 100mm thick external block/part brick outer leaf, 50mm thick cavity, and an insulated timber frame inner leaf. The entire insulated envelope shall comply with certified passive house standards. Lintels & cills to blockwork outer leaf - pre-cast prestressed concrete. Lintels to brickwork outer leaf – combined brick and galv. steel support angle. External Wall – Ext. & Int. Plaster & Decoration External render to be 3:1 sand / cement scud coat and float, and finish coat 1:2:3 sand/cement/lime, plaster finish to blockwork external wall, & quality external emulsion paint. One layer of plaster board fixed to service cavity swd. battens on vapour control layer to inside face of timber frame structure and finished with hardwall plaster & quality internal magnolia emulsion paint. Roof Selected concrete tiles with matching ridge tiles on treated battens on sarking felt on pre-fabricated roof trusses on treated swd. wall plate. Provide PVC fascia and soffit, gutters and downpipes throughout. Insulation laid between ceiling joist. Sanitary & Wall Tiling White sanitary ware to be provided to all ensuites, W.C’s, and bathrooms. Provide White tile splash backs to kitchen / utility room units, & bath. Fully tile walls of shower enclosures with white tiles. Mechanical The house will have supplementary space heating where necessary, in conjunction with a mechanical heat recovery ventilation system, hot water generation, and roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels. Ground Floor & First Floor 150mm power floated concrete slab floor on polystyrene insulation under entire slab & upturned at edges on 1200 gauge visqueen d.p.m., on 225mm min. well compacted & blinded hardcore, all to Engineer’s design and specification. Timber first floor posi joists all to Engineer design. Internal Partition Walls, Internal Plaster & Decoration Load Bearing / Non load bearing - 150mm or 100mm. thick swd. timber frame construction, full filled with rockwool sound insulation in Grd. Floor Toilet, Utility Room, Main Bathroom and En-Suite. One layer of plaster board to both sides of all swd. timber frame internal partition walls, skim finish & internal magnolia emulsion paint. Ceilings Ground Floor - plaster board to underside of timber floor joists and skim finish hardwall, & white internal emulsion paint. Upper Floor - hardwall skim on plaster board fixed to service cavity swd. battens on vapour control layer to underside of swd ceiling joists, & white emulsion paint. Doors, Windows and Joinery Selected triple glazed uP.V.C. windows. Panelled internal doors and swd. Frames to be used throughout and finished with white oil paint. External doors and frames to be uP.V.C. Moulded swd. skirtings & architraves to be used throughout and finished with white oil paint. Air tight attic hatch. Softwood stair & balusters.

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Roofing

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or centuries, slate roofing has been desired for its durability and beauty. British Board of Agrément (BBA)-certified TapcoSlate combines this with practicality and enhanced performance for a beautiful roof that won’t break or delaminate. It is the ideal product for conservatories, new build, self-build and refurbishment, and comes with a 40-year warranty. Lightweight, TapcoSlate can be used on pitches upwards of 14 degrees, is easy to install with a nail gun or hammer, and can be cut with a fine-toothed saw or sharp utility knife. Overall roof costing is very competitive; experienced roofers claim at least a 20% time saving on installation. TapcoSlate has pre-marked nailing areas, pitch exposure guides, and horizontal spacers to ensure an accurate, fast and even installation – no time-consuming sorting, clipping, drilling, and very little wastage. Total dry-fix roof accessories include mechanically-fixed ridge caps, the RidgeMaster roof ventilating system, slate vents, and dry verge. New for 2015: TapcoSlate now has BBA accreditation for use on roofs as low as 14.5 degree pitches using felt and batten only (previously fully-boarded roofs were stipulated at these low pitches). • • • • • • • • • •

Lightweight – as low as 12kg per sq metre. Can be used on roof pitches as low as 14 degrees. Authentic slate appearance – combines the beauty of slate with modern technology. Easy to install with pre-marked nailing and exposure guides and spacers. Easily cut with a fine-toothed saw or sharp utility blade. No breakages – TapcoSlate® will not crack, split or break when cut, dropped, or walked upon. Random edges and patterns with constant colour throughout. Built in camber for tighter fit. No sorting, clipping, or drilling prior to roof loading. 40-year warranty. Fully tested to BBA Standards, including fire rating, wind, driven snow & rain, and water absorption.

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TapcoShake – the height of innovation TapcoShake is a maintenance-free synthetic roof shake/shingle, with none of the notorious rotting that natural cedar often regularly shows. Instead, the roof is extremely durable and fire risk is minimised with our top-level Class A fire resistance, especially noteworthy for communities prohibiting cedar roofs or requiring Class A roofing systems. TapcoShake’s proprietary finishing delivers delicate shade variations with authenticity that is harmonious and natural to the eye. Our shakes’ sublime, unified colour is factory-collated along with the correct proportions of our 10” (254mm), 7.5” (190mm) and 5” (127mm) shake widths to give you the ideal shake roof. For any enquiries please contact: www.tapcoroofingproducts.com Email: international@tapcoint.com Tel: 01482 880478

“It is the ideal product for conservatories, new build, self-build and refurbishment.” Home & Build Autumn 2015

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The Perfect Builder

6 Easy Tips To Choose

THE PERFECT BUILDER Selecting the perfect builder is crucial for any individual looking to invest in real estate. You need to make sure that your builder can not only deliver quality but also ensure timely completion. Read on to discover 6 tips to choose the perfect builder.

etting your new home constructed can be both an overwhelming and exciting experience. With so many builders in the market today, making the right choice can be confusing for a first time self builder in Ireland. Choosing the right builder is definitely a key step in the journey to acquiring your dream home and a wrong decision can lead to some major financial losses or an endless wait. 6. Here are some easy steps to help you select that perfect builder: 1. Defining and Understanding Your Needs: Before you start your search for a reliable builder, you must analyse your requirements and make a decision on what your needs really are. A great way to start this process would be to define your layout and space requirements. Follow this up with a budget and shortlist all the builders who meet your requirements. 2. Reliability: The credibility of a builder is of great importance. Do some internet research to gauge your builder’s success rate with old projects. Get in touch with existing customers and find out how their experience has been. Some self build projects fail miserably because of possession delays so make sure you find out how punctual a builder is with their projects. 3. Appreciation of Value: If you can do a quick calculation on the resale value of the builders earlier projects, you can get an insight about how good your return on investment might be. If the builders previous projects have had a steady rate of appreciation, it signifies that your money is in good hands. This particular factor is quite vital for those purchasing a site and then builder exclusively as an investment. 4. Transparency: It’s crucial to check that the property has all its relevant approvals and paperwork in place. If your builder isn’t completely transparent with you, do not, under any circumstances, enter into an agreement with them. 5. Experience: You should go for a builder who has relevant experience

in projects that resemble the kind of home that you’re looking for. If the builder has specialised in commercial projects, he may not be the right choice for constructing residential buildings. If you have specific design requirements, go for a builder who has expertise in customised homes. Opting for a builder who doesn’t specialise in any kind of property type can lead to an ordinary residence on your part. Financial Stability: Do your due diligence. Do check the company’s financial situation if possible. If the firm has a lot of debts and has not repaid its loans, stay far away from their projects.

A lot of time, energy and money go into property investments. Don’t compromise when it comes to finding yourself the perfect home and make sure that you’ve found yourself the right builder.

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The Perfect Builder

“The credibility of a builder is of great importance.” Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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Eaton Family Home

THE EATON FAMILY HOME Castletown, Celbridge

The Eaton family home in Kildare may be nostalgic but most importantly it’s ‘home’

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Eaton Family Home

rom the outside, the Eaton family home in Castletown Estate in Celbridge, County Kildare looks like any other normal red brick semidetatched house in this estate but when the front door is opened and you step inside; you soon realise that looks are decieving as this family home is a mindfulness of colour, fun, quirkiness and a throwback to the 1970’s. The Eaton family is made of up father and husband, Ger, Susann and their two children: daughter, Jude (13) and son, Bowie (9). Whilst hairstylist and musician, Ger and his wife have a similar taste in fashion and music; Mr Eaton in particular loves to shop around Ireland and abroad for original pieces for their home. The family love that each piece in their home has its own story, such as the 1966 turquoise suite which came from the American Embassy in Dublin which was sold in a shop of Francis’ Street which has since closed down. Each room in the house is a-blaze with colour and a large dose of quirkiness due to Ger Eaton’s trailblazing around various shops in Dubin throughout the last number of years as well as friends and family giving him stuff they no longer want. The only rooms in the house which are slighlty more reserved than their counterparts are the downstairs bathroom, Ger and Susann’s bedroom which is a mindful of peace and serenity, the main bathroom with a stunning stained glass window which reflects on to the mezanine. The children’s bedrooms are mainly cream walls with their own personal touches including some One Direction posters on the walls of Jude’s bedroom. “We would have moved to Celbridge about 15 years ago and the reason we moved here was because the house was what was affordable to us to be honest. We would have been living in Templeogue before moving here and my folks still live there now,’’ explained Mr Eaton. “There would have been other places closer to Dublin that were in or around the same price as this house but they were not

as nice so thought that we would rather buy somewhere (a house) that was nice and not worry about the commute into Dublin where I work and so forth. In fairness it is not the worst commute. “I’m from originally from Rialto and then we would have moved to Templeogue when I was about 15 until we moved to Celbridge so I will always have a great fondness for Templeogue and Rialto,’’ he added. Since moving into the house in 2000, over the last 15 years a lot of work has been to the house to transform it from a ‘fine’ and ‘liveable’ house to what it is today. “When we moved into the house, it was fine and liveable; it was somebody’s elses taste. Initally we, like a lot of people do when they move into a place we neutralised everything and painted the rooms white or close to white and found our own kind of space with everything and then slowly we started to go somewhere else with the house and then it became a bit of a mission for myself anyway to try and source stuff for the house. “We started off with a few pieces, there was a vintage shop that used to be in Camden Street opposite the Bleeding Horse Pub and it is gone now but they used to sell furniture and stuff and that is the first place that we bought a couple of things in and that started the whole thing. “To be honest, I didn’t realise that stuff was go ‘gettable’ from this era. I always loved the fashion of the 1960’s and the 1970’s, I never thought about sourcing furniture and things like that until I was in that shop that day and I realised that the stuff was still around and that it existed and that was the light bulb moment,’’ he explained. “There is a sputnic light upstairs in the mezanine, a little 1970’s tiled table, a space age 1970’s orange floor lamp and they were the three things that were the beginning of the changes to the house or the ‘starting point.’ From then on, there was a lot of searching for stuff on the Internet, especially for the original stuff like the wallpapers which were sourced from Holland; pretty much everything that we have in the house is original.

Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Donol Moloney & Emer Kelly

“Each room in the house is a-blaze with colour and a large dose of quirkiness.”

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Eaton Family Home

“I always loved the fashion of the 1960’s and the 1970’s.” “Even musically myself and Susann both like music from the 1960’s and I suppose the house and our image is an extension of that.’’ Having added on an extension to the existing house approximately seven years ago, the kitchen is a place that they were ‘lucky’ with reveals Ger. “We were really lucky with the kitchen because we knew the kitchen was going to be one of the big parts of the extension and we actually sourced the kitchen units in a shop in Temple Bar who stocked old vintage units. “I saw the units in one of the supplements that comes with the newspapers and there was a small picture of them (units) and they mentioned a 1950’s kitchen and my initial reaction to it was that they were remade versions and I couldn’t believe that they were the originals having read the small article on them. “When I went into the shop and saw them I knew that they were the units that I wanted and they’re from the 1959 period and at the time because we were building at the time, we were able to build to fit. It would have been harder to fit them in had it been an existing house but we were able to sort of build the dimensions around the units,’’ he said. “Getting the house to where it is now was a gradual process and we had started working on the house long before we decided to build the extension. The house has been the way it is now for the last number of years and it might have taken us maybe four or five years in total to get it the way it is, I wouldn’t be too sure. “Working on the house was absolutely a ‘labour of love’ and I suppose it wasn’t hard work for me really, if you are enjoying doing something then it isn’t hard work so it wouldn’t have been a chore to come home and do the likes of the decor, tiling, painting and wallpapering myself. “I would be coming home from work or a gig and I would try to spend a few hours doing whatever but it never felt like ‘Oh God, I have to this’ I was wanting to do it and I was enjoying doing it and I enjoyed seeing it finished so it wasn’t difficult,’’ revealed a smiling, Ger Over recent times, the house has garnered a lot of attention from both the media and the public and earlier this year, the house appeared the RTÉ television programme ‘Home of the Year.’ Home & Build Autumn 2015

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Eaton Family Home

“We were in the Sunday Independent newspaper for a segment called ‘my favourite room’ or something like last October or November and then there was a photographer called Donal Moloney who contacted me to see if he could do a shoot here in the house for a bank, he did that and he liked the vibe in the house and he said that he wanted to come back to the house and take some shots of the house and have me in them and I think it was a combination of those shots and the article that the producers of the show had seen on the likes of Broadsheet and so forth and that is how they contacted us when it came to going on the show. “I enjoyed doing the show and I am really comfortable with camera’s and all of that sort of stuff but Susann would admit that she would find that a little bit more stressful. The show was fun because we had two days of filming one with us and then one with judges here on their own so it was two days of inconvenience and then the final was recorded in Carton House in Maynooth which was good. I genuinely did think that the show was fun,’’ said Mr Eaton. “Since the show, a good few people have come up to me and said how ‘deadly’ the house is. The weirdest one of those incidents was when I was going for lunch in Town one of the days I was working and I was walking on to Aungier Street and there was a Guard in the middle of writing a ticket for someone and in the midst of that, he spotted me and complimented the house so that would have to be the funniest one yet because he was actually on duty and in the middle of doing something nasty, he complimented the house. The house is totally retro.’’ “When we were approached to do the show, obviously we took a few days to think about it and we spoke about it as a couple and the kids were dying to do it but the producers of the show did say that judges would be coming in and that they were going to be critiquing the house and it might not all be positive and that they might not like certain things and I did think about that side of

things and it didn’t really bother me because I’ve had that sort of mindset with anything that I do whether it be music that I make, clothes that I like to wear or whatever. You get reaction to whatever it is you do especially if it is a little bit different. “Years ago I had people throw things at me from their car when I was standing at bus stops because they didn’t like what I was wearing and stuff; that actually makes me smile and I like it if I’ve got a reaction from somebody. So if somebody really doesn’t like something to do with me, the house or whatever it might be, I know that they are not my type of person and it isn’t that I wouldn’t say hello to them, they just won’t be invited around for a cup of tea and that is fine with me,’’ said Ger. As mentioned in the introduction, there is a story behind every item in their house. An old black and white television sits on a corner shelf in the kitchen which belonged to an uncle of Ger’s mother, with the colour television in the sitting room coming from Mr Eaton’s family home, as well as Susann’s deceased father’s bicycle hanging on the mezanine above the sitting room. The bicycle is sentimental for a number of reasons not only was it Mrs Eaton’s fathers but it was also the bike that she used to cycle her children to school on. “There are five in my family and I am the only one that has this taste to this level so nobody is objecting if I want to take the old television,’’ said a laughing Ger. Having an obvious passion in his eye when he speaks about the house and what everything in the house means to him, is there anything that he would change about it? “Personally for me I would get rid of the dishwasher because I absolutely hate dishwashers and I would get rid of ours in a heartbeat because dishwashers and vintage delph and plates are just not meant to live together.’’

“You get reaction to whatever it is you do especially if it is a little bit different.”

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Eaton Family Home

With an array of objects in every room of the house to choose from, does Mr Eaton have any favourites? “I do have favourite objects and I suppose my favourite room in the house would be the main sort of sitting/ living room just beside the kitchen that was also a part of the extension. It would be my favourite room because of the wood panelling and the height of the roof in there. “I love the big 1970’s bed on the mezanine floor, it is very space age! I love the bar in the main living/ sitting room which Susann doesn’t like, the bar is very kitch,’’ said Ger. “I just love the house the way it is now and a lot of the stuff that we would have here would be stuff that would be in your grandparents house or whatever and some of the stuff has come from friends of ours whose grandparents have sadly passed away and the house is being cleared out and

the stuff is going to be gotten rid of or whatever.’’ Having added on an extension to the house, space is still an issue for the family. “I would love to have more space because I have an awful lot of instruments and old keyboards that are all stored away in different places and that saddens me a bit that I don’t have the space to just set up somewhere here to go and play them. ‘’I don’t know if the house will stay like this (the way it is now) forever though. I’m mid 40’s now and if I move forward 20 years, this stuff will be rarer and harder to find so I guess they will become more valuable but I don’t think I will ever want to live in a plain, boring house,’’ he added. “To me this house is; nostalgic, fun, psychedelic, quirky but most importantly home.’’

“Working on the house was absolutely a labour of love”. Home & Build Autumn 2015

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Eaton Family Home

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Flogas LPG

Former Kerry GAA legend

‘SIGNS’ FOR FLOGAS LPG Former Kerry football star Darragh Ó’Sé, one of the country’s most celebrated sporting legends, recently signed up to Flogas when he converted his family home’s heating system from oil to Flogas LPG.

arragh’s ten year old oil boiler at his detached family home near Tralee had become increasingly inefficient and expensive due to high running costs which urged him to look around for alternatives. Darragh said “As an auctioneer and property consultant, I keep an eye on any property trends. I had heard about the benefits of LPG as an alternative fuel to oil and knew of several Kerry homes that had made the successful transition from oil to gas so I decided to take a look at it for myself. “ Darragh availed of a free home visit and energy survey carried out by local Flogas sales representative Mike Murphy. He was pleasantly surprised by the proposed savings and increased fuel efficiencies and very quickly opted for the conversion. By installing a new 24kw LPG boiler in his home instead of another oil burner, it means Darragh is now using a cleaner burning fuel resulting in a longer boiler lifespan, lower carbon tax, increased efficiency and, crucially, a fuel supply that is secure and safe from theft. In addition, by becoming a Flogas LPG customer, Darragh received his first 1,200 litres completely free of charge. Flogas has also partnered with National Energy Assessors (NEA) who assisted in Darragh’s application for the SEAI grant of up to €700 for the installation of a new LPG boiler. The NEA also offered a preferential rate for a new upgraded BER cert that was

achieved by installing the new LPG boiler. Once the go-ahead was given, a concrete base was delivered on which the new Flogas tank would be placed. Flogas then arranged the supply and fit of the new tank by a registered gas installer with new heating controls that included zone heating. Darragh said “I am delighted with the results and I can’t believe how quick the water is to heat up and how instant it is. We now have unlimited amounts of hot water for showers and switching from electric cooking to more controllable gas cooking has been of great benefit to the family. I’m also very pleased to have a theft free fuel. “ Local Flogas sales representative Mike Murphy said, “Darragh now has economical central heating, zone heating and a telemetry top up system that ensures his home never runs out of LPG. By also opting for the Flogas Easy Payment Plan, Darragh has the comfort of paying a fixed amount each month which is ideal from a family budgeting perspective.” As an energy solutions specialist, Flogas can design and implement a complete turnkey solution for your home so why not avail of a no-obligation free survey from ourselves or our network of Flogas-approved and RGII/Gas Safe registered installers nationwide? We’ll analyse your existing energy costs and outline the benefits and savings you’ll enjoy by converting to Flogas LPG. Contact Flogas at 041-9831041 or info@flogas.ie

“By becoming a Flogas LPG customer, Darragh received his first 1,200 litres completely free of charge”

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Flogas LPG

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Why Self Build?

WHY SELF BUILD? If you like the idea of creating a home that suits you in terms of design, budget and lifestyle, then a self build project could be for you.

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Why Self Build?

“It gives you the opportunity to create a home that suits your lifestyle.”

ast year, over 5,000 people built their own house. These home makers come from all walks of life: young couples keen to get onto the housing ladder; families looking for more space; retirees wanting to downsize; DIYers looking for a project to sink their teeth into and the list goes on. Whatever your motivation for self building, the great news is that it’s a wonderfully accessible route to a new home – whether you’re a total novice or someone with plenty of experience in the construction sector. So just what makes self building such a great idea?

Choice & control We’re all familiar with the characterless new-build estates all across Ireland, populated with ever-smaller houses replete with averagequality finishes and gardens becoming smaller and smaller – but how many of us are actually happy living in such spaces? Developer-built houses are not necessarily poor products – they have to meet Building Regs and clearly people are buying them, but they’re often disappointing places to live,” Working to a design you’ve commissioned for your own plot means you can steer clear of the commercial pressures that often blight big developments.

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Why Self Build?

One of the great attractions of self building is that it gives you the opportunity to create a home that suits your lifestyle – and is ready to adapt to changes in your circumstances in the future. Perhaps you’re after a property for a new family that will also stand up to teenager’s demands, for example. Or maybe you need a single-storey ‘lifetime home’ that can take you into retirement but still provide plenty of space for guests to stay. Your home’s overall footprint will depend on your budget and what your local authority planning department is willing to permit, but once you’ve establish an overall size you’ll be free to decide which spaces are more important to you – and arrange your floorplan accordingly. Ultimately, self building gives you control over who designs your project, who builds it and where – if anywhere – compromises are made. Rather than relying on off-the-shelf options, you’ll be in the best possible position to tackle areas such as making best use of your plot, maximising views and natural light, achieving greater levels of comfort and energy-efficiency – and more besides. Budgeting & affordability Only a tiny minority of self builders get involved in projects of the scale we’re used to from TV shows such as Room To Improve. For the vast majority, it’s simply a cost-effective route to a good-quality home that’s tailored to their needs. Because you’re not operating to a profit margin, you can expect to get more for your money than you would by buying an equivalent developer-built home. Self building is one of the few activities where buying bespoke is more economical than purchasing the ready-made equivalent. Stamp Duty is a tax that you pay to the Government when you purchase Land or Property. Like it or not stamp duty is here to stay and it is something that should be brought into the equation when budgeting for you build. Stamp duty is charged on the instruments used in the transfer of property–

in other words, the conveyance documents that transfer ownership of the property. The only factor affecting the amount of stamp duty is the value of the property. It applies to residential property such as houses or apartments. It is also payable on land or housing sites without residential buildings. If your agreement to buy a site is linked to a construction contract, stamp duty may be payable on the full amount of the site plus the construction contract. You’ll also be at liberty to make the key decisions on where to spend and where to save. You might be willing to cut back on top-of-the-range kitchen cabinets and appliances in favour of upgrading insulation levels, for example. This kind of fabric-first approach is likely to add value to your home in the long run, while non-permanent features can always be updated if more funds become available in the future. Of course, if you’ve got the funds at your disposal, there’s nothing better than the blank canvas of a self build when it comes to investing in the bells and whistles. From the highest-quality workmanship to smart tech such as renewables and home automation, starting from scratch is the most straightforward and cost-effective way to attain top-spec features. Getting involved There’s still a perception among the general public that self building is the preserve of amateurs who want to try their hand at construction. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth ¬– you can choose exactly how involved you want to get with the process. If you have the time and skills to pour concrete foundations or lay your own bricks, then all well and good. But if you don’t, there’s nothing to fear – most self builders choose to take on the role of project manager, hiring contractors to take care of the skilled work and perhaps chipping in with occasional labour or at the decorating stages. Others commission an architect’s design

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Why Self Build?

and work with a single main contractor, or even take a back seat and allow a package company to complete the house on a ‘turnkey’ basis. All of these routes (and more) fall under the ‘self build’ bracket; you simply need to choose the option that best suits your circumstances. Whatever route you take, there are some key tasks that you’ll certainly have to tackle. First up are finding a plot, securing finance and setting a budget – you’ll need these things in place before you can move on to commissioning a design, obtaining planning permission and sourcing trades to build a home that satisfies Building Regulations. You’ll also need to decide who will project manage the build – whether you’ll be doing it yourself, having your designer take over or employing a specialist project manager, for example. The Big Picture Support for self build is growing. Following a review of S.I. No. 9 of 2014 after 12 months in operation, Minister Coffey has decided to make new amendment regulations that will remove the mandatory requirement for statutory certificates of compliance in respect of a new dwelling on a single unit development or a domestic extension. An owner, which includes self-builders, of such projects will be given the choice to opt out of statutory certification and may instead demonstrate by alternative means that they have met their general obligation to build in accordance with the minimum requirements of the building regulations. Additional guidance, including a Sample Preliminary Inspection Plan, will be published to assist with this process. Is It For Me? If you are thinking ‘it’s alright for some, but I could never do it’, you may be surprised to learn that people from all walks of life successfully self build their own homes. Don’t be put off by those spectacular self builds on TV either. For every ‘Room To Improve’ home there are hundreds of standard designs that become fantastic family homes. It’s funny how you rarely see an episode where a nice couple build a modest four-bedroom house on time and on budget without many problems. It will never make good TV because there’s no edge-of-the-seat jeopardy involved.

Apart from the usual suspects you’d expect to be self builders, you’ll find younger people priced out of the first-time buyers’ housing market building starter homes on side plots on their parents’ houses. Also, families desperate to move out of flats and inner city homes are finding land and building their dream homes with the luxury of gardens and somewhere to park the car. Retirees who have money tied up in large family homes where the children have moved on are selling up and downsizing to custom-built retirement homes and still having some additional capital left over to fund a happy retirement. In short, people from all walks of life can self build their way to their dream home. Autumn 2015 Home & Build

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International Home

Modern Country House

ON THE RIVER THAMES This substantial modern country house is set within twelve acres of elevated grounds on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire.

he layout of the house evolved from a simple diagram incorporating a protected centralised courtyard flanked by glazed single-aspect rooms affording magnificent countryside views, inspired by traditional country houses with adjoining stable yards. This line drawing evolved into a restrained plan of generouslyproportioned spaces surrounding a flint-walled inner-courtyard linked by galleried corridors faced with timber panelling and stone floors. The extensive contemporary flint-work used within the courtyard reinterprets the flint-work within the surrounding village, and in particular the medieval church that is within view of the property. The horizontal strips of render almost extend and reinforce the contours of the site when viewing the property from the river. The site is accessed via a pair of grand, Grade I Listed metal gates and a gravelled driveway leading to the central courtyard which is completely enclosed by the house and out-buildings.

Entry to the house itself is made by crossing an enclosed reflecting pool leading into a double height space, from here the building is predominantly glazed to face the far-reaching north-western views with terracing at each level. The gardens immediately adjacent to the house incorporate an infinity edged swimming pool and a tennis court, the landscaping follows a simple, semi-formal layout which leads on to the extensive grounds and opencountryside beyond. The planning authority requested a dwelling of architectural merit in order to replace the much smaller dwelling previously situated upon the site. A concrete structure was built up to and including first floor level with a steel frame above. The house became the first residence within the UK to incorporate a Cobiax slab at first floor level in order to achieve the extensive cantilevers inherent within the design

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International Home

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Entry to the house itself is made by crossing an enclosed reflecting poolâ&#x20AC;?

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SITES AND LAND

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Alasty Calendar Mill (Site) Athgoe (Site) Ardclough (Site) Turnings 1 Ballynakelly Cottages (FPP Site) Athgoe (Site)

Kill Celbridge Athgoe Straffan Straffan Newcastle Newcastle

1.3 Acres 0.08 Acres 2.0 Acres 0.75 Acres 5 Acre 0.21 Acre 1 Acre

€129,000 €298,000 €320,000 €140,000 €170,000 €260,000 €95,000

Newcastle - Celbridge - Blackrock Home & Build Autumn 2015

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