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Case Studies
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Page 6 of 6
The windows are low-e, argon filled and carry a certified U-value of 1.4 for the overall window and 1.1 for the glass
On that score, architect Martin Mulligan believes that the Friarshill
project exposes a training deficit in the industry. “Sometimes there
was an element of frustration on site, people saying, look this isn’t
the way we normally do it. Well, we’re not doing it to a normal
standard. Right now, the SEI run initiatives and various training
programmes for the consultants and the design industry. That’s fine,
but I think the contracting industry needs something similar. Why don’t
we run courses for contractors? Or contract managers, so they are
attuned to energy rating standards and the expectations of engineers,
architects and others, rather than throwing their hands up in the air
when they get onsite. You’ve got everybody else certified and up to
speed, but you do need the builder on board, understanding the
implications of air changes and ensuring insulation is correctly fitted
and that sort of thing. The small developer is not attuned with the
design industry’s expectations.”
The developer meanwhile is sanguine about the additional cost. “Nobody likes going over budget,” says Eric Wardrop, “but I prefer to make nothing on these and make a reputation than make a lot on these and end up with the same reputation as other builders.” And despite the difficulties encountered, everyone involved remains committed to this approach into the future. Builder Denis Guilfoyle says his experience would not stop him from tendering for a low energy job next time round. “That’s not necessarily saying I’d get it.” In the context of the current downturn in the industry, tendering can become a race to the bottom, and the person awarded the contract may well discover he’s priced away his profit. “I found the whole thing enjoyable...We need to get more familiar with these things. I honestly believe this whole energy thing is definitely the way we’re going to have to go. There’s definitely a market going to go on this route.”
“From now on,” Gillian Tyrrell concludes, “when somebody says to me we’re going to build a set of houses, we want them to have an energy rating of A3 or B1 or whatever, I’ll know what questions to ask at the start and I’ll keep probing until I get an answer.”
Project details
Architect: Martin Mulligan and Associates
Building contractor: Denis Guilfoyle Developments Ltd.
Energy Consultants: Envirobuild and Associates
Quantity Surveyor: Gillian Tyrell
Timber frame: Houlihan Timber Frame
Insulation: Kingspan Insulation
Heat recovery ventilation: Vent Axia and Pro Air
Solar thermal & PV: Glas
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John Hearne |
| About the author: |
| Freelance journalist John Hearne has contributed a diverse range of news and feature material to a range of Irish newspapers and magazines. Currently, he is a regular contributor to The Irish Examiner and The Irish Independent, where he writes on tourism, consumer affairs, business and careers.
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