they had deep frames standard double glazing unfortunately couldn’t be used due to weight so they chose a slim line version with krypton gas, instead of the usual argon. The house is now a C3 on the BER scale (theoretically at least, as the under floor insulation needs to be reinstated), which indicates roughly the same energy loss as what you could expect in a typical Irish house. “I’m still reeling from the rot experience. If I won the lotto I’d build a passive house!” But would she miss the centuries-old charm? Chances are, she just might… n Astrid Madsen House size: 180 sqm Site size: 350 sqm Year of construction: 1890 BER: From an E1 to a C3 Construction type: brick walls, two storey semi-d, finish red brick laid in Flemish bond
Energy Saving Case Study
The kitchen is at ground level and now benefits from underfloor heating.
List of retrofit measures with costs Before/After Cost Performance (including VAT at 13.5%) (U Value W/sqmK) Insulate suspended timber floor 58m2
0.65 / 0.17
€3,700
New ground floor under 0.73 / 0.15 floor insulated slad to return 38m2
€9,400
Retrofit slim double glazing to existing sashes (14 windows)
4.8 / 2.5
€9,000
Calcitherm Lining to walls of return 60m2
2.1 / 0.81
€13,250
Relocate boiler internally, New hot water cylinder & controls
€2,900
info The companies listed below provide products & services relating to this article. Architect Fergal McGirl MRIAI, Grade II Conservation Architect, Dublin 1, tel. 01 873 5441, www.fmgarchitects.ie Builder Steven Masterson/Wyckham Builders Ltd, Manor Kildbride, Co Wicklow, mobile 086 2523537 Remedial treatment Fintan Farrell Conservation Services, Dublin 12 and Co Wexford, tel. 01 4278333 / 053 9137630 / 087 1192740, www.ffcs.ie
Sash window double glazing MJ Duffy Ltd, Dundalk, Co Louth, tel. 042 937 1470 Insulation board for internal walls Calsitherm board supplied by Ecological Building Systems, www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com Photographer Paul Tierney Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Co Dublin www.paultierney.com
ROI calling NI: prefix with 048 NI calling ROI: prefix with 00353(0) www.SelfBuild.ie
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