Passive House
ahead. Fiona was fortunate enough to be able to proceed. This is a one-off
house although I have designed a terrace of three similar houses in the
village, two of which are for sale and yet to be constructed. All the houses I
design have passivhaus logic built-in, maximum solar gain and are tested
in special software to ensure they will perform as anticipated. Comfort and
performance are central to the passivhaus concept.
“Since setting up my practice in 2004, I have always appreciated the
passive house approach to construction, and initially strived unsuccessfully
through bad luck and inexperience to take early potentially passive projects
to completion. There are many interpretations of what kind of building is
most appropriate for addressing the environmental issues facing us,’’
continued Mr McNally.
Words: Emer Kelly Pics: Paul McNally Architects
“I have always appreciated the
passive house approach.”
35
“Essentially, a passive house is a building that is so energy efficient it
uses about 1/10th the energy of a conventional building so you save typically
€1,000 to €2,500 per year on heating costs (can equate to 10% off your total
annual sum of mortgage plus heating costs!), is completely draught-free,
always warm, fresh clean air, reduced noise infiltration and remember you
can open the windows at any time!
“Some people choose to place emphasis on the sourcing of materials,
on breathability, natural ventilation, recycled components, local materials
and avoiding certain substances, etc. The eco-village has a charter which
obliges all members to address these issues and more.
“I was fortunate enough to find in Fiona a client who had the intention
and means to get this project over the line. Fiona and I agreed that energy
Winter 2016 Home & Build
Winter 2016.indd 35
08/01/2016 4:29 p.m.