WMA achieves 1st Passive House Plus Certified Domestic Project in Ireland!
Despite having a northerly coastal aspect with limited solar access, this Cork Harbour project produces as much energy as it consumes using a unique on-site renewable solution.
Renewable energy is provided an Air Source Heat Pump for heating and hot water, together with a PV array over the car deck level, which is best positioned to avail of the limited southerly aspect on this cliffside site. The bifacial PV panels, not only provide shelter, they generate electricity using direct and reflected sunlight. The panels being semi-transparent, allow dappled light to penetrate deep into the bowels of the main house via rooflights in the deck, generating a wonderful shadow display throughout the day.
Being cliffside with very limit solar access, but wonderful views a very robust level of building performance was necessary. Morning and evening terraces at the upper living level are optimised to avail of inner harbour views while the floating roof structure provides shelter and privacy with minimal impact on the available sunshine.
Difficult site conditions required significant retaining and structures. The building base and lime renders help this project sit seamlessly into the cliff face and compliment the neighbouring Camden Fort, a National Monument.
Refined structural solutions reduced concrete volumes and by using 50% GGBS concrete throughout, 9 years of Operational Carbon was offset. Other embodied carbon reduction measures included the use of 25% GGBS Blockwork, Jute hemp insulation at roof level, an External Insulation System using 250mmm Cork insulation, Gutex wood-fibre insulation, open web timber joists and Glue-laminated timber roof structures. Optimised thermal bridge detailing ensured that a very low heat load could be achieved contributing to excellent occupant comfort levels.
Click the following link for more information on this project – Cork Harbour Passive House
