IrelandType of construction: 2D facade renovation and 3D volumetric addition
Typology: Residential, circa 80m2
Owner: Local Authority – Westmeath County Council
Construction systems: Concrete floors, masonry block cavity walls with timber intermediate floor and roof
Location: Ireland, Athlone
The Irish case study is a typical Irish two-story semi detatched house constructed of masonry block cavity walls with solid concrete ground floor, timber first floor and cold vented attic timber roof. The original thermal performance of the construction was poor but has been upgraded with attic insulation and pumped insulation to the cavity. The original houses may be been heated by solid fuel open fires but was upgraded with central heating. However, the energy rating is poor and the challenge is to provide a deep energy retrofit of the dwelling involving an advanced thermal upgrade to the envelope via circular modularised solutions including upgraded space and water heating with renewables.
The demonstration project will implement the design and installation of a pre-manufactured modularised 2D façade cladding panel upgrade which will radially improve the thermal performance of the fabric to achieve advanced contemporary U values and reduced thermal bridging and associated reduction in air leakage. The project with also demonstration the concept and benefits of modularised solutions via incorporation of a small 3D extension pod which will also be pre-manufactured and installed at speed. The design and specification of the modularised solutions will be on the basis of a circularised solutions with a biobased specification. In addition the project will also include an energy systems upgrade and application of appropriate renewables all to achieve a deep energy low carbon retrofit to A3 energy rating.
We expect the following results in the Irish Athlone Case Study
Case specific outcomes:
This type of intervention can support revised approaches to deep energy retrofits based on a systematic industrial scale solution, resulting in improved occupant comfort and health, increased space and utility, improved circularisation of production and use and reduced environmental impact. There is also likely to be positive impacts in real estate value and a shortening of payback time of renovation, representing also a commercial and business opportunity manufacturing and construction companies who can foster this type of strategy.
Case specific profits:
Case specific impact indicators:
