Case Studies

In Transit

Summary: TRANSITION MOVEMENT INSPIRES DRAMATIC CARBON CUTS IN HOUSE REFURB: The Transition Towns movement has recently come to the fore as a model for sustainable development, with communities around the world signing up to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience in a world where climate change and energy security are emerging as real threats. Leading eco designer Joseph Little of Joseph Little Architects describes how the recent refurbishment and extension of a Dublin house addresses many of the movement's concerns. Download Case Study

Social Climber

Summary: FINGAL COUNCIL HOUSING PUSHES UP ENERGY STANDARDS: With some of the most impressive moves toward sustainability over the last few years coming in the form of planning requirements, it should come as no surprise that many local authorities are pioneering energy efficient housing in their own housing stock. Jason Walsh visited a site in Oldtown, County Dublin, to see how Fingal County Council is putting sustainability into practice with help from Keenan Timber Frame, Ecological Building Systems, Nutech Renewables and others. Download Case Study

Warm Feet and No Drafts

Summary: Six years ago Hannah and Martin Naughton bought a site in Slane, Co. Meath, and moved into the cold, drafty little cottage on the site. In May 2004 they started work on significantly extending and renovating the house, with a commitment to using natural building materials and energy efficient technology. They moved in to the extension in February 2005, and work is set for completion late in Autumn. Hannah Naughton explains how the healthy, warm and comfortable home has surpassed all the family's expectations. Download Case Study

Mind over Mater

Summary: Part of the Mater Hospital redevelopment, the recently completed Mater Orchard building is a first class example of how to integrate sustainable building strategies into a substantial building whilst keeping extra cost to a minimum. The airtight, highly insulated hybrid building also employs a groundbreaking passive ventilation system, which could easily become common practice in the Irish construction industry. In the first part of this article Philip Crowe, Director of Architecture, MCO Projects Ltd gives an overview of the project, before Jay Stuart of EcoCo gives the Sustainable Building Consultant's Account. Download Case Study

Out of the Ordinary

Summary: It has long been anticipated that the cost of sustainable building will come down as it enters the mass market, benefiting from economies of scale and greater industry confidence in low impact techniques and technologies as they become more familiar. Jay Stuart, managing director of integrated sustainable design consultants Delap and Waller EcoCo reveals a Kildare housing project which is likely to rapidly accelerate this process, and convince even the most conservative elements of the industry that low energy, low carbon building can be achieved at little or no additional cost. Download Case Study