Architects registration Ireland

A new register for architects was launched yesterday in a bid to regulate the sector by ensuring that only architects whose qualifications meet set standards are listed.

“Up until now Ireland was almost unique in the absence of registration of the title ‘Architect’,” said Sean O’Laoire, President of The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

Over 2,700 architects who have met specified levels of qualification and competence are listed on the new register, which was published in Dublin yesterday morning. Henceforth, only architects who are on the register are entitled to use the title "architect".

It did take a while to get there. Look at the date!

Read the full newspaper notice

Check your architects registration here.

Hydro Power

Hydro power made easy with the Archimedean Screw hydro turbine.
Eco Evolution are appointed agents in Ireland for Mann Power Consulting Ltd. UK. Mann Power are the sole UK authorised dealer for the Rehart range of Archimedean Screws manufactured in Germany.


The turbines can be under ground or open and do not harm fish.
Eco Evolution - installers of wind, solar and hydro energy solutions
operate from their offices located in Ferns, Co Wexford

EcoEvolution.ie
More info SEI.ie

NON-ITCH Recycled Fibre Insualtion

I came across this in the City West, Dublin, Self build show. NON-ITCH aka ECO WOOL is made from Recycled Plastic Bottles that is free from floating fibres or dust and so avoids skin irritation and respiratory problems normally associated with other forms of insulation. I got a sample and it’s like rockwool or fibreglass only white and does not itch. It is now available in Ireland.

ybsinsulation.com

Thermal imaging

We have now purchased a FLIR i5 multi purpose infrared camera from FLIR systems a global leader in infrared cameras. This camera can detect, spot and measure temperature differences over entire surfaces, it produces instant, point-and-shoot JPEG infrared imagery,that carries all required temperature data.

The FLIR i5 enables us to analyse the image and create reports in PDF format. It has the ability to see things that are invisible to the naked eye.

We can now find:
Cold bridging
Missing Insulation
Water leaks
defects in radiators
Under floor heating pipe faults
Air leakage (during blower test)


This thermal image shows missing insulation in a vaulted ceiling.

winkens architecture

Earth wood

JFC Earth-wood - Inspired by Nature, Engineered by Man. A Real Alternative to Hardwood, Earth-Wood is made from reclaimed wood flour (finely graded sawdust) and recycled/reclaimed polymer which has been collected and removed from commercial waste streams. Once removed it is separated, processed, washed, shredded / pelletised and compounded with our wood flour.

It can be used for wall cladding, fencing and decking. It comes in various colours. Earthwood is based in Mullingar, County Westmeath and comes with a 20-year limited warranty that provides comprehensive coverage against splintering, splitting, rot or decay, and termite/insect damage.

earth-wood.com

Thermodynamic Solar Energy

Today at the Waterford Self build show, I cam across LVP Renewables Thermodynamic Solar Energy they are based in Dublin.

They say it’s the next generation of Solar Panels that work Day & Night, Hail , Rain, Wind or Shine.

They can do Hot water and entire Cental Heating systems

The LVP Renewables / ENERGIE water heating system incorporates a market leading thermodynamic technology in which heat is drawn from the environment by the panel, and is transferred to the water via a compressor, using the Carnot cycle. The Thermodynamic Solar Panels are filled with Klea gas (no CFC’s) and sourcing heat in a number of ways:
Solar - direct and reflected solar light
Air convection - wind passing over the panel
Rainwater - contact of rainwater with the panel
and the water temperature in the storage tank is raised in a highly efficient and cost effective manner, even when it's raining and even during the night.
With the only electrical power consumption being the small compressor motor (equivalent to that of a domestic fridge), the system can save up to 80% of your water heating costs.
Energie-Ireland.com

One house, three energy ratings

A few weeks back a SUNDAY TIMES investigation has found inconsistencies in the system of awarding Building Energy Ratings. They got three assessments done of the same dwelling with three different results.

It’s a shame that this scheme is riddled with problems as it is actually a good idea that one can compare like with like, if the assessments where consistent and done by qualified surveyors.

This is the full article on line

BER update

It’s end of February and I still have not seen ONE advert "House for sale" that has the BER rating with their advertisement.
It’s been law since the 1st of January 2007 for all newly-built houses sold or let.
From January ALL houses (new or second hand) sold or let must have a BER certificate.
There are fines of up to €5,000 for non-compliance.

Anyone seen any BER ratings advertised with house sales?