Hemp Passive Haus 1st Blower testing

James B. the client (and also the builder) is on track to achieve passive Haus Certification. For several weeks he was taping and sealing the dwelling.

Today Gavin O Se from Greenbuild, Gorey, Co. Wexford did the preliminary door blower testing to see how the build is performing to date.


Gavin also used a thermal anemometer. The air speed is measured at the access points, allowing for comparisons and for the leaks to be prioritised by severity.

He did spot checks around all windows. Gearoid from Optiwin windows was on hand if adjustments were needed.
The preliminary pressure result in under 0.8h-1 at 50Pa. And this is without outside plaster work!

The 0.6h-1 at 50Pa for a Passive Haus should be achievable.

Well done James (with hat).

Greenbuild web site
more Hemp House photos

Small Architectural Practice of the Year Award 2010 Shortlist

We are proud to announce that we are on the shortlist for the ‘Small Architectural Practice of the Year Award’ 2010. We are one of five Nation wide and the only one from Wexford.
The CMG Building and Design Awards 2010 will recognise success in the building, engineering and architecture professions during the past year with a focus on best practice, sustainable design and innovation.
The winners will be announced on the 3rd of Dec 2010 in the Four Seasons hotel in Dublin.
See CMG Building & Design Awards 2010 Shortlist

Sad demise of FBT Poroton

Unfortunately FBT Poroton is no more. After a long time getting established (I was dealing with them since 1998) and receiving the Irish Agreement certificate the company ceased trading. I wish Wolfgang all the best for the future.
There are alternatives on the Irish market now.

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