Timber frame homes are built so that moisture doesn’t go near the timber elements but how is timber treated to prevent moisture ingress – and how fire resistant is it? In this article we cover: The ecologically balanced first step approach to timber preservative is that if it doesn’t need it, don’t use it. Nevertheless, […] More
Find out what type of timber is used to build structural timber frame walls, from CLS to engineered wood. In this article we cover: As with all structural timber, whether the timber is coming to you via a builders’ merchants or a timber frame manufacturer, the timber producer’s stamps on every item of timber should […] More
What is timber frame, structural considerations, environmental considerations and how to design around the eco friendly building method. In this article we cover: Building your walls out of timber frame is, in most cases, environmentally friendly, provides flexibility in design, and quick to put up on site. In the world of self-building, timber frame most […] More
Jonathan Byrne of Co Longford chose an Avrame timber frame kit because it gave him cost certainty and a turnkey finish. Alan Rowan of TuffHouse Eco Build got a call one day from a prospective client, who’d gotten his contact details from a happy customer. “Jonathan came to me recommended from word of mouth,” says […] More
TDs and local councillors in ROI are pushing to change planning rules, to support the uptake of log homes. In this article we cover: Independent TDs want to see log homes given planning permission, in a bid to build more durable, energy efficient and cost effective homes in rural Ireland. In most rural areas in […] More
Why aren’t we building our homes with natural materials? Which eco products are worth the investment in Ireland today? Eco architect Tom Woolley finds out. In this article we cover: Most people want to live in a healthy, thermally efficient house. But when they start researching how to build such a house, they often find […] More
How Robbie Ingram and Ciara Ryan built themselves a storey and a half ICF home in Co Tipperary with a hefty dose of DIY. In this article we cover: Overview Site size: 0.6 acres House size: 2,500sqft Bedrooms: 4 Heating and hot water: air to water heat pump Ventilation: centralised mechanical with heat recovery Provisional BER: A2 Why […] More
Stephen O’Hanlon shares how he built his insulating concrete formwork (ICF) home build on a budget in Co Tyrone for £250k, thanks to the help of his wife Lisa who’s an accountant. In this article we cover: How did the project get started? I’ve been in construction all my life. I am a multi […] More
How Anita and Brian Joyce built their insulating concrete formwork (ICF) upside down house in Co Mayo. In this article we cover: Tell us about your project. The site had two old stone buildings so we had those as inspiration for the design of our new home. The exterior is a mix of render and […] More
Ursula and Michael Kennan explain why and how they went about their insulating concrete formwork (ICF) new build in Co Tyrone. In this article we cover: Why did you choose ICF? The end product is a very airtight house with continuous insulation both inside and outside the house. That keeps energy bills to a minimum. […] More
Building with insulating concrete formwork (ICF) was pretty new when Michael McKeon took on his new build project in Co Longford six years ago. In this article we cover: What other building methods did you consider? I also considered a conventional double leaf block with insulated cavity and timber frame construction. There were pros […] More
Jason Piper’s 3,800sqft modern new build family home was built with insulating concrete formwork (ICF) from foundations to roof. In this article we cover: What other building methods did you consider? We considered timber frame and traditional block cavity wall. Timber frame was more expensive but a key requirement was for the house to […] More