Changes to the ventilation and energy efficiency requirements come into force on the 1st of November in ROI for new and existing homes; here’s what you need to know. In this article we cover: There has been a continuing ramping up of minimum energy standards in buildings over the past 15 years as a response […] More
In part two of our budget series we looked at external wall options; now we focus on how much will your upper floor cost? An upper floor structure not only allows you to stack an additional living space on top of a lower level, it also provides a conduit for services, i.e. electrics, plumbing and […] More
Love them or hate them, Irish bungalows are now part of vernacular architecture, representing the first modern mass self-build movement. In this article Marion McGarry covers: How bungalow design has evolved since the 1970s How bungalows met rural Ireland’s need for affordable housing Overview of Jack Fitzsimons’ seminal book Bungalow Bliss Bungalows as a blight […] More
It’s possible to build your house with oak – find out how you can do it, the different configurations, cost, benefits and drawbacks. In this article we cover: What is an oak build How much does it cost and how does it compare with a traditional build? Different post and beam structures from cruck to […] More
How to design and retrofit homes to avoid overheating and maintain a comfortable temperature. In this article we cover: Architectural designers prioritise heat retention when building new homes and renovating existing ones yet overheating in homes is becoming a real problem. Stricter energy efficiency measures and external temperature rises caused by climate change and growing […] More
Blockwork remains the most common building method in Ireland today. In this article we cover: What is masonry construction and blockwork specifically How much it costs to build with blockwork Advantages and disadvantages of working with blockwork What is brickwork and how to incorporate it in your self-build Types of concrete blocks, mortar strengths What […] More
The project manager must look after the smooth running of operations as well as the rules and regulations; Roger Bell of Bell Associates helps you keep your head above water with his overview of what’s involved. Project management is a specialist field and for good reason; there are many aspects to juggle. In the case […] More
Next generation timber: The concept of laminating wood to make it stronger has been around for centuries, but it’s only relatively recently that cross laminated timber (CLT) has made an appearance and is being used on self-builds. CLT was first developed in mainland Europe 30 years ago where it is fast becoming a mainstream product. And […] More
Sarah and Mark Ballantine took a hands-on approach to their ICF build. In this article, Sarah and Mark share their experience building with Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) including: Plot size: 2/3 acreHouse size: 2,500 sqft Why did you choose to build with ICF, what other methods did you consider? Sarah: We briefly considered other building […] More
This quick and cost-effective method of construction is increasing in popularity among self-builders. Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) originated in Germany in the 1950s and has since proven its worth, especially in North America where, even after many years of development, severalmanufacturers still complete only a few thousand homes per year between them. In the UK […] More
A great future or a current fad? In this article we cover: What is a tiny home – size, what they contain, cost How are they different to a regular house? What are tiny homes used for and can you build one yourself How to get planning permission How to get one financed Is it […] More
Converting your home into a space that’s tailor-made for you can have life changing consequences, as Siobhan Hawkins and Gerry Gormley learned. In this article we cover: In 1994 Gerry and Siobhan bought their first home, a 3-bed semi-d, in Belfast to renovate, which they did in 1997. “We were hands on doing a lot of […] More
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