Our clients purchased a site on which we had achieved planning permission some years ago for a previous client which included a replacement dwelling and the conversion of an old mill and outbuildings into two apartments. The new client’s initial brief was to provide costing’s and designs for converting the mill and outbuildings into one dwelling. Unfortunately the costs associated with the conversion added to the problem of convincing Building Control that the existing foundations were adequate led to a new brief for a new build that was to be extremely energy efficient but to make the most of what was a lakeside site. The site was further blessed with a stream along one boundary and mature trees to the rear to act as a backdrop.
The resultant house used a narrow gable dimension and stepped floors to replace the existing outbuildings which had to be demolished to make way for the new house. The mill was retained to be refurbished and used as a garage, storage, and a music room. The glazing was concentrated on the southern elevations and was angled to pick up the good views of the lake.
The house was designed with Passive House certification in mind, a strategic fenestration arrangement, high level of insulation, triple glazing, heat pump with the stream as a collector and photovoltaic cells on the mill roof were combined with an air permeability expectation of less than 1.0 m3/(h.m2).
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With regards to the project of renovating and building an extension to our family home, the advice and input from Mr. Allan was excellent regarding involvement with design options and also liaising with Building Control and the Contractor.
Malcolm, Co. FermanaghThis was our first self-build and we were impressed by the helpful advice we received from the initial planning through to completion of the build. Roci was careful to warn us of the financial implications of any decisions which helped to keep us within our budget. We wanted a modern innovative design which was economical to heat and maintain and we have been delighted with the result. The design also incorporated features which maximize the particular strengths of our unusual site. We also required the renovation of an old mill and the architectural advice received was also invaluable both in obtaining planning consent and enabling us to achieve our objectives whilst staying within our budget. Overall we have been delighted with the project and remain grateful for the quality of the advice and communication which we received from the architect which enable us to enjoy the experience from start to completion.
Jonathan and Barbara, Co. FermanaghWe appointed John to design an extension and to renovate our existing home. The difference to our quality of life is astonishing, never mind the savings on the bills!
Ciara & James, Co. Donegal