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Homes concrete block4/23/2024 ![]() Thick block built walls are deliciously cool in summer. Still, there are stunning advances in lightweight Aercrete block, structural insulated panels (SIP), and external insulation changing the face of both new builds and renovation to bring second-hand block houses to warm new life. The walls of a block house with a cavity of 100mm will be thicker to accommodate the amount of insulation to make this real. Successful timber frame homes require a continuous moisture permeable membrane to the inside walls and high levels of insulation to deliver the ideal of a sealed, heat- retaining envelope. If you are interested in a prefabricated system build, Cygnum, based in Lissarda in Cork, are currently the only Irish timber frame company with a closed panel building system certified by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany. The two houses came in too close to call in their wall ‘U’ values at 0.12 w/m²k for the block built and 0.11 w/m²k in timber frame, with block finish, Cyril’s personal winner overall. ![]() You can find a useful description of a block built and timber frame passive build by Cyril Mannion EU Certified Passive House Designer at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland website, seai.ie in their renewable publications section. The energy performance (heat retention) of walls expressed in ‘U’ values was the clarion call for timber frame, but the block build has risen to meet this challenge, and both build types can surpass not only the building regulations but deliver a house to passive house standard. Build in block, seal the envelope, hit a great BER, and fit it with sustainable heating/insulation/power- saving features - everyone wins. However, it’s the finished product that counts long-term. Using wood sourced from sustainable forests in Ireland, Canada, and Scandinavian, timber has less embodied energy than concrete, with a lighter carbon footprint and, in a prefabricated design, arguably less waste on site. ![]() Looking at environmental credentials, timber frame wins hands down. ![]() However, does this really equate to a faster build or money saved?ĭespite reducing labour costs on site, you will have to tack on the several months of lead time while the frame (external walls, internal walls, and roof) is manufactured by your supplier - and timber frame as a highly accurate, quality system build will be comparable or even more expensive than a block build. Most timber frame manufacturers will offer a package to bring your house or extension to this weather-tight finish, simplifying budgeting for a whole stage of the build. ![]() With more dry materials (less plaster and cement), less wet trade work and drying out time is needed, again slashing time on site. Much of the work in a timber frame dwelling is completed off site, cutting construction time. The structural supporting walls of a house, including insulation, factory-fitted membranes, and even the service cavity for wiring and plumbing needs, can be swung into position by crane, followed by the roof trusses, and secured on a pre-prepared slab in as little as seven days.Įxternal windows and doors can go in immediately, external finishes started, and those involved in internal services can get straight to work on the first fix of carpentry, plumbing, and electrics without waiting for walls to emerge block by block. However, timber frame construction, engineered and built off-site in CAD/CAM-controlled factory conditions, takes one whole step of the build out of the vagaries of the Irish weather, which can otherwise decimate a schedule. There’s a persisting, sentimental attachment to twin wall cavity construction in Ireland. ![]()
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