May | 2015 | Isabel Barros Architects

Archive for May 29, 2015

barros | May 29, 2015

Why Use Ground Source Heat Pumps in Ireland?

Ground Source Heat Pumps are an efficient method of harnessing Geothermal Energy. These systems provide significant cost savings compared to fossil fuel alternatives as well as providing environmental benefits.

The image below from Geological Survey of Ireland explains how a ground source heat pump works.

© Geological Survey of Ireland 2015

In Ireland the ground maintains a constant temperature between 11°C and 13°C, several metres below the surface.

Ireland has warm moist soils and a climate which is ideally suited for harnessing shallow geothermal energy year round. The soil type in Ireland allows this heat to be retained, while the frequent rainfall keeps the soil moist. This moisture within the ground is an excellent heat conductor, allowing heat to move towards your collector system. This favours the deployment of horizontal collector systems in many parts of Ireland.

(Source © Geological Survey of Ireland 2015, ‘Ground Source Heat’ & ‘Shallow Geothermal Energy’ Homeowner Manual)

There are other types of heat pumps but the earth’s constant temperature is what makes geothermal heat pumps one of the most efficient, comfortable, and quiet heating and cooling technologies available today. The ground ensures a relatively stable supply of heat for the heat pump and higher performances than air-source ones.

What are typical system installation costs?

The installation guide price outlined below is for a 4 bedroom detached property with a BER of C1 and allows for 200 square metres (m2) of underfloor heating. The costs include the cost of the heat pump and the groundworks for the installation of a loop.

© Geological Survey of Ireland 2015

The initial capital costs of installing a ground source heat pump system is usually higher than other conventional central heating systems. But typically, four units of heat are generated for every unit of electricity used by the heat pump to deliver it, and the payback time is typically about 8-10 years.

Geological Survey of Ireland published in March 2015 a publication that aims to help readers with the decision to purchase and install a domestic ground source heat pump (GSHP) system for home heating. You can download this publication here: ‘Ground Source Heat’ & ‘Shallow Geothermal Energy’ Homeowner Manual.

The Geological Survey of Ireland has produced a series of ‘ground source heat suitability’ maps. These maps provide a useful preliminary screening tool to assess what type(s) of ground source heat collector system is most appropriate. Separate maps have been produced for horizontal and vertical and closed and open loop systems.

The ground source collector suitability maps can be queried interactively via the GSI’s webmapping at http://www.gsi.ie/Mapping.htm

For more information on the maps and ground source and geothermal resources, please see http://www.gsi.ie/Programmes/Groundwater/Geothermal.htm

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Category: Energy, Sustainability | Tags: Energy, Heat Pump, Renewable, Sustainability

barros | May 17, 2015

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What Really Happened During Simon Open Door Weekend

Isabel Barros recently contributed to the Simon Open Door initiative. During the weekend Isabel gave up her time for free in return for a €55 donation to the Simon Communities of Ireland.

This was the 6th year Isabel participated offering their time and expertise to the members of the public for free. During these 6 years Isabel has raised €1,385 and this goes directly to the Simon Communities or Ireland to provide accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. In total, all RIAI participating Architects have raised over €80,000 this year!

The participants came prepared with photos, drawings, maps and measurements. Two of them thought they had plans at scale but they didn’t (a very important detail!). Luckily they had measurements with them and Isabel was able to quickly sketch a plan at scale. One participant only had measurements in feet/inches, Isabel had to convert this to meters which wasted some time of the consultation.

Most of the consultations involved an extension to an existing house. A reconfiguration of the existing layout was required in nearly all cases. Isabel provided advice and produced some ideas to solve the problems.

20150517_Simon Open Door 2015_2

Two participants had quite complex briefs that were difficult to resolve in only one hour. But all participants took home at least one sketch option that could be explored to make their brief work.

Some of the participants also asked for advice about interior finishes and decoration. One participant also wanted the house to have a different look outside, with a more contemporary feel.

Two of the projects involved a construction by stages to accommodate available funds. Isabel highlighted how these stages could work and the best sequence to carry out the works.

Our survey indicates that all participants valued the time Isabel spent with them.

The Simon Open Door Architects provide their time for free and do not expect new commissions from these consultations. However, 4 of the participants requested a formal fee proposal to oversee their project and some may result in fantastic collaborative work with Isabel Barros Architects.

One hour was hardly enough to complete most of the consultations, there was no time to showcase projects or promote services, there were no breaks and Isabel was exhausted by the end of the weekend!

This initiative happens every year in May and it is a partnership between the Simon Communities of Ireland and the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland.