Author: aoife (Page 21 of 28)

Isabel’s Picks for October 2010

October 14, 2010 / aoife / 0 Comments

Isabel’s Picks for October 2010

SLIM AND ELEGANT

Just before Christmas knocks on our doors.

1. LINEAR DRAIN CHANNEL

Manufacturer: Stormtech Pty

Model: Slimline 38AG

Price Range: €165/1200mm

Applications: Indoor and Outdoor. Shower rooms, balconies, thresholds, pedestrian and vehicle areas, pools and paved areas.

Materials: Stainless Steel (grate)/UV stable uPVC (channel)

Available in Ireland from: www.microstrain.ie

2. ZINC

Manufacturer: Rheinzink

Price Range: €150/m2

Applications: Roofing and façade systems.

Materials: Zinc , Preweathered blue grey

Available in Ireland from: www.edgeform-metals.ie

3. DECORATIVE STICKER

Designer: Hu2 Design

Model: Zip Monster

Price Range: €28

Applications: Any smooth surface including walls windows & furniture. The vinyls are completely removable and leave no residue.

Materials: PVC-FREE self-adhesive

Available to Ireland from: www.hu2.com

4. DESIGNER RADIATOR

Manufacturer: Aeon

Model: Twister

Price Range: €1,800

Applications: Closed and open circuit heating systems.

Materials: Brushed and polished stainless steel

Available in Ireland from: www.heatingdistributors.com

5. KITCHEN TRACK

Manufacturer: Eubiq

Model: SK

Price Range: n/a

Applications: Specially designed to use in modern kitchens. Reposition power outlet anywhere along the track and add as many outlets as required.

Materials: Aluminium (track)/Polycarbonate (insulation)

Available in Ireland from: www.fwcltd.webs.com

See More Picks

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Minimum Requirements of Energy to be Provided by Renewable Energy Technologies

September 20, 2010 / aoife / 1 Comment

In Ireland, Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the design and construction of buildings.

Part L of the Building Regulations lays out the requirements regarding conservation of fuel and energy for dwellings.

The following represents the minimum requirements of energy to be provided by renewable energy technologies in new dwellings:

10 kWh/m2/annum contributing to energy use for domestic hot water heating, space heating or cooling, or
4 kWh/m2/annum of electrical energy, or
a combination of these which would have equivalent effect.

Understanding Renewable Energy – FAQ’s

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The New Headquarters for Wexford County Council

May 11, 2010 / aoife / 2 Comments

Site visit 08.05.2010

The new headquarters for Wexford County Council are due to be completed this summer.

The building was designed by Robin Lee Architecture (formerly named NORD LLP) who subsequently formed an association with Arthur Gibney & Partners for the delivery of the project. The project was won following a two-stage international competition in 2007.

Main block and entrance

Image from the entry competition. Source: http://www.nordarchitecture.com/ Produced by: http://www.reformstudios.com/

The design takes into account the steep topography of the site and fully embraces the privileged location overlooking the river Slaney.

The building features an internal street which is the main organising element of the building. From here all the Council departments are accessed. This is the main circulation space and the design exploits the relation with the “townscape” environment giving each department an independent block that connects with all other elements allowing for public and social interaction.

The internal street

Image from the entry competition. Source: http://www.nordarchitecture.com/ Produced by: http://www.reformstudios.com/

Many visual connections are established from the main circulation space. A strong relationship between interior and exterior is achieved by the framed views that punctuate the internal street. Extensive terraces are also accessible for full enjoyment of the fantastic views over river Slaney and Wexford town.

Staff restaurant with views over River Slaney

The €40 million council headquarters feature a double façade which wraps around the building, protecting it against the solar radiation while providing natural ventilation. This double skin acts as a thermal buffer between the building and the surroundings and has an important role in the sustainable environmental strategy.

Inner side of double façade with manual operated window at lower level and an electronically operated section at the top

Top of the naturally ventilated double façade system

Terrace of the Staff Restaurant with top of the double façade at the left

The new landmark 10,500 sq.m. building was originally designed for 370 staff and will now accommodate 300. The design attempts to provide a desk with a view for every staff member.