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Isabel’s Picks for Summer 2015

June 22, 2015 / barros / 0 Comments

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

Just add some blue sky

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1. FOUNTAIN

Manufacturer: Kelkay

Name: 4603L Tranquility Fountain

Key features: L.E.D. lights in silver globe, for indoor & outdoor use, low voltage.

Price range: €199

Available in Ireland from: Arboretum

2. SLIDING POCKET DOOR

Manufacturer: Selo

System: Enigma

Price range: n/a

Key features: The concealed frame kits provide a beautifully sleek and clean finish.

Available from: Selo UK

3. FACADE PANELS

Manufacturer: Tegral

Product name: Equitone [linea]

Price range: n/a

Material: Fibre cement.

Key facts: Unique 3D shaped, through-coloured facade material that plays with light and shadow. Linea displays a linear texture that highlights the raw inner texture of the core fibre cement material.

Available in Ireland from: Tegral

4. FLOOR DECKING

Manufacturer: IKEA

Product name: RUNNEN

Price range: € 24.00 / 9 pack

Material: Solid acacia, polypropylene plastic.

Available in Ireland from: IKEA

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Brandon House Hotel Returns to its Full Glory

June 11, 2015 / barros / 7 Comments

We are delighted to see the completion of Phase 2 of the Conservation and Repair Works at the Brandon House Hotel.

The original building of the Brandon House Hotel is a Protected Structure built between 1841-1874 and located in New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland. The property has been maintained reasonably well but many inadequate repairs have failed to resolve the problems.

The project involved the preparation of condition and recommendations reports, followed by specifications and contract administration. The works were carried out in 2 Phases. Phase 1 involved work to two chimneys and it was carried out by Protum. Phase 2 included all the other chimneys, external walls, roofs, rainwater goods, etc. Robert Quinn Ltd. was commissioned to carry out the works in Phase 2.

Works included repair and repointing of brickwork and stonework, replacement of roof coverings and flashings, capping and ventilating redundant chimney flues, cleaning and restoration of cast iron rainwater goods, etc.

The philosophy for the intervention to this Protected Structure was guided by international charters and principles, the aim was to prolong the life of the building for its utilization now and in the future.

Most conservation challenges are complex and many difficult challenges have arisen during the Works. Isabel Barros Architects are proud to have achieved a fantastic result through good collective teamwork and strict budget control.

Isabel Barros with Site Manager Dan Fitzpatrick and RQL Director Michael Quinn

Why Use Ground Source Heat Pumps in Ireland?

May 29, 2015 / barros / 5 Comments

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.

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.

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.

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