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We are committed to the reduction of CO2 generation using low embodied energy materials where possible.

The incorporation of cellars, passive clothes drying towers and summer cooling are all contributors to energy reduction and to occupancy well being, are cost effective and add a practical dimension to the enjoyment of the buildings.

The integration of landscape features for shade and shelter, reflections and cooling such as that from attenuation ponds, all contribute to the overall ecological balance. This unique balance certainly enhances the comfort and general enjoyment of a WMA designed building.

Adopting Passivhaus Certified technologies and approaches, we are now in a far better position to validate our design decisions to achieve the best balance between Energy, Costs and Architecture at an early stage. John Morehead was the first Certified European Passive House Designer in the region having attended the course run in Stratclyde Universityin 2009. Other professionals in the building sector are availing of some of the specialised services we can provide in this area.

Scientific analysis reducing the occurrence of thermal bridges using ‘Therm’ to aseess the impact of and where possible designs out thermal bridges, the cause of localized heat losses and in extreme cases mould growth and fabric deterioration.

We are proficient in the use of Wufi Pro, a simulation tool for the calculation of the simultaneous heat and moisture transport in multi-layer building components. This is an essential tool for assessing the impact of thermal upgrades on existing buildings.

All these tools are reliant on the input from accurate climate data sets. WMA through the use of Meteonorm have gained considerable expertise in the generation of climate datasets for local situations.

The Passivhaus Standard is applicable to any type of building domestic and commercial, is ideally suited to the Irish Climate and can be achieved using many of the contemporary building technologies available locally. All Passivhaus buildings are designed to the following criteria:

• Excellent indoor air quality using whole house MHRV system

• Thermally efficient envelope

• Maximising solar gains with positive window energy balance through design

• Air tight levels using latest techniques ( n50≤0.6 ac / h )

• ≤15 kWh/m²a  Annual space heating requirement

• ≤120kWh/m²a Total Primary Energy demand ( heat, light, water etc )

There are over 30,000 projects already constructed to this standard throughout Europe.
Our existing design philosophy, from schools to one off houses, already embodied low energy techniques and all were informed by integrated solar energy balancing.

A better understanding of the necessity for controlling air tightness and a desire to maintain air quality within our buildings has put a renewed emphasis on integrating heat recovery systems within our designs. With the integration of HRV units with >95% efficiency, a slight increase in thermal envelope efficiencies and careful detailing the Passiv Standard can be achieved, cost effectively.

At design Stage, accurate modelling using PHPP 2007 software can validate decisions and get the best Energy / Cost / Architecture balance for our clients. We are also providing a consultancy service to other professionals interested in providing e level of energy excellence to their clients

WMA's Passive House project in Carrigaline received Certfication in August 2011, the first fully certified project in the region.

Oh yes… You can open your windows!

Click for further information on Passiv

>'G'rated 1940's detached dwelling improved to 'B1'.

> 2005 regeneration 'G' rated 1970s mid terrace improved to 'B3'.

> 1995 dormer bungalow improved 'D1' to 'B3'after thermal imaging investigations.

>Larchville Newbuild 'A3' rated as part of regeneration development.

Wain Morehead Architects Ltd are a registered BER Assessor Company since July 2007 with 4 assessors available for new and existing dwellings and 2 for non domestic buildings.

As Architects we can give added value to our clients in that while doing the BER analysis we can simultaneously carry out pre purchase surveys, full fabric surveys, identify potential building faults, heating systems and control deficiencies.

You can reduce the amount of heat lost in a building by up to 25% by eliminating draughts alone! Effective insulation in walls, attic, windows and doors can further dramatically reduce heat loss. Efficient boiler controls are mandatory!

We can carry out a full thermographic analysis of an existing building to identify heat loss and airtightness issues to inform an appropriate and cost effective strategy to rectify deficiencies.

Air leakage within a building can contribute to up to 25% of heat loss through the building envelope.

We can carry out air tightness testing in order to identify these areas, and advise on the best course of action to control air leakage.

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently provides financial support in the following areas:

>Domestic

>Commercial

>Research and Development

To know more about those grants see the link to the SEAI website.

Thanks to our technical knowledge and experience, Wain Morehead Architects Ltd can help you make an informed decision.

Without the correct climate data energy load prediction for low energy buildings can regularly be out by 30% in Ireland alone. WMA consider this level of inaccuracy unacceptable. Having carried out extensive research on the matter WMA developed a methodology to produce dedicated climate data for client individual sites for energy and condensation risk simulations. This service is also being offered to other consultants in the field. We have already been contracted to generated site specific data on four continents including Europe, Americas, Asia and Australasia.

To learn more check out our 2010 See the Light Conference Paper.