Renewable Energy Features
13 two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom houses were built on the Ballyboy Road close to the Centre of Kilcormac. The developers aim was a small eco-friendly development, planned with rising oil prices in mind and the need for something for the environmentally conscious
The houses are designed to have extra insulation to hold in the heat, a state of the art heat recovery and ventilation system, bigger windows on the sunnier side, and solar panels on the roof which will make a substantial contribution to keeping fuel costs down.
The development is already making a name for itself as it has been picked to be exhibited as an example of good in-fill design by the Department of the Environment and the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland
Clonowan was “future proofed” with its solar homes classified as low energy and low carbon dioxide
Savings
A wood pellet stove boiler, the solar energy collectors and the active ventilation system combine to reduce costs and make the house energy efficient. There is no need for radiators. This house was classed as an A2house under the BER energy ratings.
Each house has its own wood pellet stove in the living room. This will serve the dual purpose of being an open fire and a source of hot water. Of course, as wood pellets are about a third cheaper in price than oil, the householder will make a significant saving. And they produce almost no ash and very low emissions.
Fresh air is constantly renewed throughout the house minimising stale odours and condensation. As a result homes in Clonowan are healthier for suffers of respiratory illnesses such as asthma
