Wexford homes to be certified Passivhaus

Madeira Oaks, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

TWELVE houses are under construction at Madeira Oaks which will launch later this year. All are three-bedroom semi- detached houses with a straightforward interior layout and ideal for families, but yet these are different.

New developments, by law, are required to adhere to certain energy efficiency standards. Features like solar panels, air-to-water pump systems and double glazing are fairly usual to find across the board. However here, builder Michael Bennett has gone more than one step forward.

These homes are fully-certified Passivhaus builds in the country. The Passiv Haus Institute determines a strict set of guidelines for its cert and it means that for buyers, their energy bills for the entire year can expect to cost no more than €200. Compared to even an A-rated three-bed elsewhere, this is a fraction of normal running costs.

This is due to a range of insulation and heat recovery methods leading to a constant 21 degree Celsius internal temperature control 24 hours a day meaning movement of air via draughts is all but eliminated, with eight complete changes of air circulated a day. It’s designed by MosArt Architects.

The internal layout of the properties, which are selling for €170,000, include a kitchen/dining room along the rear width of the house, with a utility, guest WC and separate sitting room to the front while upstairs has three bedrooms, one en- suite and a family bathroom.

Finished in a red brick and plaster render, the pitched roofs may allow for some further upward development. There are brick wall partitions between units and a matured, landscaped environment.

Madeira Oaks is on the outskirts of Enniscorthy town, 2.5km to the north. Rosslare harbour is 41km away; Waterford Regional Airport 65km. Enquiries to: McGuinness Lambert (053) 9233984