LouisCribben
Registered User
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You're right - I'm aware of an (RIAI-architect supervised) build where neither the architect, nor Homebond, would underwrite a 150mm cavity. The problem is the ties.2. It is possible to build a very wide cavity, and use a pumped bead or foam insulation to obtain the required u-value. The problem with this is that the cavity has to be around 200mm wide, which required special (and expensive) wall ties, and special structural design. The specialist wall ties and design may also become and issue with number 1 above.
Ensure that your architect/consultant and your contractor are well-versed in the use of the PPHP software, air tightness, resolving cold bridges issues, and the details required.
The problem with this is that traditionally insulated cavity walls often suffer from a problem called 'thermal-looping' in which cold air can circulate between the insulation and the inner leaf of blockwork thus reducing the thermal performance of the wall by over 10%.
3. The best way to to it, in my opinion, is to build a single-leaf blockwork external wall of either 150mm or 225mm thick as required, and use an approved external insulation/render system to finish it.
There should be no large air gaps between the blockwork and the insulation with this system, although some isolated gaps will exist due to any 'shims' which may be required.
Thermal looping would not be able to operate in these gaps, as there is no access for external air to the gaps because the walls are sealed externally by the render.
Has anyone in Ireland (or anywhere in the world) built a passive house using traditional concrete cavity block construction ?
Every example Ive seen has been a pre fabricated wooden frame structure, created in a high tech German or Swedish factory, and assembled (in very quick time) in Ireland by Germans or Swedes who have the technical knowledge and know how....
Is this the only realistic way to have a passive house built in Ireland, i.e. get Germans or or Swedes to design, manufacture, and construct it?
Hi Louise
I've almost finished building a complicated 4000sqft masonry house to passive standards using the phpp software and an energy engineer.It wasn't designed passive and the institute have not been involved. Im waiting to see what will happen with the airtest but it's definately possible to build passive in masonry.
Have you started your house?
normandy
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