Construction begins on new state-of-the-art energy efficient social housing in Kilkenny

Construction has started on eight new low-carbon houses in both Kilkenny and Carlow as part of a pioneering scheme by 3cea.

The two-bedroom and single bedroom houses will be located in Mullinavat, Graignamanagh (at the old Fire Station) and Carlow town.

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They form part of an EU project to lower embodied emissions in house builds and in time reduce the cost of construction by utilising a 'Design for Manufacture and Assembly' (DfMA) model, ensuring houses are built to nZEB (Zero Energy Building) standard.

An nZEB standard is achieved by using prefabricated timber-frame closed panels or low-carbon GGBS cement composites and energy saving efforts like installation of photovoltaic cables and heat pumps. 

“3cea were delighted to lead this initiative and to secure Irish funding of over 600K from a Europe wide fund of 4.2 million made available by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interred NorthWest Europe scheme to make this pilot project happen,” said Communications Officer Colin Healy.

“H4.0E-n ZEBs or ZEB builds are a must for future construction to meet both Ireland’s housing needs and carbon mitigation goals. The h4.0E houses in the upscaling process will be far cheaper to run and substantial carbon emission reductions will be achieved both in embodied and operational carbon.

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“Heating and domestic hot water is where most of the energy will be used and these are warmer better insulated homes. All houses are fitted with heat pumps.”

The new houses will contribute to a wider plan to develop affordable zero energy houses via new technology.

Carbon reduction of at least 50% to 80%, when compared to a standard concrete/brick build house, is envisaged.

All units will be completed towards the end of this year and will be used for social housing by Kilkenny and Carlow County Councils.

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