PROJECT PROFILE - CHERRY TREE HOUSE T

NORTHERN BUILDER STEPS INSIDE THIS INNOVATIVE HOME LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE ... UNVEILING Northern ’s first Passive House g

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Northern Ireland’s first Passive House - The inconspicuous Overview Cherry Tree House. ventilation system.

CHERRY TREE HOUSE, OMAGH

William Moffitt of main contractors Moffitt and Robinson Construction Ltd explains some of the Radiators have been energy saving techniques used at Cherry Tree House installed as a back-up to to Energy Minister Arlene Foster. the MHRV system.

Energy Minister Arlene Foster (second left) officially opens Cherry Tree House along with (from left) Omagh District Council Chairman, Councillor Errol Thompson, William Moffitt, of building contractors Moffitt and Robinson Construction Ltd and Triple glazing was installed William Moffitt, Managing Director, Moffitt and Robinson The spacious kitchen at Fiona Brazill, Lecturer in Construction, . to reduce heat loss. Construction Ltd, with home-owner Violet Crosbie. Cherry Tree House. The rainwater harvesting system.

LEADING OMAGH-BASED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY SHOWCASES ITS ZERO CARBON such as the floors to walls, window to walls sources – solar panels on the roof and a and walls to roof. wood burning stove. The plumbing system is Techniques Implemented CREDENTIALS WITH COMPLETION OF RETIREMENT BUNGALOW… The insulated fabric of the building was designed with heat leak radiators in the two at Corick House combined with triple glazed windows and bathrooms which feed the MHRV system and doors to keep heat loss to a minimum, with helps maintain a lower water temperature, Moffitt and Robinson Construction Ltd Moffitt and Robinson completes the windows also positioned to take full thus maximising the output of the solar panels. prides itself on being a forward-thinking advantage of solar gain. In colder weather, the wood burning stove company and fast on the heels of completing “We felt that the conservation of energy provides a more than adequate back-up, its first domestic Passive House the team is ’s first Passive House should be the first priority before we looked at supplying hot water to the radiators. implementing energy-saving techniques on a introducing renewable technologies, which is The clever design feature even extend to the commercial project. t may not have started out that way, opportunity to showcase the company’s Another pleasing aspect of the project was why we placed such an emphasis on reducing drive-through garage that includes a vaulted The Omagh-based company, which has been but such was the attention to detail and talents. the determination displayed not only by the heat loss,” William added. ceiling complete with clothes line to provide a operating for more than 30 years, is currently Ithe determination to make Cherry Tree As this was the first time the company had staff at Moffitt and Robinson but also by the Another aspect of reducing heat loss is the natural drying area and reduce the need for a working on a 24 bedroom extension House as energy efficient as possible that it attempted a project of this kind, research company’s sub-contractors. Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) tumble dryer. complete with leisure facilities at the award- transformed into the province’s first Passive formed an integral part of the overall process, “It was great to see just how determined system. Air is sourced through an earth tube “The feedback from the client has been superb winning Corick House Hotel in . House and, at the time of registration, one with Managing Director, William Moffitt, also our staff and sub-contractors were to and then warmed using the heat recovered and that has made all the effort worthwhile,” “Energy efficiency is very much to the fore of only two homes in Northern Ireland to attending a ‘Low Carbon Development’ course promote the quality of their workmanship from wet rooms such as the bathroom, kitchen added William. “It has been a huge learning with this project and we have been able to achieve Zero Carbon status. at South West College to ensure the high by being part of this project. We had a lot and utility area. This means that daily activities curve and we will be able to utilise this utilise our experience at Cherry Tree House Designed and built by Moffitt and Robinson standards were met. of challenges to meet but the determination such as showering, cooking, washing and experience on future projects. at Corick House,” explained William. Construction Ltd, the retirement dwelling is “Our initial brief was to make the building displayed by the entire team was key to ironing are actually contributing towards “Low carbon and Passive House is definitely the In addition to this work, the company located on the outskirts of Omagh and has as energy efficient as possible but as we achieving Northern Ireland’s first Certified generating heat for the home. way forward and we have already witnessed a undertakes all types of construction projects, become a standard bearer for the low carbon examined where we could make energy Passive House.” This reuse philosophy continues with the lot of interest from clients wanting us to apply including new build, commercial, disabled building industry. savings we realised that achieving both carbon Air-tightness forms the centre-point of the addition of low-cost rainwater harvesting this knowledge on their projects. It is an area adaptations, projects undertaken from High quality workmanship has always been zero and Passive House status was possible so project’s success. The bungalow consists of a system and a system that recovers heat from that we will continue to develop and I feel the green field site to completion with Building at the top of the Moffitt and Robinson that is what we aimed for and I am delighted highly insulated, air-tight timber-frame fabric, the grey water. next challenge will be how we can implement Control certificate issue and works to Listed agenda but this project offered the perfect with the final outcome.” with special attention given to critical areas For hot water, Cherry Tree House has two these techniques within the retrofit market.” Buildings.

Moffitt and Robinson Construction Ltd., 40 Blacksessiagh Road, Omagh, BT78 1SU “The feedback from the client has been superb and that T: 028 8224 3656 - F: 028 8225 1174 - E: [email protected] has made all the effort worthwhile.” www.moffittandrobinson.co.uk

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CHERRY TREE HOUSE, OMAGH CHERRY TREE HOUSE, OMAGH Shining success by Solmatix olmatix is proud of its role in building perfect project to be involved in. More a more energy efficient Northern and more people are enjoying the benefits SIreland so it is fitting that the leading of renewable technology and as we move renewables company was involved with forward we see a growing market for energy Northern Ireland’s first Passive House. efficient and money saving products such as The company installed the electricity- ours.” generating solar PV panels on farm buildings Solmatix is the leading solar panel company beside Cherry Tree House which not only in Northern Ireland, with an increasing generate free electricity for home owner, portfolio of clients and contracts in the Violet Crosbie, but also reward her with domestic, commercial, agriculture and 17.64p per unit (kWh) for the generation volume housing sectors throughout the of renewable electricity via Renewable UK and Ireland. The portfolio of products Obligation Certificates (4 NI RoCs). is designed for UK and Ireland climate and “We are delighted to be involved in this includes the company’s own patented range. prestigious project,” said Frank McCullagh, This is matched by a dedicated sales and Business and Product Development Manager. customer service team while the company “We are proud of our local roots and our role also has its own team of fully trained roofers, in highlighting the advantages of renewables electricians and plumbers, providing comlete FOCUS ON AIR-TIGHTNESS AND DEMANDS OF A PASSIVE HOUSE MAKE THIS FAR FROM A in Northern Ireland, so this has been the in-house capability.

STRAIGHTFORWARD PROJECT FOR PLUMBING AND HEATING TEAM… Solmatix Renewables, Unit 5, Blaris Industrial Estate, , BT27 5QB T: 028 9260 1449 - E: [email protected] Ian Short P&H meets a unique www.solmatix.com plumbing and heating challenge Roofing Contractor

an Short Plumbing & Heating Ltd met the system throughout Cherry Tree House as the difference in the end.” CHERRY TREE HOUSE, OMAGH challenges presented by Northern Ireland’s well as the wood burning stove and the solar Following on from Cherry Tree House, the Ifirst Passive House head on to deliver a panels, which provide all the hot water needs company again teamed up with Moffitt mechanical installation of the highest standard. for the home as well as hot water to the & Robinson Construction to compete a PERFECT ROOFING INSTALLATION The demands of the overall Passive House radiators. 24-bedroom extension and new leisure from GA Adams installation created some unique obstacles The Kingspan Thermomax solar panels facilities at the award-winning Corick House for the dedicated team, with planning and provide hot water most of the year round, Hotel in Clogher. A Adams Roofing Contractors Gordon Adams, Managing Director, effective communication with the main with the wood burning stove providing a “This project was another one which had a topped off Cherry Tree House commented, “It is great to be part of such contractor, Moffitt & Robinson Construction, more than adequate back-up. real focus on energy efficiency and we were Gperfectly by installing the roof on an innovative project and to continue our key to the overall success of the project. With this type of technology being installed, delighted to be involved once again with the new retirement bungalow that has superb working relationship with Moffitt “In any other circumstances this would have Ian Short Plumbing & Heating also worked Moffitt & Robinson Construction.” become Northern Ireland’s first Passive & Robinson Construction. We have always been a very straightforward project, given the closely with Copper Industries to supply a Based in Omagh, Ian Short Plumbing & House. viewed the roof as being an important size of the house and what had to be installed specially manufactured MaxiPod hot water Heating has been in operation for 16 years, With such an emphasis on this project being part of an energy efficient home so we are but the Passive House aspect put a completely cylinder for Cherry Tree House that would employing 12 people. The company is vastly placed on energy efficiency and reducing delighted that we can demonstrate this by different slant on our role,” explained Ian make effective use of the heat from the stove experienced in all types of work including heat loss, the roof is an important aspect, working on Northern Ireland’s first Passive Short, Managing Director. and the solar panels. residential new build, retrofit, renovations particularly as heat rises! The team from House.” “With such an emphasis on the building being “This was a very interesting project and I and extensions as well as commercial GA Adams spent about a week on site GA Adams Roofing Contractors has been in air tight, it meant that we couldn’t use the think the experience will benefit us going projects. The team also has experience in oil, completing what proved to be a relatively operation for over 16 years, with Managing usual routes for pipework, so we regularly had forward, as more and more people are gas and renewable installations. straightforward project. Director Gordon Adams having worked in to come up with other options. It was a real looking to increase their energy efficiency “We work on everything from installing an The Omagh firm has worked consistently the trade for over 27 years. The company challenge overall but definitely worth it.” levels,” Ian added. “It takes that little bit outside tap to the larger commercial projects with Moffitt & Robinson Construction over specialises in the residential sector, Ian’s team installed the overall plumbing longer but the energy savings created make such as Corick House Hotel,” concluded Ian. the years and was delighted to be involved providing services for new build projects in this prestigious project. and extensions as well as repairs.

Ian Short Plumbing & Heating Ltd, 124 Moylagh Road, Omagh, BT79 0TQ GA Adams Roofing Contractors, 1 Mullaghmena Avenue, T: 028 8284 0779 - M: 07887 878166 1 Mullaghmena Avenue, Omagh, BT78 5QH E: [email protected] T: 028 8225 1471 – M: 07703 565239 – E: [email protected]

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CHERRY TREE HOUSE, OMAGH Swish Windows meet the Passive standard

ith air-tightness playing such another essential element of receiving a vital role in Passive House Passive House accreditation.” Waccreditation, choosing the right Robert sees energy-efficiency as a windows was an essential element and growing area and feels that Swish that is why Swish Windows made such a Windows is perfectly positioned to difference. continue to deliver the highest standards. Swish Windows are proud to have installed “Our double-glazed and triple-glazed the windows and doors into the first windows ensure the highest levels of Passive House in Northern Ireland, as energy efficiency that provide the balance Robert Gribbin, Managing Director of the between value for money and meeting the -based company, explained. latest standards,” added Robert. “With “Passive House requires very specific rising fuel bills more and more people are standards regarding the windows being looking at ways to make their home more used and our tripled-glazed windows energy efficient and that is where we can offer a U Value of 0.8w/m2K for the whole help.” window.” he said. “We also provide the Swish Windows supplies a range of fitting service required to ensure these products including high security, highly levels are maintained, which again is insulated composite doors.

Swish Windows, 47b Chapel Street, Cookstown, BT80 8LG T: 028 8676 6147 – E: [email protected] Swish Windows www.sfg-windows.com Air-Testing

CHERRY TREE HOUSE, OMAGH

Air Testing Solutions ensured that air leakage through Cherry Tree House was kept to an absolute minimum. Meeting the Passive standard with Air Testing Solutions

he critical issue for any Passive House the highest standards.” is air-tightness and, with this is mind, Gary established Air Testing Solutions five years TMoffitt and Robinson Construction used ago and has found a growing demand for the the expertise of Air Testing Solutions. company’s services in new projects and in older The Omagh-based experts worked closely with buildings, with services including the main contractor from an early stage to • Air testing provide advice that would ensure the property • SAP calculations met the required levels to reach the Passive • EPC calculations House standard. • Smoke tests Gary Fyffe, Managing Director of Air Testing • Thermal image cameras Solutions, explained, “For Cherry Tree House • BINDT Approved to become a Passive House, the building had to be virtually air-tight with no leakage “We carry out services such as this for new build whatsoever. We provided advice on the design projects but we are also increasingly working and construction and also provided testing at on older buildings. More people are becoming various stages of the project before carrying energy conscious and our services are helping out a final round of tests that ensured it met them ensure they are not wasting energy.”

Air Testing Solutions, 35 Archill Road, , BT78 4JJ T: 028 8166 1565 - M: 07736 185541/07511 975848 Air Test Solutions E: [email protected] Essential Air Testing for New Houses

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