Drumcrow, Co Cavan ‘A1’ Deep Retrofit Case Study

KORE case studies offer an inside look at how our retrofit solutions perform in real-world applications. This deep retrofit was part of the 2017 Better Energy Communities Scheme, coordinated by KORE Retrofit and supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

Case Study Details

Project Name: Deep Retrofit of a derelict house in Drumcrow, Ballinagh, Co Cavan.

Products Used: KORE External Insulation, KORE Floor Insulation, KORE Warmroof, 6kW Daikin Heat Pump, uPVC Triple Glazed windows and external composite doors, Lunos Ventilation System, 3kW Solar PV Array

Project Coordinator: KORE Retrofit Ltd.

KORE Project Manager:  Leighanne Fay

Achieving A1

With the use of high levels of floor, wall and roof insulation, a renewable heating system, demand control ventilation and solar PV, this small cottage in Ballinagh, Co. Cavan achieved a final energy rating of A1, putting it at the very top of the Building Energy Rating scale. It’s final energy demand of -47.65kWh/m2/yr means that this home generates more electricity than it consumes, making it an energy positive home. The use of renewable heating and solar PV also offsets its annual carbon emissions, coming in at -8.16 kgCO2/m2/yr. It also achieved excellent air tightness testing results at 0.096 air changes per hour.

Bringing Derelict Buildings Back Into Use

Located in the townland of Drumcrow, Ballinagh, Co. Cavan, KORE sourced a derelict home that had been unoccupied for more than 20 years. In need of major repair, this one-storey cottage received a pre-BER rating of ‘G’, putting it at the bottom of the energy rating scale with an annual energy demand of 1311.12kWh/m2/yr; it’s related carbon emissions a staggering 281.46 kgCO2/m2/yr. While there was work to be done ahead of us, a high quality refurbishment with a focus on energy efficiency and renewable technology would make this house habitable in a matter of weeks.

Breaking down the details

Wall Insulation

The original stone walls of the house at 500mm were insulated with 12.5mm plasterboard fixed to 75mm studs with mineral wool in between, a parge coat external air tightness layer with 180mm KORE External EPS70 Silver using a Kilsaren external wall insulation render system. The end result achieved a U-value of 0.12W/m2K for the external walls.

Floor Insulation

KORE, being an insulation manufacturer, decided on a fabric first approach by significantly upgrading the building’s thermal envelope. This upgrade included 200mm of KORE Floor EPS100 White floor insulation. EPS perimeter strips and an 80mm screed were installed over top of the original concrete floor, achieving a U-value of 0.12W/m2K.

Roof Insulation

The roof was replaced in its entirety along with 400mm of mineral wool insulation above and between the ceiling joists, with an air tightness membrane above 40mm KORE EPS70 Silver and 12.5mm plasterboard. The roof achieved a U-value of 0.10W/m2K.

Windows

The windows were replaced with Camden uPVC triple glazed windows, achieving a U-value of 0.90W/m2K.

Embracing Renewable Technologies

In addition to a fabric first approach, KORE took advantage of renewable technologies for the heating system, a demand control ventilation system and added solar PV to help generate electricity and offset its energy demand from the grid. This included a 6 kW Daikin ERLQ006CAV3 air to water heat pump, supplying underfloor heating and a 3kW solar electrical PV array.

KORE chose the Lunos V30/60 whole-house extract ventilation system to keep internal humidity in check via an occupancy and humidity sensor, and installed energy efficient LED lighting throughout the property.

For more information on being included in the Better Energy Communities Scheme please visit our retrofit solutions for further detail.

Leighanne Fay, Retrofit Sales & Project Manager

Leighanne has worked with KORE Retrofit since 2017, developing her skills in grant administration, finance, project management and sales. Leighanne is responsible for the One Stop Shop grant scheme, and the Vacant Refurbishment grant scheme. You can reach Leighanne by email or by phone at +353 87 146 9289