Unicorn House: the Dublin 14 period pad with a top BER Rating
Building Energy Ratings (BER) suggest that only 5% of Irish homes have achieved a supreme ‘A’ rating. Most of these are new or nearly new homes, as achieving such a high rating in a period home is extremely challenging. However, civil engineer Ross Cullen managed to accomplish this feat with his family’s 100-year-old home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.
Most period homes were designed with solid fuel heating in mind and were built to allow the walls to ‘breathe’. Retrofitting or upgrading these properties incorrectly can cause issues such as dampness and high energy costs. However, Ross Cullen conducted extensive research and found innovative solutions to upgrade and modernize his five-bedroom home at 25 Willbrook Road.
After living in the house for two years to understand its needs, Ross and his wife Eleanor embarked on a mission to make their home as energy efficient as possible without compromising its integrity. They removed the floors to seal draughts, used a breathable insulation board from Germany called IQ Therm 80, and found a plasterer experienced in working with lime-based products for their internal walls.
Their attention to detail even extended to the front door and bay window, which featured beautiful stained glass panels. Unable to afford to upgrade them to double glazing, they carefully stored the panels and had them replicated by a firm from Mayo. The new panels were painted on beaded glass and used in modern double-glazed windows.
Eleanor worked with an interior designer to achieve a seamless blend of modern and period styles in the home, resulting in a stylish and comfortable living space. The project took two years to complete, but the effort paid off when the home achieved an ‘A’ rating.
The Cullens are now looking for their next project, and their upgraded home is on the market for €1.2 million. With its impressive energy efficiency and stunning design, 25 Willbrook Road is ready for another hundred years.
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