Building on exposed site in Donegal - Design and build recommendations

clannlir

Hi,
We are at the very early stages of planning a self build. We have a site with great views but it is very exposed to the elements. We are hoping to heavily insulate the house but we will probably have to trade off the views versus the benefits of a south facing building. (The view is to the west). Hoping an architect on here is available and can be of assistance with a solution to that. Not looking to build anything more than 2000 sq ft.

My questions are:

1. Timber or block? Is timber frame a good option for wet and stormy Donegal or is traditional block the recommended route?

2. Heating.
Underfloor vs geo-thermal or something else? There will probably be a large element of the ground floor that will be open plan.

3. Maximise the views or the solar gain?
Should we insulate to the nth degree and select the most appropriate heating system in order to face the ocean (and onrushing wind) or go for maximum solar gain? I'm sure financially there will be a benefit in exploiting the solar element in the long run but it would be a shame to not be able to look directly out over the ocean. Perhaps there is a design that can accomodate both?

4. Architect
Are there any Donegal based architects on here that have dealt with these issues and are available?

Thanks for any help
clannlir

Juantorena

Not an architect Clannlir but I have designed my own house (Galway). Regarding your specific queries....

1. We went with a SIP frame with block outer leaf. Happy with it, recent high winds didn't affect it adversely but Donegal wind speeds/frequency might still leave a question mark over t/f. I believe SIP (for instance) have been well tested in the U.S. wrt high wind speeds but some investigation on your own behalf might be worthwhile.

2. I think if you are looking at a fairly open-plan ground floor plan - and, perhaps, large glazed areas - underfloor (as opposed to radiators) would make most sense. More even heating combating any hot/coldspots you might get with such a plan. We have underfloor downstairs - only concern we have with it is it's control (or lack thereof) which was a mistake on my behalf.

So long as your ground conditions will allow it geo-thermal is certainly an option. There are plenty of experiences of heat pumps on the forum here for you to form an opinion. We have an air-source h/p as our ground conditions (and budget!) wouldn't allow geo-thermal.

3. I'm not fully convinced of the benefit gained from solar gain in Ireland. We have 10.6m of glazing facing south-west. It is certainly contributing to heating of the space but you have a large poorly-insulated (relative to a wall) area to lose heat through at other times. Remember the shading that you may need to integrate to combat over-heating during summer months.

You could look to build a passive house which may alter your thinking wrt heating systems, solar gain, etc. though.

Considering your description of the views you have I would concentrate on those over the desire to secure good - but transient - solar gain. Be sure to have your living spaces on the south side though.

4. Can't help you with number 4 I'm afraid.

Hope some of hat helps and good luck with your build.

clannlir

Thanks for that Juantorena

kboc

PM sent

Katyjoe

Hi Clannlir...new to 'boards' & new to house building but planning on doing exactly what you are doing...ie. scenic site in Donegal but have difficulty facing the views & yet using the south facing aspect for living accomodation. gets frustrating!!! Mine would be a bungalow, preferably, and am interested in t/f definately Just interested to know if you have had any breakthrough or flash of inspiration???? Do you know there is a building exhibition planned for letterkenny next weekend could be useful.