Gortavalla Farmhouse renovation and energy upgrade represents the restoration of a derelict 200+ year old farmhouse for the sixth generation of a family. A major role of the restoration was to carry out an energy upgrade that would provide a modern comfort level, a healthy indoor environment, as well as energy savings. Caelan Bristow Architecture (CBA) was selected by the clients due to the founder’s primary interest and passion in natural, bio-based construction with renewable energy sources.  The significant renovation of Gortavalla Farmhouse brought it from an E1 BER rating to an A1. This included a concentration on bio products such as sheep’s wool insulation, breathable paint for the walls, wooden windows and aluminium cladding. It also employed renewable technologies such as an Air Source Heat Pump with underfloor heating, powered by a PV array, that incorporates thermal mass to the best advantage of the overall design. In the Gortavalla project, the desired specification was for an air-tight house including mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) as best practice and the building exceeds the performance of most modern newly built houses.

2023-26