Energy efficient homes get an A rating

Newcastle: from €265,000 A scheme of 57 homes in Newcastle, Co Dublin is one of the first in Ireland to comply with the new EU Directive on energy performance, writes Kate McMorrow

With all the talk about conservation, a new Co Dublin development sets a standard for energy efficiency in the new homes market.

Hamilton Osborne King is taking bookings from plans today for 57 apartments, duplexes and houses at Castlelyon, a new scheme by Opus in Newcastle, Co Dublin. This is one of the first Irish residential developments to comply with the impending EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD).

The A-rating performance certificate for Castlelyon will include a heat recovery system, solar panels providing free hot water, a condensing boiler and an airtight construction which will control the flow of air in and out. This device will capture heat from air leaving the interior and uses it to warm fresh air entering. Insulation in the walls, roof and floor will be high performance.

Timber used in construction will come from renewable managed forests and developer Opus will use specially-produced concrete in the foundations to reduce Co2 emissions. Household energy bills are expected to be at least halved by these construction methods.

Prices start at €265,000 for 52sq m (560sq ft) one-bedroom apartments for sale at Castlelyon. Two-bed duplex units of 82sq m (883sq ft) cost from €335,000. Houses are also on offer. Three-bedroom 90.5sq m (974sq ft) townhouses start at €395,000 and four-bed townhouses of 119sq m (1,282sq ft) cost from €490,000. Four-bed semis of 121sq m (1,302sq ft) start at €525,000.

Completion is expected around February 2007 and designated parking is included. The development is designed by O'Mahony Pike on contemporary lines, with solar roof panels and low-rise apartment blocks. Delap & Waller EcoCo is advising on environmental design aspects, while O'Connor Sutton Cronin & Associates is the consulting engineers on the new scheme.

Oriented to maximise solar gain, interiors will include good quality kitchens with integrated dishwasher, fridge, oven and hob. Internal doors will be solid wood and wardrobes will be fitted in all bedrooms.

A classic sittingroom fireplace will be geared for a flame-effect fire.

All units will come wired for broadband and phone and television points will be provided in sittingrooms, kitchens and main bedrooms.

Gardens with the townhouses will be levelled and seeded.

Castlelyon is located in the village of Newcastle, just off the Naas Road beside Citywest and five minutes from Hazelhatch train station.

Developer Opus is best known for the Portersfield development in Clonsilla.

The EU Directive on energy efficiency forms part of community initiatives on climate change and based on commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.

The main aspects involve calculating the energy performance of buildings; setting minimum standards on energy performance of new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major renovation; providing energy certificates for new and existing buildings; regular inspection of boilers and air-conditioning systems; and assessing heating installations of more than 15 years old.