Ireland's first eco estate

YOU'RE looking at the first commercial development of eco houses in Ireland.

'Sunnyside' is a scheme of 12 terraced houses in the centre of Macroom, in Co Cork, now branding itself as Macroom E, for environmentally conscious industry and development.

Three years ago, this type of sustainable housing estate was unthinkable.

Now that's all changed. Thanks to the Kyoto protocol Ireland will have to reduce CO2 emissions dramatically over the next few years if we are to be in line with the rest of the world.

By 2012 we'll have to cut emissions by about 50% or we'll incur heavy fines of up to €2-7 billion.

According to Alan Ellard of Eco Construction, these Macroom houses will consume one-third, if not less of the energy normally needed to run a house of this size.

All units were practically sold out prior to the launch and ranged from €190,000 for the three-bedroomed units to €220,000 for the four-beds.

This is Mr Ellard's first development, he is also the managing director of Radon Ireland, and it's because of this connection and the company's expansion into other eco-friendly building products that 'Sunnyside' came about.

Designed in-house, the company had pre-planning discussions with Cork County Council and work began on site in late spring this year.

Each house is timber framed and insulated with blown cellulose, a byproduct of newspapers which provides a continuous blanket through walls and attic space without gaps or cold bridges. It's also non-toxic with high U values. Using insulation alone, the houses should level out at a temperature of around 20 degrees, says Mr Ellard and this can be augmented with a wood pellet burning stove. These stoves, specially imported from Canada, can burn compressed sawdust pellets at a high air to fuel ratio, burning off all harmful gases: they will cost about €300 per annum to run.

Next, there's the heat exchange unit fitted in each house which will not only ventilate the rooms but allow heat to pass evenly through each room. This system eradicates condensation and heats the fresh air as it comes through - some units can be up to 90% efficient.

Hot water is supplied by solar panels on the roof and the urban lighting is also solar powered.

Lastly, the Sunnyside scheme uses SUDS, a sustainable urban drainage system whereby all the surface water is run off near its source. This means it doesn't flow into gulleys or join the sewage system and it reduces the risk of flooding.

Buyers also get the standard finish you'd expect in a normal scheme with, perhaps, a bit more.

Ground floor living rooms come with floating timber floors, the kitchen comes with pine units and floors are a mix of tiles and a wooden floor.

All three bathrooms, including the en suite come fully tiled, and windows are Swedish and triple-glazed with matching doors.

Each house will have a waste sorting facility, with larger separation units close by.

Eco Construction are also planning a showroom in Macroom's Eco-park which should be up and running by next year. It will offer a range of building materials to the trade and private individuals.