Sustainable homes for under €150k? It's doable

Clare-based chartered building surveyor Fergus Merriman outlines how he’s built a sustainable, affordable home with no energy costs for less than €150,000 and how this model could be easily replicated

The sustainable and affordable house constructed by Fergus Merriman SCSI at Tuamgraney, Co Clare.

The very low supply of houses, particularly affordable ones has been well documented in Ireland, particularly in recent weeks. Housing experts, politicians and commentators have all cast their nets far and wide in search of a solution to the supply issue. 

We could construct sustainable, affordable homes with no energy costs for less than €150,000. I've done it and we just need the change in mindset required if the model is to be replicated at scale.