McCarthy Quality Homes

This project was completed before Christmas 2011, total project duration was 14 weeks. The alu clad timber windows were supplied by the 'Window & Door Store, Little Island,Cork. The tall elegant sections give a feeling of light and space internally, while their preformance ensures that the temperature inside remains comfortable. We were working inside in our t-shirts right up to christmas!

Internally the space was finished with an engineered oak floor and a beautifull hand made kitchen by west cork craftsman Paul Kelly. A contemporary 'flat screen' gas stove was fitted, to supplement the existing heating system. The stove gives the space a lovely focal point, and even on its lowest setting provides a comfortable temperature.

Even though the original house was only built in 2002, there is a drastic difference in the energy preformance of the old and new.

This extension with a floor area of 50sqm was designed by architect Donnchadh O Sullivan, the focus was on creating a large comfortable living space which was bright, comfortable and spacious.

Pic 4 The insulation in the floor slab was 150mm thick fitted in two layers, with a 40mm perimeter edge strip to prevent a cold bridge at this junction. A 75mm re enforced concrete screed was poured over this insulation. The target U value was .16 Pic 1/2 The blockwork walls were built with a 150mm wide cavity which were pumped with bead insulation on completion/ The walls have also been dry lined internally with a 62.5mm insulated board, giving a target U value of .17 for the external walls. Create care was taken, at window junctions/door opening to insulate these areas properly. The large opening for the sliding door unit was supported by a custom made pre insulated keystone lintol. The flat roof, was insulated with 200mm of high density Xtratherm insulation and finished with a 20mm layer of asphalt. The alumiunum edge trim was colour coded to match the alu clad timber windows.