PARTEL

Nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, over-looking the Shannon Blueway and River Shannon, Drumhierny is a unique development of high-end holiday lodges situated in a 100 acre woodland estate. This multi-unit project, consists of sixteen lodges, in four distinct architectural styles, each nestled within their own private area of woodland. The lodges have been designed, manufactured, and constructed to achieve an A-rated Building Energy Rating (BER). To help achieve a thermally efficient building envelope a number of products from Partel have been used.The buildings were constructed using an offsite fabricated Light Gauge Steel (LGS) frame. As part of the frame construction a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions were used. This included EXOPERM MONO 150, a high performing breather membrane, IZOPERM PLUS, a phA Class Passive House Certified vapour control layer; and CONEXO MULTISEAL, a phA Class Passive House Certified airtight tape.

Whitethorn Village is an attractive residential scheme positioned adjacent to the centre of Naas. The contemporary development led by Cairn Homes PLC includes a mix of spacious family homes and two apartment buildings. These comfortable, sustainable residences offer the very best in terms of quality and energy efficiency.Developer Cairn Homes collaborated with Horizon Offsite to deliver the impressive 5-storey residential blocks in Whitethorn Village, benefiting from off-site fabrication, accuracy, and rapid completion within a tightly controlled cost plan.The apartments were constructed using an offsite fabricated light gauge steel (LGS) structural system. The external LGS wall panels and floor decking used in this system incorporated a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions. This included the advanced fire rated components EXOPERM MONO DURO 200 breather membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR airtight and windtight tape, the multi-purpose adhesive VERBOND, and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and VARA SEAL smart airtight tape.

The Moorings is a high-end, self-build project in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Anglesey, Wales.This collaborative project, between MBC Timber Frame and WM Design and Architecture, consists of a three-bedroom, 250m2 detached private residence that has been designed and constructed to achieve the airtightness and thermal performance targets required to meet Passive House standards. The timber frame home has been built incorporating a range of low carbon building solutions from Partel including high performing breather membranes ECHOFOIL EXO and EXOPERM MONO 150 and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and CONEXO MULTISEAL airtight tape.

This1970s dwelling in South Dublin’s suburbs was transformed and renovated to a modern detached, energy-efficient home and office. The ultimate aim of this project was to design a taller building, radically reduce the building’s energy consumption, maintain the structural integrity of the building fabric, increase thermal comfort for the occupants, and reduce carbon emissions.A suite of passive strategies was implemented to meet the requirements of the EnerPHit standard. The project incorporated superior airtightness, green thermal bridging solutions, blockwork insulation on the external structure, triple-glazed windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to attain an A3 energy efficiency rating.Creating an airtight and insulated building envelope is the cornerstone of a Deep Energy Retrofit. Partel’s IZOPERM PLUS phA certified airtight product system delivered maximum airtightness in The Willows project

This ventilation system was key for this oak frame cottage in Herefordshire. After achieving an airtightness of 1.51, it was imperative to integrate ventilation to ensure the cottage was as energy-efficient and comfortable as possible.Partel consulted with Oakwrights to design a smart ventilation system that improved air quality and reduced energy costs. LUNOS e2 heat recovery ventilation units supplied by Partel were installed in all living spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. The versatile installation option, extremely compact fans, and highly energy-efficiency operation made them ideal for this residential project.

Forensic Science Ireland’s (FSI) new laboratory in Backweston campus, Co. Kildare, was designed by OPW.Their challenge was to build a durable, modern facility that was designed to meet the highest energy performance standards, with an effective wall assembly that helps protect laboratory staff from the elements.Partel worked with Duggan Brothers and Castle Ceilings to choose the most appropriate product system that would help achieve the Passive House standard for airtightness, considering the laboratory conditions.The forensic laboratory has been built incorporating a range of low carbon building solutions from Partel including the smart vapour control layer VARA PLUS, CONIZO and CONEXO MULTISEAL airtight tape, and also ACRAPRIME SPRAY.

The School of Rock music school in Blackrock Village, Dublin, has undergone a major retrofit designed by KOTA Architecture.Partel consulted and worked with KOTA to develop an optimised ventilation design strategy for the existing building, providing technical support, and qualified service for installation and commissioning, facilitating the delivery of a complete decentralised ventilation system.LUNOS e260 and Nexxt E heat recovery ventilation systems were specified to be implemented.

Project DescriptionThe refurbishment of the historic Central Bank site into the iconic Central Plaza, which is a multi-phase scheme, is one of the largest and most prestigious construction projects being carried out in Dublin city centre, Ireland.Partel was playing its part since the early stages of the restoration, and this year brought again its expertise in fire-rated vapour control systems, supporting the latest expansion scheme of the building with a two-storey glass-roofed structure, that completes the existing tower.Teaming up with Castle Group, the plan for roof expansion involved passive fire protection measures and an appropriate airtightness strategy, using Partel’s IZOPERM PLUS A2 vapour control system.Steel Roof Structure and Internal WallThe design of the new steel roof construction has a complex geometric structure, following the exposed suspensions of the building – with cantilevering triangles. It consists of multiple steel RHS that are connected to each other by hidden connections. The contemporary structure is a monolithic steel frame without expansion joints. Quite a challenge in regard to thermal expansion. For this project, fire protection of the roof structure and internal wall assemblies were top priorities, considering the specific requirements regarding stability, structural integrity and fire safety in the building.Airtightness and Fire ProtectionPartel’s Euroclass A2-s1,d0 product system – IZOPERM PLUS A2 membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR adhesive tape – were used in order to improve the fabric performance. The solid walls had to be airtight, insulated, and fire-resistant in order to ensure that what was designed could be delivered.The team chose to deliver airtightness measure to external walls with an appropriate fire-rated vapour control system, such as IZOPERM PLUS A2, with high durability, mechanical strength, and moisture management properties. With unrivalled low emissivity of 0.05, the reflective surface can dramatically improve the thermal performance and prevent heat radiation. The team wanted to make sure a tested and compliant solution will be implemented, and the products will perform in a scenario where the building is exposed to a fire.In addition, fire safety in this tall, high-risk building with a large number of visitors and tenants, with open spaces and mobility consideration, the IZOPERM PLUS A2 fire-rated membrane plays a crucial role when incorporated into the wider fire engineering strategy. The membrane offers superior levels of fire performance and a very limited contribution to fire, furthermore, during a fire it will not pose a risk of smoke inhalation for people, as it produces minimal to no smoke and does not release flaming droplets.Sealing the membrane overlaps using Partel ECHOSEAL ALU A2 non-combustible adhesive tape, secured the level of airtightness and fire-resistance. This aluminium foil tape provides excellent cohesion, adhesion, and thermal stability, serving as an excellent barrier against moisture, and flame.The steel roof construction was covered with 152 glass units to facilitate maximum light.Designed by the Henry J. Lyons Architects, the rooftop venue incorporates a 360° viewing terrace of 15,500 sq ft, a crowning touch of this modern restoration project.The previous phase scheme of the Central Plaza redevelopment improved the energy efficiency of the building, airtightness and thermal performance using the ECHOFOIL IZO membrane together with CONEXO MULTISEAL adhesive tape.

Project OverviewNestled in the picturesque countryside of Dorset, England, this remarkable barn-style eco-home serves as a prime example of sustainable design and construction. Perched amidst the outstanding landscape of The Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs, this collaborative project between Ecologic SIPs, DMW Architects, and Thorpe Engineering Consultants Ltd has yielded a four-bedroom home that not only blends seamlessly with its rustic surroundings but also meets the stringent requirements of the Passivhaus standard. This timber frame home incorporates a high-performing breather membrane ECHOFOIL EXO from Partel.The ChallengeA Home That Meets Passivhaus StandardsOne of the central challenges posed by this project was the requirement to meet Passivhaus standards. This stringent standard necessitates exceptional levels of airtightness and thermal performance, demanding innovative solutions from the design and construction teams. It was coupled with the client’s passion to achieve a high-performance home quickly and effectively. In addition, the house design has also been set to harmonise and enhance its landscape using pre-patinated facing materials to blend into its rural surroundings.The SolutionStructural Insulated Panels (SIPs) – A Sustainable ChoiceTo meet the demanding requirements of Passivhaus standards while adhering to the client’s desire for swift construction, the project opted for a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) envelope. SIPs are renowned for their ability to provide elevated thermal performance and enhanced energy efficiency. Comprising two outer layers of oriented strand board (OSB) that encase a core of construction-grade expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. Each composite panel is robust, lightweight and extremely strong.Partel’s ECHOFOIL EXO – Elevating PerformanceIn addition to SIPs, the project employed Partel’s ECHOFOIL EXO, a reflective breather membrane, to further enhance the home’s thermal performance and airtightness. This innovative membrane boasts an impressively low emissivity value of <0.05, which plays a pivotal role in improving thermal comfort within the dwelling. It was installed externally to act as a wind barrier, manage moisture, and protect the structure against any driving rain that may penetrate the exterior finish. Such qualities are essential in safeguarding the integrity and longevity of the building.ConclusionIn summary, this barn-style eco-home in Dorset stands as an inspiring example of sustainable, efficient, and innovative construction. Through the collaborative efforts of Ecologic SIPs, DMW Architects, and Thorpe Engineering Consultants Ltd, this project achieved not only the exacting Passivhaus standards but also harmonized seamlessly with the surrounding countryside.The choice of SIPs, with their numerous benefits, enabled rapid on-site construction while Partel’s ECHOFOIL EXO membrane enhanced the home’s thermal performance and airtightness. This project showcases that it is possible to marry cutting-edge sustainability with architectural excellence, resulting in a building that not only treads lightly on the environment but also provides an exceptional living experience for its occupants.