Timber Framed Houses


Hi August,

With reference to the above quotation, specifically your observation about efficiency differences between timber frame and block, it may surprise you to learn that block work can also achieve high energy efficiency standards provided that the blocks used are aerated. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) has been manufactured in Europe for a little over 50 years and is now currently available in Ireland through Eco Stein Ltd. Their website hosts an array of projects outlining what can be achieved with each system (single leaf or cavity). The website link is www.ecostein.ie

I'm affiliated with the above company and thought that since you were considering employing a block system initially, then at least you have the option of pursuing such a system without compromising the energy efficiency of your new build.
 
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Can you supply us with data with evidence of studies where blocks achived energy efficiency standards ? It is an easy statement to make but I have yet to find a block house anywhere near the same level of heat retention and having the "warm" feeling as timber frame houses.

And this has been pointed out to me by numerous blocked house owners who always comment on the "cosy" factor of our house and the TF rented accomadation we lived in.
 
High energy efficiency, up to passive house standard (U value max. 0.15 W/m2K) can easily and verifiably be obtained using Aerated Concrete Ytong blocks. The Lambda values for the blocks are as low as 0.08W/mK, making it possible to build a wall in single leaf (480 mm) achieving a guaranteed U value of 0.16 W/m2K. By using a cavity system with rockwool insulation, U values of 0.12 W/m2K can be achieved. Some houses using this system are being built right now in Ireland and are achieving this.
 

Thanks for that, What is the price differences between these block and a standard 100mm block do you know? I presume they are not readily available at the likes of Roadstone or Quinns etc?

Out of interest, if you build brick outside of the Aerated block and they are not pointed correctly allowing water in what is the consequence? Do you put up a protected sheeting outside the block in case of this?

I know of my old company were considering it alright, to be honest not sure why the went with the normal block in the end
 
The price for a 3200 square foot house was roughly €70,000. This price included the following: Ytong Block requirement, thin bed mortar requirement, lintel requirement, internal and external lightweight plaster requirement, floor insulation, wall insulation (cavity system), roof insulation, tools (e.g. mortar comb, chaser, saw etc.), delivery to building site and V.A.T. inclusive. The end result will be a passive house with a U-Value of 0.12 W/m2K. The price for the Ytong alone is €118 per cubic metre of block. There are no distribution depots for Ytong blocks within Ireland just yet. Ecostein imports directly from the continent.

Ytong blocks are completely water resistant when the plaster is applied. The lightweight plaster is water repellent but is breathable at the same time. The first course is laid like traditional blocks using normal mortar and a damp proofing course which prevents the water from travelling upward into the block. The remaining block layers are laid in the thin bed mortar provided. When water does meet the block, as might be the case during an ongoing build, penetration is minimal and the block dries out very rapidly on dry days.
 
Hi Polonius, just seen your thread , I have alreadly posted a request for a product price list from ecostien.ie , are all prices by the cubic meter , or by the particular item my house will be 242.5m2 , do you have specialised tradesmen/contractors or is that left to house owners ?

appreciate any info

MudHut
 
Just received Planning Permission from Clare County Council (after many a pitched battle) and this Kingspan TEK system has got our eyes. Does anyone know of a house built from this system in the Clare/Limerick/Kerry/Tipperary area?

Also does anyone ever heard about noise issues within these houses, especially upstairs noise filtering downstairs?

It may seem petty, but I would rather have my cake and eat it, please.
 
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