House Design Online

An important starting point in designing and building your own home is a visit to self-build exhibitions which are happening in most towns.

The Self-Build -Entend & Renovate show is happening at the Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit.

There will alsobe a full programme of seminars delivered by professionals from the construction industry covering topics such as Building Energy Rating, Planning Permission and Passive Housing.

If you are thinking of building or renovating, the Seld Build shows which are held at different venues  throughout Ireland over the year.  You get the chance to talk to a number of suppliers in the one place. It’s also a good place to haggle.

If you have a sketch or a plan bring a few copies along.

For more information click … SELF BUILD – RENOVATE & EXTEND 2009

The Energy Show 2009 Organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will be held at the RDS Main Hall, Dublin

This business to business event is a must for anyone with a professional interest in or responsibility for energy use.

Registration for the Exhibition has now closed. You can register on the day. Entrance is free to the Exhibition on production of trade ID.

Now firmly established as the showcase event for Ireland’s energy sector, this year’s event follows the highly successful format of previous years. A cutting edge technology and trade exhibition with leading Irish and European product and service suppliers will showcase the very latest in energy innovation offering visitors a unique experience in seeking low energy solutions for buildings and the opportunity to engage those experts leading the energy sector both here and abroad. (more…)

How to build a Low-Cost, Planning-free, Sustainable Space In Your Back Garden

The Ecoshop, Meridian Point, Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

(Beside SuperValu car park, 2 minutes from DART station & buses)

Course Will be presented by Architect/Teacher/Writer
Peter Cowman B Arch. Director of The Living Architecture Centre and originator of the ‘Living Architecture’ concept

For More Information Click Here

The  The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI ) & the Simon Communities of Ireland have joined forces for a special fundraising initiative called the “RIAI Simon Open Door Day” – whereby participating Architects around Ireland will open their offices on Saturday 7th March 2009, to give members of the public an hour’s consultation with an Architect in return for a €75 donation to Simon.

This is an excellent opportunity to get an hour’s consultation with an architect and assist in the wonderful work of the Simon community in addressing the huge problem of homelessness in Ireland.

In order to arrange a consultation, you need to book before noon on Wednesday, March 4th and the easiest way to do this is to register online by clicking here

Hopefully you were not too badly hit by the worldwide downturn in 2008.

This is a time of year when many will be taking stock of the past year and planning for 2009. There is some good news on the construction front.  From the 1st of January 2009 a BER (Building Energy Rating) certificate will be compulsory for all homes being sold or rented in Ireland. This is an important step in “future-Proofing” our housing stock and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

As the cost of building new houses continues to drop and as there is now a regulatory framework for better quality, more comfortable and healthier homes, there is now a real opportunity to design and build the house of your dreams. If you are building  in 2009, it is important to consider “recession-proofing” you new home.  Attaining a higher energy rating will result in lower fuel bills indefinitely. Information on Building Energy Rating

Here’s wishing everyone a Happy and a Cosy Christmas

Gene Roddenberry was the guy that brought us in to the future many years ago with the series “Star Trek”…going where no man had gone before…OK, it was Science Fiction, but what a pity that some of those who were fans of the 1970′s show didn’t hold on to a small bit of the imagination and “thinking into the future”, that the show evoked when they got themselves into positions where they could actually influence change. Imagine if Kirk, Spock and buddies made a brief return visit to planet earth. They hover over Dublin, spot the M50 at rush hour, imagining it to be an energy field surrounding the city. Their first reaction is that the city has been taken over by Klingons. Nothing is connected, people are wandering around in a trance, going nowhere. The guys get energized down to the ‘Red Cow’ Roundabout, but there is nothing they can to, They try Portlaoise, Galway, Limerick, Castlebar..but its all the same. (more…)