INNOVATION
Bernard Dowdall Architects work is a result of the rigorous analysis of a project brief and the questioning of routine or preconceived solutions; its response to the challenges that emerge typically throughout a project and our ability to embrace both new technologies and the novel use of traditional materials. Consequently, the result is a unique solution to the demands of each project.
DIVERSITY
The practice has established a design approach that generates creative solutions across a range of projects. We maintain the desire for diversity in our work and seek not to be seen as specialists in one or another building type. The practices recent experience includes projects in the cultural, residential, civic and commercial sectors.
TECHNOLOGY & INSURANCE
BDA’s creative and innovative skills are supported by the latest ICT infrastructure and by a programme of continued professional development. The effective use of these tools ensures that we have the optimum skills and maximum time to dedicate to generating design solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible. The practice has full PI Insurance, details of which can be made available to prospective clients.
SUSTAINABILITY
The practice acknowledges that climate change is a major threat on a global scale and that those involved in building design have an important responsibility to demonstrate the sustainability of their work, especially in the context of CO2 emissions. It meets the demand to manage limited natural resources by demonstrating design strategies that conserve, re-cycle and realise new sources of energy; as well as addressing themes of environmental, social and economic sustainability in its widest sense.
As architects we advise our clients about the benefits of applying environmentally-friendly construction concepts and using progressive technology and materials. Our designs always aim to achieve insulation levels well above the building regulation standard.
We have successfully implemented the following sustainable energy options on a number of projects:
Solar collectors for domestic hot water generation
Flat surface solar collectors, ideally in an in-roof
version, supplement domestic hot water generation. They connect to a dual coil
cylinder where one source of heat is the solar panel and a backup source comes from your boiler. With grants available this is a great solution for the environmentally aware client.
Reference projects:
To be added later
Pellet boilers using carbon neutral
wood pellets
Where there is no access to mains gas, such as in rural areas, a good alternative can be pellet boilers. The fuel is classified carbon neutral
as the amount of CO2 that the fuel emits when it is burned equals the amount of CO2 the tree absorbs in its lifespan.
Reference project:
To be added later
Use of green roofs - to give nature back the space that the building occupies
Green roofs are usually flat roofs and can be planted with low maintances shrubs and herbs. Not only are you giving nature back some of the space replaced by your building, it also adds to the insulation levels, retains water that otherwise may be directed into combined sewers, and it can be an attractive sight from higher level windows (for example looking at the roof of a ground floor extension from the bedroom window)
Reference project:
To be added later
Use of German Standard
external insulated render systems
This method has been widely used in Germany for decades. It entails insulating the structural blockwork with ca. 150-200 mm of rigid insulation which then will be rendered with a flexible acrylic render. With the insulation on the outside, It provides the advantage of keeping an active thermal storage (the wall) which contributes to a more comfortable room climate and avoids cold bridging. It can be used with traditional construction methods and also can be applied in renovation projects without losing floor space or disrupting the interior.
Reference projects:
To be added later
Use of rainwater harvesting systems
In a large storage tank underground, the rainwater from the roof area will be collected. The water will be filtered and can be used for your garden, toilets and washing machines. Hard as it is to believe, Ireland has a notorious shortage of mains drinking water, so to use a system like this not only helps the environment but also can help save money once metering of mains water is introduced.
Reference projects:
To be added later
Use of Heat pumps:
Heat pumps work like a fridge inside out, the energy outside the house gets transferred to the inside. The temperature of the ground gets cooled down and the differential in temperature is used to heat the inside of the house. While higher capital investment is needed, heatpumps save on the long run in running costs. For every kW you spend on running the heat pump, it will give you 3 kW in heat for free. Heat pumps can be run on bore holes or with air-to-water units.
Reference projects:
To be added later
Other factors to be considered:
- Airtight but breathable construction
- Heat recovery ventilation systems
- Avoidance of uncontrolled ventilation and cold bridging
- Use of natural insulation materials
- Heavy insulation with high u-value, thermal storage and slow energy transmission
- Dry-screed underfloor heating for quick response time