Client Vision
Our clients, with extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, sought to create a fully electric, super low-energy holiday home that would demonstrate best-in-class sustainability, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and operate solely on renewable energy sources.
Project Team
· Construction: Setanta Construction
· Architect: John Kennedy Architects
The Brief
The objective was to design and construct a bespoke two-story timber frame dwelling powered entirely by electricity. The home was required to deliver exceptional energy performance, function efficiently throughout the year, and highlight the potential of modern, sustainable construction.
Design & Construction Approach
With specialised design input from Setanta Construction, the home incorporates high levels of insulation, airtight construction techniques, and optimal thermal mass. Triple-glazed uPVC windows and balcony doors further enhance the thermal envelope, reducing heat loss and improving comfort.
Energy & Building Systems
- Mechanical heat and ventilation system
- Roof-mounted PV solar panels
- 18kWh battery storage system
- Fully electric energy strategy with no additional fuel sources
Smart Energy Innovation
The home integrates advanced technology developed by The Electric Storage Company. The PARIS Greentech (Predictive Analytical Renewables System) analyses energy usage patterns and predicts future consumption. Used alongside solar PV and battery storage, the system automatically determines whether to consume energy immediately, store it for later use, or export surplus electricity back to the national grid.
Challenges
- All-Electric Design & Energy Modelling:
As Setanta Construction’s first fully electric new-build project, the home required innovative design solutions. With every system powered by electricity, advanced energy modelling for heating and cooling was essential to accurately predict performance and ensure efficiency. The team also had to integrate pioneering energy technologies to optimise overall building energy use.
- Futureproofing & Flexibility:
A key challenge was achieving a high level of flexibility within the building design to accommodate future technological advancements and evolving user requirements. Extensive coordination with key stakeholders ensured the structure and systems could be easily adapted or expanded, supporting long-term energy resilience.
- Site Access & Location Constraints:
The coastal site presented accessibility challenges that required careful logistical planning. Building strong relationships with neighbouring properties proved essential. Open communication helped address concerns early and ensured construction activities caused minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
Outcome
The client’s vision for a fully electric, super low-energy home on the North Antrim coast was successfully realised. By combining renewable energy systems, intelligent energy management, and energy-efficient construction techniques, the project delivers significant reductions in energy demand and operational costs. The absence of a secondary fuel source allowed greater investment in futureproofing, high-quality fixtures and fittings, and smart home technology.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how innovative thinking, collaboration, and advanced energy technologies can overcome complex design and construction challenges and stands as a strong example of Setanta Construction’s leadership in energy efficient, all electric residential construction, highlighting the potential for modern, fully electric homes to deliver long-term sustainability and efficiency.
