MARLFIELD JOINERY & CONSTRUCTION
cum-workshop to house the clients’ sailing gear. Although the scale was small, its sustainability significance was profound. The garage, fully insulated and double-glazed, became more than a utility space. Its roof was outfitted with 5.6kWp of solar PV panels – enough to power the entire home and contribute surplus energy to the regional grid. Over 11 months, energy costs were under £800 – remarkable given the all-electric operation of the property. Every light fitting is LED. Every appliance was selected for efficiency. Showers are low-flow. And all electrical systems were future-proofed for further integrations, should the clients decide to install battery storage or EV charging. A sustainable lifestyle What sets this project apart isn’t just its energy metrics or material choices, it’s the alignment of every stakeholder, from client to architect to builder, behind a singular vision: to live lightly on the land. Marlfield Joinery & Construction showed that deep green upgrades are viable in rural Northern Ireland and can thrive in heritage homes with planning sensitivities. In doing so, the company created more than just a high- performance house; Lough View shows how local builders can meet global challenges head-on, with creativity, determination and respect. As the construction industry seeks to decarbonise, projects such as Lough View provide a valuable roadmap, showing that sustainability can be achieved through thoughtful decisions and the willingness to do things differently.
The insulation strategy was one of the most impactful upgrades. Original walls were wrapped in the Soltherm External Wall Insulation system finished with acrylic render, maintaining the traditional whitewashed aesthetic while drastically improving thermal performance. The team installed 600mm loft insulation, excavated and insulated original floors, and replaced all windows and doors with high-performance triple-glazed units. The heating was completely overhauled. An air-source heat pump, feeding primarily underfloor heating systems, delivers renewable warmth throughout the home. The integration of a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system ensures comfort and airtightness, resulting in an impressive air test score of just 1.5 air changes per hour at 50 Pa. Natural solutions Achieving these high standards on a site within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was not without its hurdles. Close proximity to Strangford Lough and a nearby wetland reserve meant environmental sensitivity was paramount. Site logistics required careful planning, especially considering the narrow rural road and local ecosystem. Deliveries were scheduled at off-peak times to avoid disrupting local traffic and wildlife. By sourcing from local suppliers and manufacturers – including window, door, and kitchen fabricators – Marlfield reduced transport-related emissions and minimised the build’s carbon footprint.
Even waste management was approached with precision. Loose debris was contained, scrap metals were segregated for recycling, and no fires were allowed on site, preventing airborne pollutants. The most unexpected challenge arose below ground. An archaeological discovery – a burial raft – delayed the garage foundations, requiring an archaeologist’s oversight and sensitive handling of the site. Later, a retaining wall became necessary due to the site’s topography. Marlfield chose Colinwell Allan block for minimal environmental impact and visual harmony with the surrounding Scrabo stone, while offering permeability for natural drainage.
A modest extension One of the unique features of Lough View is its humility. Despite grand ambitions for energy performance, the extension to the home was deliberately modest, expanding the living area by just 42 square metres and adding a garage-
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