FARM HOUSE – Passive House case study in Co. Fermanagh

The site sits just outside Enniskillen, in County Fermanagh - a rural area characterised by agricultural fields, one-off dwellings, and farm buildings. The proposed dwelling and garage are positioned within the field to sit visually alongside the existing farm buildings, respecting the working agricultural setting.

Key figures:

· GIA: 255m² / 2,750 ft²

· TFA: 237m² / 2,550 ft²

· Form factor: 2.76

· Space Heating Demand: 14 kWh/(m²a) - Passive House Classic

· Heating Load: 10 W/m² - Passive House Classic

· Renewables: ground-mounted solar PV, generating approx. 12kW for the home

Farm House achieves Passive House Classic certification through a high-performing building envelope, triple-glazed windows, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), thermal-bridge-free construction, and a rigorous airtightness strategy.

NI Building Regulations Part F requires new dwellings to be 'nearly zero-energy buildings' (nZEB), cutting CO2 emissions by at least 40%. Farm House more than doubles that requirement, achieving an 89% CO2 reduction - proof that a working farm setting and outstanding energy performance are far from incompatible.