GREENWOOD HOUSE Passive House case study in Co. Cavan
Inspired by Leonardo da Vinciβs words,
βSimplicity is the ultimate sophisticationβ
Our goal was to design a Passive House rooted in simplicity - a home that sits naturally within the topography, quietly complementing and enhancing the surrounding landscape.
The site sits near Cootehill, a historic market town in County Cavan known for its wide streets, rich linen-making heritage, and surrounding lakelands. We followed a landscape-led design approach, shaping the dwelling's form and materials to visually integrate with the site and its setting.
Key figures:
Β· GIA: 151mΒ² / 1,625 ftΒ²
Β· TFA: 141mΒ² / 1,515 ftΒ²
Β· Form factor: 2.94
Β· Space Heating Demand: 15 kWh/(mΒ²a) - Passive House Classic
Β· Heating Load: 11 W/mΒ² - Passive House Classic
Β· Renewables: heat pump (domestic hot water) + roof-mounted solar PV on the adjoining garage
Greenwood 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.
In doing so, it comfortably exceeds Part L of the Republic of Ireland's Building Regulations - including Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) requirements - proving that outstanding energy performance and quiet, elegant design can go hand in hand.
Greenwood House site location
Greenwood House existing site
Greenwood House proposed site
Greenwood House site photos
Greenwood House site photo
Greenwood House ground floor plan
Greenwood House first floor plan
Greenwood House section
Greenwood House north elevation
Greenwood House south elevation
Greenwood House east elevation
Greenwood House west elevation
Greenwood House roof plan
Greenwood House designPH model
Greenwood House visualisation garden view
Greenwood House visualisation entrance
Greenwood House visualisation garden view
Greenwood House Passive House key criteria
Greenwood House visualisation sketch
Greenwood House visualisation sketch