Kernanderry | Jackson Build

Kernanderry: A Sustainable Vision in Modern Construction

Project Overview
Our Kernanderry project represents a modern approach to sustainable construction. Jackson Builders was tasked with delivering an energy-efficient home that combined luxury with environmental responsibility. The project set ambitious targets for carbon reduction, fabric efficiency, and renewable energy integration, showcasing how contemporary design can achieve eco-friendly outcomes without compromising on comfort.

Objectives and Goals
The primary goal for Kernanderry was to exceed UK building regulation standards for energy efficiency and emissions while maintaining a high standard of quality. This included achieving low U-values across the structure, optimizing insulation, and incorporating renewable technologies. Jackson Building Services aimed to create a home that would not only reduce energy consumption but also provide year-round comfort for its occupants, setting an example for sustainable residential builds.

Before the Project
Kernanderry was envisioned as an energy-efficient home from the ground up, with a design plan focused on achieving significant reductions in both carbon emissions and heating demand. Initial assessments highlighted areas where high-specification materials and systems would be necessary, especially in insulation, glazing, and airtightness, to align with sustainability goals and exceed building code requirements.

Scope of Work
The construction incorporated advanced energy-saving features, including:

Installing triple-glazed windows and doors with U-values as low as 0.79 W/m²K to minimize heat loss.
Building with premium insulation materials to achieve U-values of 0.14 W/m²K for walls, 0.09 W/m²K for the roof, and 0.14 W/m²K for the floor.
Integrating a 5.20 kW photovoltaic (PV) array to generate renewable energy, reducing grid dependency and emissions.
Equipping the property with a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, which boasts 87% efficiency, ensuring excellent air quality while conserving energy.

The project achieved a Dwelling Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate (DER) of 6.17 kgCO₂/m², marking a 72.9% improvement over the target rate.

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Challenges and Solutions
Achieving such ambitious efficiency required meticulous planning and attention to detail. One challenge was meeting the high insulation and airtightness standards necessary for low energy demand. We managed this by working with advanced insulation materials and high-performance triple glazing, ensuring the building envelope was as energy-efficient as possible.

A further challenge involved installing the PV array and MVHR system in a way that maximized energy savings without impacting the architectural aesthetic. The team worked closely with renewable energy specialists to seamlessly integrate these systems, demonstrating our commitment to both form and function.

Results and Outcomes
The completed Kernanderry project exceeded energy efficiency expectations, with significant reductions in heating demand and CO₂ emissions. Achievements include:

Energy Performance: A Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency (DFEE) of 43.89 kWh/m²/yr, far below the target of 62.69 kWh/m²/yr.
Renewable Energy: The PV array provides an offset of 4,443 kgCO₂ annually, supporting the home’s sustainability credentials.
Airtightness: Achieved an air permeability rate of 1.2 m³/(h.m²) @ 50 Pa, contributing to reduced heat loss and enhanced efficiency.

While the project falls slightly short of full Passive House certification, Kernanderry remains a leading example of sustainable construction, balancing modern luxury with environmental responsibility and was recognised within the industry with two nominations at the 2024 Build It Awards

Client Feedback
Reflecting on the project, the client commended Jackson Builders for our ability to incorporate high-specification materials and advanced systems to deliver a truly efficient home. The client’s feedback underscored the success of the project, noting that the home achieved both aesthetic and performance goals.