Rural Design Guidelines

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   Appendices 1 to 8 1 Site Appraisal 2 The House and its Peripheral Requirements 3 Environmentally-friendly Buildings 4 Site Assessment for On-site Domestic Waste Water Treatment 5 Main Types of Domestic Waste Water Treatment 6 On-site Wells for Domestic Drinking Water 7 Native hedgerow species and trees suitable for planting in Co. Westmeath 8 Acknowledgements

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   Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines Appendices 1 Site Appraisal Ireland’s rural landscape is widely recognised as one of our most precious assets. Whether inland, coastal, flat, hilly, undulating or mountainous, land dotted with grazing animals, or planted with crops, divided by hedgerows, and with significant and mature tree-scapes, it is a heritage that deserves care. Its streams, rivers, lakes, canals, estuaries and the largely unspoilt coastline demand assiduous attention to improve water quality. There is therefore an absolute priority that new rural houses should not detract from the rural environment, pollute it, or suburbanise it. Planning control aims to ensure that the landscapes of Westmeath are properly protected, but recognises that new homes for rural dwellers are needed and sought, and when carefully designed and located, can 'belong' to their greater environment, or can be successfully 'held' in the landscape. A careful site appraisal is a pre-requisite of good design. It is important to recognise that not all landscapes or fields make good sites, and there are methods to assess a site for suitability. Westmeath County Development Plan lists landscape zones and the regulation for rural housing that applies in each category. Site suitability for percolation of waste-water will be required as per regulations. A site appraisal uses photographs and site map, and plots special qualities individual to that site which will inform the design process and planning evaluation. The vantage points chosen for photographs should be plotted on the Rural Place Map, with arrows pointing angle of view. If possible visit on a dry, clear day to maximise understanding of the site. From Afar: The landscape character informs design approach. • Identify landscape type – Is it flat, hilly, undulating? • Where are the main contours, if any? • Recognise the traditional rural building patterns in the area and their traditional location in the landscape. Are buildings generally 2-storey, 1-storey? Do they face onto the road or present gable? What are the predominant materials? Are there existing agricultural buildings, if so how large? • Identify tree-scape (ie tree types, whether in lines or copses or scattered), meadowscape (ie typical size, the boundaries - whether hedgerow, wall or fence), and rural use tradition (ie crop, grass or fallow?) • Recognise vehicular access, the highways and byways, the roads, lanes, and typical methods of access • Identify views to the site. Estimate the visibility of proposed development at varying distances from public roads or public areas. What scale of development, if any, will be visually unobtrusive? What planting will blend with existing? Up Close: As you approach the site, gain a feel for the immediate area by recognising the: • Vehicular access type. Is the road fast or slow? Are there junctions close by? How are its boundaries made – planted, walled, banked or fenced? Are there trees? How is visibility? • Immediate neighbours – Green fields or housed/farmed. If so, identify whether new houses or old, and the size, scale, materials, character and location in the site. If green field, what is the current use? How will the neighbouring land either side impact on 58

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   Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines development in this site? Eg mature trees to impart permanency, protect from wind and create shadow. Position of ESB and Eircom poles and lines. Loss of privacy? • Other uses, negative, positive in immediate area? For example: Industrial/commercial/or nuisance • Important approach views of the site. From where is the site visible? • What are the characteristics of access gateways to other immediate properties? • What type of planting exists? Is it significant, sparse, removed, healthy, old etc? • What is the most obvious zone for entry to the site – eg: a degraded length of hedgerow, away from an acute bend, etc And Personal: – The Site Learn the site. Take time to walk it and note its natural features. Identify the following: • Road to the site – Is it a national route, a local road or laneway. Are there acute bends, and how is visibility? • Access onto site – any existing; if so, is it safe, where, how many? Consider access safety requirements for visibility dependent on road type. (See Development Plan) • Boundaries - planted or manmade? • Orientation – the sun path throughout the year. Where is South? • Prevailing wind direction – from where and is there any existing shelter? • Topography - whether ground is undulating, hilly or flat. Are there useful contours? • Preliminary Soil Evaluation - Is the ground soggy or heavy? Recognise ground plants; eg rushes indicate heavy soil, reeds indicate waterlogged land. Is it dry, or rocky? etc • Views – which and in what direction can be framed in the detail design? • How does the site currently rate for privacy? • Will site size be sufficient for the size of house envisaged, its waste water treatment and percolation? Is there an existing septic tank on site? • Will water supply be from a well? Does one already exist? • What houses can you see from the house? • Important trees – their location, type, height, diameter and health • Hedgerows - their location, type, height, and health • What position on site is least obtrusive, has good views and is protected from prevailing winds? Check this again and again as you leave the site and move afar. Aim to maximise views from the house and minimise views to the house. Following careful appraisal, it is possible to assess whether a site can successfully absorb new development without compromising the landscape and if so, how it may be possible to shape the design to successfully integrate with its environment. The Rural Design Guidelines in Part 3 offer advice in this regard. It is useful to present the Site Appraisal to Westmeath County Council in the event that pre-planning advice is sought, and subsequently to accompany all planning documents when application is made. This will assist evaluation of the proposal. The outcome of careful local site selection, and building the landscape around the house: an estate house in Belvedere 59

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   Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines 2 The House and its Peripheral Requirements This section concentrates on the additional functions the house and site must perform to successfully service lifestyle today. Through design, the dwelling can be shaped to incorporate useful built elements which can enhance shelter and privacy, and create safe, convenient and private outdoor areas; the garden zoned to hide washing lines and waste; the driveway located to reduce the impact of cars; and through specification, unsightly service elements such as meter boxes and power lines made visually unobtrusive. These elements are rarely included in a design brief, and not all may apply, but their consideration and possible integration at an early design stage makes a better, user-friendly home. Services Make unobtrusive but readily accessible • ESB line and meter box • Eircom • Water – if by well, need pumphouse • Wastewater treatment system - access for desludging/maintenance • Oil tank/wood pellet/biomass storage tank - access for delivery • Satellite dish/aerial • If using solar thermal panels, consider position • Plant room/boiler house Waste Create a Zone that is unobtrusive but readily accessible • Segregation zone to cater for recycling bins • Composting zone • Grass cuttings Storage Shape outbuildings to maximise beneficial microclimatic effects, (ie. shelter from chilling winds and maximise sun). Use materials to complement main house. Consider storage requirements: • Bikes • Car • Tools • Lawnmower • Summer outdoor furniture • Other paraphernalia depending on hobbies and pursuits • Animal requirements – dog kennels, henhouse, pigeon house etc • Logs/coal/briquettes – make easily accessible • Recycling Garden Orientation, visual and actual links to house crucial to enjoyment • Safe zone for play – ie within eye-view of main living areas eg kitchen and away from vehicular access • Washing line • Planting • Outdoor tap/electrical outlet • Outdoor sheltered sitting out zone: o privacy o barbecue o maximum sunshine Indoor/Outdoor Ready access but design for rural life • Car/s - ready access for groceries, but unobtrusive location • Muddy boots zone 60

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   Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines 3 Environmentally Friendly Buildings The application of sustainable design principles which recognise energy efficiency, lifetime cost of materials, non-toxicity, waste water treatment, and water and waste reduction will produce buildings that are environmentally friendly. Environmentally friendly buildings aim to be more sustainable under the following 3 headings: 3.1 Energy Use 3.2 Materials 3.3 Waste and Water 3.1 Energy Use The introduction of mandatory energy auditing for buildings, and the requirement that energy labels, (Building Energy Rating, BER certificates), must be presented to potential occupants of new residential dwellings by January 2007, and existing residential dwellings by 2009, creates an urgency to explore energy-efficient design choices that make better buildings. The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, (EPBD), is an attempt to mobilise market forces to improve energy performance in buildings. In Ireland, a Joint Working Group was established in 2003 to oversee and plan the implementation of the EPBD in Ireland. The Working Group comprises senior officials drawn from Sustainable Energy Ireland, (SEI), the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR). The action plan is included in their website, www.sei.ie/reio.htm and www.epbd.ie The housing sector is the largest consumer of energy in Ireland, accounting for 28% of energy related Carbon Dioxide emissions. Most of this energy stems from non-renewable fossil fuels. The application of appropriate planning and design strategies can significantly lower energy consumption. This can be achieved by reducing heat loss, providing ventilation control and the installation of efficient heating systems, which take account of climate, site and the use of sustainable alternatives to conventional building methods. The end result can be a superior home which is more comfortable and convenient, with significantly reduced energy costs and which aims to be non-polluting. Objectives of Low-Energy Dwellings (1): • Make provision for solar gain and control • Control heat loss and save energy • Adopt efficient and responsive heating appliances and controls • Provide controllable ventilation and adequate access to daylight • Consider comfort and amenity Make provision for solar gain Control heat loss Adopt efficient and responsive heating appliances and controls Consider comfort and amenity The principles of Energy-Conscious Design (1): Solar Energy and Housing Design Vol 1 Publ. by Architectural Association for the (UK) Department of Trade and Industry 1994 61

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   Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines Climatic Planning and Design The detached rural house offers a large exposed surface area that needs to be more energy-efficient. Energy-efficient design recognises local climate and orientation; considers the opportunities the particular site offers for shelter; meets the site constraints intelligently; and answers the challenge to provide heat, light and comfortable indoor spaces with minimal use of fossil fuels. The Guidelines in Part 3 offer principles of good design. Energy-efficient housing should take the following into account : Orientation Careful orientation can increase heat gains from the sun, and protect against chilling winds. Passive solar energy is free energy, provided by the sun, which can be harnessed by the dwelling to increase thermal levels and thereby comfort. There is a corresponding decrease in the use of conventional heating, leading to a cost saving. South-facing dwellings are particularly energy-efficient. Sloped sites additionally offer advantages since the lower winter sun can gain access. In our climate, glazing is normally about 20% of floor area. 60-70% of this should ideally be located on the south-facing façade. • Consider orientation at the outset, to influence choice of site, location and design Landscaping and Shelter Good design can create an enhanced microclimate by utilising the building form and planting to increase useful solar access and protect from harsh winds. A sheltered microclimate is necessary to all buildings, but particularly to those situated in open countryside. It imparts privacy, useable outdoor spaces and works to reduce energy costs. • Design to create a favourable microclimate • Exploit shelter by built form, planting or landscape contours • Design landscaping to achieve good winter solar access • Outdoor hard areas, eg patios, should be considered for their capacity to reflect light and absorb heat • Conserve and propagate indigenous vegetation Design of the Built Form The general rule of passive solar energy is to reduce the glazing on the north side, and maximise it on the south side, thereby offering the potential to exploit passive heat gains, ie free heat from the sun. Plan form should recognise the advantages offered by increased solar access by placing living areas on the southerly aspect, whilst service zones are located in the less favourable northern zones. Approximately 60,000 houses are built in Ireland each year, many without habitable roof space. Houses, designed to be capable of adaptation to suit the differing requirements of family life are sustainable and cost less, both to heat and to construct. Design can exploit roof space, now or in the future. In general, compact, simple building forms are easier to insulate, more energy-efficient and cost less to heat. Insulation The Irish Building Regulations have been updated to increase the level of thermal insulation, (Part LTGD 2002). Insulation keeps the building fabric warm and reduces heat losses. Aim for excellence. Install quality materials to achieve higher values than the minima set by regulation. Detail well to ensure continuity and monitor installation to avoid clumsy sitework. • Specify highest levels of insulation • Specify materials with low negative environmental impact • Ensure the continuity and integrity of insulation materials through detailing and on site installation • Provide adequate thermal capacity for heat storage in the building structure • Insulation should be easy to fix and install by standard operatives • Insulation should not be affected by humidity, water vapour or damp • Insulation should not rot • Insulation should have no food value for rodents • Insulation should be chemically and mechanically resistant • Consider health and safety – insulation should be toxic-fibre free 62

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   Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines • Insulation should not contain any fluorocarbons, (CFC's or HCFC's) • In the event of a house fire, insulation should not give off toxic fumes • In historic buildings choice of insulant will be affected also by its thickness. This applies particularly to over-rafter roof insulation. The aim is that the external character or appearance should remain substantially unchanged. Glazing Building regulations have improved the thermal requirements of windows, doors and rooflights. (Indicative U-Values for windows, doors and rooflights are included in Table 31 of TGD L 2002.) Aim for the highest standards. Further improve thermal performance by: • Best energy balance - orientate the substantial proportion of glazing due southwards • Reduced window areas facing North • Use of multi-layered glass - reduces heat loss by trapping air between the glazing layers. The cavity is best filled with argon or krypton gas • Low-emissivity glass (Low-E) is standard to achieve elemental standards in building regulations. It is a durable on-line coated, neutral coloured, low-emissivity glass which allows the free short-wave energy from the sun to enter the building but acts as a barrier to the escape of long wave energy from internal heat sources. • Use of frame materials with a high insulation value such as timber. Avoid the use of wide frames and glazing bars to increase the amount of net glazing area available for solar gain • Good weather stripping and detailing at joints to control infiltration and thermal bridges which represent heat loss • Ensure that occupants have control - easy opening, closing, shading mechanisms to reduce unwanted heat gains and allow for heat dissipation • Reduce energy losses at night by providing good curtains or shutters • Aluminium-backed blinds to rooflights reduce heat gain and heat loss. Consider external shutters to reduce heat loss at night, or awnings to reduce daytime glare or over-heating • The advance in glass technology opens a variety of options to the designer – eg Smart glass that can be switched from clear to opaque, etc Ventilation Ventilation of a dwelling is necessary to meet the health and comfort needs of occupants, to prevent build-up of stale odours, pollutants, and to prevent excessive condensation caused by activities generating water vapour within the dwelling. It is necessary to meet the targets set in TGD F 2002, minimising the risk of condensation, mould growth or other indoor air problems. This provides a healthier environment. • Ensure air-tightness of the construction through careful detailing and workmanship to seal air leaks • Provide controllable means of ventilation, capable of supplying adequate amounts of fresh air for occupant health and comfort • Consider Heat Recovery Ventilation - This system extracts the stale, moist air from the dwelling and replaces it with fresh air. Both air streams are passed over a heat exchanger which transfers heat from the outgoing stale air to pre-heat the incoming fresh air supply. Heat is recycled, leading to significant energy savings. The internal climate is healthier and more comfortable. The inclusion of an electronic air cleaner will remove 95% of particles such as pollen, cigarette smoke and house dust. Heating Irish households consume the equivalent of 2.4 million tonnes of oil every year for heating (2). The main energy drain of a dwelling is the provision of adequate heating for space and water which accounts for 80% of energy used in the home. Aim to increase comfort levels whilst reducing building energy demand. A significant reduction in heating load can be achieved through the passive solar energy techniques previously described. A careful choice of space heating will also save energy and reduce pollution. 63

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   Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines Check SEI website for references, (www.sei.ie/reio.htm). • Meet relevant Irish and European standards • Choose an efficient source of heat • Use it in a responsive system • Provide an effective control system • Distribute heat efficiently, eg underfloor heating. Radiators can be aluminium backed to outside walls to reduce heat loss • Should require little maintenance, with suitable warranties and back-up • Should reduce CO₂ and other harmful emissions • Aim to reduce dependence on imported fuels • Increase the predictability of the heating cost whilst reducing the conventional heating bill • Should be climate-compatible • Should have low noise emission • Should have a recognisable 'pay-back' – ie capital cost offset by lower bills • Specification and sizing of system by suitable qualified and experienced professionals • Aim to harness free renewable sources. Examples include: • Solar – Passive Solar : Design the building in its site to capture sun’s energy to naturally heat the home Active Solar : Three types: 1 Solar Electric (photovoltaic) – uses energy from the sun to create electricity. If net metering is introduced in Ireland this will become a more financially viable option 2 Solar Thermal – uses energy from the sun to create heat which is normally stored in water. Provides hot water for taps or space heating 3 Solar-Combi System – uses solar thermal with another supplementary and complementary energy source, preferably from renewables, eg wood pellet stove • Ground Source Heat Pump – uses soil as a heat source, by bore hole or horizontal collector • Biomass – efficient boilers which burn wood pellets from forest/sawmill residues, pulpwood. Also wood chip/straw/SRC (Short rotation coppice) etc • Air Source Heat Pump – outdoor wall-mounted air collector (requires no excavation) • Choose fireplace with regard to efficiency, and non-polluting renewable fuels, eg wood/pellet. • Open fireplaces are 15-30% efficient. Stove fireplaces are at least twice that. If designing for an open fire, incorporate a controllable vent to regulate combustion and reduce unwanted smoke • Installation by suitably qualified and trained operatives Reduced Electricity Usage The process of electricity generation from fossil fuel incurs a high primary energy and environmental cost; this is reflected in both the unit price of electricity and its CO₂ emission ratings. Design should aim to considerably reduce the use of electricity, resulting in an energy-efficient, comfortable and sustainable dwelling through: • Provision of natural illumination. Designing for daylight provides a better quality of illumination and saves electricity use. It also results in spaces that are bright, airy and cheerful – essential in a northern climate • The use of low energy light bulbs. (Switching a 100w bulb for an energy saving one can save EUR 12.00 per year (3).) There are a many low-energy options on the market • Design lighting for the specific task • Design to reduce the need for electric lighting by increasing the flow of natural daylight between spaces, eg glass block walls and glazed doors allow the filtration of light • Provision of energy-efficient appliances based on AAA performances • Lighting through the roof provides more daylight • Choice of factory insulated hot water cylinder • Correctly sized, efficient heat pump • If any outdoor lighting, aim for solar powered • Use a green-energy supplier to reduce CO₂ emissions 64

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   Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines • If net metering is introduced in Ireland, domestic electricity production by sun, wind or water will present further opportunities Using the Home Sustainably Residents should be supplied with simple, clear instructions on how to maximise comfort levels and increase energy efficiency. A Home Energy Guidance Manual can be compiled to allow the occupier discretion in how the building will perform. 3.2 Materials New materials should be chosen with care for their sustainability under the following headings: Production method • Embodied or grey energy, ie the amount of energy to produce and transport • CFC and HCFC free • Preservatives non-toxic • Reduce chemical content • Natural materials preferred • Timber only from an approved source with appropriate certificates to ensure from sustainably-managed forests • Appropriate certificates and compliance with Building Regulations are a minimum requirement Durability • A proven record is desirable Recycling • Consider recycling opportunities 3.3 Water and Waste Water Quality and Conservation Rural water supply is often by well. (See Appendix 6.) Quality should be regularly checked to confirm that the supply is free of mineral and bacterial contaminants. If necessary, a water filtration system or ultra violet system can be installed to treat the water. Whilst Ireland often seems to have too much water, in the form of rain and its resulting mud, a sun-filled summer can produce water shortage mainly due to: • Low well yield • High water usage. – In areas of poor percolation, wish to reduce hydraulic loading and avoid ponding of effluent It is therefore advisable to consider the following: • Toilet should incorporate half and full-flush options • Each water-using machine, eg washing machines and dishwasher, should have A-rated water usage with eco-options, minimising water wastage • Rainwater collection for plant watering Waste Water Treatment A significant proportion of the country’s 400,000 septic tank systems are defective. These can cause serious pollution to the wells and small streams. Environmentally friendly solutions provide safe and effective waste-water treatment. (Refer also to Appendix 4 and 5 for detailed information on site assessment and types of wastewater treatment.) A wastewater treatment system should be approved and properly and conscientiously maintained. A qualified consultant can advise the best solution for the site. The most up-to-date legislation, regulation, and best practice information should be consulted prior to application. 65

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    Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines The main features of waste water treatment to consider are: • Compliance with up-to-date legislation, regulation and best practice information • Location on site (access required for desludging or maintenance depending on system) • Design to reduce visual impact • Odour-free • Low running cost • Quiet in operation • Efficient and durable • Effectiveness • Relevant quality assurances and certificates • Be fully guaranteed • Advanced systems should incorporate a comprehensive maintenance package and contain, (if possible), a warning system for malfunction • Guidance Manual for User – eg household detergents/cleaning chemicals can reduce efficiency of system and these products are best avoided. Regular additions of bacterial agents can improve performance of septic tanks. Household Waste Household waste reduction facilities through segregation and composting should be provided in all new homes. Segregation : Adequate and convenient space is needed for efficient domestic waste segregation: • Design to include a household zone where segregation and storage of recyclable materials, (plastics, newspapers, glass etc) can take place Composting : Options include the following: • On-site composting using a plastic bin, or covered protected zone • Organic wormery • Organic food waste digester – Domestic wall-mounted digesters are efficient and unobtrusive Summary "Renewable energy is energy gained from sources in the process of which few or hardly any harmful effects on the environment occur. Renewable energy is available in inexhaustible quantities, from sources such as the sun, wind, water, biomass, geo-thermal and environmental heat." SEI. (Sustainable Energy Ireland) The guidelines above cannot be all-inclusive, but aim to pinpoint the main considerations for the energy-conscious architect/designer and user. The objective is to provide a template for future sustainable rural development. Appropriate professional advice can result in significant cost savings on running costs. References and Sources 1 Solar Energy and Housing Design Department of Enterprise /Architectural Association 1994 2 Sustainable Energy Ireland Fact sheets To download factsheets contact www.sei.ie/reio.htm 3 Vomac Technologies...energy solutions fact sheet Other publications consulted: • TGD F 2002 : Ventilation Dept of the Environment and Local Government • TGD L 2002 : Conservation of Fuel and Energy in Dwellings, Dept of the Environment and Local Government • SEI House of Tomorrow Leaflet • A Renewable Heat Pump in your Home SEI leaflet • Sustainable Design Notes Considerations for Implementing Greener Design Strategies. Eileen Fitzgerald (Ed). Energy Research Group UCD, RIAI 1998 66

Source Westmeath County Council: Rural Design Guidelines · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.