Client Cairn Homes
Location Charlestown, Dublin
Architect RUA Architects
Making the largest Passivhaus development in Irish history a reality and putting a coveted BER A2 rating within reach
About the project
IN2 is supporting Cairn Homes’ vision as the mechanical and electrical design engineers for Pipers Square, a landmark residential development located in Charlestown, Dublin 11. This ambitious project is the largest Passive House development in Europe and in the history of the Irish State, comprising 598 apartments alongside a 540 m² crèche facility, setting a new benchmark for sustainable housing.
IN2’s design approach fully embraces Passive House principles, incorporating high performance insulation, rigorous airtightness strategies, optimised heating and ventilation solutions, and careful integration of critical building components. Passive House design ensures heating bills up to 40% lower than typical new builds, maintains a constant indoor temperature of 20°C throughout the day and night, and provides a continuous supply of filtered fresh air to enhance occupant wellbeing.
Our scope also includes comprehensive Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments to achieve an A2 rating using DEAP software, ensuring full compliance with Building Regulation Part L. In addition, we have evaluated building fabric upgrades and integrated renewable energy solutions to maximise efficiency and sustainability across the development.
To guarantee comfort and performance, IN2 has undertaken a series of specialist analyses. These include a CIBSE TM59 overheating assessment using TAS Dynamic Simulation Modelling to eliminate overheating risks in occupied rooms, the development of a natural ventilation strategy to maintain air quality and thermal comfort, and a detailed lift traffic analysis in accordance with CIBSE Guide D (2020). This analysis used specialist simulation software to model morning and evening peak travel periods with a residential load profile, determining average wait times and optimising vertical transportation for residents.
Pipers Square represents a significant step forward for sustainable living in Ireland. By combining advanced modelling, compliance expertise, and innovative engineering solutions, IN2 is helping Cairn Homes deliver homes that are efficient, comfortable, and future ready, setting a new standard for large-scale residential developments.
