The Fun Irish (House)

Seems to me the obvious solution if space allows is external shading.

 

Sounds like you're well on the way already but what about some crazy, "statement" overhangs to the south elevation?

 

Personally I'm not comfortable with the Ph overheating allowances... Remember it's an average too, not what the overheating is in one specific room...

We have integrated Roma external shutters on the east (street) facing windows and they are a godsend. All east and south Velux also have external blinds.

 

Otherwise our passive standard house would really overheat. We also open the velux at the top of our stairs/atrium for some stack ventilation

 

Should have put blinds on one GF south window in kitchen, we left it out as it faces neighbours gable end but still lets in a lot of heat.

 

 

We didn't like the official Velux external blinds. In the end, we chose aftermarket blinds from The Roof Window Store (a Danish company, shipped from Hungary).

20 hours ago, Bitpipe said:

We have integrated Roma external shutters on the east (street) facing windows and they are a godsend. All east and south Velux also have external blinds.

 

Otherwise our passive standard house would really overheat. We also open the velux at the top of our stairs/atrium for some stack ventilation

 

Should have put blinds on one GF south window in kitchen, we left it out as it faces neighbours gable end but still lets in a lot of heat.

 

 

How much were the Roma external shutters?  Some of our bedrooms face east so will get the early morning sun, we are looking at options for blackout.  These rae normal windows not roof windows

Hard to say as they were fitted to our Gaulhofer windows in the factory and were priced into the quote.

 

We had to have a detail in the wall to allow for the blind box (effectively a notch cut out of the frame) but when installed, the box was flush to the external wall and we rendered over the top, so when they're recessed (which is not very often tbh) they disappear completely.

 

We just went for simple electric control, using 240v wall switches. They do a more pricey remote option.

 

@jack did separate blinds so he may have a better idea of cost.

Actually, although they didn't come preinstalled to the window like yours, they were priced and  supplied together, so I don't have separate prices.

 

Also, while they're excellent for keeping the heat out, don't rely on them for completely blocking light. Ours let through a surpassing amount of light through their sides and the holes for the tapes.

Don't forget that except for glazing facing between SE and SW which sees the sun all year round the other potentially problem glazing in the summer won't see the sun in the winter. Therefore putting a film on those windows won't affect solar gain in the winter. We have a glazed gable which only sees the sun for four months of the year (mid April to mid August) and we have had a film put on it which has reduced overheating massively.

 

Windows that darken, and you don't even have to press a button (though you can do that too) 

Edited April 21, 2018 by PeterW

So, after talking to the Architect and a Passive House expert we've added louvres above the upstairs windows as already mentioned and plan to add one more above the downstairs bedroom. I'll look into planting a deciduous tree in the front garden to block the midday summer sun just as it's getting stronger. I've also asked about an overhanging front roof / extending the zinc porch over the downstairs bedroom window as an option/feature. I got the window sizes and they made both side and front doors glass which is not a runner so that will help when they are removed from those overheating calcs. I might tinker with the G value on the bathroom window (downstairs) but we'll see. 

The Architect modeled the house with an ASHP and alurads. I've been assuming underfloor heating but there's little need, about 500w max to keep 20oC when it's -3oC outside. The house is only 108 meters squared. I'm still keen on the SunAmp with underfloor as it gives me the full thermal storage for hot water if I don't use it for heating the house which is nice. I'm not currently planning an ASHP so will see how I go after 12 months without it. It was suggested to have removable louvres so you only put them up in Summer which is a nice idea! 

 

Thanks for all the suggestions and all good comments, great that there's lots of options and I hope this will help others with their range of choices too.