One of the best forms of sustainable building is passive solar design – using the heat of the sun to regulate your building’s temperature without using other energy sources. A thorough understanding of the sun’s movement and correct use of materials and are essential to capitalise on solar energy – at DJC we have this knowledge and expertise.

Levels of Passive Solar Design

There are 3 levels of passive solar design – direct, indirect, and isolated.
Direct passive solar design uses windows, shutters and other design features to capture a “short cycle” of solar energy. The Indirect level utilises the building’s structure to act as insulation (through whole walls, water tanks, earthed roofs etc) where a slow-release of heat capability makes greater use of the solar energy. Isolated solar design means capturing solar energy to slow-release it through the building, many techniques and structures (such as solar stoves and chimneys) have been designed to do this.

Planning is the key to Passive Solar Design

Passive solar design can be difficult to get right and it demands an intuitive, flexible approach to your building’s plan.
Consider location – over exposure to the sun, large windows and glass doors can make your house too hot during the day. Appraise of the site for factors, such as other buildings or trees, which may provide shade parts of the day. The shape of the building, as well as the environment surrounding it, is an important factors as well.
Look at the range of construction materials available. The walls of a building are referred to in solar design as thermal mass – the mass of material that absorbs and insulates – adobe walls, for instance, absorb solar energy well and release it slowly. The type and size of windows, as well as their location, should be very carefully considered.

Creating Sustainable Buildings

Finding an experienced architect or builder who has specific experience in this field is a crucial part of planning a sustainable-built construction. At DJC not only do we have knowledge and experience of building projects of this nature but we also have excellent working relationships with several specialist architects who have designed some of Northern Ireland’s most respected Passive Homes. To discuss your building project contact us now.

• Driveways/Pathways
• Balconies
• Drainage
• Decking
• House/Building Maintenance
• Re-Roofing/Repairs
• Garage Conversion/Fit Out
• Conservatories
• Kerbing
• And much more small building needs

These tasks will be carried out by a highly trained team  who will offer their expertise to make sure quality is delivered at good value.

Contact DJC for more information.

Daniel Jackson meeting with Anthony Canning - Business Development Executive and Maire Nawaz - Director Northern Ireland from the Fderation of Master Builders who were also exhibiting at the SelfBuild Show 2010.

The SelfBuild Show at the Kings Hall, Belfast proved to be a very successful show for DJC Building and Excavation.  Brochures where given out to all those interested in undertaking their project with the help of a builder or excavation contractor and staff had numerous enquiries on how to receive an estimate for individual projects being carried out in the future.

The SelfBuild Show also provided many opportunities to meet with architects based throughout Northern Ireland. DJC will be working with these architects in the future.

The show was extremely busy over the period of the three days with record visitor numbers of 16,500 coming to gleam inspiration and advice from the 250 exhibition stands.

DJC are already looking forward to next year at the Self Build show where they will be exhibiting again!!

If you attended the SelfBuild Show 2010 and wish to get in touch regarding our services please get in touch and we will be happy to advise and help you.

We are very excited to announce that we will be at the The Self Build Show in Belfast’s King’s Hall from 19-21 February 2010. The Self Build Show will feature new products and technologies to enable and promote sustainable building practices throughout Ireland. DJC Building and Excavation are the perfect company to handle these kinds of new builds, extensions or renovations.

Our proprietor, Daniel Jackson will be attending the three day event and is looking forward to meeting many like minded building enthusiasts. “The Self Build Show tends to attract a diverse crowd from the person just thinking on starting their own build project to seasoned self builders who are keen to share their knowledge, experience and passion for their project. DJC are committed to building with quality, integrity and expertise and all our work is guaranteed to the highest specifications. We specialised in gaining the two permissions a self-builder needs before the house can be started which are planning and building control.”

So whether you are a committed self builder or someone who is new to the world of self building feel free to come speak to us at our Stand at the Self Build Show Belfast 2010. Join us at the Self Build Show in Belfast to engage with suppliers and find out all you can about the latest products and technologies that can help you with your project.

To arrange a meeting with us please fill in our Contact Form.