Storm-Proof, Future-Proof: A Warm & Efficient Home in Connemara

Oughterard, Ireland

Rural Connemara

The Challenge

The main priorities for this project were:

  • Speed and efficiency, ensuring the home was built quickly while maintaining high quality.
  • Value for money, with a strong focus on cost-effective solutions that didn’t compromise on performance.
  • A warm, energy-efficient living space, reducing long-term heating costs.
  • A simple, durable, and low-maintenance design, suited to the exposed rural Connemara landscape.
  • Ensuring the structure could be built in challenging weather conditions, with Storm Eowyn hitting during the build

The Solution

To meet the family’s needs, we used our Structurally Insulated Panel (SIPs) system, which allowed for rapid on-site assembly while maintaining outstanding insulation and airtightness.

  • The bungalow structure was fully assembled in just 4 days, despite the extreme weather conditions brought by Storm Eowyn.
  • The high-performance insulation and airtight build ensure minimal heating requirements, keeping the home warm and energy-efficient year-round.
  • The layout was designed for practicality, optimizing space while maintaining a cosy, homely feel.
  • Exterior materials were carefully chosen to withstand the Connemara climate, providing a durable, low-maintenance finish.

With speed, quality, and resilience at the forefront, this home delivered everything the family was looking for—a cost-effective, energy-efficient home built to last, no matter the conditions.

The Process

Pre-Construction

The client’s background in construction and cost management meant that every aspect of the build was planned meticulously. Working closely with them, we refined the design to maximize efficiency, ensure value, and create a warm, comfortable space for family living.

Construction

On-site, our SIPs system enabled the structure to be completed in just 4 days, forming an airtight, highly insulated shell. Even as Storm Eowyn brought high winds and heavy rain, our team was able to complete the structure efficiently, highlighting the superior speed and reliability of SIPs compared to traditional builds, which often face significant weather-related delays.

Post-Construction

Once the main structure was in place, attention turned to energy performance and interior comfort. The airtight construction, energy-efficient heating system, and high-performance insulation resulted in a warm, low-cost home that requires minimal energy to maintain. The end result is a cosy, well-designed bungalow that blends seamlessly into the Connemara landscape while standing up to the elements.

The Results

“At first, I was set on a traditional blockwork build and hesitant about modular construction. A friend recommended MMC Eco Homes, and after a site visit, I was impressed by the quality of their SIPs structure—better than anything I’d seen before.
Time, quality, and cost are usually a trade-off, but MMC Eco Homes delivered on all three. The insulation is exceptional, reducing heating costs, and even experienced tradespeople on-site praised the structure’s quality.

Choosing MMC Eco Homes was the best decision. Their team was professional, helpful, and always went above and beyond.”

– Michael Clancy, Homeowner

Build Time

The SIPs system allowed for an incredibly fast on-site assembly, with the full structure completed in just 4 days, despite the extreme weather conditions. This showcased the strength, efficiency, and reliability of modern methods of construction.

Energy Efficiency

With airtight construction, advanced insulation, and an efficient heating system, the home maintains a consistently comfortable temperature with minimal heating costs, making it ideal for the Connemara climate.

Cost & Value

Designed with cost-effectiveness in mind, the home delivered exceptional value, maximizing construction efficiency without sacrificing quality. The client, being a quantity surveyor, was particularly impressed with the long-term savings and performance.

Explore more

Partner with Us

Ready to bring your sustainable home vision to life? Get in touch to learn more about our innovative building solutions and get personalised guidance from our expert team.