Smart Living: A 260m² H – Shaped Family Home with Passive Solar Design and a Steel Frame Build
This newly completed 260m² steel frame home reflects a growing trend in Irish house design — blending smart spatial zoning with fast-track construction and long-term energy efficiency.
Shanette Steel Frames manufactured and installed the full steel envelope at our facility in Kilbeggan, delivering both speed and precision. The result? A bright, thermally efficient home with sleeping and living spaces thoughtfully separated by a light-filled central link.
“This layout is quickly becoming a favourite among rural homeowners looking for privacy, flow, and family-friendly functionality.”
Project Update: Frame Installed, External Insulation & Windows Progressing
Since the initial frame installation, the project has progressed beautifully on site. The client’s builder has already applied the first layer of the Kilsaran External Wall Insulation (KEWI) System, which sets the home on track to achieve a U-value of 0.17 W/(m²K) — ideal for long-term thermal performance and BER goals.
We were also delighted to see the windows and doors installed by Fenbro, who were chosen by the client. Their clean, modern glazing perfectly complements the structure and makes the most of the home’s bright central corridor and open-plan living areas.
The combination of fast-tracked steel frame construction, high-performance insulation, and sleek finishing details is what makes this project a standout example of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in Ireland.
Project Specifications
| Build Type | H-shaped residential home |
|---|---|
| Size | 260m² |
| System | Shanette steel frame system |
| External Finish | Kilsaran External Wall Insulation (by client’s builder is now underway) |
| Estimated U-Value | 0.17 W/(m²K) |
| Delivery Method | Manufactured off-site; installed by Shanette team |
| Timeline | Frame installed in days |
Design Highlights
Zoned Living: Private bedroom wing and a spacious open-plan living area
Light-Filled Link: Central corridor will draw in natural light from both sides
Passive Design: Orientation supports solar gain and energy efficiency
Future Flexibility: Wings can be adapted for snug, guest space, office or playroom
Our Role
Shanette Steel Frames supported the project by:
Collaborating with the homeowner’s architect and builder
Manufacturing Steel Frame structure to spec at our Kilbeggan facility
Transporting and installing the steel frame system efficiently and safely
- Date: September 1, 2025