Our Self Build Learning Hub
Everything you need to know about self-building, timber frame homes, planning permission, build costs, energy efficiency & passive house construction in Ireland
Timber Frame Supplier for the New Series of DIY SOS Ireland
Timber Frame Ireland Chosen as the New Timber Frame Supplier for the Latest Series of DIY SOS Ireland We are delighted to announce that Timber Frame Ireland has been selected as the timber frame supplier for the upcoming series of
Timber Frame vs Block Build in Ireland: Which Is Best in 2026?
Timber Frame vs Block Build in Ireland: Which Is Best in 2026? If you're planning to build a home in Ireland, one of the first decisions you'll face is: Should I choose timber frame or traditional block construction? For decades,
Is a Passive House Worth It in Ireland?
Is It Worth Investing in a Passive House in Ireland? As energy costs continue to rise and building regulations become increasingly focused on efficiency, more Irish homeowners are asking: Is a Passive House worth the extra investment? For many self-builders,
Timber Frame Extensions in Ireland
Why Closed Panel Timber Frame Is the Ideal Solution for Home Extensions in Ireland Home extensions continue to grow in popularity across Ireland as homeowners look to create additional space without the cost and disruption of moving house. Whether you're
What Happens After Planning Permission Is Approved?
What Happens After Planning Permission Is Approved? Your Next Steps Explained; Getting planning permission approved is one of the biggest milestones in any self-build project. After months of: site assessments drawings planning applications and waiting for approvals many homeowners think:
9 Common Mistakes Self-Builders Make in Ireland (And How to Avoid Them)
Don't Make These Self-Build Mistakes.. Building your own home is one of the biggest and most exciting projects you’ll ever take on. But for many self-builders in Ireland, the process can quickly become overwhelming without the right planning, guidance and
Why You Should Start with an Insulated Foundation System
Why Every High-Performance Home Should Start with an Insulated Foundation System When people think about building an energy-efficient home, most immediately focus on: wall insulation windows heat pumps or solar panels But one of the most important parts of any
Choosing the Right Timber Frame Wall Package for You
Timber Frame Wall Packages Explained Choosing the Right System for Your Self-Build At Timber Frame Ireland, we know every self-build project is different. Some clients want a straightforward, cost-effective build that comfortably meets regulations. Others want the highest possible thermal
How Timber Frame Homes Achieve NZEB Standards in Ireland
How Timber Frame Homes Achieve NZEB Standards in Ireland All new homes built in Ireland must now meet Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards - but what exactly does that mean, and how do timber frame homes achieve it so
Why Airtightness Matters More Than Insulation Alone
Why Airtightness Matters More Than Insulation Alone When building an energy-efficient home in Ireland, most people focus heavily on insulation - but insulation alone is not enough. Even the best insulated home can lose a huge amount of heat if
Timber Frame Homes Ireland: Costs, Timeline & Process (2026 Guide)
Timber Frame Homes Ireland: Costs, Timeline & Process Building a timber frame home in Ireland has become one of the most popular choices for self-builders looking for faster construction, improved energy efficiency, and more predictable project costs. With timber frame
Irish Self-Builders Making the Move to Timber Frame!
Why More Irish Self-Builders Are Choosing Closed Panel Timber Frame Systems Across Ireland, more self-builders are moving away from traditional block construction and choosing closed panel timber frame systems instead. Faster build times, improved energy efficiency, rising labour costs, and
Planning a Timber Frame House in Ireland: Key Design Tips from Start to Finish
🏡 Planning a Timber Frame House in Ireland: Key Design Tips from Start to Finish Building a timber frame home in Ireland is one of the fastest, most energy-efficient ways to create your dream home - but getting the design
Mica Rebuilds Donegal: Can We Trust in Block Again?
FAQs: Mica vs Timber Frame Q1: What is mica and why is it a problem in Donegal? Mica is a mineral found in defective concrete blocks. When it absorbs water, it causes the blocks to weaken, crack, and crumble. Thousands
Mica Donegal: Rebuilding with Timber Frame & Cement Board (NO BLOCKS)
Mica & Pyrite in Donegal: Why Timber Frame with Cement Board is the Safer Choice The mica crisis in Donegal has already devastated thousands of families. Cracked walls, crumbling houses, and lifelong savings destroyed — all caused by defective blocks.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 Chose a𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?
🔥 1. Improved Energy Efficiency - Reduces heat loss through the foundation, which is a common source of energy inefficiency. - Helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. - Can lead to lower
Should Ireland Build More Timber Frame Homes?
📈 Growth in Popularity As of 2021, timber frame accounted for approximately 48% of all low-rise housing schemes in Ireland, up from 37% in 2019. This growth is driven by factors such as energy efficiency, speed of construction, and
Is It Harder to Get a Mortgage on a Timber Frame Home?
Timber Frame Construction is the fastest growing construction method in Ireland; now sharing approx. 50% of the build market! Considering the Government are pushing for more timber frame homes; getting a mortgage on a timber frame in Ireland
How Much Cheaper Is a Timber Frame Home?
In the current climate, 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜-𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙨 With the cost of living increasing there is significant pressure on household incomes The wholesale cost of energy has escalated rapidly in recent months– with
Donegal Defective Blocks – Is It Really Mica?
Donegal's Defective Blocks ‘not caused by mica’; study claims Leading international journal publication suggests the defective blocks scandal isn't in fact Mica - the issue has been caused by pyrrhotite. The peer-reviewed article " The Mica Crisis in
Defective Blocks & The Irish Concrete Levy
What Is the Concrete Levy? In September 2022, the Minister for Finance announced the “Concrete Levy” as part of Budget 2023; signed into law of the Finance Act 2022 in December 2022. The introduction of the Concrete Levy
Should I Build a Timber Frame or Masonry Home in 2023?
Is Timber Frame Really the Way Forward? Thinking of building a new house in Ireland? The advantages of building a timber frame house over the more standard traditional block method are endless. Block may be trying to play
Is a Passive Home Worth the Cost?
Is a Passive Home Worth It? Passive Homes allow for related energy savings of up to 90% in comparison to traditional methods such as masonry construction. Passive Houses use less than 1.5 litres of oil per square meter
Self Build Terms Made Simple!
MEMBRANES & BARRIERS Radon Barrier: Similar to a Damp Proof Membrane but with an additional benefit of preventing the penetration of radon gases into the build. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which can potentially damage your






















