Top Marks For Cost-Free Holywood Home

Northern Ireland's first totally self-reliant home, which eradicates all energy bills, has been unveiled.

The A-rated energy performance home - built in Holywood, County Down - offers dwellers a completely carbon neutral living space, free from running costs.

Boasting five bedrooms, the 2,500 square foot property will save its occupiers thousands of pounds every year, with absolutely no gas, electricity or heating bills to pay.

Due to its high-tech design, the house is also exempt from rates, as it is totally zero carbon neutral.

The developer behind 5a The Esplanade has even hinted that Northern Ireland Electricity could end up owing the owner hundreds of pounds at the end of the year.

This is because the property generates its own electricity through solar panels, with water heated by an air source pump.


Average homes in Northern Ireland are rated as E - through the Energy Performance Certificate scheme – the Holywood development is the first in the province to be awarded an A rating.

Built by Sky Developments, the revolutionary property has used all available technology that could eliminate running costs.

Structural Insulated Panels were used during construction, rather than traditional blocks, due to their superior heat retaining ability

All windows in the house are quadruple glazed, with solar panels attached to the roof.

The first floor uses under floor heating techniques, however, Sky Developments' Managing Director Stephen McCready said this system was not essential.

"The under floor heating is there in case someone wants to use it, but it will not need to be on because of the superior level of insulation here," he said.

A state-of-the-art ventilation system means there is no condensation in the home. Cold air from outside is fed into where it is required every 15 minutes.

So far the scheme is a one-off. With astounding sea views, the luxury development is set to go in the market with a cool £700,000 price tag.

Mr McCready said: "The technology here will provide 130% of electricity required for lighting, heating and cooking.

"The largest watt light bulb is 18w and there is a fuel-burning stove. The total emissions for this house are 0.21 tonnes a year."

(PR/JM)