Does Passivhaus meet the Building Regulations? @phplusmag @BRegsBlog mentioned

I contributed THIS OPINION PIECE to the BregsForum last year concerning Part L compliance of the Building Regulations. In it I said: “The only way numerically (currently) to assess conformance with Part L of the Building Regulations is via the Read More …

5 unbearable truths of building in Ireland

This is a post I’ve been thinking about for a while and concerns the raw, unbearable truisms of designing and building in Ireland. Not pleasant reading but unfortunately (in my experience), all true: 5 unbearable truths of building in Ireland Read More …

Site visit photos on #Mayo house

Below are a few photos from todays site visit, checking insulation type, thickness & conductivity: I’m providing full architectural service, Designer and Assigned Certifier services under S.I.9 of 2014

The problem with a race to the bottom (SI9) and is architecture a commodity? (1)

Architects in Ireland are at a cross-roads. With the introduction of S.I. No.9 of 2014 we are seeing a race to the bottom regarding fees for Designer and Assigned Certifier roles; with a range of prices in the €3000 region Read More …

Currently working on SI9 information for this cottage extension

Currently working on tender and Building Control information under S.I.9 (as it’s >40m2) for this vaulted pitch and connecting flat roof to this hipped cottage extension: Design keeps the hipped roof and creates additional living and bedroom accommodation in a Read More …

Builders: You only need to do 3 things to keep @architectmark happy

If you are a builder on one of my projects, all you have to do are 3 things to keep me happy: 1. Read Have a good look and understand all the drawings and specifications. Everything that you need to Read More …

New project is our own with new office and renovation in #Swinford #Mayo #Excited

Mark Stephens Architects are announcing that they’ll be opening a new office in Swinford, County Mayo for 2015. The premises are on the corner of Bridge Street but don’t hold your breath as there’s a bit of work to be Read More …

Thinking of self-building in Ireland for 2015? Visit Irish Association of Self Builders @Iaosb …

Thinking of self-building in Ireland for 2015. Then visit the essential website The Irish Association of Self Builders which contains all you need to know regarding the issues and complexities of self-build under the current regulations. The link has also Read More …

Mark Stephens and Mark Stephens Architects are RIAI Accredited as Individual & Practice in Environmental Services

Following the Courses/CPD I have taken on Low Carbon Refurbishments, Passive House (Certified European Passive House Designer) and Renewable Technologies (and passing exam), Mark Stephens is now RIAI Accredited in ‘Environmental’ services and Mark Stephens Architects is an RIAI Practice Read More …

Planning Permission granted on these extensions to two traditional Irish / Mayo cottages

We’ve received the full grant of planning permission in the last few days for these two extensions in County Mayo, Ireland: Below is view of interior of new living room: The lower project was tricky as the Council were asking for Read More …