English 
This project formed part of a complete renovation of an old traditional cottage in Achill. The main body of the home was refurbished, while an older extension was demolished to allow for a more practical rebuild. Our role was to design and construct a 50m² modular house extension, built with SIP technology to deliver excellent comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Construction details:
- Foundation & Structure: The demolished section was cleared and prepared for the new SIP-built extension.
- Exterior Walls: 174mm MGO SIP panels, chosen for strength, airtightness, and excellent insulation.
- Roof: 174mm MGO SIP panels with EPS forming a four-directional roof slope for efficient rainwater drainage, topped with an additional 30mm PIR insulation layer and sealed with a durable Firestone EPDM membrane.
- Internal Walls: 124mm MGO SIP panels, ensuring structural stability and sound separation.
- Exterior Finish: Northern Spruce cladding, factory-painted in sage using Tikkurila paint to harmonise with the natural Achill landscape while adding a modern, timeless aesthetic.
- Windows: Veka Softline 82 triple-glazed units, designed to maximise natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency in the often harsh Atlantic coastal climate.
Why MGO SIP panels?
Magnesium Oxide (MGO) board SIP panels were selected for this project due to their superior performance. MGO boards are:
- Moisture-resistant, making them ideal for Ireland’s coastal and damp conditions.
- Fire-resistant, providing improved safety and peace of mind.
- Mould- and mildew-resistant, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.
- Stronger and more durable than conventional sheathing boards, reducing long-term maintenance needs.
These advantages made MGO SIP panels the perfect choice for Achill’s challenging Atlantic climate, ensuring the extension remains robust, efficient, and comfortable.
Interior:
The interior was constructed with metal stud partitioning, finished with plasterboard and skim coat, leaving a clean, smooth surface ready for final decoration. The SIP build, combined with triple glazing and PIR-insulated roofing, created an airtight and energy-efficient envelope, ensuring low heating demand and year-round comfort.
result
The new extension transformed the property into a modern, functional living space while preserving the charm of the original cottage. The design balances traditional character with cutting-edge energy efficiency, giving the client a long-lasting, comfortable, and eco-friendly home extension.
