01 April 2009

Sky Developments latest project for Connswater Homes at Skyline Buildings, Donaghadee Road, Newtownards is starting to take shape as preparationas are made for the erection of Northern Irelands first SIP panel build the affordable housing sector.

The 40 apartmens being built by Sky for Connswater will be the most energy efficient affordable homes in the province to date meeting code for sustainable home level 3/4 - in effect an EPC rating of 'B'.

Members of the local construction industry are keepinig a close eye on the project due to the rapidly decreased build time afforded to the Sip (Structural Insulated Panel) construction method. The development. beside Movilla Shool in Newtowards will not only benefit from speedy erection times but it is estimated that the finished apartments will require less than 30% of the energy of a similar traditionally built property.

When asked about the progress of the development and the benefits of this construction method Atephen McCready of Sky Developments commented, 'at Sky we feel there is a very healthy future for modern methods of construction, not only is there a large cost saving in terms of build time, the end result is cheaper to run for the occupant and better for the environment, it ticks all the boxes in terms of the way we need to go.'

McCready & his business partner Alan Johnston recently signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Hemsec SIPS to distrubute SIP panels through Sky Sips and Johnston believes that many developers will avail of these innovation in building methods. When asked he said, 'we have been inundated with enquiries since announcing the Hemsec/Sky SIPS deal, everyone in the industry knows that there are better ways to build and I am glad we are offering a solution.'