ABOUT
Ronan McKee: Co-founder of FmK Architecture Ltd in 2009 & FmK ECOHomes in 2012.
Certified Passive House Designer in 2013 &
Certified Passive House Tradesperson in 2018.
Ronan is a specialist in Air-Tightness & Thermal detailing, and also specialises in PPS21 & Planning as well as Agri-Planning Applications.
FmK is one of the leading Low-Energy Architectural Practices in Northern Ireland, specialising in Low-Cost/Low-Energy ECO Architecture & Sustainable Designs and with a wide range of projects such as;
New Sites, Planning Permission & PPS21, Small & Large Extensions, Whole House Renovations & ECO-Upgrades, Bespoke Homes & Design & Build Homes, Full On-Site Supervision & Project Management

TALK: Why Build a Low-Energy/Passive Home over a Basic Home
The main differences between a basic regulation home and a low-energy or passive home.
The huge benefits of building, owning & living in a low-energy/passive home.
The process of designing/planning your low-energy/passive home.
The fuel-cost savings by living in a low-energy/passive home.
The build-cost comparisons between a basic home & a low-energy/passive home.
How to change your plans to a low-energy/passive home.
Building/Delivering a low-energy/passive home on-site; Construction Quality-Assurance.

ABOUT:
Eric Davidson has a background in insulation, airtightness and renewables. Eleven years ago Eric identified a need for truly independent advice within the New Build community. He now visits clients all over Ireland and has to date applied this knowledge and learning to over one thousand unique projects. His advice is paid for directly and solely by the client. He sells no products and does not receive any commission for any product or tradesperson recommendation. The result – the client get a warm, comfortable, healthy home and saves money!

TALK: Priorities for a Self Build.
Eric has consulted on over 1000 unique projects for over 1000 unique clients. Despite huge diversity of project size, client background, budget and ambition, he has identified four universal priorities in any build. When these are applied and adhered in the correct order they can help every New Builder achieve what they ultimately want: a very comfortable and healthy home with very low running costs for the least capital cost. Eric will share and explain each for these four priorities.

About:
Brian Flynn, a 4Front Technical Manager, is a qualified building surveyor. He has been involved in construction for over 20 years. The majority of that time has been spent specialising in roofing waterproofing systems.

Talk: Avoiding the pitfalls in flat roofing
More than 50 years of life expectancy is only one of many benefits of flat roofing systems. In the talk, our experts from 4Front Building Products and Resitrix will focus on flat roof designs including warm and cold decks. We will outline the main criteria of flat roof, aesthetics, price and durability. Thermal and sound insulation, and ventilation will be explained as a part of an airtight construction. Find out how to make flat roofs for domestic or commercial projects warm and watertight. Last but not least, our experts will talk more about warranties, regular flat roof maintenance and why it is essential to choose approved installers.

About:
For 46 years Stewart has been involved in construction. For the last 38 he has specialised in roofing. The introduction of Resitrix into the UK saw Stewart attend the first of the Resitrix training sessions in Germany at the manufacturer’s factory.
From then until now he has both installed, managed, and worked with the manufacturers to develop systems of installation. Stewart is always active and can often be seen on site demonstrating and explaining fitting methods. He conducts all the membrane training to roofing companies at the Carlisle training academy in the UK. And also conducts CPD seminars for architects throughout the UK and the Island of Ireland and recently in Iceland. At time most old roofers would be cutting back on workload Stewart is busier than ever.

Talk: Avoiding the pitfalls in flat roofing
More than 50 years of life expectancy is only one of many benefits of flat roofing systems. In the talk, our experts from 4Front Building Products and Resitrix will focus on flat roof designs including warm and cold decks. We will outline the main criteria of flat roof, aesthetics, price and durability. Thermal and sound insulation, and ventilation will be explained as a part of

ABOUT
Graeme Norris is Regional Manager – Sales and Distribution at Progressive Building Society. Following over 35 years in various roles with the Society, including Branch and then Area manager, Graeme is currently responsible for the development and production of the organisation’s savings and mortgages distribution plans.   He is instrumental in the growth of the broker and intermediary network and development of the direct mortgage channel.  Graeme is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Banking and is a keen sports fan.

TALK INFO
Talk Title: The Self-Build Mortgage process
How would you go about financing a self-build?
Getting your finances in order is a very important starting point for your self-build project. If you need to borrow money you should be aware that a mortgage for a self-build differs from a mortgage you would use to purchase a house because with a self-build mortgage the money is released in a number of stages as the build progresses.  It is also important to make a budget in order to estimate how much the project will cost.  You should then add 10% -15% as a contingency sum to cover unforeseen costs which might arise during the build.  Also bear in mind

ABOUT:
Specification Executive for the Keystone Group and Sales Manager for Isle of Man.  Been with the company for the past 9 years in various roles but past 4 years in current role.  Former graduate of Queen’s University Belfast.

TALK: Offsite Innovations and Thermal bridging Solutions.
Visitors will learn about innovative products which can be designed bespoke to their requirements and produced offsite to create striking features for their build.  They will also learn about energy saving solutions which can reduce thermal bridging and improve the energy efficiency of the building fabric.

A show regular for over 15 years John knows house plans inside and out. Take a seat and learn the do’s and don’t and see what can be achieved in your home!

ABOUT
Independent advice from John Corless – the leading expert in building practices in Ireland.

TALK INFO
Talk Title: House Plan Design

About:
Martin is the Marketing Manager with the award winning tile company Armatile.
Armatile was founded in 1975 and 45 years later has grown in to one of the industry's largest tile retailers, distributors, contractors and manufacturers.
With over 15 years in the industry Martin has a strong product knowledge and works closely with Armatile's wide range of residential and commercial customers to provide then with the best products, technical information and advice.

Talk: 20mm Porcelain Paving – Features & Benefits for Garden and Landscaping Projects
Key Learning Outcomes;
What are the practical Features & Benefits of 20mm porcelain paving.
Why you should use 20mm porcelain paving and where can it be installed.
The variety of style available and the opportunities they create to extend your home into stunning outside living spaces.

ABOUT:
Andrew has worked in insulation for over 20 years. Since 2011 he has been working for Kingspan Insulation promoting solutions for both New Build and Retrofit Projects.

TALK: Tomorrows Solutions Today
nZEB and Beyond

About:
With a background in audiovisual systems and bespoke software development, Scott went on to found Epitome Living Ltd in early 2017. Offering truly smart solutions for clients is our main objective at Epitome Living.
With offerings such as smart lighting & heating control, whole-house WiFi and audiovisual systems, we work directly with homeowners as well as architects and other associated trades.

Talk: Creating a Truly Smart Home
"Smart Home" is a phrase we hear a lot these days but what does it mean, really?
With so many options out there, it's hard to tell sometimes what is beneficial, and what is just the latest gadget for us to keep up with. When building, it's crucial to remember that any technology decisions made now will affect our entire time living in the home.
If you've ever wondered how to plan for the future, where to install network cable, when to consult a technology professional, or wondered how your house can work for you, this is the seminar to attend.

About:
Vanessa Drew has been designing gardens for nearly 20 years and has been working with Tobermore for almost 18 of those. A keen gardener – work is her hobby! Vanessa grows her own fruit and vegetables and keeps chickens, goats and bees. She is an advocate of self-sufficiency and holds courses to teach others to do the same in addition to other topics such as gardening, maintenance and beekeeping. Vanessa also has her own farm shop selling goats milk, eggs, jams and preserves.

Talk: Hard and Soft Landscaping - Getting the Balance Right
When designing an outdoor space, it is essential to get the balance right between hard and soft landscaping.  This ensures that your garden combines practicality with year-round colour and interest.  Hard landscaping includes paving, walling and steps while soft landscaping encompasses grass, trees and shrubs. This seminar will provide advice about making your garden attractive whilst ensuring it is easy to maintain.

ABOUT
Jonathan has been an Area Sales Manager with Tegral Building Products for six years. He looks after the Northern region including counties Antrim, Armagh and Down. He has extensive experience and knowledge of both the roofing and overall construction industry, having worked in these areas for over 20 years. Jonathan has previously been a Builders Merchant manager and has worked in many areas of the building industry before joining the Tegral team.

TALK INFO
Talk Title: Your Roof - Getting It Right!
Your roof is one of the most important elements when building your home – after all, it is what keeps you and your family safe from the elements. And, seated at the edge of Europe in the Atlantic, we really know all about volatile weather! This aim of this seminar is to take you through inspiration and information. For starters, we will look at the various roofing materials that are available in the market place and will outline the various features and benefits of each. As part of this we will also showcase some beautiful homes from across the country. The second part will focus on a little technical information that will be incredibly advantageous to a self-builder.

About:
Richard Sloan is Managing Director of SONAS Bathrooms, Ireland's leading distributor and bathroom brand.  Richard and his team provide bathroom product solutions for use in Selfbuild and bathroom renovations, Residential Developments and Commercial Projects.

Talk: Planning your Bathroom Project
Things to consider when planning a bathroom project, average cost, contingency, typical layouts what products are trending.

About:
Francis is a Qualified Engineer with a BEng (Hons) in Environmental Engineering. He has over 14 years experience in the wastewater industry working on both domestic and industrial schemes. His current position involves site assessing, NIEA consent to discharge applications, consultancy and technical sales.

Talk: Domestic Sewage Treatment
The importance of the consent to discharge application process and how it could affect your mortgage payments
Design considerations when choosing the wastewater treatment option suitable for your site
The importance of ongoing service and maintenance

About:
Over 40 years experience in the construction industry with focused expertise in the fields of fire and thermal insulation. After 7 years with a major global insulation manufacture as Ireland Technical Manager currently holding the role of National Technical Manager for the SIG Group of companies in Ireland for the last 12 years

Talk: Fire and the built Environment
To improve the awareness of Passive Fire Protection and the understanding Passive Fire Protection In all aspects of passive fire protection, including the role of fire doors, frames and fire seals; door hardware and fire ducts and dampers; structural fire protection; compartment wall penetrations and fire-stopping. What to look for in relation to passive fire protection. What is understood by a "non-combustible " product in terms of European and BS standards. To increase awareness of those working within the fabric of the building to ensure compartmentalization and structural fire safety is not compromised during and after works have been carried out.

About:
Stephen Blakely is the creative director at Blakely Interiors. He has over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial Interior Design. Stephen considers his clients taste, personality and lifestyle in every project. He hosts an extensive library of knowledge and ensures every option is considered before the design and build of a project is confirmed.
Stephen thrives on the completion of new builds and refurbishment projects of all scales and sizes. He believes the relationship built with every client is the key to his happy and successful career.

Talk: 9 Interior Design Secrets; to transform your house into a home!
Learn from our experts:
- Key elements when planning
- Avoid "magnolia-itis"
- Be practical with space and layout
- Be colour confident
- Strike at the heart of the home
- Lighting
- Its all about you...

ABOUT:
My name is George McStravick, proprietor of GMS Intelligent Systems. We have been audio visual integrators for the last 10 years now.We specialise in the design and integration of home technology & automation. We offer a bespoke tailored package to our clients, which includes the design, schematic drawing, installation, programming and commission through to final handover. This incorporates a basic training session to our already user friendly systems.

TALK: Future Proof Your Home
The Visitors will be given an insight into the importance of future proofing their homes. The presentation focuses mainly on how and when to install the structured cabling, required to embrace the multitude of smart technologies. It emphasises the huge benefits to be gained from this modern day way of living. The presentation also identifies the latest technologies available to the visitors.

ABOUT:
Having over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, Gerry Sheridan is the Managing Director of GMS Insulations who are the distributors for Icynene in Ireland and the UK.

Talk: Spray Foam Insulation for an energy efficient home
An introduction to spray foam insulation as a residential application for energy efficiency and superior air-tightness, Icynene Spray foam which is 31 years on the market and has operated in Ireland since 2004 provides this informative presentation.

About
Mervyn has over 40 years experience in Architecture, Planning and Project Management, both in the private sector for private bespoke dwellings, housing developments and commercial buildings, etc. Mervyn holds 4 chartered qualifications in Architecture, Surveying, Building Engineering and Project Management and is a Fellow of 3 of these professional institutes.
In private practice Mervyn became an associate of a Chartered Architects practice at the age of 25.  He then moved to the public sector and reached the level of Head of Building and Assistant Director of Estates Services.
Throughout his career, his passion has always been architectural design, project management and building legislation including a particular interest in Planning legislation.

Clinic
Finding a plot and planning permission