County Derry construction firm seeking a local family to live in one of their houses free for a whole year

A County Derry-based construction company is offering a Magherafelt family a unique opportunity to live free for a year in one of their properties.

Setanta Construction is on the hunt for a local family to live rent-free for 12 months in their newly launched SoLow Passive House located on the outskirts of Magherafelt town.

In exchange, occupants will share their experience as part of valuable research and to inform future product decisions around passive house living and associated energy efficiencies, all whilst making significant financial savings.

The generous offer comes at a time when concerns over the cost of living, rising energy costs and the availability of much needed high-quality housing continue to grow.

Setanta Construction have designed and completely manufactured Ireland’s first volumetric modular house constructed to complete Passive House standards - the internationally recognised gold standard in ultra-energy efficient construction.

The construction process of the SoLow passive modular home is very different from that of a conventional house. Currently it takes just two weeks to construct 'SoLow' in the factory and it can be assembled onsite in just a few hours.

The award-winning firm have teamed up with Ulster University’s Centre for Sustainable Technologies research team to conduct a detailed study into the optimal performance and cost saving benefits of SoLow and Passive Home living.

Speaking about the opportunity to live rent free for a year, Mark Gribbin, joint Director at Setanta, said: “We’re reaching out to members of the Magherafelt community including, potential first-time buyers or those considering building a new home and are thinking of applying passive house principles to get involved in this one-of-a-kind research, by living rent free at our ‘SoLow’ building project in Magherafelt for one year.”

Director Niall Gribbin, added: “It’s a win-win situation, at the end of 12 months we get unique and specific data about the energy performance of Solow that will help inform future decision-making and our tenants will get to live for free with no major household bills allowing them to make significant financial cost savings that could possibly go towards a future deposit for their new home or building project.

“So whether you’re a first time buyer or considering starting a building project in the near future and want to find out more about the benefits of ultra-energy efficiency for your home, then this opportunity might be the one for you.”

Applications are now open to those living in and around the Magherafelt area and following submissions a shortlist of potential successful applicants will be compiled and invited to interview after the closing date of March 20, 2023.

Hopeful occupants can apply by emailing info@setantaconstruction.com and requesting an application form referencing ‘Live Free for a Year’ in the subject bar. A panel of reviewers will evaluate submissions and shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview. Successful occupants will move into the SoLow property no later than April 24, 2023.

Additional information including full terms and conditions can be found online at setantaconstruction.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook at @setantaconstruction