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Monday 9am - 5:30pm Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm Thursday 9am - 5:30pm Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Acara Concepts Ltd

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Acara Concepts Ltd

Acara Concepts distributes natural, ecological and high performing thermal and acoustic insulation products throughout the UK and Ireland.

Acara Concepts distributes sustainable, ecological and natural insulation products throughout the UK and Ireland. We supply Hofatex wood fibre thermal insulation boards suitable for walls insulation, floor insulation and roof insulation and it is vapour-open to reduce condensation and mould growth. Wood fibre provides excellent insulation as well as being the best thermal insulation for reducing noise in properties as well as for providing protection against summer time overheating due to its high density. These eco-friendly products are made almost entirely from trees so are very good for the environment as well as for our health. PhoneStar soundproofing acoustic insulation boards very effectively reduce both airborne (e.g. talking, music) noise and impact (e.g. footstep) noise through walls, floors and ceilings. This very slim product, at only 15mm thickness, is ideal for soundproofing walls, soundproofing floors and soundproofing ceilings from noisy neighbours, as well as for soundproofing within one's own home or workplace. PhoneStar will easily meet Building Regulation for Sound requirements in both new build and change of use properties. Acara Concepts also supply Lignotrend room acoustics timber panels which significantly reduce both echo and reverberation within a room. These contemporary panels are made from solid timber and wood fibre and are very aesthetically pleasing. Please do not hesitate to contact us for friendly no-obligation advice on: UK +44 (0)20 7998 1690 or IRE: +353 (0)1 8409 286. Our email is: info@acaraconcepts.com

15/12/2025

Christmas And New Year

We will close for business this Friday(19th) and re-open on Monday January 5@9am.

I would like to wish all our customers, connections and suppliers, a Merry Christmas, and thank you for all your business and support throughout the year.

05/12/2025

Sustainable Building Techniques: Rendering on Wood Fibre Insulation

As the construction industry continues to innovate for a greener future, wood fibre insulation is gaining recognition as a sustainable and highly effective choice for energy efficient buildings. One question that often arises is: Can you render directly onto wood fibre insulation?

Select Render Compatible Boards:

Use wood fibre boards specifically designed for rendering, such as these Naturheld 140 Boards. These are durable and provide a textured surface for strong adhesion.

Apply a Reinforcing Base Coat:

A render base coat (ie Baumit MC55) with embedded fiberglass mesh ensures strength and crack resistance.

Finish with a Breathable Topcoat:

This preserves the system's vapour permeability and prevents moisture build-up and mould.

Properly rendering wood fibre insulation not only provides a durable, attractive finish but also maintains the insulation’s breathability, enhancing the building's overall performance.

By choosing these systems, we not only improve building energy efficiency but also support sustainable practices in construction.

naturheld Baumit UK

28/11/2025

What Is Vapour Permeability?

Vapour Permeability In the context of breathability, vapour permeability is the rate of passage of water vapour through solid materials.

Water molecules as vapour (which is gas below boiling point) will pass through a variety of materials at different rates according to the pore size and thickness of the materials. The issue really is the rate at which they do this. This is what resistance is really about.

In all building situations however, the significance of water vapour transmission through materials is relative to ventilation and air leakage. It is also relative to the hygroscopic capacity of materials in the building. The fact is however that even small incidents of high relative humidity can cause considerable damage to structures and to human health through the development of moulds and bacteria.

High moisture levels also adversely affect building thermal performance. On the other hand buildings with designed and built in vapour openness can help to transport excess moisture away from the indoor environment and can ensure the long term health of the fabric itself. From all points of view therefore the water vapour permeability of materials and structures is important.

The transport of water vapour through structures is driven partially by differential vapour pressure. Vapour pressure arises from the amount of water gas molecules in the air. If there is a difference in the amount of molecules between two areas adjacent to each other there will be a pressure differential, and the water molecules will move to equalise the pressure. This will usually be from the inside of a building to the outside because of the higher production of moisture in a house. The rate of transmission will depend on the pressure difference, the vapour permeability of the boundary between the two areas (ie wall, roof) and the thickness of this boundary. Reverse vapour transmission is possible however in certain circumstances.

*Credit*; Extract taken from Neil May's Breathability: "The Key to Building Performance"

26/11/2025

What are the issues that occur when using cementitious plasters or renders on historic building walls?

Using cementitious plasters / renders on historic building walls can lead to several significant issues, including:

Loss of vapour permeability; Traditional lime-based plasters allow moisture to pass through walls, whereas cementitious plasters create an impermeable barrier, trapping moisture inside and leading to damp problems(ie Mould).

Salt and Moisture Damage; Trapped moisture can lead to salt efflorescence, which causes plaster degradation and structural weakening.

Cracking and Delamination; Cement-based plasters are more rigid than traditional materials. When historic buildings naturally expand and contract, the plaster may crack or separate from the underlying masonry.

Chemical Incompatibility; Historic masonry was often designed to work with lime based materials. Cement can react negatively with softer stones and bricks, leading to accelerated deterioration.

Difficulty in Removal; Once applied, cement plasters can be difficult to remove without damaging the underlying masonry, making future restoration efforts more challenging.

Increased Structural Stress; Because cement is stronger and less flexible than lime-based materials, it can put excessive stress on older, softer masonry, potentially causing long-term structural damage.

To preserve historic buildings effectively, it is recommended to use traditional lime-based plasters or other compatible materials(see Baumit), that allow the building to function as originally intended. Also, if insulation is to be used, choose a compatible product like Naturheld Wood Fibre Insulation.

naturheld Acara Concepts Ltd

25/11/2025

Renovating Vacant Buildings: A Win for the Planet and for Building Performance

When we talk about tackling the climate crisis in construction, there's one strategy that delivers on multiple fronts: renovating vacant properties.

Here’s why this approach is so important:
🏚 Preserving Embodied Carbon
Every existing building contains years, even decades of embodied carbon. Demolishing it wastes all that carbon and adds more emissions through new materials. Renovation keeps that carbon locked in.

🌿 Adding Performance, Not Just Preservation
Renovating doesn’t mean compromising on energy efficiency. With modern materials like wood fibre insulation, it’s possible to upgrade the building envelope, improve thermal performance, and boost indoor comfort, all while using a natural, breathable, carbon-sequestering material.

🔄 Circular Economy in Action
Vacant buildings are a key part of the circular economy. Reuse the structure, retrofit it with sustainable materials, and reduce waste and resource demand.

🌆 Community and Climate Benefits
Renovations breathe new life into neglected spaces, support local economies, and reduce the need for carbon-intensive new developments.
As suppliers of wood fibre insulation, we’re proud to support projects that not only protect heritage and enhance performance, but also cut carbon, naturally.

Every vacant building is a climate opportunity. Let’s make the most of them with smarter materials and more sustainable thinking.

naturheld Acara Concepts Ltd

24/11/2025

Before You Insulate a Historic Building… Fix the Moisture Issues First!

Why We Recommend French Drains Prior to Installing Wood Fibre Insulation

When retrofitting solid walled or historic buildings, moisture management is critical.

As suppliers of wood fibre insulation, we often emphasise one key step before any insulation boards or internal systems go in: Install French drains around the property.

Here’s why this matters:

1. Reduces Moisture Loading on Solid Walls

Wood fibre insulation is vapour-open and works brilliantly with traditional buildings — but it relies on walls being able to dry out.

A French drain helps divert groundwater away from the base of the wall, keeping moisture levels controlled and ensuring the insulation performs as intended.

2. Protects the Foundation & Masonry

Historic masonry, lime mortar, and early concrete struggle with rising damp and lateral water ingress.

Improving drainage before insulation reduces the risk of trapped moisture, frost damage, and long-term deterioration.

3. Enhances the Performance of Breathable Retrofit Systems

Breathable systems only work when moisture can move and escape.

By keeping the wall base dry, French drains support:
Better thermal performance
Reduced internal humidity
Longer life for both insulation and finishes

4. Prevents Issues After Insulation Is Installed

Moisture problems that appear after a retrofit can be costly and disruptive.

Installing a French drain beforehand helps avoid:
Internal damp patches
Mould growth
Compromised insulation integrity

5. Supports a Whole-Building Approach

Retrofitting is not just about insulation, it’s about creating a healthy, durable, and efficient building fabric.

Good drainage sets the foundation (literally) for a successful wood fibre insulation project.

Takeaway;

If you're planning to insulate solid external walls, especially in older or heritage buildings, address the moisture first.

A simple French drain can make a huge difference to the performance and longevity of natural, breathable insulation systems.

Note; Before digging the French Drains around the property, you may wish to engage a structural engineer first, to ascertain if there are any structural issues or reasons why this can't be done.

naturheld Acara Concepts Ltd

18/11/2025

Traditional properties don’t behave like modern sealed structures!

There’s a strong recognition across our industry that historic buildings require a fundamentally different approach to retrofit.

Traditional properties don’t behave like modern sealed structures. They manage moisture through natural diffusion, not synthetic membranes. When we introduce impermeable insulation into these older buildings, we can unintentionally create condensation risks, fabric decay, and long-term structural issues.

This is exactly why wood fibre insulation is becoming a key material in conservation-led retrofit.

It supports the building’s natural breathability, buffers moisture safely, reduces thermal bridging, and integrates seamlessly with lime plasters, solid masonry, and timber-frame construction. In short, it works with the building, not against it.

As distributors of Naturheld wood fibre insulation to the construction industry, we’re proud to support contractors, architects, and heritage specialists who are leading the shift toward more thoughtful, fabric-sensitive retrofit strategies. These are the projects that deliver real performance improvements, while respecting the character and health of the building.

The next big challenge is education, making sure every professional involved in traditional building retrofit understands why material compatibility matters, and how breathable solutions can dramatically improve outcomes.

If you’re working on a heritage, conservation, or traditional building and want to explore vapour permeable insulation strategies, we’re always here to help with guidance and technical insight.

17/11/2025

Should I Insulate Solid Walls (no cavity) On The Inside? Or On The Outside?

Insulating the Inside of Solid Walls;

Pluses:

Aesthetic Preservation:

By insulating the inside, you keep the outside appearance of the building intact, preserving its historical character. Most historic properties that I undertake site visits to are protected structures, which generally means that the aesthetic of the external facade can't be changed, so you have no alternative but to insulate on the inside.

Cost:

Generally, internal insulation tends to be less expensive than external insulation.

Minuses:

Reduced Space:

Adding insulation inside can take up space in the rooms, making them smaller.

Moisture Issues:

If not done properly or an unsuitable insulation product is used, internal insulation can trap moisture inside the walls, leading to dampness and mould.

Thermal Bridges:

If parts of the structure are not insulated (e.g., around windows or doors) this can act as "thermal bridges" for heat loss, reducing the effectiveness of the insulation system.

Insulating the Outside of Solid Walls

Pluses:

Thermal Efficiency:

External insulation can greatly improve the overall thermal performance of the building and reduce heat loss through the walls.

Moisture Protection:

By adding a layer on the outside, you protect the structure from rain and weather-related damage, potentially extending the building's lifespan.

Uniform Insulation:

External insulation provides a consistent, continuous layer of insulation around the building, reducing thermal bridges.

Minus;

Alteration of Appearance:

Insulating the outside of the building can change its historical appearance, which may not be desirable for preservation purposes.

Cost and Complexity:

External insulation is often more expensive and complex to install compared to internal insulation.

Planning Permissions:

External insulation may require special planning permissions, especially for buildings in conservation areas.

When insulating a historic property, it's important to work with professionals and suppliers who understand both the technical and historical aspects of the building, to ensure the best results while preserving the building's heritage.

naturheld Acara Concepts Ltd

11/11/2025

Why We Supply Naturheld Wood Fibre Insulation (and why you should use It)

As we push towards more sustainable construction, we’re proud to offer Naturheld, a category leading wood fibre insulation brand, built for performance, health, and climate goals.

🌱 Low Embodied Carbon

Made from by-products of sustainable forestry, wood fibre insulation locks in CO₂ rather than emitting it. It’s a sustainable alternative to PIR, EPS, or mineral / rockwool, all of which carry a heavy carbon footprint.

🏡 Breathable, Hygroscopic, Healthy

Naturheld boards and batts are vapour‑open and hygroscopic, allowing moisture regulation and preventing condensation which is essential in retrofit, heritage, or timber frame details.

No off‑gassing, no itching, just a clean, natural material that enhances indoor comfort.

☀️ Thermal Inertia & Overheating Control

With thermal conductivity as low as 0.036 W/m·K, and high density (~50 kg/m³ for the Flex range), Naturheld delivers strong insulation without sagging, plus excellent summer heat buffering fro the rigid board range.

✅ Specify Naturheld If You’re Working On:
Projects targeting embodied carbon reductions or circular economy credentials
Climate resilient designs in summer overheating risk zones
Heritage renovation or moisture sensitive timber builds
Passive House, low‑energy, or fire rated framed wall systems

📩 Want to learn more or discuss optimal thicknesses and installation details? We’d love to help you choose the right Naturheld wood fibre insulation product for your next project.

naturheld Acara Concepts Ltd

05/11/2025

Ampatop Seal & Naturheld 140 Roof

The Ampatop Seal(350g/m2) monolithic membrane, is rainproof even in adverse conditions(min roof slope 5 deg). However it remains vapour open(breathable), to allow moisture(vapour) passing through the Naturheld wood fibre boards from the inside to escape . This allows for a healthy and mould free roof structure.

The Naturheld 140 vapour permeable wood fibre boards have excellent thermal resistance. However that's not all, they also have great latent heat storage capabilities, which allows them to store solar gain through hot days, and then release it at night when temperatures have cooled. This helps to create a nice ambient temperature throughout the day and night, reducing the need for cooling systems.

Ampack

04/11/2025

Naturally Flexible And Exceptionally Effective Insulation

In every building, maintaining a continuous thermal envelope is key to lasting performance, yet this is often where conventional insulation falls short. Gaps, voids and irregular surfaces can leave even the best designs underperforming.

Naturheld Flex changes that. Crafted from natural, flexible fibres, it effortlessly conforms to the shape of your structure, wrapping around junctions, timbers and services to create a seamless layer of thermal protection.

Whether you’re working on a heritage restoration or a modern retrofit, Flex delivers the adaptability you need without compromise. It’s easy to handle, quick to install and eliminates the need for fillers or foams, saving time, reducing waste and enhancing airtightness.

The result? A breathable, durable and high-performance insulation system that keeps buildings comfortable, efficient and naturally healthy for years to come.

naturheld Acara Concepts Ltd

03/11/2025

Reuse Before You Rebuild: Why the Greenest Building Is the One That Already Exists.

When we talk about sustainability in construction, we often focus on operational energy, better insulation, efficient systems, renewable power. But there’s another major piece of the puzzle: embodied carbon, the carbon released to produce, transport, and assemble building materials.

Here’s the catch:

Most of a building’s carbon emissions occur before anyone even moves in.

When we demolish and rebuild, we throw away not just materials, but all the carbon already “spent” to create them.

That’s why reusing or repurposing existing buildings can be one of the most impactful environmental actions we can take.
Retaining an existing structure can save 50–75% of embodied carbon compared with new construction.
Even with upgrades and retrofits, the carbon cost is almost always lower than starting from scratch.
And as operational emissions fall thanks to efficiency improvements, embodied carbon becomes a larger share of a building’s total footprint.

In simple terms:
The most sustainable building might already be standing right in front of us.

Of course, not every building can or should be reused, safety, functionality, and performance still matter. But if we truly want to decarbonise the built environment, adaptive reuse should be the default starting point, not the exception.

Address

Killossery
Dublin

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 5:30pm
Thursday	9am - 5:30pm
Friday	9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+35318409286

Website

http://www.acaraconcepts.com/

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Thermal & Acoustic Insulation

Acara Concepts distributes sustainable, ecological and natural insulation products throughout the UK and Ireland. We supply Pavatex wood fibre thermal insulation boards suitable for walls insulation, floor insulation and roof insulation and it is vapour-open to reduce condensation and mould growth. Wood fibre provides excellent insulation as well as being the best thermal insulation for reducing noise in properties as well as for providing protection against summer time overheating due to its high density. These eco-friendly products are made almost entirely from trees so are very good for the environment as well as for our health. PhoneStar soundproofing acoustic insulation boards very effectively reduce both airborne (e.g. talking, music) noise and impact (e.g. footstep) noise through walls, floors and ceilings. This very slim product, at only 15mm thickness, is ideal for soundproofing walls, soundproofing floors and soundproofing ceilings from noisy neighbours, as well as for soundproofing within one's own home or workplace. PhoneStar will easily meet Building Regulation for Sound requirements in both new build and change of use properties. Acara Concepts also supply Lignotrend room acoustics timber panels which significantly reduce both echo and reverberation within a room. These contemporary panels are made from solid timber and wood fibre and are very aesthetically pleasing. Please do not hesitate to contact us for friendly no-obligation advice on: UK +44 (0)20 7998 1690 or IRE: +353 (0)1 8409 286. Our email is: info@acaraconcepts.com