How much does a modular home cost in Ireland?

Modular homes in Ireland from New Chapter Homes start from approximately €45,000 depending on the model and specification. Our Chapter One, Two and Three series offer different sizes and finishes to suit a range of budgets.

Do modular homes in Ireland need planning permission?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. A permanent modular home used as a dwelling generally requires planning permission. Certain developments may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional.

How long does it take to build a modular home?

Modular homes from New Chapter Homes are typically manufactured within 8–12 weeks (indicative) and installed on site within a few days, depending on groundworks, site preparation, planning, and specification.

Do you supply garden rooms in Kildare?

Yes, New Chapter Homes is based in Naas, Co. Kildare and supplies garden rooms, garden studios and modular buildings across Kildare and nationwide.

Can I finance a modular home in Ireland?

Indicative finance options may be available from €200 per week (subject to status and lender approval) through our finance partners, with deposits from 10% and indicative approval timelines of 48–72 hours. Self-employed applicants are welcome. First-time buyers may also qualify for the Help-to-Buy grant (subject to scheme eligibility). Indicative prices cover the turnkey building, delivery and installation; site-specific works are assessed after the site survey and identified separately in the written quotation.

What is the difference between a modular home and a prefab home in Ireland?

Modular homes and prefab homes are often used interchangeably in Ireland. Both are built in a factory and transported to site. New Chapter modular homes are fully fitted — including kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, and electrical fit-out — and are built to the same building regulations (BCAR, Part L, Part B) as traditional homes, with an A-rated BER certificate.

Are modular homes energy efficient in Ireland?

New Chapter modular homes are designed for A-rated BER performance, with premium insulation, heat pump heating, and airtight construction. Actual BER performance depends on final specification and is confirmed on completion. Actual energy savings depend on usage, specification and the property being compared.

Can I put a modular home in my garden in Ireland?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. A permanent modular home used as a dwelling generally requires planning permission. Certain smaller garden structures may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional.

How long does it take to install a modular home in Ireland?

A New Chapter modular home is typically manufactured in our factory in approximately 8–12 weeks (indicative), then installed on your site within 1–2 days using a crane. The total timeline from order to handover is typically 10–16 weeks (indicative), depending on site preparation, planning, and specification.

Do Irish banks give mortgages on modular homes?

Modular homes built to building regulations and appropriately certified may be mortgageable, subject to individual lender criteria. We can advise on what lenders typically require and introduce you to finance partners. Indicative finance options may also be available from €200/week (subject to status and lender approval).

Do you build modular homes in Kildare?

Yes. New Chapter Homes is based in Naas, County Kildare, and builds luxury modular homes, sustainable garden pods and affordable housing across all of Kildare — including Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town, Maynooth, Athy, Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock, Kilcullen, Johnstown, Sallins, Clane and everywhere in between. Our display village in Johnstown, Naas is coming soon — register your interest to be notified when it opens.

Do you build modular homes in Dublin?

Yes. New Chapter Homes designs, manufactures and installs luxury modular homes, sustainable garden pods and affordable housing across Dublin city and county — including Rathcoole, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Lucan, Blanchardstown, Swords, Malahide, Howth, Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock, Stillorgan, Dundrum, Rathfarnham, Castleknock, Clontarf and every area in between. A-rated, fully fitted homes from €45,000 (€200/week), installed in 6–10 weeks.

How much does a modular home cost in Kildare or Dublin?

Modular homes in Kildare and Dublin start from €45,000 for our Chapter Three compact home, with our two-bedroom Chapter One from €80,000 and bespoke family homes from €220,000. Indicative prices cover the fully fitted interior, delivery, installation, and certification. Indicative finance options may be available from €200/week (subject to status). Foundations, groundworks, service connections and other site-specific works are assessed after the site survey and identified separately in the written quotation.

Can I get a garden room in Kildare or Dublin without planning permission?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. Certain garden rooms and smaller modular units may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional. New Chapter Homes can advise on your specific site in Kildare or Dublin — contact us for a free assessment.

Louvred Pergolas Ireland: How Adjustable Roof Pergolas Work

What Is a Louvred Pergola?

A louvred pergola is a pergola with a roof made of adjustable blades — called louvres — that can be opened or closed to control sunlight, shade, ventilation and shelter. Unlike a fixed-roof pergola, which provides constant cover, a louvred pergola lets you adapt the roof to the weather and your preferences throughout the day.

The louvres are typically made from aluminium and are engineered to rotate between fully open (letting sunlight and air through) and fully closed (forming a solid, weather-resistant roof). In the closed position, the louvres channel rainwater into an integrated drainage system.

How Louvred Roof Systems Work

The Louvre Blade

Each louvre is a shaped aluminium blade, typically 150–200mm wide, designed to overlap when closed to create a weathertight seal. When open, the blades rotate to a near-vertical position, allowing sunlight and air to pass through freely.

The Mechanism

The louvres are connected by a mechanical linkage that allows all blades in a roof section to rotate simultaneously. In a manual louvred pergola, this linkage is operated by a hand crank or lever. In a motorised louvred pergola, an electric motor drives the linkage at the touch of a button.

Drainage

When the louvres are closed, rainwater flows along the blades into integrated gutters within the pergola frame. From there, water is channelled down through the posts and away from the structure. This integrated drainage system means that even in heavy rain, water is managed effectively and does not cascade off the edges of the pergola.

Manual vs Motorised Louvred Operation

Manual Louvred Pergolas

A manual louvred pergola uses a hand-operated crank or lever to open and close the louvres. This is the more affordable option and is perfectly adequate for smaller pergolas where the roof is easy to reach.

Manual operation is simple and reliable, with no electrical components to maintain. It is a good choice if budget is a primary concern and the pergola is small enough that manual adjustment is not a burden.

Motorised Louvred Pergolas

A motorised louvred pergola uses an electric motor to open and close the louvres. Operation is typically via a remote control, wall switch or smart home system. This is the premium option and offers several advantages:

Convenience — adjust the roof without leaving your seat
Speed — the roof opens or closes in seconds
Larger sizes — motorised operation is practical for large pergolas where manual adjustment would be difficult
Integration — motorised systems can be integrated with weather sensors and smart home systems

Available options may include motorised louvred roof operation — talk to our team about the configurations we offer.

The Practical Benefits of a Louvred Pergola

Adaptability

The single greatest benefit of a louvred pergola is adaptability. In the Irish climate, where conditions change frequently, the ability to open the roof for sun and close it for rain — within seconds — transforms how you use your outdoor space.

Sun and Shade Control

On a bright, sunny day, you can partially close the louvres to provide shade without fully blocking the light. On a cloudy day, open them fully to let maximum light in. On a hot day, open them to allow hot air to rise and escape, keeping the space beneath cool.

Rain Shelter

When rain arrives, close the louvres to form a solid roof. The integrated drainage system channels water away, keeping you and your outdoor furniture dry. This is what makes a louvred pergola usable in weather where a traditional open-roof pergola would not be.

Ventilation

Unlike a fully enclosed structure, a louvred pergola with open louvres allows air to flow freely through the roof. This prevents the space from becoming hot and stuffy on warm days — a common problem with solid-roof structures.

Extended Outdoor Season

By combining sun control, rain shelter and ventilation, a louvred pergola extends your outdoor living season significantly. You can use the space for more months of the year than an uncovered patio or a traditional open-roof pergola.

Louvred Pergolas and Outdoor Kitchens

A louvred pergola is an ideal companion to an outdoor kitchen. The adjustable roof provides shelter for cooking and dining, while the ventilation — when the louvres are open — helps manage smoke and heat from the grill. Close the louvres for rain; open them for sunshine and airflow.

This combination is one of the most popular configurations we install. Read more about pergolas and outdoor kitchens.

Choosing a Louvred Pergola in Ireland

When choosing a louvred pergola, consider:

Roof operation — manual or motorised
Size — measure your space and consider how you will use the pergola
Drainage — ensure the system has integrated guttering and water management
Material — aluminium louvres are the premium choice for durability
Options — lighting, side screens and heating
Installation — professional installation ensures correct assembly and weatherproofing

Explore Louvred Pergolas from New Chapter Homes

Explore our pergolas — including louvred and motorised options — or contact us to book a free site survey and personalised quote. Pergolas start from €8,000.

Explore Related Guides

Pergolas Ireland Guide — Complete guide to aluminium and louvred pergolas
Pergola Prices Ireland — What affects the cost of a pergola
Aluminium Pergolas Ireland — What to look for in an aluminium pergola
Pergolas & Outdoor Kitchens — Designing a complete outdoor space
Outdoor Kitchens Ireland — Premium bespoke outdoor kitchens
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