Background to the renovation works

Reason for works

The owner, who had grown up in the house, had experienced a lifetime of piecemeal patch repairs and winter internal temperatures described as being like “camping outside”. The original return and the 1950s rear extension were not heated at all although the original return ground floor did have a storage heater did little to heat the space.

In 2012 the owner decided to undertake a complete conservation and repair project to the house, including restoration of the original layout of the first floor of the house that had been subdivided.

Design approach

The appropriate conservation of the house was central to the owner’s brief that aimed to conserve historic features and remove inappropriate alterations. There was a desire to carry out thermal comfort improvements that were appropriate and sensitive to the building.

Procurement

Following a tender procedure, an architect with conservation experience and a main contractor were appointed.

Grant applications

SEAI grants were not applied for as the owner had previous difficulties with a UK grants system.