Background to the renovation works

Reason for works

The owners were considering a retrofit having been inspired by the potential of thermal upgrades featured on RTÉ’s About The House television programme. Similar to several other case studies, the works were then prompted by the extreme winter of 2010/2011. Improvements in thermal comfort were the main objective; the owners did not expect a significant rate of payback on the capital cost of the works.

There were also some repairs that were imminent such as loose plaster to the rear of the original house.

Design approach

The architectural character of the house was an influence on deciding the scope of works. There was a desire to retain the original front façade, which was therefore internally insulated. The gable and rear walls were felt to be less significant – the gable wall had at any rate been re-plastered in recent years. These areas were externally insulated.

Procurement

The owners sourced their own contractors directly for the separate plumbing and insulation works. They also engaged an architect with experience in retrofit work to provide consultancy advice. The architect’s input was limited to agreeing the scope of work and details with the contractor, with a limited number of site visits.

Grant applications

SEAI grants were availed of and were an influence in proceeding with the works at the time as there was a concern that the grant scheme would be reduced/suspended in the future (The €4,000 external wall insulation grant at the time was subsequently reduced). The works were carried out in the spring of 2011.