retro-vate
retrofit | renovate
sustainable retrofit solutions for Ireland
sustainable retrofit solutions
We all want to live in a home that’s warm and healthy for our family.
Somewhere comfortable throughout the year, that uses less energy to heat and has a lower impact on the environment for future generations.
Achieving this in older homes is more complex than in newer homes, to make the best choices for your home and get better results for your money, it’s important to understand your home first before you start making decisions.
The construction industry is estimated to be responsible for around 30-40 % of greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofitting existing buildings is a step in the right direction in reducing our carbon footprint. There are hundreds of thousands of buildings standing empty in Ireland, while people keep building new homes.
On top of the effect on the environment, it is a much more expensive endeavour.
With the new retrofit grants available from the government retrofitting and renovating houses to great energy efficiency has never been more affordable.
benefits of retrofit
Cheaper to run homes which eliminates energy poverty.
Grants available
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution
Increased asset value
The ability to heat our homes using renewable energy
Warmer and more comfortable homes
Improved health and well-being through air-quality.
Increased economic activity
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how we can help
Step 1
Contact our expert team
Step 2
Tell us about your project
Step 3
Let us guide you through the process
Step 4
Let us design your project
Step 5
Receive expert advice and design
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our services
- building surveying
- photogrammetry surveys
- planning permissions
- tender drawings
- 3D models
- interior design
- energy assessment
- retrofit proposal
- bespoke design
- project management
- sustainability advice
- smart home advice
retrofit process
survey
retrofit structure
design
interior design
tender
finish
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ventilation
Ventilation strategies
- Natural Ventilation with Intermittent Extract
This option doesn't really have any pros, only cons.
It is notorious for mold and condensation, large holes in the building envelope, no pressure difference between the inside and outside. It can also be blocked up by occupants.
- Continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation (CMEV)
It is an affordable solution and there is a pressure difference between inside and outside. This option however doesn't have heat recovery capabilities and can lead to occupant discomfort.
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
The best solution with controlled ventilation rate, heat recovery capabilities improve occupant comfort and reduce the energy demand of the building. The only cons are the higher upfront costs and it can be challenging to install in apartment buildings.
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There are serious considerations to be made when choosing how to retrofit an existing building.
When you are considering different energy efficiency measures, you should think about any risk they could pose which might negatively affect the building.
In older, traditionally built structures the risk is higher because they were originally designed to be lived in a very different way to how we tend to use them now, so actions that we take will have a more significant impact on the building than with more modern homes.
This is particularly true when it comes to airtightness and ventilation.
renewable options
solar energy
Solar energy is used to generate electricity or heat. Electricity can be generated from solar PV panels and hot water can be generated by solar thermal collectors.
renewable electricity
The electricity is generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, ocean, geothermal. It is ideal for buildings with a good energy rating.
rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is the simple process or technology that is used to conserve water by collecting, storing, conveying and purifying rainwater for later use.
geothermal energy
Geothermal is a low-carbon, viable, sustainable source of energy. It can be used directly to heat hot water in the house or indirectly, creating electricity.
click for more information on renewables
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grants
There are three different home energy grants offered by SEAI.
- Free energy upgrade
- One-Stop-Shop service
- Individual energy upgrade grants
We will evaluate your project and individual circumstances to see which option fits your needs most.
help-to-buy
A new scheme is getting introduced later this year.
Those who buy a vacant house will be able to secure funding of "in the region of €20,000 and €30,000" through their local authority towards renovation and other costs, a grant on par with the existing Help To Buy grant for new homes.
national retrofit plan
The National Retrofit Plan was announced as part of Climate Action Plan 2021, which sets out how the government will deliver on certain retrofit targets.
It is estimated that between 2019 and 2025 almost 185,000 home energy upgrades will be delivered with over 83,000 to a B2/cost-optimal level. When the carbon savings from the non-B2 upgrades are included, this is the equivalent of 120,000 B2 upgrades over the period. This means that we will need to deliver, on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 to achieve the overall target of 500,000 by 2030.
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about us
We are architectural professionals with more than 10 years experience in construction.
Our qualifications include
- BSc in Architectural technology
- BSc in Architectural Engineering
- MSc in Architecture and Climate Action
- Advanced Diploma in Project Management
- Certificate in Thermal Bridging Solutions
- Certificate in Solar Thermal Technology
- Certificate in Sound Acoustics
We set up this partnership because we are passionate about architecture and sustainability. The construction industry is estimated to be responsible for around 30- 40 % of greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofitting existing buildings is a step in the right direction in reducing our carbon footprint.
