As a newly-established architectural practice here in Youghal, I am delighted to be a design partner in the Better Energy Communities Grant application being co-ordinated by Kevin Curtin of Survey & Design Services. We hope to be of assistance in finding retrofit solutions particularly in the older but critically important building stock that we have in the town & general area.
Ireland is in the midst of a housing crisis, and yet our towns and countryside seem to be littered with vacant and derelict buildings with the potential to be brought back into use as homes. More and more owners are finding that the benefits of restoring an older property – whether an old family farmhouse or the vacant upper floors of a town centre shop – offers the chance to beat the housing crisis and create a home full of character and warmth. Some larger buildings even have potential to accommodate a second unit, which could provide a welcome additional source of income alongside the family home.
Such projects face very real challenges, including the requirement to navigate energy upgrades, architectural conservation and fire safety regulations, as well as the financial risks of dealing with unknown defects and a shortage of builders sufficiently experienced in such work. The government’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme has been transformative in this regard, with grants of up to €50,000 (€70,000 in the case of derelict properties) which go a long way to covering the additional costs encountered in older buildings. (For those lucky enough to be able to create a second, self-contained unit in the property, these figures can be doubled.)
When considering such a project, it is important to work with, rather than against, the nature of the existing building. Traditional masonry structures are not always suited to the vast, open-plan living spaces so popular in interior magazines, and not all modern building materials and systems are compatible with older, breathable construction.
Commencing work to an existing structure can be like pulling at a loose thread – the real trick is knowing when to stop pulling, before the whole garment unravels! The refurbishment process challenges owners to make decisions and trade-offs along the way, and for the inexperienced, good advice from professionals and builders who truly know and understand older buildings is essential. The owners who obtain the best value for their money are those who embrace the wrinkles and creases of old-age in their building, not those who seek the sharp perfection of the new.
Ultimately, the most sustainable building is the one that already exists, and if Ireland is to meet the challenge of the age, every one of our empty buildings needs its own champion to invest their money, time, and even love to bring it back into active use.
Should you be considering your own historic building project, Youghal based architect Paddy Quinlan can be contacted on 086 3955805 or enquiries@innovativeinfill.co.uk.