Renovating

Buildings
Seán Flannery – G00393597
Exam Questions
Materials
• Projector and Screen.
• Whiteboard and Markers.
• Handouts on renovation case
studies.
• Examples of building materials and
sustainable technologies.
Learning
Intentions
• Students will understand the key
principles and stages involved in
renovating buildings, including
planning, design, structural
considerations, and sustainable
practices.
• Students will appreciate the
importance of preserving
architectural heritage and the
positive impact of sustainable
renovations on communities.
Introduction
• Briefly introduce the importance
of renovating buildings and its
impact on communities.
• Establish the relevance of the
lesson to real-world applications.
Renovating
Buildings

Renovating buildings involves the

process of improving, restoring, or
updating existing structures. It
encompasses planning, design, and
construction activities to enhance
functionality, aesthetics, and
sustainability while preserving the
building's integrity.
Principles of
Renovating
Buildings
• Planning
• Design
• Structural considerations
• Sustainabilty
Planning
• Discuss the importance of comprehensive planning
before undertaking a renovation project. And the steps
involved.
• Planning Documentation
✓A Completed application form
✓Copy of Newspaper notice
✓Copy of site notice
✓6 copies of site location 1:1000
✓6 copies of site layout 1:500
✓6 copies of properly dimensioned plans, include all
specs
Design &
Architecture
• Showcase examples of
thoughtful design and
architectural considerations in
building renovations.
• Encourage students to identify
how design choices impact both
aesthetics and functionality.
Structural
Integrity
• Emphasize the significance of assessing and reinforcing
structural elements during renovations.
• Use before-and-after images to illustrate the importance
of structural improvements.
Air Tightness
• Addressing air tightness in
derelict homes is crucial for
improving energy efficiency,
comfort, and indoor air quality
• It refers to the prevention of
unintended air movement into
and out of a building through
gaps, cracks, or openings in its
structure.
Insulation
• (EWI)External Wall Insulation,
This applies to derelict housing
that does not have cavity walls.
This enhance thermal
performances, reduces heat loss,
and provides a weatherproof
layer.
Insulation

• (IWI) Internal wall Insulation, Comes in the

form of a rigid foam board, mineral wool
batts or a reflective foil, that improves the
energy efficiency, maintains internal floor
space and is cost-effective.
Natural
lighting
• Harvesting natural lighting in
derelict buildings can significantly
enhance their usability, energy
efficiency, and overall aesthetics.
Natural
lighting
• Exterior Landscape
If there are trees near windows, prune
branches strategically to allow more
sunlight to filter through.
• Skylights & Roof openings
Introduce skylights to bring natural
light into interior spaces.
Consider creating roof openings or
light wells to channel light into central
areas.
Plumbing
(direct hot water system)

• The shift from galvanized pipes to

PEX or copper addresses
common issues associated with
corrosion, rusting, and restricted
water flow in aging systems
• PEX, known for its flexibility and
resistance to corrosion, offers a
cost-effective and versatile
alternative. Its ease of installation
and flexibility make it ideal for
retrofitting projects.
Underfloor Heating

• Underfloor heating is a method of heating a

building by installing a system of pipes or
electric heating elements beneath the floor.
This system efficiently distributes heat,
providing a comfortable and even warmth
throughout a room or an entire building
Renewable sources of
Energy

Renovating derelict housing with renewable

energy sources can improve energy efficiency,
reduce environmental impact, and provide
sustainable solutions.
• Solar Photovolactaic (PV) Panels
• Solar Thermal Systems
• Geothermal Heat pumps
• Biomass Heating Systems
Grants
Available
• Vacant property Refurbishment
Grant. You can get up to €50,000
euro for a vacant property and up
to €70,000 for a derelict property.
• SEAI Grant, A new national home
Energy Upgrade Scheme
providing increased grant levels
of up to 50% of the cost of a
home energy retrofit to a B2 BER