It’s been a crazy year! We have seen a HUGE influx in the level of interest in renovating Derelict & Vacant Homes in Ireland. Driven primarily by the Government Grant scheme, we hope some of the projects are originating from a desire to restore old properties and to see a revival of traditional skills.
Here we take an educated guess at what we are likely to see in the projects through 2025 as the program evolves and matures alongside the clients, architects and engineers striving to make changes that are for the IMPROVEMENT of our collective quality of living.
The future of Irish derelict house renovation is an exciting area to explore, with a range of emerging trends that are shaping how these projects are approached, both in terms of design and construction practices. These trends not only reflect changes in technology, sustainability, and cultural attitudes but also underscore a growing interest in preserving Ireland’s built heritage while meeting modern standards of living. Here are some key trends to watch for the future of Irish derelict house renovation:
1. Sustainable Renovation and Energy Efficiency
- Focus on Sustainability: With increasing concerns over climate change, there’s a strong trend towards making derelict properties more energy-efficient. This involves integrating green building practices such as using renewable energy sources (solar panels, wind turbines), improving insulation, and installing energy-efficient heating systems (e.g., heat pumps).
- Retrofit & Energy Upgrades: Ireland’s government has introduced several incentives to encourage the retrofitting of older homes. Derelict houses are being upgraded with modern insulation materials, double or triple-glazed windows, and airtight construction to improve thermal performance while reducing carbon footprints.
- Passive House Standards: Some renovators are aiming for “Passive House” or “Nearly Zero Energy Building” standards, which make homes incredibly energy-efficient and reduce the overall environmental impact.
2. Reviving Traditional Building Techniques
- Lime Mortar & Natural Materials: A growing appreciation for traditional Irish building methods, such as the use of lime mortar instead of modern cement, is influencing renovation projects. Lime mortar is not only more breathable, helping to prevent damp issues in older buildings, but it also has a smaller environmental footprint.
- Stone and Thatch Restoration: In rural Ireland, many derelict houses feature distinctive stone walls or thatched roofs. Restoring these features requires specialized craftsmanship, and there’s a renewed interest in preserving these building materials. This trend aligns with a broader desire to maintain Ireland’s vernacular architecture.
- Cottage-Style Restorations: The rise of “cottagecore” aesthetics and a desire for traditional, rural living is driving demand for the restoration of quaint, old Irish cottages. These renovations blend old-world charm with modern comforts, often using traditional materials but with contemporary touches.
3. Blending Old and New Design Aesthetics
- Modern Extensions with Traditional Homes: Many renovation projects now include minimalist, modern extensions that complement the existing structure. This trend allows homeowners to expand the living space while respecting the historical integrity of the building. These additions are often designed with clean lines and modern materials like glass and steel, providing a stark contrast to the rustic and historic elements of the original house.
- Open Plan Living in Historic Homes: While traditional Irish homes often had smaller, compartmentalized rooms, there’s a shift towards open-plan living spaces. Renovators are now finding ways to combine traditional facades with open, airy interiors, often incorporating contemporary features like large windows and multifunctional spaces.
- Upcycling & Reuse of Materials: Rather than completely stripping out old materials, many renovators are opting to repurpose existing features like reclaimed wood floors, old doors, or original fireplaces. This “upcycling” trend not only helps to preserve the character of the property but also reduces waste and costs.
4. Smart Technology Integration
- Smart Home Features: Modern Irish homebuyers and renovators are increasingly looking to integrate smart technology into older properties. From intelligent heating systems and security cameras to smart lighting and home automation, there’s a push to combine the charm of historic homes with the convenience of modern technology.
- Energy Monitoring Systems: Homeowners renovating derelict houses are incorporating systems that monitor energy usage and optimize efficiency. This is particularly relevant for those making sustainability a priority, allowing them to track energy savings and monitor the environmental impact of their homes.
5. Heritage Conservation and Planning
- Strict Heritage Regulations: As awareness grows about the importance of preserving Ireland’s cultural heritage, renovations are increasingly subject to heritage and conservation regulations. Properties in protected areas or those with listed status must adhere to stricter guidelines, but this is leading to a trend where renovators are focusing more on restoration than renovation, ensuring that the historical integrity of the property is maintained.
- Government Incentives and Support: There are more grants and incentives aimed at encouraging heritage restoration. The Irish government offers tax breaks, grants, and funding options for homeowners and developers who restore derelict properties with heritage value, contributing to a renewed focus on conserving these historic homes.
6. Community and Rural Revitalization
- Rural Regeneration: As urban areas become increasingly overcrowded and expensive, rural Ireland is experiencing a revitalization. Many derelict properties in rural areas are being renovated as part of community-led regeneration projects. This can involve everything from the restoration of a single house to broader regeneration schemes aimed at preserving local culture, history, and infrastructure.
- Remote Work & Home Offices: The rise of remote work has encouraged many people to seek out derelict properties in rural areas, where they can live in quieter, more scenic locations while maintaining a connection to the workforce. This has led to a trend of renovating houses with dedicated home offices or multi-purpose workspaces.
- Social and Affordable Housing: Some derelict homes are being renovated for social or affordable housing, providing a solution to Ireland’s housing crisis. These projects often involve collaboration between local authorities, private developers, and non-profit organizations to bring old buildings back into use and provide affordable accommodation.
7. Adaptation to Climate Change
- Flood-Resilient Design: In certain areas, especially those prone to flooding, renovation projects are incorporating flood-resilient design principles. Raised foundations, water-resistant materials, and better drainage solutions are being implemented to ensure these houses remain livable in the face of extreme weather events, a growing concern due to climate change.
- Drought-Resilient Landscaping: Similarly, in drier areas, there is a growing interest in creating drought-resistant gardens that use native plants and sustainable water management techniques.
8. Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Design for Wellbeing: A growing awareness of mental health and wellbeing is influencing the way derelict houses are renovated. Many renovations are focusing on creating spaces that promote calm, reduce stress, and foster a connection with nature. This might involve larger windows to bring in natural light, indoor plants, or outdoor spaces for relaxation and recreation.
- Biophilic Design: A biophilic approach to renovation, which integrates nature into the built environment, is becoming more popular. This could involve using natural materials, maximizing natural light, and even incorporating green roofs or walls to create a more harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
9. Urbanization of Suburban Areas
- Renovating Suburban Derelict Properties: In some suburban areas, particularly around Dublin and other major cities, there is a push to renovate derelict homes to accommodate growing urban populations. This often involves converting old homes into modern apartments or multi-unit dwellings, maintaining the exterior character while upgrading interiors for modern use.
- Short-Term Rentals: The trend of using renovated homes for short-term rentals (e.g., through Airbnb) continues to rise, especially in scenic or rural areas. This is driving renovations that cater to the needs of vacationers or remote workers looking for unique, character-filled accommodations.
The future of Irish derelict house renovations is shaped by an exciting blend of preservation, modern design, and sustainable practices.
As more people seek to breathe new life into these historic homes, we can expect to see a greater emphasis on energy efficiency, innovative design, and the integration of new technologies.
The trend is not only about revitalizing old structures but also ensuring that they meet the needs of future generations while contributing to environmental and social sustainability.
As Ireland moves towards a more sustainable and inclusive future, these trends will continue to play a significant role in shaping the renovation landscape.
Our Summit Group goal is to be heavily involved in driving forward this change and encouraging clients to engage with their planning to consider alternative ‘old’ systems of rain water harvesting, solar off-grid systems and composting facilities to minimise their impact on the environment.
We plan to kick the year off with implementing a storm water manangement system on a project in Spain which will contribute to downstream mitigation of flood risks. Follow our Social for updates.
What do you think? We’d love your thoughts!
