House 14 Refurbishment

The refurbishment of House 14 took place over the Summer of 2025. The objective of the project was to upgrade the accommodation space aesthetically and simultaneously increase the building’s energy efficiency.

The building had not been refurbished in over 20 years, and the energy usage and water consumption levels were far above current acceptable levels.

The internal refurbishment included six bedrooms, three living rooms/kitchenettes and to one 3-bedroom enabled apartment, with accessible kitchen and two bathrooms. New LED lighting was installed throughout, with a modern smart wireless lighting controls in bedrooms.

The project was chosen to be part of the first airtightness test in College. The majority of cold air infiltration recorded was associated with the poorly performing window seals. Using the guidelines listed in the "Windows, A Guide to the Repair of Historic Windows" by the Dept of Environment, all windows were, repaired, upgraded, draft proofed and repainted. Any rotten bottom sash rails and sub-cills were replaced.

Other actions complete to improve the energy efficiency of the building include:

• Standard Bathroom taps replaced with push button operation to conserve water.
• Shower heads replaced to conserve water
• Thermostatic Radiator Valves replaced throughout
• Installation of dual-flush toilet cisterns

It was decided to only replace white goods that were at their end-of-life and furniture was reused and reupholstered where possible. The new carpets are an Eco – Cordiale Carpet which is a blend of recycled, regenerated and virgin fibres and a recycled backing. Eco-cordiale^© is carbon neutral and can be recycled at end of life. The Forbo – Eternal floor covering product contains a minimum of 71% of recycled production waste. Installation waste can be recycled at manufacturers plant, back into other Forbo products with their ‘Back to the Floor’ scheme. Eternal is 100% recyclable.

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