Journal •
Revitalising Through Reuse
Adaptive reuse of vacant or underutilised properties fits with the sustainability agenda, by reducing the amount of energy associated with demolition and the subsequent raw materials needed for the construction of an entirely new building. Revitalising vacant buildings contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) including: Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and Climate action (SDG 13). This conservation of resources and reduction in carbon emissions contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
Incentives such as the vacant and derelict property grants from the Croí Cónaithe scheme, encourage rejuvenation of old buildings which contributes to our Sustainable Development Goals and the circular economy. Reuse and adaptation of buildings supports Ireland’s move towards a low-carbon society and regeneration of our towns. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is a very desirable place to live and is already serviced with infrastructure, including shops, schools, health centres, community centres, sports grounds and parks. The adaptive reuse of vacant buildings has a critical role in creating sustainable communities.
During Open House Dublin 2024, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s are organising a showcase of four examples of vacant buildings that have been transformed at the ‘Bringing Back Homes – Creative and Sustainable Ways to Revitalise Old Buildings into a Home’ to provide inspiration and advice to those interested in bringing old buildings back to life as a home. Architects and building professionals will present their transformative projects that have creatively re-developed vacant shops and offices into homes in Dún Laoghaire. Dr. Kathleen Stokes from DCU will present findings from the 2024 research report ‘Opportunities and challenges of vacant above the shop units for residential use in Ireland’.
‘Reimagining George’s Place – Revitalising through Reuse’ will develop an Integrated Urban Study for a rapidly changing area of Dún Laoghaire, with a focus on a number of local authority owned buildings on the corner of George’s Lane and Kelly’s Avenue. Previously these properties have been occupied as a hotel, a wash house, council stores and offices. As part of this project dlr are inviting everyone to take part in a public survey where we are listening to and gathering information from a wide range of stakeholders and potential users to support the future development of new facilities at this location. We are looking for your opinions on the existing buildings and their potential future reuse. An on-site workshop is being held during Open House Dublin to help understand the potential of these remarkable buildings. Initiated by dlr Architects, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council received funding, under strand 1 of THRIVE – Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, for an integrated urban study for George’s Place and Kelly’s Avenue, Dún Laoghaire. Reimagining George’s Place is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
Contribution by: DLR Architects
To find out more about what is on in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown this Open House, visit here.