Retrofit: Haulbowline Naval base, Cork

With the growing challenge to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions could Retrofit be the solution? Our project at Haulbowline Naval base offered may cost effective features and benefits.

With the growing challenge to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to at least 80 to 95 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, there has been considerable focus on the construction industry where it is widely acknowledge buildings represent the biggest single factor for potential energy savings.

Retrofit is the introduction of new materials, products and technologies into an existing building to reduce the energy needed to occupy that building and is regarded as the most immediate, pressing and cost effective mechanism to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in the sector.

Accommodation block prior to retrofit

HR Plastering were recently contracted to undertake a retrofit at the Haulbowline Naval base, Ringaskiddy, Cork. The same location where in September last year Defence Minister Simon Coveney proposed a 50 million euro upgrade to the base as part of an investment in new technologies.

Our work involved retrofitting the accommodation block to improve the energy performance and offer the building added protection from the elements. This was an old red brick building not only lacking in thermal capacity but in desperate need of updating the facade to a more modern appearance, in keeping with the broader vision of the base.

We applied StoTherm Vario at 100mm which boasts an excellent thermal performance, and a mineralic, cement based reinforcing coat, designed to meet stringent fire safety requirements.

HR Plastering applied StoTherm Vario at 100mm which boasts a excellent thermal performance and a mineralic, cement based reinforcing coat designed to meet stringent fire safety requirements. Like many of the Sto products StoTherm Vario also benefits from being applied with a variety of finishes. The Vario is through-coloured, weather resistant and a vapour permeable synthetic render with the option of different textures and up to 800 colours.

The completed project with 100mm StoTherm Vario

The completed project provides a great example of what retrofit can offer. The 100mm insualtion makes considerable improvements to the energy effeciency, the protective render vastly increases the lifespan of the building whilst the choice of finish rejuvenates its appearance. Retrofit not only proves to be a sustainable solution but importantly, in this austere climate, provides an economic one.