We developed a new external painting scheme for the apartment block at Burrow Holiday Park, Rosslare Strand, giving the existing building a fresher and more contemporary appearance.
A combination of blue, off-white and grey creates contrast between the different elements while giving the building a more cohesive overall appearance.
The colours were tested directly on site, allowing us to see how the different tones worked against the existing finishes and in natural daylight. Several options were considered before arriving at the final scheme.
The result is a significant transformation achieved through a relatively simple intervention. It demonstrates how carefully considered colour can change the character and perception of an existing building without altering its form.
The built environment plays a significant role in global energy consumption and carbon emissions. Buildings account for over 40% of energy use and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. While these figures highlight the scale of the challenge, they also point to a clear opportunity: thoughtful design and well-informed decisions can make a meaningful difference.
For anyone planning a new build or a renovation, this isn’t just a policy discussion -it directly affects how a building performs, how comfortable it feels to live in, and how much energy it uses over time.
The Scale of Change Ahead
Across Europe, ambitious targets have been set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80–95% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Progress has been made, but the pace now needs to increase significantly.
This shift is already influencing how buildings are designed, upgraded, and assessed. Regulations are evolving, and expectations around energy performance are becoming more demanding.
What This Means in Practice
In practical terms, there is a growing focus on getting the fundamentals right from the outset. This includes:
Prioritising the performance of the building fabric
Reducing energy demand before introducing systems
Designing with long-term durability and comfort in mind
Taking a considered approach to upgrading existing buildings
For many projects, particularly renovations, improving what already exists can have the greatest impact. This often involves balancing performance improvements with the character and constraints of the building.
This includes looking beyond individual elements and considering how materials, detailing, and construction methods work together as a whole.
Looking Ahead
The transition towards more sustainable buildings is ongoing, but the direction is clear. A performance-led approach – grounded in good design, careful detailing, and informed decision-making – will be key to delivering buildings that are efficient, comfortable, and built to last.
For those considering a project, whether a new build or the upgrade of an existing property, taking time to understand these aspects early on can make a significant difference to the outcome.
Isabel Barros Architects - Wexford is driven by a passion for creating high quality contemporary Architecture. Our goal is to make good design available to the general public while maintaining a strong focus on the energy efficiency and sustainability of our designs.
A graduate of Lusíada University in Lisbon, Portugal, Isabel is a Senior Architect with over 30 years experience. She is a registered member of both the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Portuguese Association of Architects. Isabel is also Accredited in Conservation at Grade 3.
