Isabel Barros Architects

14/08/2026

A fresh look for the apartment block at Burrow Holiday Park. 🎨

We developed a new external painting scheme to give the existing building a brighter, more contemporary appearance, using different tones to emphasise its individual volumes.

The colours were tested on site before the final scheme was selected, helping us assess how the different tones worked against the existing building and in natural light.

The transformation is remarkable.

Swipe to see the before, after and some of the work behind the design.

24/07/2026

We're taking a little time to recharge. ☀️
Our office will be closed from 25 July to 9 August for our summer break.
We'll be back on Monday, 10 August.
Wishing everyone a wonderful summer.
www.isabelbarrosarchitects.ie

26/06/2026

Sharing knowledge is an important part of professional practice.

Isabel is pleased to be delivering a live webinar on Ventilation Design for Energy Efficiency, providing a practical overview of residential ventilation design in Ireland, with a focus on Part F of the Building Regulations and its relationship with energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort.

More information: https://architectureuk.learnformula.com/webinar/ventilation-design-for-energy-efficiency-performance-and-comfort

17/06/2026

A staircase... before it becomes a staircase!

This 3D printed model was produced by the joiner who is making the staircase for one of our jobs on site. He designed the model himself and printed it in his workshop.

It's a simple idea, but a clever one. Being able to hold the staircase in your hand makes it much easier to discuss details.

Many of the ways we communicate and coordinate work on site have changed surprisingly little over the years. It's great to see craftspeople using digital tools in a practical way to support their work and communicate ideas more clearly.

Well done to O Shea joinery for this approach. 👏

16/06/2026

Please note that our phone line is temporarily unavailable.

We are working to get everything back up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, please contact us by email [email protected] - or by direct message, and we'll be happy to assist.

Thank you for your patience.

12/06/2026

We love this zinc colour, shown here on a project nearing completion. We've used it a few times and it never disappoint! 😍

Materials can look so different on screen compared to real life. Notice how dark and grey the sample appears, while in reality it reads as a beautiful blue-grey. This shade has such beautiful depth that is, without a doubt, one of our favourites.

29/05/2026

We were happy this week to receive a decision to grant planning permission!

This is always an important milestone.

Particularly when the planner’s report describes the proposal as a development of a “high standard of contemporary design”.

Planning decisions like this matter. Not just because they move projects forward, but because they recognise the value of thoughtful, well-considered design.

That said, a decision to grant permission is only the beginning.

Detailed design, technical coordination, compliance, tendering, and construction oversight often take more time and effort than the application process itself.

Good projects are rarely defined by one decision. They are shaped by the hundreds of decisions that follow.

www.isabelbarrosarchitects.ie

15/05/2026

30/04/2026

From May 2026, Ireland’s Building Energy Rating system is being simplified.

The current 15-step scale will move to a clearer A–G format, with a new A0 rating for zero-emission homes. It also brings in carbon indicators and more tailored upgrade guidance for homeowners.

A positive step towards making energy performance easier to understand and act on. 👏

Read more here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/simplified-building-energy-ratings-ber-for-residential-properties-to-be-introduced-from-may-2026/

10/04/2026

Buildings account for over 40% of global energy use - so how we design and upgrade them really matters.

This article looks at building performance, energy efficiency, and why a fabric-first approach is becoming increasingly important in both new builds and renovations.

Buildings account for over 40% of energy use. Discover how building performance, fabric-first design and retrofit strategies can improve energy efficiency in homes.