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Construction Insights


Renovating a House with Suspended Timber Floors
Renovating an older house with suspended timber floors? Explore ventilation, insulation, structure, underfloor heating and extension junctions.

Alvora
5 min read


The Architecture of Opening Up an Older House
Opening up an older house involves more than removing walls. Explore the steelwork, temporary works and structural details behind a major renovation.

Alvora
5 min read


ICF vs Traditional Block Construction in Ireland
Which Building System Delivers Better Value, Airtightness and Long-Term Performance? ICF vs traditional block construction is not simply a question of which wall is cheaper to build. A fair comparison must consider what each square metre of finished wall actually delivers: structural strength; insulation; airtightness; thermal-bridge control; internal and external finishes; labour requirements; programme; ventilation requirements; operational energy use; durability and mainte

Alvora
14 min read


House Renovation Costs Ireland 2026: Complete Homeowner Guide
How much does it cost to renovate a house in Ireland in 2026? Realistic full-house renovation costs, cost per m², 3-bedroom house budgets, extensions and the hidden costs homeowners need to allow for. Check Out Our Free To Use Renovations Cost Calculator > If you are planning a home renovation in Ireland, one of the first questions you will ask is simple: how much will it cost? The honest answer is that no two renovation projects are the same. A light cosmetic upgrade is comp

The Alvora Project Team
17 min read


Home Renovation Process Ireland: What To Expect From Start To Finish.
Planning a renovation? Get a realistic idea of what your project could cost before speaking to contractors with our free Renovation Cost Calculator > Understanding The Home Renovation Process In Ireland One of the biggest concerns homeowners have before starting a renovation is understanding exactly what happens once construction begins. Many people imagine new kitchens, beautiful finishes and completed spaces, but every successful renovation starts much deeper than that. In

Alvora
4 min read


How to Modernise a Period Property in Dublin Without Losing Its Character
Dublin Period Properties Currently for Sale With Incredible Renovation Potential Some of Dublin’s most exciting homes are the ones with untapped potential. Period properties that may currently feel dated, neglected or fragmented often offer the best opportunity for thoughtful restoration, contemporary extension and long-term value. Here are a few Dublin homes currently on the market that stand out for their renovation potential: 7 Millmount Place, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Victor

Alvora
7 min read


The Difference Between A Builder & A Design-Led Contractor
Why modern residential projects require more than construction alone “Modern homes are no longer judged only by how they are built — but by how carefully they are resolved.” The construction industry in Ireland is changing. For years, the word builder was enough. If someone could manage blocks, concrete, plastering, roofing and trades, that was usually considered the job. But modern residential construction has moved on. Today’s best homes are not simply built. They are coord

Alvora
5 min read


Architectural Glazing Ireland
Why More Irish Homeowners Are Choosing High-Performance European Windows Over the last number of years, there has been a major shift within Irish residential construction toward Architectural glazing systems, slimmer frame profiles and significantly higher energy performance standards. As contemporary homes and modern extensions continue to evolve, standard off-the-shelf window systems are no longer meeting the expectations of many architects, builders and homeowners looking

The Alvora Project Team
4 min read


Complete Guide To: Board Form Concrete
Why exposed concrete is becoming one of the defining materials in contemporary Irish architecture For decades, board form concrete has been used throughout some of the most respected architectural projects in the world. In countries such as Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Australia and Japan, exposed concrete became a defining material within contemporary residential architecture long before it started appearing regularly in Ireland. What was once considered an industrial or co

The Alvora Project Team
6 min read


How Much Does A Home Renovation Cost?
A Detailed Guide To Renovation Costs, Property Types, Finish Levels & Real Construction Budgets In Ireland Home renovation costs in Dublin have changed dramatically over the last decade. What was once considered a substantial renovation budget may now only cover a mid-range refurbishment once structural work, energy upgrades, labour costs and premium materials are factored in. At the same time, homeowners are expecting far more from their renovations: better layouts more natu

The Alvora Project Team
5 min read


Self-Build vs Main Contractor
The Reality Nobody Properly Explains Before You Start Building After decades around construction sites, one thing becomes obvious very quickly: Most people do not underestimate the cost of building a house. They underestimate the management of building a house. There is a huge difference. The actual construction — blocks, concrete, timber, steel, insulation — is only part of the process. The real challenge is keeping everything moving: at the right time in the right order wit

The Alvora Project Team
5 min read


How To Build An A-Rated Home In Ireland
Complete Guide To Design, Insulation, BER, Heating, Ventilation & Green Mortgage Rates Building an A-rated home in Ireland is not about adding solar panels at the end. It starts with the structure, insulation, airtightness, thermal bridges, heating system and ventilation strategy. A proper A-rated home should be designed as one complete energy system. SEAI explains that BER ratings measure a home’s energy performance on a scale from A to G, with A-rated homes being the most e

The Alvora Project Team
10 min read


ICF Construction Ireland
Case Study: Cost, Time & Energy Performance Compared With Traditional Building Method Check out our ICF services here > Case Study Overview This case study compares ICF construction in Ireland against three common construction methods: Traditional cavity blockwork Timber frame construction Standard reinforced concrete / block construction Insulated Concrete Formwork, known as ICF The aim is to compare ICF on the areas that matter most to homeowners, developers and architects:

The Alvora Project Team
6 min read
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