The Rubrics Building in Trinity College Dublin is a Protected Structure, Recorded Monument, and Ireland’s oldest surviving purpose-built residential building. This remarkable architectural gem constructed between 1699 and 1702, is a testament to history, culture, and heritage. 

Pascall+Watson were tasked with developing a low-carbon Fabric Retrofit, aimed at improving its thermal efficiency. Equipping it with facilities for contemporary living whilst protecting any historic features and reducing the university’s energy consumption and emissions. 

We adopted a holistic retrofit approach, balancing heritage conservation, fabric preservation, energy performance, embodied and operational carbon emissions, and occupant wellbeing. The team were carefully to employ the conservation mantra of doing as little as possible, but as much as necessary to fulfil the requirements of the project.  

Blending technological advancements with conservation best practices, we executed a comprehensive restoration, including fire, structural, and thermal upgrades. Our approach focused on retaining and repairing historic elements while incorporating modern facilities and services.  

This project showcases that preserving history can go together with modern functionality and sustainability. It stands as an emblem of sustainable preservation and architectural enhancement, inspiring others to follow suit in safeguarding our shared heritage for generations to come.