Isabel Barros Architects

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.

17/03/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Wexford 🇮🇪

If you've never heard of St. Patrick's Day - welcome to one of Ireland's biggest celebrations!

Every March 17th, we honour Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick, who legend says drove all the snakes out of Ireland. We mark it with parades, the colour green EVERYWHERE, and a general sense that life is pretty good.

By now, the day has well and truly come to life. We hope you’re enjoying it, wherever you are. Sláinte! ☘️

11/03/2026

We were genuinely left speechless by the generosity of a client.

This beautiful plant, and what came with it, surpasses any thank you gift we’ve ever received. Moments like this really restore faith in human kindness.

Architects love to help, but we also like to feel appreciated (who doesn’t?!). Most of the time we give far more of our time than what we actually charge for (blame us?!).

We’ve been lucky to work with many appreciative clients over the years, but this one completely caught us by surprise. ❤️🙏

04/03/2026

Architecture That Gives Back – Simon Open Door 2026

We're proud to be taking part in the RIAI Simon Open Door initiative again this year - for the 17th year in a row!

From Monday, 9 March, you can book a one-hour consultation with a Registered Architect. In return for a €125 donation - every cent of which goes directly to Simon Communities of Ireland - you'll get professional architectural advice tailored to your project.

Whether you're planning an extension, considering an energy upgrade, buying a property, or exploring a commercial or site project, an early conversation with an Architect can save you time, stress and uncertainty down the line.

This year's national fundraising target is €100,000, supporting families, children and older people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Ireland.

Appointments go fast - so if you'd like to book, head to 👇
🔗 www.riaisimonopendoor.ie

Read more on our blog:
https://isabelbarrosarchitects.ie/blog/architecture-that-gives-back-simon-open-door-2026/