Program Overview

Sustainable Reuse of Existing Structures (CE6052)

Module Goal

The goal of this module is to enable the learner to identify, analyse and design for reuse of existing buildings.

Module Content

This module will teach students about the role of reusing, remediating and repurposing existing structures as a sustainable alternative to demolishing and rebuilding.

This course will provide the planning context including building regulations background required to undertake an assessment of reusing an existing structure.

Through a combination of taught lectures, group assignments and practical reuse design case studies the learner will be able to:

• assess the structural feasibility of reusing an existing building
• analyse the existing building or structure, including the information and investigations required
• develop a range of reuse scenarios for the structure considering carbon cost and sustainability goals
• present their preferred design including plans, sketches, costings and carbon calculations

Additional Teaching Mode Information

• 12 x 1hr(s) Lectures
• 12 x hr(s) Workshops
• 2 x 3hr(s) site visits

Practicalities

Learning Methods

• 70 hours independent enquiry
• 25 hours online asynchronous (any time learning) activities

Continuous Assessment - 100 marks

• Groupwork - appraisal of existing structure (10 marks)
• Quiz(zes) - MCQ on various aspects of Reuse and Existing Buildings (20 marks)
• Project - Reuse of an Existing Structure Design Project (50 marks)
• Presentation - Presentation of Project (10 marks)
• Assignment - case study of a structure reuse project (10 marks)

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Analyse the structural feasibility for the reuse of an existing building.
2. Prepare an assessment plan necessary to develop a feasible solution for reuse of an existing structure.
3. Propose and evaluate a range of reuse options for an existing structure.
4. Develop structural calculations, sketches and drawings for the proposed reuse of an existing structure.
5. Present a viable solution for the sustainable reuse of an existing structure including structural calculations, costing, programming & carbon saving

Requirements

Applicants must have a Degree in Civil /Structural Engineering or similar Chartered Engineer.

Fees and Costs

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning.

The fee for this micro-credential is €1,000 but applicants who meet the subsidy requirements can attend this micro-credential for €200.

Check your eligibility on the HEA Website

Course Fact File

• Code: CE6052
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Fees: €1,000 - HCI Subsidy initiative
• Closing Date: 10th October 2025
• Venue: Blended delivery - online and site visits
• Credits: 5
• Start Date: Proposed Date: January 2026