Dermot Bannon: ‘This is the series that grants built’

Eve Kelliher discovers how Ireland’s most famous architect has that 'Leaving Cert feeling' as RTÉ's 'Room to Improve' airs

Sun, 07 Jan, 2024 - 06:52

Eve Kelliher, Home Editor

Surprisingly for the architect whose onscreen theatrics with his steadying quantity surveyors has rivalled the soaps, Dermot Bannon believes smaller builds make for more relatable television viewing.

Because the cost-of-living crisis is biting hard in the upcoming episodes of Room to Improve. “This year, budgets are tighter than ever, so some of the projects aren’t as big,” he says.

“Last year, the series featured a build that involved a small extension to the back of a house — people loved that.”

The longtime host says he loves the show for all the same reasons we tune in from our sofas: “It’s stress, it’s drama, it’s happiness — it’s all the stuff. It’s reality TV that’s actually real. We don’t try and change the formula. I’m very proud of it this year.”

Quantity surveyor Claire Irwin and architect Dermot Bannon.

The four-parter will air on RTÉ One from this Sunday and will also showcase builds that are eligible for various home improvement grants including the vacant homes grant, the derelict homes grant and the SEAI grant, which will help to educate viewers on the opportunities that are available to prospective homeowners.

Episodes also demonstrate homeowners utilising the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (Croí Cónaithe). “This is the series that grants built,” says Dermot.

“We’ve tried to avail of every grant going.”

It’s a telling sign of the times when what Ireland’s most renowned architect describes as the “compromises” are key to creating our dream home.

“We have been accused in the past of having projects where everything is finished,” he says. “This year we don’t. You want to do the metal roof? Well, you can’t. It’s more about helping people, and showing what to pull back on which is a dilemma that faces a lot of people.”

Born in Malahide, Dermot studied architecture in Hull in the UK before moving back to Dublin.

I haven't had a drink in December for the first time since I was 18

He relishes his involvement with Room to Improve every year. “I haven’t had a drink in December for the first time since I was 18, I was working every weekend,” he says.

“Last year we only had one episode finished for Christmas. It’s a bit like handing in a project in college. I’m living in these builders’ ears at the moment. There are no boundaries any more. I’m getting calls as I go to sleep. You’re immersed in it. It’s like the Leaving Cert.”

Judging by the architect’s gleeful tone, this is a Leaving Certificate dreamed up by the “If Carlsberg Did” examination board.

Because he’s loving the buzz of it all.

Dermot Bannon: 'You'd be a fool not to listen to what people think'

Dermot did take a brief break over the festive season — I think? — but there’s a lot of talk about a kitchen being installed in one build for the show by the end of December: “I won’t be able to sit at home, I’ll have to go up and see it.”

I’m curious as to whether his wife and family feel the same way about the all-encompassing approach to filming. There’s the briefest of pauses before he pipes up: “I’ll say, yes!”

Dermot is reluctant to choose a highlight of series 15 of Room to Improve (“like picking a favourite child”) which will feature builds of all different shapes and sizes, with varying budgets, grants and tight deadlines. “There are some incredibly compelling personal stories of the challenges of building in a cost-of-living crisis along the way,” he says.

Some of the homeowners are struggling with the increased costs of construction “from the cost of materials skyrocketing to rising labour costs”, he adds.

Gráinne Murphy and Ivan Williams want to renovate this farmhouse Urlingford, Co Kilkenny, in episode one of RTÉ One's Room to Improve.

First stop for Dermot and Claire is Urlingford, Kilkenny, where Gráinne Murphy and Ivan Williams have been dreaming about renovating Ivan’s forefather’s old farmhouse for many years.

With the help of the vacant homes grant and the SEAI grant, Ivan and Gráinne aim to bring the personality and character of this old house back to its former glory. Their total budget is particularly tight for this ambitious project.

In episode two, Brian Carrigg and Kate Molony attempt to renovate a bungalow with a view of the Rock of Cashel that Kate has dreamed of owning all her life. As their budget is limited, the derelict and vacant homes grant and the SEAI grant have been integral to making this home build possible.

Dermot and Claire meet Sandra and Daniel Davey in Knocklyon, Dublin, in episode three.

The couple bought their dream home there over four years ago. However, a conservatory added by its previous owners is leaking and as a result, the house is so cold that Sandra, Daniel and their two young children spend most of their time in the front room.

The Daveys’ main aim is to make their home more liveable and to increase its energy efficiency.

This farmhouse in Urlingford, Co Kilkenny.

In the series finale, Ann Brannigan and her husband David are attempting to give Ann’s former family home in Santry, Dublin a complete renovation. Ann bought the home from her grandfather, so it is hugely sentimental to her, and her sister Emer lives next door.

As for Dermot’s ultra-dry drink-free December? “When all this is over in February I’ll be able to take a break — that’ll be my Christmas. All by myself,” he muses. “Or maybe we’ll all go together [those involved in the series] and none of us will talk! I go through this every year. Or I’ll put an ad up. Maybe on Instagram. I wonder what kind of person I’ll attract?!”