Oliver Kinnane

Dr. Oliver Kinnane is a Researcher at University College Dublin's School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy within the College of Engineering and Architecture. His research focuses on developing high-performance building materials, particularly innovative concrete technologies for energy-efficient building skins. As a principal investigator on the European Horizon 2020 IMPRESS project, he collaborates with industry partners including Firebird and Techrete to create sustainable solutions for both new construction and building retrofit applications.

Dr. Kinnane's research interests center on sustainable building materials, energy efficiency in construction, and reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment. His work addresses critical challenges in building physics, particularly the hygrothermal properties of traditional and innovative materials. He specializes in developing thin, ultra-high-strength concrete skins that improve thermal performance while reducing material usage. His research spans from fundamental material science to practical applications in social housing and commercial buildings, with particular emphasis on Ireland's building stock and climate conditions.

Analysis of Dr. Kinnane's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the hygrothermal properties of traditional building materials, particularly Irish stone and brick construction. His work bridges historic building conservation with modern energy efficiency requirements, investigating how traditional materials perform under contemporary climate conditions. A significant portion of his research examines retrofit strategies for existing buildings, with emphasis on accurate material characterization for reliable performance prediction. His publications consistently address the environmental impact of construction, particularly embodied carbon analysis and life cycle assessment of building materials and systems.

Dr. Kinnane has secured significant research funding including from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for the nZEB_101 project monitoring near zero energy buildings in social housing. As principal investigator on the Horizon 2020 IMPRESS project, he leads a 16-partner European collaboration developing innovative prefabricated building panels. His industry partnerships with companies like Firebird and Techrete demonstrate the applied nature of his research, translating academic findings into practical building solutions.

Dr. Kinnane's laboratory work focuses on developing and testing novel concrete technologies incorporating phase change materials, cement replacements, and alternative reinforcement systems. His research group collaborates with architects, construction companies, and local authorities to implement sustainable building practices in Ireland. The IMPRESS project demonstration units represent a key aspect of his team's work, validating new prefabricated technologies under real-world conditions.