INCA EWI Case Study: Weston Airport, Dublin

Established in the 1930s by aviation pioneer Darby Kennedy, Dublin Weston Airport has played a defining role in Irish aviation for almost 90 years. Located between Lucan and Leixlip, approximately 15 kilometres west of Dublin city, it is the only publicly licensed general aviation airport serving the Greater Dublin Area. Today, it supports private and executive aviation, professional flight training, and critical national emergency services, making it an important piece of Ireland’s transport infrastructure.

Following its acquisition by new owners in 2021, an ambitious €18.9 million private investment programme was launched to modernise and future-proof the airport while carefully preserving its historic identity. Completed in 2025, the redevelopment has transformed the airport into a contemporary aviation facility that combines operational excellence with high-quality public spaces, enhanced energy performance and a striking architectural presence.

The redevelopment was delivered by Cadiston Ltd, led by Eddie Tynan, whose team brought extensive experience and local knowledge to a project delivered within the unique constraints of a fully operational airport. Working within a live aviation environment required careful planning, close coordination and strict adherence to aviation safety and operational requirements throughout construction.

At the heart of the project was the complete transformation of the main terminal building. The redevelopment incorporated the airport’s control tower, a new restaurant and bar, passenger lounge, public viewing areas and hospitality facilities, creating a welcoming destination for passengers, visitors and the wider community. A dramatic new two-storey entrance with extensive glazing introduces a contemporary architectural statement while allowing natural light to flood the interior. One of the building’s most distinctive features is the large viewing window overlooking the airfield, providing uninterrupted views of aircraft movements and strengthening the connection between the airport and the public.

A key objective of the project was to significantly improve the building’s thermal efficiency and long-term sustainability while respecting the character of the original terminal. To achieve this, Baumit StarSystem EPS was specified as the EWI solution, providing outstanding thermal performance alongside proven durability and reliability.

The façade was finished using Baumit SilikonTop 1.5 render in colour W1204, creating a clean, contemporary appearance that complements both the existing and newly constructed elements of the building. The finish durability in an exposed operational environment, where façades are continually subjected to changing weather conditions, airborne pollutants and increased levels of activity associated with airport operations.

Baumit SilikonTop’s vapour-permeable properties allow moisture within the building fabric to escape helping maintain the long-term health of the structure. With all elements combined the complete Baumit StarSystem EPS delivers a high-performance solution that combines energy efficiency, durability and architectural quality.

Cadiston Ltd selected Baumit based on previous successful experience across a number of projects, recognising both the quality of the products and the confidence provided by Baumit’s local technical support team within the Chadwicks Group. Close collaboration throughout the project ensured correct detailing, efficient installation and the successful integration of the external wall insulation system with the building’s complex architectural features. The combination of responsive local support and Baumit’s internationally recognised innovative product range and systems contributed significantly to the project’s successful delivery.

The redevelopment has already enhanced Weston Airport’s national importance. Following completion, Bristow Helicopters established a new Search and Rescue base at the airport, operating under contract to the Irish Department of Transport. The facility provides life-saving emergency response coverage along Ireland’s east coast and further strengthens the airport’s role as a strategic aviation hub, supporting executive aviation, commercial flight training and national emergency services from a single modernised facility.

The Dublin Weston Airport redevelopment demonstrates how thoughtful design, high-quality construction and innovation can successfully balance heritage conservation with modern performance. Through the expertise of Cadiston Ltd and the proven performance of Baumit’s external wall insulation and render systems, the project has delivered a building that is more energy efficient, more durable and better equipped to meet the demands of modern aviation.

Today, Weston Airport stands as a landmark redevelopment – respecting nearly nine decades of aviation history while providing a contemporary gateway that will continue to serve Ireland’s aviation sector for generations to come. It is a project that exemplifies collaboration, technical excellence and the long-term benefits of investing in sustainable, high-performance building solutions.