Next generation reference dwellings to inform national dwelling stock energy model for Ireland

This study advances the development of Reference Dwellings (RDs) for Ireland by transforming 52 statistically derived archetypes into a set of 20 empirically enriched, three-dimensional, and simulation-ready models for use in national Dwelling Stock Energy Models (DSEMs). Building on a machine learning clustering approach applied to Ireland’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) database, the selected RDs represent 85 % of the national dwelling stock by frequency and typological diversity. Each RD was enhanced using real-world data for geometric form, thermal envelope performance, air permeability, and system characteristics. These enhancements were informed by national datasets, regulatory standards, and validated using Real Example Buildings (ReEx Blgs), EPC ratings and retrofit status. more accurately reflect Ireland’s contemporary building stock than previous RD characterisation, such as TABULA, by eliminating outdated defaults and integrating empirical construction details. This approach enables more precise and scalable scenario modelling of retrofit interventions, policy decisions, and energy performance evaluation. The proposed methodology provides a reproducible blueprint for EU Member States (MS)s with large-scale EPC datasets, supporting data-driven retrofit planning aligned with the goals of Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).