Accedi
Utenti registrati
The brief for the building and site behind was for a small self-catering hotel. The ambition of the proposal was to restore the Protected Structure using Conservation Best Practice, bringing a long-term use to the historic building, and to develop the yard to the rear with a new sustainable building to expand the accommodation. The works to the existing house return it to its original character, having a dramatic impact on the streetscape of Fenian Street, while not obliterating all evidence of its later residential use into the 20th century. The new addition is a small, contextually sympathetic, building to the Denzille Lane side - an urban tower house - creating an urban courtyard between the two.
The new building (5 storeys), modest in nature, rises a storey above the older to offer views of the surrounding city without overpowering the historic building (3 storeys over basement). The Denzille Lane elevation draws on the rhythm, proportion and architectural character of its Georgian context. It has a simple palette of brick with timber windows and doors - a modern adaptation of the material characteristics of the Georgian structure. The project has doors on Fenian Street and Denzille Lane.
Sustainability is key to the project, the most sustainable building is the one you already have. The addition of the new building behind makes this brownfield site extremely sustainable. Passive strategies were utilised where possible to reduce embodied carbon - local materials travelling short distances wherever possible. Timber floors were strengthened and fireproofed, and boards re-laid. The basement is used for services, existing lime plaster was retained. A galvanised steel canopy shelters the courtyard, allowing the building to be naturally ventilated throughout. Efficient electric heating, LED movement sensitive lighting, heat recovery to the bathroom pods and low water usage taps and showers were used. Low VOCs are achieved through natural materials.
The historic building on Fenian Street, three storeys over basement and close to the old shoreline, photographed in 1953 as a fully functioning tenement, was carefully conserved; a new 5 storey brick building closed the block, making a new urban towerhouse on the street frontage of Denzille Lane and creating a brick open courtyard between old and new. This contains a lightweight fire stairs and horizontal connecting walkways, so the new structure solved the burden of regulation and accessibility. The project has two doors on two streets – Fenian Street and Denzille Lane. In close collaboration with the client, we assessed best entrance routes to ensure old and new buildings were equally available to all. Both entrances access the main reception room on Fenian Street. A careful wayfinding strategy evolved so the sequence was clear and logical, whatever entrance was used. The new lift and stairs access all levels, challenging due to existing low floor-to-ceiling heights in the historic building, but accommodated with careful detailing of the galvanised steel stairs and connecting walkways, which have an urban character in keeping with the spirit of the hotel. Access routeways are refreshingly in the open air, between the old and new structures, sheltered by a roof canopy: this works in an Irish climate because of the small footprint of the courtyard, making the space free from wind and pleasant to walk through, encouraging growth of a tree at ground level.
Firstly, the satisfaction of seeing a building nearing its demise being brought back to life. A building unique in its surrounds that works to its potential complimenting the modern build and giving the many users and visitors an understanding of the old and an appreciation of the character of the historic old build. The buildings character and charm is of great benefit to the end user marketability in their business.
McCullough Mulvin Architects is a Dublin-based practice. We combine contemporary insight with highly developed conservation skills to create sustainable projects that fully integrate old buildings with new architecture. Our approach is thoughtful, our way of building applicable in any culture and society, with award-winning buildings both in Ireland and internationally.
Together with other long-term collaborators, we work at a range of scales, including cultural buildings, housing projects, hotels, offices, libraries, healthcare, schools and university buildings. We extend our practice through research, writing, films, and exhibitions, exploring the themes that inform our work.
The practice has been acclaimed internationally with awards including recent RIBA International Award for Excellence 2024, Overall Winner of The Plan Awards Italy 2021, DETAIL Readers’ Prize 2020 (Thapar University Learning Laboratory), and World Architecture Festival Finalist 2023 (Printing House Square).
