AUGUSTINIAN CHAPLAINCY
Ballyboden
Co. Dublin
Completed 2005
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The community of the Augustinian Order in south Dublin expressed a desire to improve their facilities with a particular emphasis on the needs of their senior residents.
The adjustment and remodelling of the core communal rooms became the central focus of the refurbishment. The south facing orientation of these spaces, and their mature garden setting, encouraged an opening up and knitting together of the internal and external spaces at the point of their connection, resulting in a transformation of their character. New movement between the rooms along this external edge is achieved by the addition of a layer. This movement is mirrored externally by a therapeutic path, for use as part of a rehabilitation routine. This external path is expressed vertically by a hardwood pergola, which in turn provides structure and rhythm and is reflected simultaneously in the form of the new built elements.
Level access to the outside, allows for maximum use of the stone lined, resting space, the pergola extending to provide a shaded eating area further along the path.
At first floor level, the existing living room expands to create a visual link with the garden for the first time. The terrace allows a new experience of the garden at this level.
The curved roof contrasts with the background of rhythmic, staggered pitched roofs. Taking in light from a higher level, it sweeps down in a gentle curve to form the eaves.
Five curved beams, supported on a slim steel structure, follow the roof form internally. The existing chimney is located A-symmetrically in the living room.
