SANDYMOUNT
Franciscan Generalate Headquarters
Sandymount
Dublin 4
Completed 2008
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In 2005 the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa commissioned a project to update and improve the accommodation at the Generalate Headquarters in Gilford Road, Sandymount, Dublin.
Having disposed of their lands to the rear the remaining triangular site retained the existing non protected 19th Century house and associated outbuildings.
The design challenge was how to retain and enhance the visually prominent setting of the existing house whilst creating new complimentary residential and communal accommodation for the Sisters.
To this end single and two storey volumes were situated along the eastern and western site boundaries where they receive optimum sunlight with a single storey wintergarden at their junction orientated to receive evening light. These new forms are composed to form views which draw the onlooker into the courtyard at the rear of the site.
The impact of the new forms on the existing house was carefully considered. The building line of the existing house is maintained at ground floor while at first floor the volume steps back. The piano nobile line of the existing house is accentuated in the new brick volumes. The upper brickwork of the two storey section is pulled away from the boundary line forming a continuous rooflight to the circulation below and creating an overhang. The brick is mirrored about this line in the single storey at the rear with clerestorey glazing above.
The brief consists of both residential and associated administrative accommodation. The living spaces are located to the south of the site under the boughs of the retained mature beech tree. A terrace within the envelope of the building provides a protected external space. All bedrooms are located on the first floor along with an Oratory, lit by a long low window with coloured glazing. The administrative section of the brief is located on ground overlooking the planted courtyard at the rear of the site.
The accommodation was designed following best practice in sustainability and accessibility.
