FARMLEIGH GALLERY

Phoenix Park
Dublin 8

Completed 2005

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In 2005 the OPW took the decision to convert the agricultural outhouses at Farmleigh to an Art Gallery.

The attractive range of outhouses, slate roofed, and constructed of coursed calp, with brick dressing, had only recently been vacated by the prize Kerry herd maintained at Farmleigh.

All subsequent design decisions were predicated on the aim of maintaining the bucolic, unassuming aspect of the original outhouses, while simultaneously providing a high quality multifunctional art space.

Preserving as much of the original fittings as was feasible meant that methods of intervention were limited. Therefore, intense care was taken to omit extraneous details in the introduction of new materials.

In manipulating the spaces, a new stone floor is used as an ordering device, as well as a method to connect the gallery spaces to the exterior court yard space.

This rigour of this approach is intended to provide the atmosphere of stillness conducive to the appreciation of art.

The project was selected for exhibition in the 2006 RIAI Awards.

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