Context

The property a traditional townhouse with walled rear yard and garden built after c1860’s is located one street behind the main street just off the North West corner of Market Square. The proposal to resort the historical building and develop its rear site with the intervention of 3 new two storey houses with a restrained impact of the Kilkee town. The new houses to aligned with the existing neighbouring structures at ridge, eaves and the inside edge of the street footpath. The new streetscape treatment is to maintain the aesthetic along Erin Street and Market Square. The houses along the Erin Street and Market Square are original and the new infill houses albeit in a controlled and tempered manner are of similar fenestration to the architecture of Kilkee. The proposed fenestration is comparable and does not overwhelm the existing streetscape or significantly impact on the rear of neighbouring houses in its new open courtyard. The character of the area will be maintained and not adversely impacted on.

 

Challenge

I was asked by the owners to undertake a building design and planning application on development proposals for an old town house and adjoining site. Work included conservation-led practice design issues to be carefully considered in arriving at an appropriate brief for restoration work to the existing structure and development proposals on the adjoining site and to work with town people, administrators and planners to resolve conflicts and to develop conservation strategies appropriate to local needs, abilities and resources. Although the project was not on the Record of Protected Structures it was in an architectural conservation area. Accordingly I advised my clients it should be approached on the basis of its planning status and its architectural and artistic characteristics. I carried out a measured and photographic survey of the house to prepare a report on the property. The report with drawings and other documentation was submitted in support of an application for planning permission.The proposed 3 houses are of a scale, massing, proportions, design and the contrasting tone and texture of materials is appropriate to its context.  The architectural integrity of the original structure was maintained and the special architectural interest was not adversely impacted on. The existing house character when project works were finished remain unaffected by the works.

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Solution

The proposed new town houses will add another architectural layer to the historical structure in a manner that will retain the integrity of the original and not adversely diminish its special architectural or artistic interest. Slate roofs, plaster walls and hardwood windows in a restrained modern classical facade.

 

Lessons

During the tender process to select a contractor to carry out the works it was purchased by a second owner and they carried out the construction project. The proposed window sizes changed, fanlights over entrance doors were omitted and some plaster decoration was added similar to other projects in the town. Philip McNeill Architect was not engaged by the 2nd owner. The proposed works added another layer to the historic structure in a manner that will retain the integrity of the original and not adversely diminish its special architectural and artistic interest. 

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