The renovation of the historic vaults beneath Connolly Station in the heart of Dublin was a complex exercise in conservation which simultaneously responded to the functional requirements of the Client brief. The project involved the conversion of existing accommodation beneath Connolly Station to the new Medical Headquarters for Iarnroid Eireann and required the juxtaposition of new clinical spaces with historic building fabric.
The project area included seven vaulted spaces which run parallel to each other. They are bound to the north and east by Connolly Station buildings, to the west by a public concourse to Connolly Station, and have only one external façade which is to the south facing onto a pathway extension to Harbour Master Place.
Due to the existing building configuration, the fit-out was subject to unusually rigorous architectural constraints while from a conservation perspective the project involved design for the careful disassembly and removal of new works to the vaults as they are subject to protected structures status. In this way the historic structures are preserved and can be returned to their original condition if, at some future date, they are no longer used as clinical space.
The works were carried out in a busy urban district beneath Connolly Train station requiring strict Health and Safety protocols and substantial phasing and rerouting of existing infrastructural services before the fit-out could commence. The result is a highly functional facility which preserves the character and integrity of the wonderful historic structure within which it is enclosed.
LocationDublin
ClientIarnroid Eireann
ServiceArchitectural Services, Employers Representative, Assigned Certifier and PSDP
Area1,500 sqm
Value€3.8 million
StatusComplete
