• The “Castle” (a mixed use building which is a protected structure); 
• The Retreat House (a 40 bedroom residence) and Pedro Arrupe Chapel, both designed by Andrew Devane; 
• Cardoner House, which was in use as an educational centre for members of the Jesuit order.

Our brief was to provide modern Reception and Dining facilities while refurbishing the 3 existing buildings listed above. Our concept was to create a landscaped, sheltered courtyard or cloister on the site of what was a surface car park; using the existing Castle, Retreat House and Chapel buildings on three sides, with the fourth side of the “cloister” being formed by a new Reception / Dining structure to house flexible dining and function spaces; reception, book shop, kitchens and other ancillary spaces.

The form of the new building appears as a colonnaded facade to the cloister, using tactile materials such as charred larch and buff coloured bricks; this is linked via covered walkway to the existing buildings. It addresses views and routes in varying ways. The courtyard or cloister is landscaped with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces with opportunities for relaxation, seating and contemplation.

The Castle’s external fabric was refurbished with roofs, windows and facades being upgraded.

Cardoner House was repurposed as a residence for the Jesuit community with full accessibility; 6No. comfortable suites were created with upgraded services and thermal performance.

The Retreat House facades and windows were upgraded while all bedrooms and bathrooms were completely revamped. In addition, new meeting and breakout spaces were created, along with an accessible suite.

Sustainability permeated all aspects of the brief. The existing buildings have been adaptively reused and all received thermal and services upgrades. The new building is served via efficient heating systems with a combination of solar thermal and solar PV being employed to provide hot water and power. Surface Water is collected into a new pond and integrated into the existing landscape.

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Working with our client, we acted as both design and conservation architects and collaborated closely with the team lead by main contractors, Mulcahy Construction, to achieve a newly imagined local favourite while conserving key elements of this interesting building. A large extension created a light filled dining room while the older parts of the building were restored, capturing newly discovered elements such as the original timber roof trusses to the front. The project provided complex challenges with compliance and servicing but has delivered a variety of attractive and hospitable rooms. Works took account of balancing the requirementss for compliant fire and disabled access while seeking to blend the retention of character and historic fabric as far as possible.

Photographs courtesy of Mulcahy Construction.

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Working in an executive architect capacity, we collaborated with a local design team, overseeing the realisation of the vision for the hotel’s refurbishment ensuring a sensitive and beautiful transformation.  Works include a new reception area, Guest Living Room and stunning grand salon bar – The Coral Room.

The original entrance at the side of the property was restored, incorporating a new glazed canopy. The original flight of Portland Stone steps leads guests into the new reception area and intimate space which features a Lutyens-inspired Guest Living Room. Here a colour palette of muted greens and pinks, were accented with an electric mix of furnishings, artwork and lighting. The Lutyens’ designed fireplace provides a welcoming focal point.

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We have worked closely with the Lambay Estate Company,on the development of a phased programme of works with a view to create sustainable island living.  A Masterplan was developed resulting in the grant of a 10 year planning permission. 

A key element of these phased works has been developing a sustainable heating and energy strategy for the island, given its remote location and access difficulties.  This has been essential in ensuring Lambay is now able to provide visitor access for both tours, accommodation and functions such as weddings and conferences.

Various refurbishments aimed at the visitor and tourist market have included restoration of the castle and the cottages to provide visitor accommodation, as well as the pier and gardens.

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