SDCC enterprise Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development department Department identified a need for a production studio which will provide facilities for smaller film production companies and start-ups within the burgeoning Irish film industry. The buildings program is based on research and meetings with local and international businesses from the film and lighting industries to develop the brief.
The project makes use of an existing building, building; the structure is to be retained and the facade reworked to activate the street front and be more appropriate to a semi public semi-public building as well as improving U values and sound insulation. The studios will cater to smaller and independent production companies who might use the spaces for short term projects such as live shows, advertising, fashion and so forth. The internal space allows for two studios, one larger studio which is envisaged to house a digital screen and one white wall/rollup production/rehearsal studio. They can be used together or separately.
The proposed site is located in the on the North Bank of the Grand Canal Lucan, South County Dublin. The proposed development involves there development of a larger industrial unit and the removal of two derelict industrial units to the rear of the protected Stone Mill Building (RPS 118) at 12th Lock. The described development comprises an area of 0.62ha.
Development is constrained mostly by the existing footprint of the industrial unit which is being retained and the site boundary. Existing vehicular access is retained and located to the north boundary of the site. The change in level between the site and the road along the eastern boundary which increases as the R120 approaches the bridge over the canal means that level access to the site is located on the northeast and south east corners of the site.
The project makes use of an existing building; the structure is to be retained and the façade reworked to activate the street front and be more appropriate to a semi-public building as well as improving U values and sound insulation. The studios will cater to smaller and independent production companies who might use the spaces for short term projects such as live shows, advertising, fashion and so forth. The internal space allows for two studios, one larger studio which is envisaged to house a digital screen and one white wall/rollup production/rehearsal studio. They can be used together or separately.
The proposal contains all the facilities required for a film production studio of this size such as makeup and changing rooms, green rooms, costume, area for spectators and a canteen. There is also a provision for an enterprise hub at first floor level for small businesses related to the industry office space which also can be used by film production companies for postproduction or animation. The proposal allows for educational use with classrooms for presentations and lectures at first floor level with separate back of house - front of house circulation routes. Open office space can be used as labs for third level courses related to the film production industry.
The landscape concept is to remove all barriers to the street, addressing the level change with soft landscaping. It also uses rainwater and sustainable drainage to create a wetland feature in front of the façade strengthening the relationship with the canal. It also separates cycling and pedestrian traffic along the R120 connecting the new and future residential areas with the12th Lock.
The enabling works will be the first phase of the construction, clearing the site to the south of studio buildings and relocating the ESB substation away from public road. Together the landscape and studio concept aim to be a platform for the local community and the burgeoning film industry within the county.
Project Start
October 2023
Completion Due
December 2025
Gross Floor Area
1500m2
Client Lead
Laura Leonard, Senior Executive Officer, South Dublin County Council
Architect
Stephen Foley Architects Ltd t/a SFA42
Employer's Representative
Stephen Foley
Project Team
Marta Lopez Garcia, Sara Acebes, Sofia Parker, Jordi Acacio
Conservation Architect
Mesh Architects
Structural Engineer
CORA Consulting Engineers
