Context

The 12^th lock masterplan takes in a section of the grand canal between the new residential areas of Clonburris and Adamstown and the Grange Castle Business Park. The area contains over a dozen derelict buildings of different scales and character in varied states of disrepair. The challenge of the brief was to identify proposed land uses to bring these structures back to life, populating the 12^th lock area with active uses and provide safe and joyful public spaces harnessing the area’s natural beauty.

On the north bank west of the lock are stone and concrete Flour mill buildings from the 19^th and early 20^th century respectively. Beneath the buildings is the mill run which historically would have powered the mills in what was once known as the breadbasket of Dublin. A few metres west of the mills is the lock keeper’s cottage from the same era. Since then, several insensitive developments were built, a domestic 2 storey house built onto the side of the stone mill, a protected structure, and a series of industrial buildings with asbestos sheeting at the rear of the stone mill. More recently larger green sheds with insulated corrugated metal cladding were added to the north of the site separating the Lucan Sarsfields GAA club from the R120. To the south east of the site there is an abandoned farmyard which was acquired by SDCC squeezed between the booming Grange Castle Business Park and the canal. There are a total of 14 structures within the masterplan area, none of which are in use.

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Location

Through intense stakeholder engagement between the three main landowners, South Dublin County Council, Waterways Ireland and Lucan Sarsfields GAA we were able to define the global and local objectives for the masterplan. Site Surveys gave us information about the condition of the existing derelict structures and make decisions about how much could be retained.

The project prioritizes the adaptive reuse of existing derelict structures rather than demolition and construction of new buildings. This reduces waste and embedded carbon, conserves resources, preserves cultural heritage and reduces urban sprawl with associated environmental and social impacts. Only two of the buildings are proposed to be removed due to Health and Safety concerns; one dangerous structure containing hazardous materials (B1) and the other which is blocking an existing right of way and built on top of service ducting (B2).  

Adaptive Reuse

This principle of adaptive reuse is carried through to the landscape strategy where the existing concrete hardstand is proposed to be opened up, rather than removed and levels maintained instead of cutting and filling. Sustainable Urban drainage, the retention of existing trees and creation of ecological corridors are all incorporated into the landscape design of Site D.  

The masterplan also gives the opportunity to incorporate accessible and inclusive spaces by adapting existing buildings and applying current design standards. Landscaped areas were thought about from an access point of view, combining stepped and ramped access routes, incorporating lifts where possible in the feasibility studies of the various buildings and considering proximity of disabled parking spaces.