The building has been designed considering of the sensitivities of the area and has a nautical concept. The envelope of the building mirrors aspects of the architecturally designed Auction Hall on the outside if the bay and will create a symmetry and connection at either side of the town which anticipates public realm improvement between the two as part of the Local Area Plans and Regeneration Plans for Killybegs.
The buildings primary function is to service the SCH and other harbour operational needs. Consideration has being given to the wider harbour stakeholders groups who may have a need to access and use the facility in the future. Careful consideration was given to ensure delivery of a high quality building and Amenities area befitting Ireland’s premier fishing port. The site layout takes into account possible future development of a seafront promenade along Shore Road providing a pedestrian path through the site between the car park and the Shore Road.
A well-proportioned seafront space is provided around the building which includes an exterior plaza on the reception side between the facility and the access to the SCH. There is space for potential licensed events or activities on the western side. Planting is provided along the south west perimeter to give shelter from the prevailing winds. Existing ESB utilities are to the left at the car entrance to the site and will be screened off by planting.
The front (north) elevation is as transparent as possible. At the ground floor there is a small reception area, office, multipurpose store, laundry with the meeting room and terraced area above. To the rear (south elevation) opposite the carpark there is a stair core and external access to the shower pods and sluice. External access means that the facilities are not reliant on the reception being open. A large window in the meeting room and porthole windows in the doors and stairwell provide passive surveillance of the car park as well as lighting the interior spaces.
Conceptually the building is designed to blend with its surroundings responding to maritime aesthetics. The structure is divided into 5 bays which have the scale, form and materiality of the small crafts in the harbour. These short spans allow for a thin slender structure which is similar in nature to the sailing masts in front of the building. The roof is reminiscent of over turned boats on the roof, also responding to the roof profile of the Auction Hall across the water.
Project Start
January 2021
Completion Due
September 2024
Gross Floor Area
220m2
Client Lead
Barry Doherty, Senior Engineer, Department of Agriculture,
Architect
Stephen Foley Architects Ltd. t/a SFA42
Employer's Representative
Stephen Foley
Project Team
Marta Lopez Garcia, Sara Acebes
Structural Engineer
CORA Consulting Engineers
MEP Engineer
Patrick McCaul Environmental
PSDP
DCON Safety
