allan . curran . architects

Refurbishment of existing dwelling, Henry Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

 

We were engaged to refurbish a 1970’s timber frame building set on a blockwork base on a piled foundation, in the centre of Enniskillen.  The site came with its own private jetty and a water frontage to die for.  The upper level has the dreaded “beauty board” throughout and the biggest room in the house was just 3.5m x 4.3m (11’6” x 14’).  The entire lower level of 143 sq.m (1540 sq. ft.) is vacant with the exception of a single oil tank.  Apparently the lower level had been built with the hope of running a café to serve the passing traffic on the lake but commercial parking became a stumbling block.

 

 

The timber frame and roof structure has to be strengthened, a pumping station installed to allow full development of the lower level and some major damp proofing of the existing balcony will be required to prevent ingress of water at the lower level.  For the aesthetics of this “scout hut” the entire external fabric will have to be upgraded.  Our Client has requested a contemporary look to match his internal furnishings and fittings.  A metal deck roof is planned along with a painted treatment to the timber boarding on the upper level and a stone finish to the lower level.  The rusting steel railings are to be replaced with glass and stainless steel and the entire building is to be upgraded in terms of insulation, air tightness and heating/ventilation.

 

 

 

Our Client has asked that the overall design would reflect the buildings location on the water’s edge.