Project:        

The proposed development on Coliemore Road is a mixed use retail / residential scheme and lies in accredited conservation area in the heritage village of Dalkey. The development consists of two separate Victorian buildings located at the end of Castle Street, the main shopping / high street of the village.

Discussions with the planners have been for change of use at ground floor level to two retail units and to extend the existing two story building by a single storey to provide four apartments at first and second floor levels. This is consistent with the planning authority’s ‘living over the shop’ policy and their ‘DC’ and ‘A’ zoning objectives.

The proposals draw upon the local architectural vernacular. Here traditional buildings of various ages exist side by side. The designs for development on this site reflect the variety of styles that give these buildings their character and do not pursue a purely classical inspired design solution. In this context a pale coloured smooth render finish has been selected as a contrasting finish to complement the end of terrace streetscape. Also, the additional storey to the existing storey building is in proportion to the neighbouring three storey buildings and improves the rhythm of the streetscape. The buildings have been designed to unite in an interior courtyard garden area at first floor level (providing private open space for the proposed apartments). The success of this proposal will demonstrate that a respect for the traditions of the past can be fused with a living environment that is built for now and with consideration of the future.