Project Description:

This project involves the renovation and extension of the existing building at 23 Rockhill Blackrock, adding two new levels and incorporating 13 apartments.  In addition to this the existing retail unit at ground floor level is retained and upgraded.

It was decided early in the design process to retain and extend the existing building, rather than demolish it.   While this approach would present increased challenges with regard to ‘fitting’ the apartments into the existing rigid structural grid, this was deemed a more sustainable approach, with the benefit of significantly reducing the carbon footprint resulting from the projects construction, along with reducing the overall project costs.

The design brief was to provide two new levels on top of the existing building, and to provide generously sized high end luxury apartments throughout.  The existing tenant on the ground floor (‘Blackrock Cellar’ off-license) was to be retained, with the existing size of this unit maintained.

The proposed building is part four storeys and part seven storeys in height. The four storey section fronts onto Rockhill with the part seven storey section facing the sea. The building has 2 entrances from Rockhill; one public entrance which serves “Blackrock Cellar” and a second private entrance for the residential apartments.

The existing escape stair on the northern facade is removed and a new stair and lift core located centrally.  This allows for maximum uninterrupted views of the sea along the north façade and maximises access to natural daylight. In addition to the two new levels on top, the floor plates are extended towards the north site boundary to increase the apartment sizes and to provide generous balconies and terraces overlooking the sea.