An unusual 19th century Protected Structure, brought back into high quality residential use on St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.  

 

The Residence, 94 St Stephen’s Green is a small, mid 19th century protected structure located on St Stephen’s Green South, with fantastic views over the Green and to the wider city centre area. The building was constructed with the adjoining former Methodist Centenary Church of 1842-43. It was originally the Methodist Minister’s residence, or Manse, and later became offices for the church.

Externally, the fabric has been carefully refurbished, with unsympathetic modern alterations removed and original fabric restored. Unusually built without an entrance on the Green, an elegant modern glazed lobby and access stair is added to the rear façade to provide the building with an appropriate new entrance.

Internally, original features have been restored in accordance with best practice conservation methods and discreet interventions allow for the incorporation of modern residential amenities while retaining the essential character, proportions and features of the existing internal spaces.

Early on in the design process we established with the client that the design intention should be to restore and reinstate faithfully the period features that one would expect in a building of this age on Stephen’s Green. With analysis of what little historic information was available, interior elements of cornice, skirting and architraves were replaced and window treatments restored or recreated entirely where lost.

The intention has been to restore the dignity and significance of the interiors which had been obliterated in a fire in the 1960s and in subsequent insensitive refurbishment. Onto this base we have layered a wholly contemporary fit out which compliments the simple elegance of the period details, achieved through working with skilled craftsmen throughout.

Matching this internal approach, the external masonry has been wholly cleaned and restored in accordance with best conservation practice with appropriate re-pointing work and the windows replaced with the correct historical profiles.

To provide an appropriate entrance commensurate with the setting of the building, we have designed a new glazed lobby enclosure, realised in an elegant and wholly contemporary aesthetic. Our commitment to excellence is illustrated in the careful matching of beautiful metal cladding, complimenting the existing tone of the historic brickwork and the fine detailing of the Irish Granite and Limestone steps with inset brass disc detailing, handrails, lighting and matching bespoke signage.

Between internal restoration and modern architectural intervention, the intention has been to emphasize excellence in quality, craftsmanship and a considered luxuriousness in every detail.

The refurbishment has added to the very small number of buildings returned to residential use on St Stephen’s Green and provides a high standard of prime sector residential accommodation in this exclusive city centre setting