Workplace
Dame Lane
Client Eir
Location Dublin 2
Size c. 1,600sq.m
Status Complete
A refurbishment and moderisation of a Protected Structure in Dublin city centre
No. 5 Dame lane was constructed circa 1906 to designs by Bachelor & Hicks Architects. The 4 storey over basement building was constructed as an extension to the earlier Hely Printworks Building and has recently (2017) been added to the Record of Protected Structures on account of the early use of the Hennebique reinforced concrete construction system. Plus Architecture were engaged to refurbish the building to modern office standards and in compliance with current life safety, fire and accessibility regulation standards.
The building has been in use as an office for some time. However, the existing building core is very restricted, and it is necessary to replace the stairs, lift and sanitary accommodation to comply with current regulations, including bike storage and associated shower facilities at basement level.
Our strategy has been to minimise structural interventions and to express the original structure where feasible. The original Hennebique structure was concealed above suspended ceilings – we have omitted these to expose the unique structure and provided air distribution through the floor void to eliminate visible mechanical equipment.
The existing unsympathetic PVC glazing to the Dame Lane facade is to be removed and new slimline glazing installed in the original configuration, which we discovered in an advertisement for the print works from 1906.
