4th Year Thesis Cuilin House Project by James McMahon at Coroflot.com

4th Year Thesis Cuilin House Project

4th Year Thesis Cuilin House Project from James McMahon

4th Year Thesis Cuilin House Project

The brief consisted of the refurbishment & redevelopment of Cuilín House, Hampstead Avenue, Dublin 9.

The project involved re-imagining a future for the Model Farm and its agricultural heritage in the context of an urbanised society facing into the challenges of climate change, peak oil, resource scarcity and a growth in global demand for food. Therefore, it was proposed that the agricultural education background of the building/s is reinstated in the form of a proposed urban farming school and agro-ecological model of food production.

This collaborative project consisted of a team of 7 students and Lead Architect James Howley of Howley Hayes Architects. The submission consisted of:

1) Site Investigation, Survey & Representation of Cuilin house
2) Design Investigation & Development
3) Fire Safety Certificate, Planning Permission, Disability Access Certificate
4) General Arrangement Drawings to Tender Stage
5) Oral and Graphic Competition Presentation to Dublin City Council

A 2xA1 competition style presentation sheet developed by our group collectively. The sheet was presented to Dublin City Council.
View PDF

The predominant architectural concept was to establish an urban farm environment within the Dublin City area. By creating such an agricultural theme, the proposed works relate directly to the historical aspect of Cuilin House as a model farm. The incorporation of a farm courtyard to the back of the development reflects the original use of the area, and results in an active, friendly and public orientated atmosphere. "Rus in Urbe" is Latin for "A Farm in the City", and focuses the development on creating a haven of peace and quiet within a hectic urban setting.