Artists’ Studios and New Dwelling at Killaloe

The Stables building, tucked off Main Street in Killaloe, originally held horses delivering local produce in the town. It was in a state of dilapidation when our clients purchased the site.  Their vision was to recreate a community use in the building, and build a contemporary home in the backland site to the rear.

Our design solution involved the creation of 4 studios in the old stables.  This involved considerable repair works to the stables walls and a new raised roof, which is expressed as such, to give a usable first floor space.  Existing openings were protected and reused, and a new shopfront opening was created to open the building onto Main Street – animating the public sphere.

The new single-storey dwelling built in the backland site, avails of panoramic views over Lough Derg.  Materials utilised, including local and salvaged stone, help to settle the new build into the plot grains and fabric of the surrounding buildings.

The residential use adds vibrancy and animation to the town of Killaloe, and provides an excellent long-term living/fully accessible house to its owners.