A C T

Historic Grounds to Future Park

TypeLandscape, Park
LocationIreland
Year2023
StatusOngoing
ProgramPlayground, Orchard and Vegetable Garden, 4 Glamping Pods, Sports Field, Outdoor Gym, 2 Picnic Areas
Site49,853 m2

This historic estate grounds is located ideally to serve the community of Ballyforan and was once an important component of the village make up. With the abandoning of Claremont House in the 1950’s, the house and grounds were gifted to the local authority. Certain areas of land have been sold off with the remaining ground being rented out for cattle grazing. A lack of maintenance over the decades has seen the grounds deteriorate with paths and roads grown over, the extent of historic tree lines reduced, the orchard trees removed and structures on site falling into ruin. Enough information and traces exist, however, to imagine what the grounds might have looked like in their heyday and how they might be in the future.

Discovering historic traces

Claremont House, abandoned in the 1950s, was gifted to the local authority, with some land sold off. The remaining grounds were used for cattle grazing but lack of maintenance led to deterioration. Paths and roads are overgrown, historic tree lines diminished, orchard trees removed and structures fallen into ruin. Despite this, remnants offer glimpses of its past and potential future restoration.

Key remaining elements

Adding new layers

To meet the current and future needs of the community ACT added new layers to the existing historic fabric. These layers provide places for recreation, food production, sport, play, places to stay and areas for nature adding to the climate resilience of the village.

Final vision
Current situationWe start with the current situation
Restore tree formWe replant new trees following the historic pattern, creating a new woodland and place for nature.
Re-wild groundsNative plant wildflowers and grass species, which add variety and colour to the landscape bringing biodiversity and climate resilience area added.
Re-established pathsTracing old historic paths and bringing them back for circulation and defining landscape zones.
Restore orchard and herb gardenEstablishing a new community orchard and garden using the 6 cell grid noted on historic maps allow incremental growth to meet demand and rotate crops.
Retaining view pointsStrategic views, the feature trees and bridge overlook from Claremont House are emphasised with grass lawns cut out from the rewilded area.
Create a place to playCreation of a playground inside the park for both local and visitor demand.
Create a place to stayAdding a glamping site to support community's goal to become a place for sustainable tourism and host visitors overnight.
Moving treesAn existing tree line is moved to extend the open area of the park,
Create a place to stay activeCreation of an outdoor gym and sports pitch for the community to have east access to an active way of living.

A welcome entrance

Immediately immersed in the grounds, the park is designed clear paths and wayfinding.

Reviving village food production

On the site of an old since lost walled orchard, is an opportunity to revive local food production through native fruit trees and a community garden.

A place to stay

Glamping facilities will support over night stays in the area, allowing visitors to experience the park and village overnight.

Team

  • Kevin Loftus
  • Inna Stryzhak
  • Simone Broglia
  • James McConville

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