From Historic Ruin to Collective Resource

TypeRecreation Amenity

LocationBallyforan, Roscommon, Ireland

Year2023

StatusOngoing

ProgramEquipment Storage, Glamping Support, Sport Changing Rooms, Outdoor Play Area, Outdoor Kitchen, Outdoor Living Room

Size171 m²

Site318 m²

A house turned inside-out

Claremont House is an important piece of social history and key element in the composition of Claremont Grounds however it has fallen into ruin and was set for demolition. Rather than demolishing the building ACT proposed to totally re-imagine its purpose. The exterior facade is preserved and new functions that support visitors and community activity alike is added. Linked to the glamping and sports amenities, the new configuration will consist of a stack of volumes with interiors arranged to form distinct outdoor spaces - outdoor rooms inside a house, literally turning it inside out. A key attraction will be the view from the top looking out and over the River Suck and Ballyforan Bridge.

Preserving the memory

While important socially, the building is of little architectural merit and most of the interior will not be possible to save. This fabric will be measured, recorded and then removed providing space for the new functions. The outline of the building, which is of most importance will be saved as a memory of the original building

Project Concept

Saving a memory of an old historic house, filling it with new functions.

Existing Structure

The existing building will be measured, recorded as part of a pre-restoration audit.

Remove internal

The interior will be cleared out with materials that can be reused being saved for use again.

Bracing The Building

A timber structure will brace the exterior wall creating a new frame for uses to inhabit.

Add New Functions

Three volumes contained functions to support glamping, sports and maintenance of the grounds will be added.

Connected Outdoor Rooms

New outdoor spaces (rooms) will be created from the position of the volumes and will be connected through stairs and lift.

Historic Roof Outline

The building was sited in it’s location to command a view for the taxing point at Ballyforan Bridge. A frame representing the outline of the old roof will be constructed highlighting the viewing point out over the bridge and River Suck.

An interior garden

Nature is welcomed into the interior of the house to create an immersive experience that is both outside and sheltered from the elements. The house is a place for contradiction and wonder.

Space for play

The first floor provides a safe area for children to play and explore. Like a jungle gym, it uses levels create variation and joy.

Restoring the viewpoint

The building was initially sited in it's location to provide a visual connection to the taxing bridge on the river suck. This connection is re-established with a roof top dining space that overlooks the river and the landscape.