ST ITA'S HOSPITAL, Dublin
St Ita’s Hospital (formerly Portrane Asylum), POrtrane, CO. Dublin, is a large complex of c.70 buildings. The main complex, comprising of c.60 red brick buildings was built between 1896 and 1903 and are of significant architectural heritage importance. |
The complex is built on an echelon plan with a central spine of service buildings linked by a hexagonal plan network of corridors to the outer hospital buildings. There are a number of ancillary buildings, constructed early 20th century which are also of significance. Many of the buildings are protected structures and the complex is located within an Architectural Conservation Area.
Many buildings have fallen out of use over a number of years as they became not fit for purpose under current clinical thinking. Consequently, there is a suite of fine buildings, the majority of which currently have no use, but are located within an active hospital complex.
In 2013, Carrig Conservation aided in the completion of a Feasibility Study which sought to identify proposals to safeguard the future of the complex. Arising out of that Study, it was decided to mothball a section of the complex, prioritising other buildings for reuse. Carrig were engaged by HSE Estates to draw up a strategy for mothballing which included identifying the repairs required to ensure building fabric was safeguarded. This included identification of the most urgent works and drawing up documents for tendering these works.
In 2013, Carrig Conservation aided in the completion of a Feasibility Study which sought to identify proposals to safeguard the future of the complex. Arising out of that Study, it was decided to mothball a section of the complex, prioritising other buildings for reuse. Carrig were engaged by HSE Estates to draw up a strategy for mothballing which included identifying the repairs required to ensure building fabric was safeguarded. This included identification of the most urgent works and drawing up documents for tendering these works.
ST ITA'S Hospital BEFORE & DURING Conservation
To date roofs and rainwater goods of two of the five buildings included in the strategy have been repaired under Carrig’s supervision. Carrig obtained the relevant statutory permissions to carry out all works in the strategy.
The Feasibility Study also highlighted the need to carry out regular maintenance of the buildings and in 2015, HSE Estates engaged to Carrig to prepare a detailed Maintenance Plan for each building based on current occupancy and condition. The aim was to develop a strategy for carrying out scheduled inspections and maintenance of the buildings following a checklist. The end result will see potential issues being addressed before they arise or any issues which do arise being solved before causing significant damage to the building fabric. The plan outlined the inspections required for the buildings and the frequency at which these should be carried out. A building specific form was prepared for each building, outlining the inspections to be taken which are particular to that building. The accompanying report outlined works which were of an urgent nature and also included methodologies for repair of the most likely potential defects which could be identified during checks.
The Feasibility Study also highlighted the need to carry out regular maintenance of the buildings and in 2015, HSE Estates engaged to Carrig to prepare a detailed Maintenance Plan for each building based on current occupancy and condition. The aim was to develop a strategy for carrying out scheduled inspections and maintenance of the buildings following a checklist. The end result will see potential issues being addressed before they arise or any issues which do arise being solved before causing significant damage to the building fabric. The plan outlined the inspections required for the buildings and the frequency at which these should be carried out. A building specific form was prepared for each building, outlining the inspections to be taken which are particular to that building. The accompanying report outlined works which were of an urgent nature and also included methodologies for repair of the most likely potential defects which could be identified during checks.
ST ITA'S Hospital AFTER Conservation
In addition to the projects outlined above, Carrig have overseen urgent repair of roofs to two further buildings within the complex and were part of the design team charged with converting two floors of one of the hospital blocks to office accommodation, a project which was successfully completed in 2016. Work to the remainder of this building is due to go on site in 2017.
If you would like more information or to discuss a project, please contact the office to speak to one of our conservation consultants.
If you would like more information or to discuss a project, please contact the office to speak to one of our conservation consultants.