SELECTED
PROJECTS
Strangford Lough Yacht Club. Whiterock
Replacement of Existing
Clubhouse on the shores of Strangford Lough
The Project was completed
in August 1999 and involved the demolition and replacement of an outdated and
inefficient clubhouse. Designed was undertaken within very tight budgetary
constraints, the simple and economical design is enhanced with the use of curved
walls and roofline. The new building has made use of the foundations and
basement of the former building. The contemporary new building sits modestly on
the waters edge at Whiterock on Strangford Lough and we understand, is well
accepted by the
National Trust who control this sensitive shoreline. We understand that the
club members are very happy with the design.
The design team was set a
very tight programme by our club due to the sailing season. Their initial design
solution proved to be such a workable and acceptable design that the newly built
clubhouse is very close to those early sketches.
In our view an ideal
balance of cost and finish has been achieved, together with a totally workable
solution and quite simply attractive building. It caters very effectively for
the Club’s varied requirements of dry and wet activities, sailing, social and
training needs.
In conclusion, the
Architect has produced a building within our tight budget, which overcomes all
the shortcomings of our previous building, and which our members are very
pleased with.
"Architect’s Comments"
The Club’s decision to
rebuild their clubhouse gave them the opportunity to resolve the inherent
problems with the existing building e.g. the separation of wet and dry functions
and lack of accessibility. The downside to the decision was that the new
building had to be achieved within a similar budget and time scale as the
original proposal of refurbishment.
60% of the existing
foundations were re-used, and the simple construction and linear nature of the
design was a cost effective starting point, relieved by the inclusion of two
storey curved projecting structures on the North and South Elevations
To minimise the visual
impact of the under-building due to raising the floor level above Spring tides,
the North & South elevations were designed with terraces to create
horizontal layering and provide sheltered access to the entrances. The first
floor timber decks allow the members to enjoy the location and provide a
secondary means of escape.
The club membership proved
very receptive to the contemporary roof form and we felt it reflected the marine
aesthetic. Other subtle curves were used in the plan, for example in the Wet
Corridor, widening the space at the point of most congestion.
The SLYC member
representative remained involved from briefing to completion and his expertise
and steady hand were very beneficial to the project.
Awards:
RIAI Irish Architecture 2000 Nomination
Category:
Northern Ireland Works over £100,000
aerial photo by Ian Crockard
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