Sandycove Lifeguard Hut and Changing Shelter
Sandycove Harbour and the adjoining Forty Foot are well known and extremely popular Bathing areas in South Dublin. This small project provides a hut for lifeguards and their equipment as well as a shelter and showering area for bathers. Although small in scale serves many people and provides a base for changing and socialising for many small informal swimming groups.
The location of this project is highly picturesque and sensitive. It is visible for long distances across Scotsman Bay and its backdrop is the Sandycove Martello Tower and Battery together with Michael Scotts landmark house ‘Geragh’. It lies within an Architectural Conservation Area and is sited on the walls of Sandycove harbour –itself a protected structure.
The project responds to this context using an architectural language of simple forms gently shaped to the site and to each use. The lifeguard hut curves to frame a passage to the Forty Foot. The seating area is shaped to create a suntrap and provides shelter from the wind. A curved wall creates an enclosing outdoor shower area. It employs a robust language that references both local seaside buildings and harbour walls. It also references Mediterranean architecture with whitewashed walls and semi dressed stone blocks contrasting strongly with the granite rock on which it is sited. The project settles comfortably into a much loved Harbour and has quickly become a popular and well used facility.
The building was highly commended in the RIAI Architecture Awards 2014.
Gallery
