Harbour Master's Lodge Open House Event

This year Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council hosted a number of venues as part of the Irish Architecture Foundation Open House Dublin 2024, Architectural Festival. One such venue was the Harbour Master’s Lodge in Dún Laoghaire. This Open House event offered the public a unique glimpse into this historic building, which once served as the head office for the harbour company. Built in 1820, the lodge is a protected structure showcasing historic neoclassical architecture, crafted from Dalkey granite and crowned with a maritime clock tower and signalling turret.

At PROBONO, we are working to create a Green Building Neighbourhood in Dún Laoghaire, thanks to a collaboration between DLR County Council, University College Dublin and the European Union and other technical partners. As part of this project, we took on the task of retrofitting the windows of the Harbour Master’s Lodge, whilst preserving the historical integrity of the building.

During the event, the public were presented with data analytics from the PROBONO retrofitting project aimed at enhancing the building’s energy efficiency. PROBONO staff were present to explain the intricacies of retrofitting a heritage building, discussing both the obstacles encountered and the solutions found. Informative posters and handouts from both PROBONO and SEAI provided insights into the retrofitting process and offered guidance for those interested in implementing similar interventions in their own homes. The goal of the tour was to demystify the retrofitting process, reassuring visitors that revitalizing homes and buildings, regardless of their historical architecture, is an achievable endeavour.

Over the course of the day, we welcomed a total of 120 visitors. Among them was a councillor from Bath County Council who engaged in discussions about the retrofitting process and was provided additional information to share with her team. Another notable visitor was local councillor Peter Cunningham, who offered valuable connections within the council, particularly in the planning department, to further support the project. Additionally, a family member of a former resident of the Harbour Master’s Lodge shared historic photographs, enriching the cultural experience for attendees.

Overall, the Open House event was a resounding success, reflecting the community’s strong interest in local heritage and history, as well as their eagerness to explore energy-efficient retrofitting options for their own homes. The event highlighted the potential for modern upgrades within historic buildings, paving the way for future projects aimed at enhancing both environmental sustainability and preserving cultural heritage.

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