RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

This project illustrates how superb architecture may be made from the simplest of briefs. Built as part of a protected structure, this building blends in with the existing bridge and walls, while being clearly new and of its time. Beautifully detailed inside and out, it already has a timeless quality and contributes greatly to the riverscape.

Architect’s Comments:

The Building’s function is a rest, leisure, tea room and wc facilities for visiting anglers, who fish for salmon on the famous Cathedral Beat, between the bridges in the centre of Ballina town. A resident Ghillie uses the building as a base for recording and storing catches and a lookout over the beat. The facility is situated in the curve of the Lower bridge, a listed structure. As a planning requirement, it is set below the level of the bridge wall. It must be accessible to the disabled angler, and watertight (including it’s doorway) up to cill height, to counter a flood-prone tidal river which regularly rises above floor level. As architects we chose to replicate the existing stonework on both sides of the building, and created walls which are visual extensions of the bridge structure. The walls envelope most of the building, and contrast the concrete, lead, oak and glass of the remainder. The new stone will quickly weather into the old. The interior is of robust washable materials, and provides full views of the Cathedral Beat.

Client's Comments:

The Board is delighted with the new building and there had been an excellent reaction among the many visiting anglers who had fished the Cathedral Beat since the new centre opened last year. The Board’s objective had been to provide facilities in keeping with the quality salmon fishing on offer. This has been achieved and the Board now have a modern, well designed building that has met all of its requirements. Anglers now have a comfortable lounge in which to prepare for fishing or enjoy a break and a cup of tea. They also have a suitable place to store gear and fish. The new building has toilets and washing facilities and also a ghillie’s desk which enable the fishery to be more effectively managed. The Architects have done a marvellous job with a site which was particularly difficult in terms of shape as well as being subject to flooding in certain tidal conditions. It was also a highly sensitive site due to its location but the finished product greatly enhanced the area as well as meeting the Board’s requirements.