Author: aoife (Page 2 of 24)

Supporting the Simon Communities in Ending Homelessness in Ireland

April 14, 2023 / aoife / 0 Comments

The RIAI Simon Open Door initiative is back for another year, running from the 8th to the 14th of May 2023. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Simon Communities of Ireland, which work towards providing support and housing to people experiencing homelessness and housing exclusion in Ireland.

The initiative offers an opportunity to consult with a RIAI Registered Architect for an hour-long session. In return, a donation of €98 is required, and all of the funds raised go directly towards the Simon Communities of Ireland.

The Simon Communities of Ireland have been providing innovative solutions to ending homelessness in Ireland for almost 50 years. They work with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them find appropriate homes and providing necessary support to realize their potential and live fulfilling lives.

The RIAI has been in partnership with the Simon Communities of Ireland for over a decade. The partnership has raised almost €1.4 million to support the Simon Communities’ work.

All participating architects are giving their time and expertise for free, ensuring that every cent raised goes directly to the Simon Communities of Ireland.

The RIAI supports and regulates the architectural profession in Ireland, promoting the value that architecture brings to society for everyone’s benefit. With over 3,300 Registered Architects in Ireland, the RIAI ensures high standards for consumer protection.

Join us in supporting the Simon Communities of Ireland and their vision of a society where no one is homeless. Book your consultation with a RIAI Registered Architect today and help make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and housing exclusion in Ireland. To book a consultation, visit https://www.riaisimonopendoor.ie/.

25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland

April 7, 2023 / aoife / 0 Comments

We are delighted to announce that Isabel Barros Architects has been chosen as one of the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland by Architizer.

This is a tremendous achievement that demonstrates our team’s hard work, creativity, and dedication to delivering exceptional architecture services to our clients.

Being selected as one of the 25 best architecture firms in Ireland is an incredible honor, and we are immensely proud to be a part of this prestigious list. We will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, and we look forward to many more years of delivering exceptional architecture services to our clients.

Burrow Holiday Park Makeover

March 24, 2023 / aoife / 0 Comments

Isabel Barros Architects was commissioned to redesign the 800m2 amenity building of Burrow Holiday Park in Rosslare, as part of the park’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of facilities and services.

The new design aims to create an attractive building that is aligned with the brand’s vision and core values.

The proposal prioritizes environmental sustainability by retaining most of the original building’s fabric, minimizing waste and reducing the project’s carbon footprint.

Breaking the monotony and heaviness of the existing building was one of the primary challenges. The unsightly fire escape staircase already in place posed an additional challenge. The internal layout was dysfunctional, failing to provide the necessary circulation flow, while a significant unused space existed upstairs.

A key element of the new proposal is the conversion of the unattractive fire escape stairs into a focal point that adds aesthetic value to the building’s exterior. This new feature becomes a prominent design element that is consistently integrated throughout the project.

The design emphasizes the prevalent use of timber boards within the park by incorporating them as a key material. The new timber boards are used to break the horizontality of the building while introducing an undulating pattern that evokes the proximity to the sea.

To establish a clear hierarchy for the building’s entrance, the proposal includes the addition of a new pergola. The pergola also aims to provide shelter and shade to this elevation that is south facing.

The internal reconfiguration involves the addition of a strategically located new staircase, which contributes to a functional and practical layout by creating straightforward and accessible circulation routes.

Additionally, the external spaces adjacent to the building were redesigned to incorporate attractive surfaces and landscaped areas that can soften the appearance of the area and provide appealing socialising spots.