AAI Site Visit: Portlaoise Convent Lands with OBFA Architects

Drawing by OBFA

Project Description:

OBFA has been working with a large number of stakeholders to lead an ambitious regeneration project of the Presentation Convent at the heart of Portlaoise town, and its surrounding gardens and lands over a number of years. A new vibrant residential quarter has been developed, encompassing a protected structure and National Monument, providing 52 public homes and a new public park.

Occupying a high profile town site, beloved by locals, OBFA is keen to ensure that this project enhances the historic convent, its urban realm, and the new build housing blocks flanking the grounds. Working with the clients Sophia Housing and Laois County Council, it is important that the high profile site is accessible and open, and yet private and safe for its new residents.

This project protects the historic fabric of the Convent Building at the centre of the site, and adds new contemporary low rise housing in two blocks, overlooking the mature gardens, adjacent Main Street. The design takes the concept of an open courtyard at its centre, which is visually and physically open for the communities it serves.

Client: Sophia Housing & Laoise County Council

Architects: OBFA Architects

Services Engineers: Varming Consulting Engineers

Structural Engineers: Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers

Conservation & Landscape Architect: Lotts Architecture and Urbanism

Cost Consultant: Austin Reddy and Company

Contractor: Bretland

Meeting Point : Fitzmaurice Place, Church Avenue, Portlaoise, R32 VK75

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/aai-site-visit-portlaoise-convent