In 2000 A & D Wejchert & Partners were awarded the project to renovate and extend Cullenswood House to accommodate an 8 classroom Primary School.  At the time Lios na nÓg were accommodated in part of the building while the remainder was in a derelict state.  The site for the project is very small and so the challenge was to provide additional accommodation without compromising the existing listed structure, it’s curtilege or the environment of Oakley Road.

The concept was to provide new accommodation of a Hall, one new classroom and a new stair lift along the north elevation adjacent to No. 21 Oakley Road.  The form of this was shaped so as not to shadow the garden of No. 21.  This resulted in a sloped roof, zinc clad extension.  In addition to the above, additional accommodation of 2 No. new classrooms is accommodated between the existing building and the street, lowered down to ensure they have no impact onto the street or the view towards the existing house.   This concept provides 400m² of additional space in a manner that minimises the impact on the adjacent environment.  The challenge was to achieve this concept by using extensive underpinning and deep excavation with resulting ground water problems while maintaining the existing house.  Architecturally it was decided that the extensions would be designed in a contemporary manner while the existing building was renovated back to it’s former glory insofar as was possible. 

Works to the existing house included full refurbishment of the fabric including replacement of sand cement external render with lime render, renovation of windows, replacement of services and reinforcement of the masonary and floor structures.

Gaelscoil Lios na nÓg
Gaelscoil Lios na nÓg