Previous state
From the 1840s, the Edwardian baths at Dún Laoghaire were used as an urban spa dedicated to therapeutic health and relaxation. Since their closure in the late 1980s, they remained neglected and in disrepair, depriving the city's population of the opportunity to connect with the sea. The recent renovation of the Dún Laoghaire Baths is part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan implemented by the city over the past 20 years, aimed at enhancing its public spaces. In this case, the renovation sought to restore the lost connection between the city and its seafront, while ensuring accessibility for all.
Aim of the intervention
The primary objective of reconnecting the city with the sea and revitalising an area that had been neglected since the closure of the old baths, was to rehabilitate an existing pavilion and create a café overlooking the sea. The proposal was therefore to remove the obstacles blocking the town's view of the water and help bridge the more than nine-metre gap between Queen's Road and the high tide level.
Description
As part of the redevelopment, several dilapidated buildings from the former baths were demolished to allow sunlight to reach the main pavilion. This remodel connects the Newtownsmith promenade to Dún Laoghaire's East Quay through a series of levels, adding accessible stairs, seating areas for enjoying the views, green spaces and the restored pavilion. The site featured a steep drop with limited space between the road and the shore. As such, a lift and stairs were built to provide access to the lower level. This area now houses four artists' studios and a communal exhibition space. The outdoor terrace of the reclaimed pavilion café boasts views over the new pier and features a sculpture dedicated to Roger Casement, gazing out towards the horizon.
Today, the green spaces incorporate a biodiversity strategy, including wild pines, strawberry bushes, seagrasses and flowering plants. The café is the result of a collaboration between Happy Out and The Together Academy, a social initiative in Dublin that offers certified training and job opportunities for young people with Down's syndrome. Several energy efficiency measures were also introduced, including energy-efficient appliances, enhanced insulation and heat pumps in the pavilion. Where possible, the project has preserved the pavilion’s existing structure and has used materials that minimise the project’s carbon footprint, such as a concrete mix containing 60% ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and local aggregates like Dalkey granite and oyster shell.
Assessment
Dún Laoghaire now boasts a vibrant seascape filled with life, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy ice cream, stroll, chat, skate and swim. This unique public space immerses people in the sights, sounds and scents of the sea. The long benches, undulating terrain and changes in elevation create a theatrical atmosphere and offer a connection to the beach and water. This revitalised seascape and restored bathing area are here to stay and have become an integral part of the city's identity.
[Last update: 30/10/2024]
