The renewal and refurbishment of a protected structure is always a rewarding exercise.
So the task of developing the former Adelaide Hospital in Dublin's Peter Street proved both a challenge and a real opportunity to employ the finest modern architectural skills while restoring and retaining the gracious Georgian ambiance of this historic structure.
Originally dating from the 18th century, the group of houses that were remodelled to serve as a hospital in the late 1850's today form a part of the city's rich inheritance from that period.
Benton Property Holdings, the developers of Adelaide Chambers, retained Walsh Goodfellow, Structural Engineers, to advise on structural matters and maintain a watching brief on the project.
- All interior plaster and non-structural timbers were stripped out, all exposed walls replaced where necessary.
- All rear windows were replaced with hardwood frames and sashes and brass ironmongery.
- All front windows were restored and the glazing replaced with "poured glass" in accordance with good conservation practice.
- All existing timbers both structural and non-structural were treated against fungal growth and insect attack, and are effectively sterilized.
- All basement walls and floors were treated with "System Delta" to guard against any possible high ground level moisture and to achieve a radon barrier for the future.
- An "Electro Osmotic Damp-Proofing System" has been installed to prevent any rising damp.
- All refurbishments have been carried out in accordance with good building practice, and comply with all fire codes.
A summary of works undertaken and certificate of compliance is available from Walsh Goodfellow & Associates.
