Extension to a Period Terraced House, Ranelagh, Dublin.

Mesh Architects were engaged in 2010 to design and complete construction drawings for a modern, light filled extension to 25 Mount Pleasant Avenue Upper. Construction was carried out in 2011 and encompassed green technologies. The design incorporated a small courtyard around an existing water well in the rear garden.

Click here to view the Irish Times article

Restoration without the period drama – how to convert a Georgian office block back to a home

Tom McGimsey, principal of Mesh Architects, was featured last week in an Irish Times article about converting period houses back to single family use.  Time journalist Allana Gallagher had noticed a growing trend of such conversions, particular in areas of Dublin 2 and Dublin 4 where many of the larger houses have been in office use for many decades.  Falling real estate prices, and the perception that such buildings are poorly suited to modern office need has drawn interest from buyers interested in living close in to the city centre.

Mesh Architects are currently working on several of these properties, all Protected Structures.  In addition to the wonderful architectural features, such as high ceilings, rich plasterwork and large windows, many of the properties include sizeable rear gardens.  With accommodation spread over three or four floors, finding the right location for the kitchen and other spaces can be a challenge. 

We regularly carry out detailed pre-purchase inspections for prospective purchasers, and give advice on the potential for conversion and repair.  

To view the below Irish Times article click here.

Slane Castle Irish Whiskey

In March of 2013, Mesh Architects submitted a planning application to Meath County Council to convert the historic stables and farmyards at Slane Castle into Ireland’s newest Craft Whiskey Distillery.  The result of nearly a year of development, including study trips to several Irish and Scottish distilleries,  the proposals include the restoration of the mid-18th century structures with a minimal amount of new extensions.  Mesh have worked closely with Henry Mount Charles and his eldest son Alex, to make sure that the new distillery will complement the historic estate, and make sensitive use of the now redundant stables and farmyards. 

Slane Castle, the seat of the Mount Charles family since 1701,  is well known to a generation of music lovers as the venue for outdoor concerts in the grounds beside the River Boyne.  It is planned to continue the concerts after the establishment of the new distillery.

Henry and Alex launched Slane Castle Irish Whiskey at the 2009 Oasis concert.   Initially supplied by the award winning Cooley Distillery, this blended Irish whiskey enjoyed great success in the Irish and American markets.  Unfortunately, when Cooley was acquired by Jim Beam in 2011, the Mount Charles’ found themselves without a supplier for their product.  The decision was taken to build their own distillery within the historic estate, using the under-utilized and deteriorating stables and farmyards. 

The distillery will take advantage the plentiful supply of home grown barley,  to be processed in an on-site malting plant.   Visitor’s facilities will include guided tours through the entire whiskey production facility, tasting rooms, gift shop and cafe.   Guided tours of the castle can also be arranged.

In addition to Mesh Architects, other design team members include Casey O’Rourke Engineers, Lisa Edden Structural Engineer, Engineering Environments,  Austin Reddy & Company Quantity Surveyors, Carrig Conservation Building Fabric Consultants, Trinity Green Environmental Consultants, Fire Element Engineers, Edmond O’Donovan & Associates Archaeologists,  and Faith Wilson Ecological Consultant.

Slane Castle Irish Whiskey recently featured on RTE's Nationwide television programme. To view the show on the RTE player (click here).