Straffan Inn

The concept was driven by a need to reconnect the internal bar and restaurant with the light flooded atrium and fields beyond. Fire safety restrictions in relation to the nine storey atrium meant that a full opening out would not work for the budget so we reviewed our ‘full open’ concept to include a faceted compartmentation wall with a series of planted glass boxes. This solution provided the necessary visual link with the exterior and also added animation to the space at night as the glazed planters are subtly up-lit.

The project was not without its sit difficulties in the remediation to pyrite was required in sectional phases, dictating the tight programme. We has design restrictions in relation to fire, lack of penetration of natural light and ventilation an a very tight floor to ceiling height. We installed a diagonal oak timber batten detail to the ceiling to make a feature of the tight height and to force perspective. We also had to maintain full service for the 550 person capacity hotel through the entire fit out, working to restricted time frames form a noise and access point of view