CHANGING ROOMS AT THE ROYAL IRISH YACHT CLUB

This project consisted of the reorganisation and refurbishment of the Changing Room areas used by the Members of the Club and Visiting Sailors. The former separation of the Members Changing and Visitors Changing was abolished and a greater proportion of space was allocated to Women’s Changing.

The Changing Rooms area similar in structure to the boathouse which became the Wet Bar. The walls in this area were in very poor condition and had been the subject of numerous interventions over their lifetime. They had been plastered using cement and sand render and numerous pipes, ductwork and conduits had been haphazardly introduced across the ceilings and along the wall surfaces.

All pipes, ducts and wires were removed and alternative ducts and conduits were provided in a new concrete floor slab. The plaster was removed from the original granite walls exposing the stone work. These stones were carefully cleaned by hand and the repointing and repairs were carried out by craftsmen skilled in conservation techniques.

Free standing oak panelling was also introduced into these areas to provide a zone for services and lighting. Underfloor heating was introduced into the Changing and Shower areas and all of the toilets and showers were replaced. During this process there was no loss of the fabric of the original building.

Work to the Changing Room area was completed with the introduction of custom designed furniture and lockers constructed in White American Oak.

Photographs copyright Design Strategies.