The Brief

During February 2017, CK Architecture was approached by a solicitor for the change of use of a small retail unit on the ground floor of a 6 storey mixed use modern building in rathborne village, Dublin 15. The Village Centre is a modern mixed use development comprising 15 ground floor retail and commercial units with residential accommodation overhead, all developed over a basement car park in common use providing 133 spaces. The unit size is 50 square metres. It was never occupied prior to the change of use. Some of the services were available in the unit. The unit facade is orientated West. The client was interested to open a local office for legal services. The unit was not equipped with glazing panels or a shop front.

The Project

The proposal included for glazed internal partitions, wheelchair accessible sanitary facilities, 2 offices, a reception area, a tea room and a small boardroom. The landlord installed the glazed facade and access doors. The planning application was submitted in May 2017. It was granted in July 2017. CK Architecture applied for a Fire Safety certificate and a Disability Access Certificate in August 2017. The certificates were granted in October 2017.

The Construction

CK Archtiecture was appointed as the assigned certifier and PSDP for the works. A general building contractor was appointed as the construction manager and PSCS. A 7 days notice for commencement of works was submitted in August 2017. The unit external walls were insulated. All electrical and mechanical works were sub-contracted by the construction manager The unit fire alarm and prevention system was connected to the landlord system. All works were completed in October 2017.