Meeting House Lane

Address: Meetinghouse Lane, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7

Planning Permission : Dublin City Council : (Application No. 3424/20)

Development at a c. 0.056 ha site. The development comprises the refurbishment and extension of the existing buildings to provide a 9 no. storey development including hotel, restaurant and roof bar. The development will consist of:
A. The removal of the roof of the 2 no. storey (over basement) building fronting Meetinghouse Lane and the interconnected 2 no. storey building to the rear (total floor area c. 647 sq.m);
B. The refurbishment of the buildings including the removal of internal floors (238 sq.m) and walls to facilitate the core structure of the proposed development;
C. The replacement of the roof at the interconnected 2 no. storey building to the rear and provision of new window openings at mezzanine level;
D. The extension of the building fronting Meetinghouse Lane to provide a 9 no. storey (including mezzanine) hotel development comprising 65 no. bedrooms and licenced restaurant (c. 2,547 sq.m total floor area).
E. Partial demolition of the western elevation fronting Meetinghouse Lane to provide new windows opening at and entrances and elevational treatment with canopy above hotel entrance and signage (2.2 sq.m) with additional signage at entrance arch at Meetinghouse Lane (2.6 sq.m);
F. Publicly accessible enclosed glazed roof garden, licenced restaurant and bar (c. 271 sq.m) at top floor level;
G. Reception, storage, kitchen and refuse store and WC at ground floor level, with management office, staff changing facilities and multipurpose meeting room at upper floors;
H. Landscaped external courtyard (c. 123 sq.m) including 12 no. bicycle parking spaces.
I. Provision of plant at basement, mezzanine and top floor levels and all associated site works, infrastructure and green roof.

Brief

Situated in a central area of Dublin, the hotel is nestled on a small street within a burgeoning hotel zone. The design concept aimed to create a boutique destination that exudes character and charm. Given the site’s proximity to St. Mary Chapel, as well as its location within the footprint of an existing listed building, we drew considerable inspiration from these historical elements in crafting the final design.

Our goal was to seamlessly integrate the hotel into its historic context while offering a unique and memorable experience for guests. The design reflects both the rich heritage of the area and the vibrant, contemporary atmosphere that a boutique hotel represents. Careful attention was given to materials, color palettes, and architectural features to ensure that the character of the hotel is in harmony with its surroundings.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of north-west Dublin, the Meeting House Lane project emerges as a beacon of boutique hospitality, embodying both the echoes of history and the pulse of contemporary charm. The client’s vision for a 62-room hotel, complemented by thoughtfully designed ancillary facilities, finds a perfect canvas in a locale steeped in architectural significance. With landmarks like the Capel Building and St. Mary’s Abbey Chapter House as its neighbours, our design is not merely an edifice; it is a celebration of the rich tapestry that defines this historic quarter.

Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of St. Mary Chapel and the listed building within which we are enveloped, we have crafted a space that resonates with character and sophistication. The hotel is designed to be more than just a place to stay; it is intended to be a destination—an experience where every corner tells a story, every room invites exploration. The integration of the mezzanine and basement complements the verticality of the surrounding structures, allowing for a seamless connection to the vibrant street life below while offering guests tranquil sanctuaries above.

Every detail of the design speaks to our commitment to harmonise the old with the new. A carefully curated palette of materials and colours reflects the surrounding heritage while embracing modernity. From the sweeping curves of the façade to the intimate nooks within, we ensure that each element exudes warmth and welcome. In this up-and-coming hotel zone, the Meeting House Lane project stands poised to capture the imagination of discerning travellers, combining the allure of a boutique experience with the authenticity of its historical context. We are proud to shape this vision into reality, confident that it will not only enhance the urban landscape but also enrich the lives of those who step through its doors.

Response

The project aimed to establish a distinctive high-line hotel, prominently visible from Chapel Street but accessible only by meandering through the historic streets of Dublin. Our focus was to create engaging interactive spaces within both the hotel and surrounding area, encouraging exploration rather than directing visitors.

Recognizing the importance of the significant historic assets and the extensive archaeological work required, our design incorporates features that will showcase these findings as part of the hotel’s flooring once properly documented.

We successfully obtained planning permission for the refurbishment and extension of the existing structure into a nine-storey mixed-use development, which will house a hotel, restaurant, and a glass-roofed garden. The existing basement roof will be removed, along with the interconnected second-storey building at the rear, and all internal floors and walls will be taken out to allow for the new core structure of the development.

Located at 5-6 Meetinghouse Lane, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7, this development involves transforming the existing buildings into a nine-storey project featuring a hotel, restaurant, bar, and enclosed glazed roof garden. Key aspects of the work will include the removal of the roof from the two-storey (over basement) building fronting Meetinghouse Lane and the adjacent two-storey structure to the rear. The project calls for extensive refurbishment, including the removal of internal floors and walls, enabling the core structure for the proposed development. The final design features a new roof and extends the building along Meetinghouse Lane to accommodate a 65-room hotel with essential amenities and management facilities, including a mezzanine level.

In the heart of Dublin, we are sculpting a vision: a signature high-line hotel that stands as a beacon, proudly visible from Chape Street yet nestled within the enchanting maze of the city’s ancient streets. The journey to our hotel is not merely a passage; it’s an invitation to wander and discover. Every corner, every nook, is designed to tempt the curious soul, with interactive spaces that beckon exploration rather than mere navigation. Here, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, transforming the very experience of arriving at a hotel into an adventure.

Our design philosophy pays homage to the rich tapestry of Dublin’s history. The extensive archaeological work anticipated promises to unveil treasures of the past, and we intend to integrate these findings into the very flooring of the hotel. This is not just refurbishment; it’s a dialogue between past and present, allowing guests to tread on history whilst enjoying modern luxury. Each element has been meticulously planned to ensure that the narrative we weave is both compelling and respectful of the historic assets surrounding us.

Securing planning permission for this nine-storey mixed-use development was a testament to our vision. Located at 5-6 Meetinghouse Lane, this project will become a vibrant hub, housing a chic hotel, a sumptuous restaurant, a lively bar, and a breath-taking glazed roof garden. With 65 thoughtfully designed bedrooms and an elevated mezzanine level, we are poised to redefine the essence of hospitality in Dublin. This is not merely a space; it’s a destination—a celebration of Dublin’s heritage and a luxurious refuge for all who seek it. The future is bright, and we stand at the forefront, ready to welcome the world.

Project Info

  • Category: Hotels & Leisure
  • Location: Meetinghouse Lane, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7