Image courtesy of OBFA Architects.
Summary
The €6.5m domestic violence refuge for women and children in Wexford comprises 12 twin bedrooms, communal kitchen/dining and sitting rooms, safe play areas for children, staff support offices and additional multipurpose spaces. It was developed by Wexford Women’s Refuge in co-operation with Wexford County Council.
The project was delivered by an integrated design team, led by OBFA Architects, with ROD acting as civil and structural engineer.
The facility opened in September 2024.
Solution
The principally three-storey structure consists of two rectangular volumes connected and distributed linearly to create a natural boundary to the public realm. This ensures the privacy of the gardens and courtyard onto which the apartments and communal spaces open. Large, glazed areas to the front of the structure make for light and airy corridors while the perforated brick details on the outer leaf are aesthetically pleasing.
A hybrid structural solution for the building was developed, with precast planks supported on load-bearing masonry in locations and beams where required. All the bedrooms are located to the rear of the building, overlooking the gardens. Lateral stability was achieved using the two cores. Due to the overall length of the structure, an expansion joint was required for movement.
Sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) features incorporated into the design include an attenuation tank, raised planters, oversized pipes and green roofs.
Challenges
The sloping rock profile provided the main challenge on this project. Rock was found at 300mm below ground level at some locations while in others it was over 10m to rock. As a result, the foundations varied between piles and strip/pad footings across the site.
Services provided:
- Civil engineering
- Structural engineering
