Revised plans approved for destination spa hotel and high-end residential scheme at Noss on Dart marina
The redevelopment of a former boat yard at Noss on Dart near Dartmouth has reached another major milestone with the approval of revisions to a planned hotel and residential scheme as part of the new marina complex. Working closely with the developer, Premier Marinas, hospitality design specialist Studio Moren has completely overhauled the internal layouts of the previously consented scheme by Harrison Sutton Partnership, optimising space and creating a more attractive and practical solution to deliver a 69-key destination spa hotel and 44-unit high-end residential scheme.
Just a short walk from Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre contains 249 rooms across seven floors, with a mezzanine level between ground and first floor. A self-contained guest gym is situated in the basement, which also contains the back of house areas.
Studio Moren was appointed by MB McNamara Construction Ltd (MBM) as executive architect to take the project through RIBA stages 3 to 5.
"This was a precise and intricate redesign which we approached with an appreciation of the client’s aspirations for the site as well as a strong understanding of hotel operations and how the current layouts could be improved. Whilst the design of the exterior residential unit building is primarily the result of the Harrison Sutton Partnership scheme, the internal layouts are all down to Studio Moren and exemplify our cross-sector expertise, from hospitality through to residential design. Working within the limits of the approved envelope we have delivered an entirely new layout that benefits both occupant and client."
Studio Moren has completely redesigned the internal layouts on the previously consented applications to enhance the value and operational efficiency of the building and, importantly, improve the scheme’s overall buildability.
In the residential section, reducing vertical circulation was an immediate priority. Studio Moren reviewed vertical circulation locations to allow lift access to all floors and reduced the number of access stairs by half.
To make the most of the stunning marina location, Studio Moren carefully reimagined apartment layouts to ensure all retained their riverfront access, whilst further optimisation saw the removal of duplex apartments and the introduction of new penthouses.
The development includes a 5364sq m (GIA) hotel where Studio Moren’s hospitality expertise was applied in redesigning the approach and main entrance, improving FOH spaces and back of house servicing provision. The spa facilities have also been reworked to include an expansive ‘private’ outdoor terrace bordered by lush greenery.
Limitations on the approved ridge height of the hotel and restrictions on the ground-floor level due to flood concerns created an issue with internal ceiling heights. Studio Moren worked alongside the MEP and structural teams to deliver a workable solution without resorting to the loss of a level. All floors have now been fully coordinated with mechanical and electrical plant requirements to benefit the front of house spaces, as well as updating the servicing and plant strategy.
"The marina provides an ideal environment for a development of this quality. Between the marina, the hotel and the residential apartments, we hope this development will create a vibrant new future for the area, with the opportunities to guarantee another 140 years of maritime activity and employment."
A central square, around which the hotel and residential apartments stand, has also been redesigned by Studio Moren to improve access for residents and guests, as well as to allow space to relocate a war memorial to workers of the former boatyard who lost their lives during the first and second world wars. Studio Moren’s external design works also reallocated parking provision, reconfigured the riverside walkway and reimagined a large hotel terrace overlooking the River Dart.
Both the residential and hotel buildings are committed to comply with the local requirements for minimising energy and C02 emissions and employ a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system and air source heat pumps (ASHP) to provide space heating and hot water. At the hotel, Studio Moren has also increased the originally consented PV panels arrangement, providing 160sq m of PV panels compared to the previous 100sq m.
The project is due to start on site in late Q3 or early Q4 2022.