An architectural intervention which attempts to revive an Irish past time, the currach a traditional boat, in a British Town.

The Currach Club provides a sheltered communal area where all things currach can take place. The currach is a ‘traditional boat found in Celtic countries. It is made of a timber framework covered in an exterior canvas skin. The boat is light and adaptable meaning it can be beached and carried to the most exposed places.’ The architectural intervention aims to revive this traditional Irish boat by making, using, and celebrating the currach. The Currach Club houses workshops, boat storage and a clubhouse. It will be a place that people from either side of the lough can come and use.

I was drawn towards the lough and Warrenpoints connection to this seascape. This initial intrigue to the ocean led to my investigation into Warrenpoint’s seafront architecture. From the Victorian terraces to the disused lido, all of which speak of Britain and her past. However, further investigation revealed that most people in Warrenpoint say that they are Irish. This deeper delve into how the people of Warrenpoint felt and the existing Carlingford Lough Currach Club set up a narrative for my proposal to follow. The revival of an Irish past time, the currach, in a British Town.

Influenced by the material and construction techniques of the currach the architecture embodies the craftmanship and takes this forward to create a building which speaks of the currach. A weatherproof skin creates an ‘external shell’ that smaller climate-controlled spaces sit within. These internal areas are pushed away from the ‘shell’ exposing the timber structure so that the details can be admired and examined by the user. Cuts have been made in the ‘shell’ to highlight key parts of the building. The Currach Club enables people to make, use and celebrate the currach. It acts as a vessel for the users, an enabler for the community to connect to the sea. Whether that be out on the lough or in the clubhouse sat watching the water.

Overall, this year has been a great experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the freedom given to us within our unit. This freedom provided us with a sense of ownership over our project and made us become independent. This approach taught me a lot in terms of design and about myself.
To conclude, this year has been filled with highs and lows. However, that is the nature of Architecture, and this is something that I am beginning to realise. Either way an enjoyable year that has helped shape the designer I am becoming.