TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS ON IRISH FARMS
Paul Mulhern
ALTERNATIVE USES FOR OLD FARM BUILDINGS
Traditional long, narrow, single-storey farm buildings on the slopes of Knocknafreaghaun. Image via www.geograph.ie
A publication by the Heritage Council.
"Built by local builders, or the farmer himself, of readily available local materials and are truly vernacular architecture – We might even say that farm buildings of this type were sustainable before the concept was even considered".
A farm building reuse project we are working on in Carlow.
ALTERNATIVE USES FOR OLD FARM BUILDINGS
The current focus on rural development provides an opportunity to see old farm buildings as an asset in finding alternative income for farm families. A range of small-scale uses for old buildings may be possible without substantial alteration.
- Unoccupied houses in working farmyards may be inhabited by a member of the family rather than converted to agricultural use
- Old farmyards can be converted for craft workshops or tourism and self-catering; this may be especially viable in suburban areas or close to tourist or walking routes
- Small-scale manufacturing industry, such as cheese- making, small-scale engineering, furniture making, and car maintenance offer other possible uses
- Extending dwelling houses by incorporating adjoining farm buildings is sometimes possible without undue removal of cross walls and other elements of the buildings
- Use of converted outbuildings for dwellings, holiday and self-catering accommodation may be permitted by the planning authority depending on the policies in the development plan.
Guidelines for the Repair and Maintenance of Traditional Buildings and Farmyards:
Ballinacarrig Farm Proposals, Carlow - Hofler Architects
Consult your local authority conservation officer for advice on the repair of ‘listed’ farm buildings (those included in the RPS) and any grant aid available for such work.
Continue to use old farm buildings where possible
Avoid ‘gutting’ old buildings as this erases much of their historic value
Carefully site new buildings so as to avoid damaging an old yard
When repairing old farm buildings, like for like should apply. Therefore similar materials to those used historically should be employed. These include stone, lime plaster and lime mortar, clay/mud, thatch, stone slates or flags, corrugated iron (round profile)
- Retain old roof structures – these are all too easily lost during re-roofing
- Retain old windows and doors
- Protect buildings from fire by ensuring that electrical installation is to modern standards
- Keep all stone walls in good repair, using stone similar to that in the wall if it needs to be repaired, and lime mortar with flush or recessed finish. On older buildings, it is generally not a good idea to use cement-based mortar or render to repair or plug gaps in old walls
- Retain cobbled floors and yard surfaces where these survive
- Maintain and repair old timber and iron gates along with their piers and flanking walls
- Keep old farm machinery under cover to protect it from the elements
- Use traditional colour schemes and roof forms to help new buildings fit more easily into the overall complex
- Keep corrugated iron roofs and claddings in good order by painting with appropriate paints
- Keep a good source of water close by for dealing with fire
- Keep all wells and springs free of pollutants
Download the Heritage Council publication "Traditional Buildings on Irish Farms"
National Rural Network - "Conservation of Old Farm Buildings" - Ireland
Contact Hofler Architects to discuss conservation and alternative uses for your farm buildings here - Hofler Architects
Read about the Rock Farm Straw Bale Project here