Project Details
The origins of Merrion Square date back to 1762 when it was laid out and was largely complete by the beginning of the 19th century. The development was spurred by the construction of Leinster House in 1745-47 and is considered one of the city’s finest surviving squares. No.75 Merrion Square is a 4 storey over basement mid-terrace Georgian on the south side of Merrion Square. The front and rear facades of the property required significant structural and masonry repair.
This building was being refurbished and upgraded office use and Oldstone were engaged by Monami Construction for works to the front & rear façades and Helifix structural repairs to the internal walls.
Works
Oldstone was initially engaged by the architect to complete a condition survey of the façade with recommendations made for necessary repair works. Oldstone were subsequently engaged by the Main Contractor (Monami).
The structural repair required significant installation of Helibars throughout every floor level within the building as well as to the external façade. The installations were undertaken in accordance with the Engineers’ details with due care to minimise unnecessary intervention to the building fabric. All repairs required careful reinstatement of the internal lime render.
Due to its prominent location, works to the front façade were subject to several trials and consultation with the Conservation Department of Dublin City Council. Samples of the cleaning, brick repair and brick repointing methods were provided with approval obtained.
The brick façade to the front was gently cleaned using steam to ensure the building retained its character with other adjoining properties. Following cleaning the façade was surveyed to identify bricks requiring repair or replacement. The bricks for repair were marked with chalk and recorded photographically. Brick repairs were undertaken using a repair mortar colour matched to the existing. Brick replacement involved the use of salvaged brick similar in size, texture and colour to the original. Repointing of the front façade involved the application of Wiggin pointing, a pointing style that is unique to Ireland. This involved the insertion of lime mortar to the joints, application of a fine white ribbon with a coloured mortar applied over the brick edges and up to the white ribbon. The final effect is to provide a neat and consistent brickwork finish. These works were undertaken during the Winter months requiring insulation to be placed on the scaffold and heaters used to ensure temperatures remained above freezing during day and night time hours.
All other existing stonework (cappings, cills, string courses etc) on the façade was cleaned. The parapet cappings were lifted and rebed on lime mortar and a lead DPC.
