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As a part of the 'Think Transformation' concepts Fernhill House and Glencairn are a valuable opportunity to allow the
Mountain Park to slip almost unnoticed onto the main arterial route of the Ballygomartin Road. And thus to knit into the existing fabric of the city. They are the shortest route from the city centre to the Park.
A carpark to service this project and the mountain park is located on the new link road however the new link road has
the capacity to separate the Glen and Fernhill from the remainder of the Mountain Park and this must be addressed. Fernhill House acts as the opposite bookend to the Giants Steps of the Mountain Park. Pedestrians
must flow freely between the two. To achieve this the building is extended to the rear to form a strong axis linking the site to the remainder of the park.
The axis is formed by a two long low buildings showing respect in height to their Listed Building Parent. The
Architecture of the Fernhill extension, Giants Steps and the park between relate to emphasise this as one composition.
Fernhill is developed to comprise of three facilities;
Fernhill house itself is a Council operated restaurant and conference facility catering for public events but
refurbished to maintain its character and history. The adjacent stables and outbuildings are refurbished as part of the visitor attraction.
A hotel is located on the axis and in the enlarged grounds of Fernhill. The hotel takes advantage of the setting and
the adjacent facilities. The extensive landscaped grounds add to its attraction.
A museum including aspects of the social history of the area the site completes the composition.
The Glencairn Road is pedestrianised and the new museum concludes with a cantilever over the Glen.
A pedestrian route continues into the Glen and under a new roadbridge connecting to pedestrian routes including an
extended Wolfhill Road. This addresses the disconnection which the road could cause.
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