Anglers Facility Building, Ballina by Vincent Coleman
This project was awarded “Best Leisure Building” 2007 by the RIAI, illustrating how superb architecture may be made from the simplest of briefs.
Built as part of a protected structure, this unique building coexists alongside the bridge, allowing the perfect resting place for fishermen.
The Building’s function is a rest, leisure, tea room and facilities for visiting anglers, who fish for salmon on the famous Cathedral Beat, between the bridges in the center of Ballina town. A resident Ghillie uses the building as a base for recording and storing catches and a lookout over the beat.
“As architects we chose to replicate the existing stonework on both sides of the building, and created walls which are visual extensions of the bridge structure. The walls envelope most of the building, and contrast the concrete, lead, oak and glass of the remainder. The new stone will quickly weather into the old. The interior is of robust washable materials, and provides full views of the Cathedral Beat”.
