St Patricks Primary School

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Single storey, flat roofed, pre-cast concrete primary school of 1950-51 by Thomas McLean, with later two storey block of similar design. This is a simple example of a Modern Movement design with a rectilinear organic plan form with the rectangular blocks of differing heights. The later addition is connected to the original structure by a simple flat roofed covered walkway.

The original structure is comprised essentially of three irregular connected blocks. That to the W is formed by the tallest which is the assembly hall / gymnasium. This is enclosed by ancillary accommodation e.g. offices and circulation spaces which all have the lowest roofs. The blocks to the W and S are formed with the intermediate height blocks which are the classrooms. These are connected with circulation areas.

The classrooms and the circulation spaces are faced with coloured pre-cast concrete blocks with a rock face finish. The E and N faces of the gymnasium are finished in render while the W and S faces are finished in the concrete block as before. Window frames are steel. The flat roofs all have overhanging, plywood-faced eaves.

Directly above the central circulation area is a flat roofed area is a timber faced (?) water tank structure.

To the N is the later [?c.1965] two storey flat roofed section. This is a reinforced concrete structure and is roughly cruciform in plan. A covered but open sided walkway links the entrance doors to each building.

Historical information

The original single storey portion of this school was constructed in 1950-51, to designs by Thomas McLean. The two storey section may have been added c.1965. Originally a boys’ primary, the school is now mixed.

References- Primary sources
1 Linen Hall Library ‘Irish News’ 8th June 1951

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Single storey, modern style flat roofed, pre-cast concrete primary school of 1950-51 by Thomas McLean, with two storey addition of c.1965. This building has a rectilinear organic plan form with the component blocks of differing heights. The later addition is connected to the original structure by a simple flat roofed covered walkway.