Manhattan-Style loft apartments are going on sale today in a converted textile warehouse at Clanbrassil Terrace, between Long Lane and Lombard Street on Clanbrassil Street, in Dublin's Liberties. Free open spaces, curved walls and minimalist steel and wood interiors give a highly individual feel to this new scheme, which took developer Michael Roden three years to bring to fruition. Prices range from £170,000 for the smallest (764 sq ft) unit up to £600,000-plus for a stunning 2,500 sq ft two-storey penthouse with rooftop views of the city. Ten of the 41 units will be released in this first phase, with 10 already sold from the plans, including two penthouses. The completion date for the entire scheme is October this year.
Dubliners are relative newcomers to the concept of open-space living, although lofts have been fashionable in New York and London for the past decade. For this reason, developer Michael Roden expects the main interest in The Warehouse to come from architects and designers. These are likely to enjoy the challenge of creating their own use of the very spacious interiors, free from the restraints of a conventional layout. Two of the purchasers of loft apartments sold from the plans are architects relocating from abroad. Flexibility is the key feature of loft-style living and viewers at today's launch of The Warehouse will be surprised by the tall ceilings, lack of interior walls and very bright aspect that this creates. The building, acquired by Michael Roden because it was ideal for a loft conversion, was originally used by Dublin textile firm Crowe Wilson.
Prices average out at £205 per sq ft and reflect the fact that even the smallest apartment has a larger floor space than surrounding cottages in the area. An advantage of the open-plan layout is that there is no defined bedroom space and room use can be switched around to suit changes in lifestyle.
The apartments all vary in shape and size and prices are according to floor space and height. Ground floor apartments of around 1,000 sq ft cost from £170,000 to £205,000, first floor units averaging 1,200 sq ft are from £195,000 to £270,000, second floor apartments at about 1,500 sq ft cost from £255,000 to £365,000 and the loft penthouses, some of which are 2,400 sq ft, cost from £400,000 to £600,000 plus. Architect Mary Donohoe and designers Helen Roden and Joe Ensko have collaborated to produce a magnificent post-modernist interior. Many of the original industrial features, such as steel window frames and oak banisters, have been restored and the specification throughout is extremely high. Most apartments have two entrances with one via an exterior glass elevator from a central courtyard.
Kitchen, working, relaxation and guest sleeping areas are open-plan in all the apartments, with one enclosed room, which can be used as a bedroom or study.
Michael Roden foresees that some buyers may install interior walls at a later date to suit ongoing accommodation needs.
The penthouses have electronic work stations installed in the study areas, restored original oak floors and deck-style terraces large enough to hold a good drinks party. Security at The Warehouse is high level, with closed circuit TV, security gates and a resident concierge.
