Photo by Paul Moore
Saturday, December 7th 2026, 11:00
Tickets on Eventbrite
Meeting Point :
Fitzmaurice Place, Church Avenue, Portlaoise, R32 VK75
AAI are really excited to host a site visit to Portlaoise Convent Lands, Portlaoise with OBFA Architects.
Drawing by OBFA
Project Description:
OBFA has been working with a large number of stakeholders to lead an ambitious regeneration project of the Presentation Convent at the heart of Portlaoise town, and its surrounding gardens and lands over a number of years. A new vibrant residential quarter has been developed, encompassing a protected structure and National Monument, providing 52 public homes and a new public park.
Occupying a high profile town site, beloved by locals, OBFA is keen to ensure that this project enhances the historic convent, its urban realm, and the new build housing blocks flanking the grounds. Working with the clients Sophia Housing and Laois County Council, it is important that the high profile site is accessible and open, and yet private and safe for its new residents.
This project protects the historic fabric of the Convent Building at the centre of the site, and adds new contemporary low rise housing in two blocks, overlooking the mature gardens, adjacent Main Street. The design takes the concept of an open courtyard at its centre, which is visually and physically open for the communities it serves.
Client:
Sophia Housing & Laoise County Council
Design Team:
Architects: OBFA Architects
Services Engineers: Varming Consulting Engineers
Structural Engineers: Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers
Conservation & Landscape Architect: Lotts Architecture and Urbanism
Cost Consultant: Austin Reddy and Company
Contractor: Bretland
Drawing by OBFA
Architects’ Statement:
Founded in 2013 OBFA are architects, driven by purpose, people, and place— shaping buildings that matter, with lasting impact on people and their environment.
Our Mission is to be a people-centric company who create and rejuvenate communities through inclusive design, focused on place-making and sensitivity for the wider environment – prioritising professional development, innovation and civic duty.
Our Vision is to be a recognised leader in how architecture can improve the lives of all people through simple yet significant design, making places that go beyond buildings, that have a lasting positive impact on communities and the environment.
Photo by Paul Moore
Photo by OBFA