Comprehensive Retrofit and Conservation-Led Adaptation, Duncannon Martello Tower
This project involves the comprehensive retrofit and conservation-led adaptation of the Duncannon Martello Tower, a protected historic structure of significant architectural and cultural value. The works have been developed and guided by Studio Negri, who are qualified Grade 3 Conservation Architects, ensuring that all interventions respond appropriately to the building’s heritage significance while meeting contemporary performance standards.
The existing structure presented a range of critical issues resulting from prolonged exposure to harsh coastal conditions, including extensive water ingress, deterioration of stonework and steel elements, thermal inefficiency, and a series of inappropriate or failing previous interventions. Window frames were severely degraded, glazing was single-pane and thermally inefficient, and parts of the roof and adjoining elements exhibited structural deficiencies, contributing to ongoing moisture and durability problems.
The proposed retrofit prioritises the repair and consolidation of the existing fabric, the resolution of water ingress, and the careful conservation of original materials wherever possible. Redundant or non-compatible internal installations are removed to restore spatial clarity, while upgraded building systems are discreetly introduced. Existing window openings are refurbished and fitted with high-performance triple glazing, significantly improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency while maintaining the character and proportions of the historic envelope.
Overall, the project delivers a robust and sensitive retrofit that safeguards the architectural integrity of the Duncannon Martello Tower while enhancing its environmental performance, durability, and usability. Through a conservation-led approach, the intervention ensures the long-term preservation of the structure, allowing the tower to remain both functional and legible as a historic landmark for future generations.
Exposed and unused piping indicates improvised interventions and lack of weather protection, contributing to the overall deterioration of the structure.
Due to the poor structural condition of the existing extension, the proposal reconstructs this area using solid and consistent materials. The new design introduces a uniform façade with well-proportioned windows and doors, removing exposed piping and visual clutter. The volume is conceived to maintain a respectful relationship with the Martello Tower, avoiding visual competition. Additionally, the upper-level windows of the tower are reinstated, and a new self-supporting roof is introduced, eliminating the need for internal supports.
The attached extension shows degraded materials, damaged joinery, and visible water ingress. Its construction is inconsistent with the original structure and displays an advanced state of decay.
The proposal replaces the deteriorated extension with a new volume of clean lines and contemporary materials, harmoniously integrated with the tower through a restrained and coherent composition. The project also includes comprehensive treatment of the stone walls to remove moisture and restore their original texture, ensuring the conservation and long-term durability of the Martello Tower.
The rear façade of the tower exhibits persistent damp staining and surface erosion of the stone, likely caused by water runoff, as well as minor interventions that are not in keeping with the building’s historic character.
The proposal includes the full cleaning and restoration of the Martello Tower’s stone walls, removing damp stains and surface erosion. A discreet perimeter drainage system and refined construction detailing ensure proper water runoff, preserving the building’s historic character and material authenticity.
The façade of the attached extension shows structural cracks and loss of exterior render, with visible moisture damage and clear signs of prolonged neglect.
The existing structure, beyond its inconsistencies in architectural language, roof levels, and materials, shows structural deficiencies and clear signs of corrosion, emphasizing the need for a new construction. The proposal introduces a continuous façade and a single solid volume with clean lines and balanced proportions, achieving formal coherence and visual harmony with the Martello Tower.
The entrance terrace is in poor condition, with cracks, surface erosion, and early vegetation growth between joints, indicating lack of maintenance and ongoing decay.
The proposal introduces a new stepped terrace that redefines access to the project while creating an outdoor living space oriented toward the site’s best views. Its design provides seamless connection along the façade, linking interior areas such as the dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms. The stepped configuration also strengthens the integration of the building with the terrain, enhancing its relationship with the surrounding landscape.
A small detached timber structure used as a storage shed. The building is in poor condition, with rotten wood, peeling paint, and visible moisture damage indicating long-term neglect.
The deteriorated storage sheds will be reimagined by reconstructing them on their original footprints, preserving their position within the landscape while giving them new purpose. The proposal introduces two consolidated volumes: one designed as an art studio, the other accommodating a bathroom, sauna, and utility room. A terrace between them serves as a quiet transition space, forming a modest and carefully placed ensemble that complements the Martello Tower without drawing attention away from it.
The junction between the tower and the extension shows structural deformation, corrosion on metal elements, and detachment of roof layers, resulting in potential water ingress and loss of weather tightness.
The proposal redefines the junction between the Martello Tower and the extension through a clean and structurally sound connection. Durable materials and precise detailing ensure watertightness and formal coherence, eliminating the corrosion and leakage issues of the original structure. The new extension minimizes direct contact with the tower to preserve its fabric, using glass elements on both the roof and façade as a light connector between the two volumes.
The junction between the tower and the extension shows leaks and deformation. The lightweight timber structure is deteriorated and incompatible with the solid stone tower.
The proposal replaces the previous lightweight and deteriorated structure with a new solid volume that establishes a respectful dialogue with the Martello Tower. The design ensures a controlled connection that preserves the tower’s original fabric without alteration, achieving formal and structural coherence between the two elements.
The upper level of the tower shows severe damage from moisture and water infiltration, with vegetation growing on the walls and cracks visible in the roof. The existing roof structure is incomplete and deteriorated, compromising weather protection.
The proposal includes cleaning and sealing of the stone, installation of new double-glazed windows with updated frames, and replacement of the roof with a self-supporting structure, removing the central post. The interior height is slightly increased to enhance spatial quality and comfort.
The top-level windows show advanced deterioration in frames and seals, with evident leaks and corrosion. The single glazing causes condensation and poor thermal performance, while the metal roof displays deformation and missing panels, leaving the space exposed to weather conditions.
The proposal includes full replacement of window frames and installation of triple-glazed panels to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency. The roof structure is renewed to eliminate leaks and ensure complete weatherproofing of the space.
The staircase leading to the attic appears as a narrow tunnel with walls and steps heavily affected by moisture and mold. The upper glazed door and its frame are severely deteriorated, showing water infiltration and material decay.
The proposal includes full restoration of the staircase and cleaning of the exposed stone, addressing all moisture issues. The glass door will be replaced with a new one, preserving the original material character while improving weather resistance.
Beneath the main staircase, an improvised and unsafe access to the basement is observed, featuring a deteriorated ladder and lightweight partitions. The existing enclosure is in poor condition and fails to meet safety or accessibility standards.
The proposal introduces a new staircase built to code, removing the lightweight partition and exposing the full vertical connection. Both staircases remain visible, enhancing the tower’s spatial and geometric continuity.
On the tower’s second level, the dome exhibits severe deterioration due to prolonged water infiltration, with extensive dampness and mold growth. Interior surfaces show detachment and an advanced state of structural and environmental decay.
The proposal includes full dome restoration and moisture removal, along with structural reinforcement of the floor slab. A new double-height space enhances views toward the dome from the ground floor and improves the tower’s natural ventilation.
The fireplace located at the center of the tower shows severe deterioration. Prolonged moisture has caused ceiling collapse and material decay, rendering the structure unusable and at risk of further detachment.
The proposal includes the full restoration of the fireplace, removing previous alterations and recovering its original character. The ceiling is rebuilt, ensuring full functionality of the interior space while respecting the tower’s material integrity.
The former access tunnel, later adapted as a kitchen, shows advanced deterioration. Prolonged water leaks caused rust on structural elements, wall damage, and loss of surface finishes. The area exhibits signs of long-term neglect and persistent dampness.
The proposal includes full structural restoration, removal of leaks, and surface cleaning. The old kitchen is removed to recover the original connection between the tower and the extension, creating a clean and coherent transition space.
The room shows severe moisture and mold damage on walls and ceiling, with the window boarded up by OSB panels blocking light and ventilation. The floor displays warping and water damage due to lack of maintenance.
The new bedroom includes a glazed door opening onto the terrace, improving natural light and ventilation. Walls, ceiling, and floor are rebuilt to ensure comfort and continuity with the project’s new envelope.
The corridor shows moisture damage at the base of the wall and fungal growth on the ceiling. The plastered wall over the tower stone displays detachment, and poor alterations are evident, such as a partition wall cutting through an existing window.
The proposal cleans and restores the Martello Tower’s stone wall, introduces new walls and doors, and retains the continuous roof light along the corridor, enhancing natural lighting and spatial continuity.
The connecting corridor between the Martello Tower and the extension shows severe moisture damage and detachment of plaster applied over the original stone. Water ingress at the roof junction has caused structural decay and surface deterioration, along with the presence of an obsolete kitchen installation.
The proposal restores the original space by exposing and cleaning the stone walls. Plaster and the outdated kitchen are removed, while new glazed doors and a continuous roof light enhance the connection between the tower and the extension, providing natural light and visual continuity.
The interior shows widespread deterioration, with visible dampness on walls, floors, and ceiling. The roof structure displays signs of leakage, rust, and insulation loss, while the timber floor is warped and water-stained. The junction with the Martello Tower exhibits the most severe damage, where persistent water ingress has compromised the integrity of the space.
The proposal includes a full reconstruction of walls, roof, and flooring, emphasizing structural solidity and spatial quality. A continuous elongated roof light and large façade windows introduce abundant natural light and create a visual connection with the surroundings. The original stone of the Martello Tower is left exposed, integrating the building’s historic character into the new contemporary interior.
The first-floor windows show advanced deterioration caused by moisture, with damaged frames and stained walls. Poor ventilation has led to mold growth and surface decay.
The proposal includes full restoration of the three windows—walls, frames, and glazing—while preserving their original design. New opening systems are introduced to enable cross-ventilation and prevent future moisture buildup.