FOTA ISLAND
5-STAR GOLF AND SPA RESORT ON SOUTH COAST OF IRELAND
Fota Island, Ireland
Project name: Fota Island
Location: County Cork, Ireland
Sector: Leisure
Client: LET Leisure
Status: Complete
Services: Architecture and planning
Type: New build
Area: 350 acres
Colwyn Foulkes designed and developed a holiday resort on an island in Cork Harbour, Ireland. The 500-acre island had the space to accommodate two championship golf courses, a stadium, an international standard 5-star hotel, golf club house, holiday housing and golf lodges, all secluded in a Heritage Estate.
The planning permission was granted after a dialogue with local interest groups and societies. A land contribution to local causes and a commitment to restore a grand mansion on the site were part of the planning deal made by the developer as part of the permission.
Set amongst ancient woodland and historic buildings, it was essential to coordinate and collaborate with the surroundings in choosing principles for design. We used locally sourced materials and styles, adapting them to contemporary standards. Tall gable roofs, elegant timber casements and double height colonnades employ rustic elements to a refined effect. The first building to be completed was the clubhouse, which received a national heritage award.
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