Hostel extension’s grass roof to blend into the landscape

Plans for significant expansion works at the Connemara Hostel at Killary – including new bedrooms with grass roofs and ‘glamping’ facilities – have been lodged with Galway County Council.

Connemara Investments Ltd, which operates the hostel, has sought permission for the works, which it believes will be screened by the surrounding mature woodlands.

“In preparing the design of the extension, we analysed the surrounding landscape of the hostel; the world-famous mountains of Connemara. And we have used the profile of the mountain ranges as inspiration for the proposed extension and new building.

“The proposal has a number of fundamental sustainable features which include the use of grass sod roof on the extension and new building and the use of grey water recycling to reduce water need and waste water,” the application reads.

The plans involve the demolition of the existing conservatory; construction of a new two-storey extension; construction of a new bedroom block; construction of six detached sleeping pods and an upgrade of the waste water treatment system.

“Connemara Hostel is located beside Killary Adventure Centre and both businesses benefit mutually from their proximity to each other and are important employers in the area.

“The main purpose of the proposed development is to upgrade the current facilities and infrastructure and to add necessary accommodation to ensure the viability of the hostel into the future.

“Therefore the brief called for:

“The current building is cramped and there is demand among visitors for more spacious facilities. To meet this demand, it is proposed to add a new bedroom block which consists of a two-storey building of six bedrooms on each floor. One of the ground floor rooms is extra spacious to accommodate wheelchair guests.

“The roof profile of the proposed bedroom block is inspired by the profile of the typical mountains of Connemara, which will give the building a visual and material grounding to its location.

“By using a green roof system on the bedroom block, the material of the roof will also be closely linked to the material of the surrounding landscape and mountains; grass sod. This strategy will ensure the proposed building will be perceived as being appropriate to its surroundings,” the application reads.

It is proposed to install a grey water recycling system, which takes water from showers and recycles it for use in toilets.

Further investigations are underway on the installation of a rainwater harvesting system which would take run-off from roofs and use it in the hostel, but this is not part of the planning application.

It is proposed to finish the roofs of the extension building and new bedroom block in grass sod, which can also act as a habitat for birds and insects.

A decision on the application is expected from county planners before the end of September.