Seeconnell Private Village

Castlewellan, County Down

Acquired in 2009 from local hoteliers, McGurk Architects undertook the transformation of Slieve Croob Inn, a community-based cooperative, into a residential care facility for permanent and respite residents with learning difficulties and mental health issues. Phase one focused on converting, modifying, and extending the existing buildings to accommodate 22 rooms, each with en-suite facilities. Phase two added an additional six rooms.

The design prioritises the integration of the original structures while highlighting the connection between the new construction and the surrounding landscape.
Phase three entails the construction of ten "supported-living" cottages. These cottages, designed in traditional vernacular style to blend with the rural setting, are divided into bespoke apartments tailored to meet the specific needs of each service user.