How an industrial building in Cork gained a new lease of life 

Architect Lucy Jones' lightness of touch shows what’s possible as she undertook the design of a MacCurtain Street development

Simple, clean lines with comfortable modern furniture and textiles characterise the living areas.

Those of us with a love of architecture will frequently grimace when an old building undergoes a refurbishment and the result sees its essential character compromised, if not destroyed, in the process.

But when done with sensitivity and a sharp eye for creativity, it can turn out like the old Victorian tobacco factory at 48 MacCurtain Street, Cork, which now houses Hotel Isaac, Greene’s Restaurant, the cool destination wine bar Cask and a new recent development.