The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (the regional chapter of the RIBA) wished to engage with the city through a new foyer inviting a higher degree of public engagement. The scheme provides much needed new facilities: a book–shop within the original house, a 2–storey foyer; and re–organised circulation. The intention was to bring a degree of civic quality to a small building and create a richer spatial experience within its modest volume.The project is sited in a significant Conservation Area to the southern edge of Belfast’s city centre. A meaningful and mutually beneficial dialogue was established with the Historic Buildings authorities, facilitating a discussion about the appropriateness of building a contemporary project within a sensitive historic context.