A design concept for Irish Lights new Headquarters in Dun Laoghaire. Arup Consulting Engineers have been deeply involved in the design concept for the building from the very beginning. The design objective has been to produce visually spectacular buildings that reflect the modern dynamic image of the Commissioners of Irish lights, to reflect the particular environment within which they work and embody the technologies with which they are most familiar.

The elegant clean lines of the sweeping staircases express a marine heritage in their quintessential engineering design and the drama with which they provide vertical linkage within the building. The cantilevered landings which project into the atrium void echo the bridge of the Commissioners' vessel Granuaile as they appear to hover without visible support.

The symmetry of the central lantern structure and the surmounting aerial platform sit effortlessly with the Granuaile's lines when berthed alongside and reflect the large Lanby navigation buoy which dominates the working quayside.

The mechanical and electrical services which support and maintain the internal comfort conditions within both buildings are a direct expression of the marine industry of which the Commissioners of Irish Lights are a central part. The buildings are highly dependant upon the adjacent sea water for both their heating and cooling. The exposed structural slab within the administration building carry embedded coils through which water, cooled from the sea, is pumped to maintain cool concrete and thus condition the space within.

The twin outer walls of the office building is at the forefront of façade engineering. The use of a controlled deep cavity permits the use of floor to ceiling glazing while reducing overall heat loss to levels unheard of only a decade ago. The extensive glass ensures that the interior is bathed in natural light which promotes a high sense of well-being on the part of the occupants. When extra artificial lighting is required it is regulated automatically, thus reducing the building's electrical energy demand.

The automatic blinds within the façade cavity respond to external sunlight conditions to prevent unwanted glare while permitting maximum natural light to reach the interior.

The office building is ventilated using fans that are powered by the solar panels which circle the top floor. The sun helps to maintain pleasant internal conditions. This is the same solar technology that is used extensively by Irish Lights to power their lighthouses and buoyage. The solar panels also serve to provide shading of the glazed walls on the second floor to reduce the cooling load demand. Their elegant form speaks loudly of Irish Lights utilisation of sustainable technology and its clear vision of its place in modern Ireland.