Scott Tallon Walker Architects
The brief for the redevelopment of this unique site in Dun Laoghaire Harbour represented an exciting opportunity for the Design Team to create an iconic headquarters building, uniting Irish Lights engineering facilities with head office, technical and administration functions. Bringing these disparate entities together required the design team to look in great detail at our Clients work processes and organizational structures. This analysis has resulted in the design of a unique complex of structures that incorporate current best practice in the use of modern building materials, systems and alternative, sustainable technologies. An integral part of the brief was that the design of the new Irish Lights Headquarters should incorporate the latest sustainable technologies to minimise energy consumption and minimise the impact of the new development on the surrounding environment. The form of the two main structures: the Workshop Building and the circular Administration Building derived not only from a study of the internal processes being incorporated, but also from the requirement to provide suitable, environmentally friendly and easily controllable/adaptable accommodation.
The site in Dun Laoghaire demanded a landmark building given the prominence of the site from both the waterfront and marina, and from Crofton Road; the main Dun Laoghaire/Blackrock access route. The site was also particularly sensitive from a planning aspect due to its close proximity to protected structures such as the adjoining yacht clubs and other neighbouring buildings. A conscious decision was made at an early stage to design a building of its time: a modern structure reflecting the ethos of the client (a statutory body, utilising the most modern technologies in providing aids to navigation to the marine industry) and also providing a counterpoint to the various historic structures nearby, themselves prominent landmark buildings. It was also considered important to reflect and express the marine environment and the particular nature of the client's activities.
There are two main structures in the development-a circular open-plan administrative office building, linked to a rectilinear, functional workshop structure. While there is a certain commonality of finishes and details, the striking contrast between these two forms lead to a dynamic architectural solution befitting the prominent site. The administration building is located at the most prominent part of the site facing Harbour Road, the Dun Laoghaire Marina, and the Royal Irish Yacht Club. The structure is three stories in height with a distinctive 'lantern' providing abundant natural light into the centre of the building: the form echoing the maritime environment. A dramatic helical staircase is located directly below this lantern, linking all floors of the building. The enclosing façade is a sophisticated 'twin wall' façade allowing full height glazing (with resultant maximisation of internal natural light and views into and out of the building) yet providing environmental control over the internal office space in an attractive and sophisticated manner. The open plan nature of the office space also contributes to the sense of transparency both within and from outside and enables the structure to become a beacon of light in the dark evenings.
Scott Tallon Walker Architects are delighted to have been associated with what we believe to be a unique and exciting development and we wish the Commissioners of Irish Lights every success in the operation and use of their new facilities. We would also like to commend them on having the vision and foresight to commission and develop this new landmark development.
Behind every good building is a good client.
Michael Tallon
Managing Director
Scott Tallon Walker Architects