Limerick County Council asked Buro Happold to design the environmental and building services for its new headquarters.

This challenging project included a new building comprising offices and a debating chamber. The council expressed a desire for an energy efficient building that would provide comfortable working conditions, while working within its strict capital and operational budgets.

Buro Happold’s low-energy, passive design concepts adopted a natural ventilation strategy throughout the building and maximised the use of natural light. We carried out thermal modelling to predict year-round comfort and avoid air conditioning. This was particularly challenging given a full height south-west facing atrium. The building aims to maximise passive environmental control to make it user-friendly and low-maintenance. We also provided advice on security issues, audio-visual requirements, ICT systems and all acoustic treatments.

Date: Completed in 2003