Usher's Quay Commercial

2003 - 2006 / €17.8m. / P. Elliott & Company

In September 2003 Local Government Management Services Board along with Dublin City Council organised a design competition to design the new headquarters and develop the potential of the site to the rear of the existing office building. Gilroy McMahon architects along with P.Elliott & Company were the winners of the competition.

The office building is a five storey building fronting Usher’s Quay. The building is organized around an atrium to the rear of the building. Offices for the most part are located on the North elevation enjoying the view of the river. To the rear activities such as circulation, open plan office space and smaller conference facilities are organised around a landscaped atrium. The atrium doubles as a café. From the entrance off Usher’s Quay there is a glimpse into the atrium.

The Atrium is the central spatial element and point of orientation in the buildings’ organisation. It constitutes a central zone of visual interest. Sunlight enters the Atrium between the horizontal timber louvres contained within the rear glazed diaphragm wall. Together with its visual and social functions the atrium contributes significantly to a sophisticated and exemplary energy policy.

Energy efficiency is a principle design concern. The floor slabs soffits are utilised in the heating and cooling of the internal environment by the provision of embedded pipework circulating water at varying temperature. Low level mechanical ventilation will be provided throughout the office as required to maintain a fresh environment for the occupants.

Architectural expression of the office headquarters is generated to a great extent in the interface of energy engineering and the rational assembly of high performance and quality materials. The riverfront, the public face of the project, is architecturally the most important. Existing context lacks any strong idiomatic character. This is a north facing façade but is beautifully washed by early morning and late afternoon sun. Texture and subtlety therefore are all important.