Semple & McKillop were appointed as Mechanical & Electrical Consultants for the refurbishment and extension to Dundalk Town Hall, a Grade A listed building in the centre of Dundalk.

The works included the refurbishment of the 300 seater auditorium, Tàin Theatre and offices; provision of a new entrance foyer/atrium and first floor council chamber in the existing building and 3-storey office extensions to both sides of the existing building.

The restoration involved the retention of the external elevations and the creation of a modern ‘wrap’ around the side and rear of the existing elevations. This created a building structure with the potential to have different thermal responses. To deal with this challenge, we carried out a thermal simulation to predict the responses of the building elements. This allowed the heating system controls and glazing to reflect the different responses. A thermal model was also developed to monitor how the building would respond to solar fluctuations and occupancy patterns. This was used by the Project Architect for spatial planning and subsequently meant that the cost of the heating ventilation and air conditioning services were minimised.

The end result combines the best of the traditional core element fused with a modern external element. The project received the Avaya Award for Excellence in Design, 2004.

For further detail on this project or others in our Office portfolio, please contact our office.