Headquarters for Wexford County Council

While clear of the need to present a suitably scaled, urban face to the future development area, and in particular towards the proposed Civic Square, we also seek to preserve a link to the tranquil nature of the existing natural landscape. To achieve this we propose a solution which combines building and landscape: defining and organising both internal and external space with equal conviction.

Utilising the natural slope of the site, a series of terraces are formed upon which sit five pavilions, which, from a datum level, vary in height from two storeys (south) to four storeys (north). This simple strategy allows for a more intimate relationship with the landscape to the south of the building, while presenting an urban scale to the anticipated neighbouring developments.

The proposal will be clearly, and legibly, organised: a group of five pavilions, each of a different scale determined by the arrangement of departments, are accessed from a central, civic atrium space. This space principally acts as the public concourse, forming the main horizontal and vertical circulation and affording access directly to each of the departments and waiting rooms.

Client: Wexford County Council

Cost: undisclosed

Area: 250,000 sqm

Status: Competition

The quality of the atrium space is that of a grand room, forming an appropriate backdrop to the council's civic events. The spilt-level nature of the space, with a full width staircase, can be readily used as an informal auditorium, utilising the steps as seating; its openness will also allow its use as an exhibition space.

In developing the proposals for the office spaces we have endeavoured to ensure that each member of staff will enjoy an equivalent environment which is conducive to work. Each member of staff can exert a high degree of control over their immediate environment by adjusting their own windows and shading devices to alter temperature and ventilation, and will also have direct views and access to landscaped courtyards and terraces at the lower levels or balconies at the upper levels.

A landscaping strategy will augment the building with a number of external spaces, both private and public. These spaces, each of differing scale and character, will mediate between the building interior and the natural and artifical landscapes beyond, and will be of considerable benefit to users and visitors of the building.