Irish Lights Headquarters | Scott Tallon Walker Architects

The client is a statutory government body operating and maintaining the most technologically advanced Aids to Navigation around Ireland’s coastline. A conscious decision was made at an early stage to design a landmark modern structure, reflecting the ethos of the client, and also to provide a counterpoint to the various historic structures nearby, themselves prominent landmark buildings.

The complex design challenge evolved into a development in two halves: a circular open plan administrative office building and a rectilinear workshop building. The form of the two main structures derived not only from a study of the internal processes being incorporated, but also from the requirement to provide sustainable and future adaptive accommodation. The striking contrast of these two forms leads to a dynamic landmark architectural solution befitting the site and a progressive client.