Sustainable Energy Ireland uses low-energy and environmentally responsible design strategies to provide a high-quality, attractive workplace for its staff. Proven energy-efficient technologies and techniques are used to meet heating, lighting and ventilation requirements while placing minimal demand on non-renewable energy sources.
The building is located on the south side of a garden at the centre of the Enterprise Ireland campus in Glasnevin, Dublin. The main entrance connects to the primary pedestrian route via a stone pathway with a timber pergola overhead.
Inside, a roof-lit double-height atrium forms the heart of the building. Around this space, four principal open-plan offices are arranged across two levels. The atrium functions as a social and environmental feature — capturing sunlight, enhancing interaction, and providing natural ventilation through the stack effect.
Supporting spaces such as circulation areas and services are positioned to the rear. The layout allows offices to benefit from windows on all sides, maximising daylight and external views.
Passive Solar Design Strategies
The design approach focused on reducing energy demand for heating and lighting, while using the building fabric itself as a climate modifier. This includes minimising heat loss, controlling solar gain, and integrating passive solar and natural lighting strategies.
Thermal Mass
The building envelope uses materials with high thermal mass, including concrete block walls, pre-cast concrete floors and in-situ concrete roofing. These materials absorb and store heat, helping regulate indoor temperatures.
Daylight
The atrium acts as a central light source, distributing daylight throughout the building. Openings are carefully designed to maximise light penetration, while reflective surfaces and splayed window reveals help enhance brightness and reduce glare.
Shading
Metallic Venetian blinds reduce glare and direct sunlight, while deciduous trees planted in courtyards provide seasonal shading — limiting heat gain in summer while allowing light through in winter.
Materials & Construction
In the Irish climate, building elements such as walls, floors and roofs are designed primarily to conserve and store heat. Material selection considered life-cycle costs and environmental impact alongside performance.
Indigenous and natural materials were prioritised wherever possible.
External Walls
- External leaf: 100mm fair-faced concrete block
- Internal leaf: 215mm load-bearing blockwork
- Air gap: 40mm
- Insulation: 60mm rigid CFC-free thermal insulation
- Internal finish: 12mm gypsum plaster (painted)
Roof
Irish softwood trusses form the pitched roof structure and are exposed within the office spaces. The roof includes 150mm mineral fibre insulation within a vapour barrier and breathable membrane, finished with aluminium cladding.
Timber
Timber is used extensively for its structural, aesthetic and environmental qualities. It is a renewable and recyclable material that was specified throughout the building.
Occupant Control
Each workspace is designed to allow individual control of the environment. Features include opening windows, thermostatically controlled radiators, and task lighting.
Movement detectors control lighting based on occupancy, and energy-efficient lamps are used throughout. High-frequency fluorescent lighting improves efficiency and comfort.
The building demonstrates a comprehensive approach to low-energy architecture, combining passive and active energy-saving strategies with natural lighting to create a comfortable and efficient working environment.
Project Details
- Client: Irish Energy Centre (now Sustainable Energy Ireland)
- Architects: Energy Research Group — UCD
- Quantity Surveyor: Healy Kelly and Partners
- Structural Engineers: Ove Arup and Partners
- Services Engineers: Homan O'Brien Associates
- Main Contractor: Rohcon Ltd