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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project comprised the fit-out of the new courthouse on existing shell of basement, ground and first floors, a small area of new build, site services and landscape works. Works also included the installation of integrated M&E services, including IT and security systems throughout each floor.
The court building includes two courtrooms, a full-time District Court office with separate interview rooms, a legal practioner's room, consultation rooms, judges' chambers, a jury room, holding cells, public waiting areas, an information desk, media room, victim support room, State Prosecution Solicitor's room and Garda room.
Challenges
- The design intent of the Courthouse fit-out was to provide a well-considered, mature and comfortable facility for the Courts, its staff and visitors.
- The works undertaken in the courtrooms were particularly challenging. The two courtrooms are double height spaces. Within these spaces clerestory glazing was installed along the East elevations. This portion of glazing was accommodated through the use of a curved suspended ceiling, which rises up towards the East within each room. All walls were clad in timber acoustic panelling to the level of the high windowsills, above which walls were painted white, brightening the rooms and increasing the sense of space.
Technologies
- Throughout the fit-out, fixtures and fittings of the highest specification were used to ensure an enduring, high-quality, low maintenance finish.
- The detention cells were accommodated within a newly enclosed section of the existing site basement car park, which allowed access via a new dock and stairs appended to the adjacent apartment block to the East, as well as through the internal secure stairs located between the two courtrooms.
- The facilities were cabled for state-of-the-art video conferencing technology and video link to a room for remote testimony from child witnesses.
Successes
The project was completed on time and within budget. The standard of finish was exceptionally high and exceeded the client's expectations.
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