‘den talamh’/

Fuinneamh Workshshop Architects

Ireland

Location(City/Country):

Cork / Ireland

Tipology:

Community

Year (Design/Construction):

2022 / 2024

Area (Net/Gross):

40 m2 / 8800 m2

Operational Carbon emissions (B6) kgCO2e/m2/y:

Embodied Carbon emissions (A1-A3) kgCO2e/m2:

The building uses rammed earth for its walls, a sustainable material with low embodied energy that provides natural insulation and blends with the landscape.
The traditional reed thatched roof, locally sourced material enhances natural ventilation and reduces the need for mechanical cooling.
The structure is deliberately rudimentary, maximising natural light, views, and airflow while minimising energy consumption and reliance on artificial systems.

The project brief was to create a meeting point for talks on the environment and on biodiversity within Tramore Valley Park. Conceptually, the building seeks to frame a view to Carroll’s Bog and draw the park visitor closer to observe and contemplate the beauty of this unique landscape within Cork city. The design for the EcoLab, is deliberately rudimentary. A hoggin floor offers groups a platform to congregate. Two end walls and four columns made of rammed earth enclose the space. The process of “compacting earth” albeit above ground, resonates with the recent history of the site use as a landfill, in creating a compacted landscape. An open timber framed roof reveals a traditional Irish hipped roof structure, while a reed thatched roof finish offers shelter. Finally, the plan of the building references the architecture of miniature temple. Thus, creating an agora for thoughts to be discussed and debated within the park landscape.

Client: LennonTaylor KinShip, Cork City Council & Creative Ireland
Architects: Fuinneamh Workshshop Architects
Team: Caimin Muldoon, Ciara O’ Connell and Seán Antóin Ó Muirí
Civil + Structural Engineers: Civil and Structural Engineering Advisors Ltd
Earth Analysis: Dept. of Civil Engineering, MTU.
Main Contractor: Wiseman Construction Services
Construction Collaborators: Sean Ahern, Darragh Bairead, James Costello, Jim Fahy, Liam Harte, Conor Healy, Poppy Kilgallon, Michael Long, Jordan Lupton, Kate Madden, Jackie Maurer, Daniel McAuliffe, Owen MacSwiney, Dain McMillan, Peter Murray, Paul O’ Donovan, Jerry O’ Shea, Jerry O’ Sullivan, Mick Pierce, Daniel Quane, Kieran Ruane & Konrad Walczak
Thathcher: John Barron
Photography: Jed Niezgoda, Seán Antóin Ó Muirí