NUI Maynooth Humanities & Social Sciences

2007 - 2010
Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Client
National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Area
4500 sq.m

Awards
Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland / Best Educational Building - Commended
2011

Plan Expo / OPUS Award - Commended
2010



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This project forms part of the Irish Government Collaborative project "Knowledge, Innovation, Society and Space" and is located as part of the North Campus Masterplan, forming the North/South axis from its centre at John Hume Square. A three storey concourse runs north/south and contains the cellular office spaces.  

Forward of this, a projecting elevated element contains larger open spaces and forms the entrance forecourt. The entrance serves all users of the building, with a large undergraduate lecture theatre on its axis. Three materials are used in the building envelope. Irish limestone reflecting the ecclesiastical buildings on the South Campus; glass in natural aluminium frames and natural cedar used as sunshading and cladding to the projecting element. 

The building is a model of low energy design. Natural ventilation and exposed ECO-CEM concrete soffits obviate the need for mechanical cooling. Heat recovery is used and hot water is generated by solar evacuated tubes located on the North lights of the concourse. Green roofs minimize water attenuation requirements and a grey water system reduces water demand.