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Glencar House, Dublin

Office development in a prominent location in South Dublin.

Key facts
  • Location Merrion Road, Dublin
  • Client Killeen Group
  • Project Office Development
  • Scale 12,318 sqm

The Challenge

Inspired by its location and context, Reddy A+U were enthused by the project brief to provide a modern contemporary office development with a distinct Irish identity.

Reddy A+U acknowledged the ambitions of the client and the prominent building position, on Merrion Road facing the iconic Royal Dublin Society (RDS). In this location, it was important to demonstrate a considered approach to the architectural language of the building, its expression and how it would complement the grandeur of the RDS buildings

The Story

Our design Concept for Glencar House had its genesis in a modern interpretation of the Celtic inspired Ogham alphabet, which was used on monumental inscriptions for the 4th to 6th century. The lettering motifs were reinterpreted and reinvented to interlace with the strong geometry of building facade thus resulting in the interlocking fins which underscore each floor and ties two office boxes visually both vertically and horizontally.

Themes inspired by nature and Glencar Waterfall, a place which is of personal significance to the Mahony family and Killeen Group, are used throughout the interior with anodized fins cascading in a three storey atrium, and locally sourced Connemara marble used with the reception.

The Outcome

This project has a greater significance than a commercial development to the client, and is a legacy to the founders of the Killeen Group - a thriving, proud to be Irish business with its core values in cultural heritage, sustainability, well design, and design quality.

The Business Post wrote – “Glencar House had to be something special to stand out among its high profile neighbours, including Fibonacci Square, Meta’s European headquarters located beside it and the well-established RDS complex which sits opposite it. And special it is, with a definitive nod to our Irish heritage and culture in the aesthetic characteristics and distinctly native materials used throughout the building.”

Testimonial

We were instantly impressed with their understanding of the design brief. We wanted a building which was sensitive to the location in the centre of Ballsbridge and across from the RDS, we wanted a quality building which would stand out and which would appeal to companies looking for a corporate headquarters, and we wanted a building which would emphasise the Irish heritage of the owners and which would complement the high end sustainability features of the building.

Reddy A+U implemented the brief very succinctly and as a result we are extremely happy with the final result. Throughout the project, from initial appointment to practical completion, we were hugely impressed with Reddy’s attention to detail and top class service.”

DONAL O'CALLAGHAN - GROUP CEO, KILLEEN PROPERTIES