Drumshanbo DVO

Location: Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim

This two storey office block was commissioned by the Office of Public Works under their decentralisation programme.

The building incorporates a number of green features including natural ventilation and lighting, a well insulated structure, solar thermal panels, recycled construction materials and facilities for cyclists. An iroko brise soleil along the southern and western facades also helps to passively cool the building. Essentially, a series of outdoor timber blinds running horizontally along glazed sections, the brise soleil shades the interior to prevent overheating and glare. A mechanical air handling system in the floor also helps cool the building. If the temperature inside at night is sufficiently warmer than outdoors, fans kick in and blow fresh air under the raised access floor and up into the space above.

The project was ‘Highly Commended’ at the 10th Annual OPUS Architecture & Construction Awards and selected as an Award Entrant in the Irish Concrete Society Awards – Excellence in Design and Construction.