Project Description

Expansion at Waterford Institute of Technology has been prevalent in the past decade with buildings complete from the year 2000 to 2007.  Buildings have been designed for maximum energy efficiency and the library building was the recipient of the first ever Environmental/Sustainability award in Ireland.  It was awarded the Minister for Environment Sustainability Award in the year 2000.  The Walton IT Building also received an award from OPUS Architecture and Construction Awards 2005.

TPE Consulting Engineers Services

The large internal reading space in the library has a pleasant and airy feel where the principal support to the double height space is provided using glue-laminated timber beams. This is a clear example of architecture and engineering combining to give a striking solution with low embodied energy.

Both buildings are naturally ventilated as much as possible and use the thermal mass of the building in order to regulate the temperature of the internal environment. In addition, higher insulation levels than were required from the Building Regulations were provided in order to improve the buildings’ energy performance. Solar shading was provided by means of Brise Soleil on the critical elevations and the location and shape of the buildings were designed in order to maximize daylight penetration into the buildings. 

Library Building Special Features:

Walton IT Building Special Features:

• Library Building - Education & Healthcare Category of Construction Excellence Awards 2000 from Sustainable Energy Ireland - Winner of Sustainable Building Award
• Walton IT Building – OPUS Architecture and Construction Award 2005