National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Summary

This development at NUI (National University of Ireland) Maynooth saw the construction of a new Library extension to the existing John Paul II Library.

Glass

The buzzing heart of the facility is a glazed atrium linking the old library and new extension, generously proportioned to act as a ‘cross-roads of ideas’. The high performance twin-wall façade of the new library projects a modern, sophisticated image while also functioning as a solar, thermal and acoustic buffer. The flue formed between the layers of glass assists the natural ventilation of the building.

Details

The completed building has fulfilled the original competition brief to re-establish the library as an attractive location for group study and project based learning while remaining conducive to serious academic research.