Wexford

NORD Architecture’s proposal resolves the programmatic and architectural complexities of a contemporary council headquarters while integrating a strong sustainable environmental strategy following a two-stage international competition win in 2007.
The building is organised around an ‘internal street’ and from which all the departments are accessed. The design exploits the relationship with the “townscape” environment giving each department an independent block allowing for public and social interaction.

The building is wrapped in a double skin facade, which acts as a thermal buffer between the building and the exterior whilst providing natural ventilation and has an important role in the building’s sustainable environmental strategy. Areas of soft landscaping are dedicated to a rich variety of indigenous plants, while hard surfaces are formed from smooth cut slabs of stone derived from local sources.