Portfolio: Educational: Solas Bhride

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Location:
Tully Road, Kildare
Client:
Brigidine Sisters
Project Architect:
Solearth Ecological Architecture
Structural Engineer :
Hanna + Hutchinson Consulting Engineers
Services Engineer :
GNCE Consulting Engineers
  • 2015 Green Construction Award (Green Awards)
  • 2014 Sustainable Initiative Award (The Irish Construction Industry Awards)
  • 2014 Fit-out Sustainability Achievement Award (Fit-Out Awards)

Construction of an ecological sustainable centre which provides education and retreat for pilgrims of St Brigid. The 815m² centre which is dedicated to the teachings of Ireland’s only female saint comprises of reception and exhibition space, conference room, four self-catering hermitages, spirituality education and library area, hospitality room, chapel/prayer room, spiritual accompanying/counselling room, meeting rooms, residential facilities and ancillary service and utility spaces.

The design of the Centre is inspired by the evocative imagery of Brigid’s legacy and legends and is centred on ecological concerns. The design emanates from a Brigids cross shape oriented to link views from Brigids cathedral in Kildare town to the nearby Brigids well with the crossses arms cradling circular rooms which are themselves both symbolic and functional. The project includes energy efficient design approaches and places a high priority on the creation of a healthful and restful environment for its users and visitors.