CJFA have designed a masterplan for the Teagasc Moorepark bio-research and research + development campus, for new builds and replacement of existing buildings over the next 15 years – with a floor area of 25,000m2.
The Paddy O’Keeffe Research & Innovation Centre for the Advancement of Irish Grassland and Dairying, represents the first building completed under this, and provides a successful contemporary stimulus to the developing innovation campus, incorporating unique architectural features and applications within a distinguished development, undertaken utilising Building Information Modelling (BIM) for the entirety of the design and delivery process – from Concept to Completion, 2013-2015.
The construction of the Innovation Centre has created a building providing offices, research & innovation, educational facilities canteen, and associated ancillary accommodation – in addition to the construction of all associated site works. The building design consists of large spanning pre-weathered zinc walls integrated within a bespoke curtain walling system in conjunction with a limestone clad entrance wall and a large cantilevered wing roof forming significant features of the material application and fenestration to the exterior of the building.
Internally the building has been complemented through the use of exemplary installations and materials. Acoustic treatments have been aesthetically-articulated to lend themselves to the overall visual-finish of the building. These include acoustic canopies, and acoustic wall panels, combined with acoustic ceilings, and absorbing surfaces.
The internal architecture also incorporates GGBS exposed concrete walls, and fully articulated bespoke design elements which – along with the aforementioned acoustic treatments – lend themselves to the creation of targeted atmospheres appropriate, and improving, the educational, innovation, research, and personnel-cantered daily operations of the centre.
