Forensic Science Ireland
This is a purpose built three-story Forensic Science Laboratory building including laboratories, offices and ancillary accommodation located within the Backweston Campus that provides end-to-end control and traceability of evidence items, with respect to chain of custody requirements.
This project was designed to surpass current environmental performance standards. It was designed to provide an ISO 14644-1 Class 7 Cleanroom Laboratory environment to the new standard DNA testing laboratories and create a DNA compliant facility.
The layout, design and arrangement of the building has been optimised to meet the specific requirements of Forensic Science Ireland and accommodate the projected staff increase under the new FSI Workforce Plan and the additional functions of Garda Technical Bureau which include laboratory and office space for Ballistics, Document Analysis and Fingerprints.
This footprint maximises the efficient use of the area within the building and ensures a high level of value for the State. The facility was handed over to FSI in 2024.
Leeson Lane
This project provides flexible purpose-built, value-for-money, energy- and space-efficient accommodation on a state-owned, vacant, prime city-centre site that will provide accommodation for up to 360 staff.
The project maximises the potential of the site and can be developed independently of the neighbouring Nurses Building. This maximises the use of the OPW’s estate portfolio in a highly expensive and desirable location for government departments while reducing reliance on exorbitant long-term leases.
The project provided an opportunity to develop a flagship NZEB office development for OPW in proximity to a historic environment while restoring and safe guarding a fine example of built heritage into the future.
The development involved the restoration and refurbishment of a historic building, Spruce House, former dispensary building, c.374sqm (GIA), and the construction of a new 7 storey (over basement) office building, c.6,124sqm (GIA), linked to the rear of the dispensary building at ground and first floor levels. Site development works involve the reinstatement of Leeson Place, a historic laneway and includes hard landscaping, boundary treatment and all other ancillary site works.
A construction contract was placed in April 2022 with substantial completion achieved in Q4 2024 and handed over to clients in Q2 2025.
The building is the new headquarters for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and also provides accommodation for the Department of Finance.
Ireland Pavilion for the Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan
The Japanese city of Osaka won the bid to host the 2025 World Expo, an event expected to draw millions of visitors. The event opened on April 13, 2025, and closes on October 13 2025. Expo 2025 is a key platform to deliver on the Government’s Global Ireland programme objective of doubling the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint. Participation will strengthen Ireland’s ties with Japan, but also with the some 150 participating countries from Asia Pacific and around the world. A memo for Government outlining a request for Ireland’s participation in Osaka Expo 2025 was approved by cabinet 13.04.2022
In line with previous Expos, the OPW has provided design/project management services and acted as the Contracting Authority on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). A completed sketch scheme was approved by the DFA in March 2023. Japanese Contractors were appointed by OPW and commenced construction in December 2023. Completion of the building was achieved in December 2024 allowing for exhibition fit-out to take place over a 2 month period, prior to opening of the Expo event in April 2025.
The 2-storey building, measuring approximately 752 sqm, has three functional areas: the entrance and welcoming area, performance and exhibition space and back of house accommodation. These 3 areas take the form of 3 elliptical elements of varying heights, which intersect to represent an abstracted Celtic triple knot in three dimensions.
Accommodation at ground level includes an outdoor performance space, entrance and welcoming space, storage and circulation, a multi-purpose exhibition space and the main performance and exhibition space. This space is double-height, contains a stage for performances and can accommodate up to 100 persons seated. The first floor contains an upper level event space with access to a private roof terrace, kitchen and staging area, office space and staff welfare facilities.
Sustainability is an important principle, from the inception of the design process to the detailing of the construction materials and environmental systems employed. The structural frame construction with an external envelope of vertical timber louvres has been designed to allow ease of dismantling and the recycling or re-use of materials. The building will use and showcase sustainable Irish timber throughout. The use of timber also evokes a connection between Irish and Japanese craft.
Ireland’s pavilion responds to the need for an important building for Ireland to identify and showcase in-market opportunities, which will be targeted in setting out a program of Ministerial and other high-level visits from Ireland. Each space provides a backdrop for a vibrant program of trade, cultural and innovation themed events, involving a wide range of Irish creatives throughout Expo 2025.
Tom Johnson House
Located in Beggars Bush, Dublin 4 TJ House was built c. 1975. It is a five storey over basement building with a plant room on the roof. It is not a Protected Structure, but it is within the curtilage of the former Beggar’s Bush Military Barracks and a number of adjoining Protected Structures.
The project is an exemplar deep refurbishment of the building, which complies with Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards and achieves an A2 BER. Modifications and upgrade works to the existing structure include upgrading the roof and internal finishes, and installation of all new services within the existing structure.
The recently completed development provides a new state of the art HQ for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications that complies with all relevant regulatory and legislative requirements, and the building regulations.
The fit-out was designed in accordance with OPW design standards and procured in compliance with the CWMF (Capital Works Management Framework) and Public Procurement Requirements. The previous capacity of 195 workstations has been significantly increased by this development to approx. 501 workstations.