Birr Court House
Client: Office of Public Works - Dublin 2
Value: €2.2 million
Birr Courthouse, a detached five-bay two-storey castellated court house, was built c.1830. Currently owned and managed by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the state, this austere former prison building is a prominent feature in the streetscape of Birr, Co. Offaly. In addition to it's use as a Courthouse, the building also provides office space for Offaly County Council, and as such is a socially important building in the town.
The works to Birr Court House involved the provision of a new extension housing a courtroom and judges chamber located to the rear of the old building, together with refurbishment of existing court room as part of the overall refurbishment of the existing historic building itself.
Callaghan Engineering provided the mechanical, electrical and lift engineering consultancy on the refurbishment of Birr Court House and the new courtroom and judges chamber extension. The lobby and atrium areas of the courthouse have been heated using efficient underfloor heating designed to provide a background heat in the building during unoccupied periods at minimal cost. The design of the services in the new and refurbished areas of the building had to be in a sensitive nature providing modern comfort conditions and facilities whilst maintaining the historic character & significance of the building.