Architects: Neil Tomlinson Architects
2003
The building mix and fusion of elements was conceived primarily as a beacon for the City, being in one of the more noticeable positions on the River Liffey when entering Dublin.
It is designed as a building with an adhoc juxtaposition of consumerist inspired definable parts, based and abstracted from popular confectionery, retro aliens, The Osbournes, face jewellery, TinTin, Zoo and MTV, having work (offices), rest (residential) and play (night club/restaurant) areas arranged symmetrically about its north/south axis creating interest and a cinematic circulation sequence.
Building Circulation
There are a number of parking spaces in the basement for those arriving by car, including the four reserved spaces for the Band. These spaces are closely allied to the private lift providing direct access to the rooftop studio and terraces.
The basement area has some natural light via the glazed section, which affords views directly onto the River Liffey. It is through here that residents and visitors alike arrive at the reception area via a staircase.
The main entrance to the mixed-use buildings is on the ground floor and is marked by the centre of the oval residential block above. Visitors are greeted by a reception desk, accommodated within a minimal glass block and have the choice of either walking to the south to the residential, restaurant and club access lift and stairs or, to the north which gives access to the tower offices.
The ground floor area is designed to be as visually open as possible, with the main buildings being raised one level on columns, and is mainly public accessible.
The Band's studio accommodation is arranged over the top two floors and the roof hanging-terrace area. The floors house the technical equipment needed and the roof, (beyond 'parapet' level) area is designed to reinforce the tower's extremely prominent position within Dublin, whilst giving light and "air-escape" space for the Band. The spire of the tower opens tulip-like on fine days via hydraulic rams located within the spire top "lemon" to allow natural ventilation and a more direct outside link.
The tower has 360-degree views through the mirrored glazing, except when adjacent to the residential block. These areas are generally designed as wc/kitchen/photocopy spaces.
The southernmost block cluster has a freely planned internal space and contains a mezzanine and balconied night club space fused to the slightly more rigidly planned restaurant area which has the main vertical circulation and goods/kitchen lift through its core.
The top of this block has a roof terrace garden that may be seen by diners but is accessible by the building residents only.
The central residential block fits between the restaurant/night club space and the tower and accommodates the various configurations of apartments. These include single bedroom (on one level) and three bedrooms (on two levels) which are linked by internal staircases.