RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Western - Over £1,000,000

The planning of the Tellabs facility reflects directly the three zones of the programme - offices, production and warehousing. The parts of the building are integrated through the use of a consistent shell, column and truss structural system throughout, and a continuity of treatment of the external shell of the building. It is a combination of the directness of the planning, the inventiveness of the articulation of the building envelope, and the quality of the detailing throughout that distinguishes this project from many buildings of its type, and marks it as an achievement of particular merit.

Architects' Description
The new building of 135,000 square feet is divided with one-fifth to stores, shipping and services, two-fifths to production floor, and the remaining two-fifths to office area and ancillary items such as restaurant and gymnasium.

Client's Comment
Our brief for the new building was simple. We wanted a new R&D/production facility which created a good-quality atmosphere and working environment for our employees. The identity of the building ahd to be strong in order for us to attract the highly qualified engineers we require. The facility also accomodates a large staff restaurant and gymnasium to complement this aspiration.

The building which has subsequently been constructed delivers on this brief. The office environment, with its two large lightwells, has been successful in establishing two casual meeting areas in an otherwise organised work environment. The main reception area portrays the identity we, as a corporate company, require.