Meath Co Co- MH-TRA-25-09 - Single-Party Framework Agreement for the construction and delivery of Meath County Council Chamber and Offices (Buvinda House) and associated projects/works.

Description

Proposed Development / Works: The project comprises the proposed extension and alterations to the northern side of the existing Buvinda House office building, consisting of a new Council Chamber, Councillors’ areas, and office workspaces over three floors (3220 m2), including meeting rooms and support spaces, along with new links, associated landscaping, site drainage, services, and related site development works. The project aims to be an ambitious exemplar in its materiality and environmental consideration. A climate-responsive design approach has been adopted to create a healthy building that utilizes Passive Design strategies to reduce both embodied carbon and energy demands, aiming to exceed NZEB requirements. Reflecting the materiality of the Buvinda House fit-out (completed in 2017) the new extension will establish a material resonance between the existing and new structures. Timber will serve as the primary structure throughout. Glulam columns and beams, along with CLT floors, will be exposed to the interior, reducing embodied carbon, improving air quality, and minimising the required foundation size. Low embodied-carbon materials, such as terracotta tiles, natural fiber-based insulations, timber-framed glazing, and charred timber cladding, will further reduce the project’s carbon footprint. The extension will strengthen the civic presence of Meath County Council by positioning the new Council Chamber in a prominent location north of the existing building. The double-height Chamber will address a new public entrance and landscaped forecourt, establishing a democratic space of civic scale and importance for the Council. Office areas will be distributed in an open-plan layout through the three storeys, supported by dedicated storage and breakout spaces. The building will integrate carefully with the existing Buvinda House through link and bridge connections at the east and west ends of the structure. This will be a universally accessible environment for MCC staff, optimising connectivity to foster collaboration between departments. A raised west-facing bridge will accommodate office breakout spaces, offering views over the River Boyne.