Lawler Consulting, working alongside Lawler Sustainability, provided integrated Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineering and sustainability expertise for the transformation of the historic Brewhouse at Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny into 4,500m² of Grade A office space – combining the building’s industrial heritage with modern workplace performance and LEED Gold sustainability standards.
The Brewhouse occupies a central position within Kilkenny’s Abbey Quarter, the regeneration of the former Smithwick’s Brewery site in the heart of the city.
Originally constructed in the 1960s and used as the centre of brewing operations for decades, the three-storey building has been retained and transformed into approximately 4,500m² of premium Grade A office accommodation.
Rather than replace the existing structure, the project reimagined the Brewhouse for a new generation of occupiers, preserving its distinctive industrial character while introducing the building services, environmental performance and workplace standards expected of a contemporary commercial development.
Lawler Consulting provided Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineering for the redevelopment, with sustainability embedded into the design from the outset.
The engineering approach included energy-efficient heating and lighting, low-flow water fixtures, energy-efficient air conditioning and an active façade supporting natural ventilation. The building’s exposed ceilings and raised-access floors also required careful coordination of services within the architectural design.
At the heart of the building, office accommodation radiates from an imposing central atrium occupying the space that once housed the original brewing maturation tanks – retaining a tangible connection between the building’s industrial past and its new commercial use.
Working alongside Lawler Consulting, Lawler Sustainability provided LEED consultancy for the development, helping the completed Brewhouse achieve LEED Gold certification.
Sustainability measures include 123 rooftop solar photovoltaic panels providing 32kW of renewable generation, enhanced water efficiency, energy-optimised lighting, high-performance façade systems and natural ventilation.
The design also prioritises the quality of the workplace itself, with strong levels of natural daylight, indoor environmental quality and facilities supporting cycling and active travel.
The result demonstrates how the regeneration of an existing building can combine heritage, resource efficiency and contemporary workplace performance.
The Brewhouse forms an important early part of the wider regeneration of the 20-acre former brewery site, bringing a significant existing building back into productive use while establishing a benchmark for sustainable development across Abbey Quarter.
Today, the building provides 12 fully occupied office units across three floors, demonstrating how carefully considered engineering and sustainable design can extend the life of an existing asset while creating high-quality commercial space for the future.
Historic Building Reimagined – a former brewery building transformed into approximately 4,500m² of contemporary Grade A commercial workspace.
LEED Gold Certification – sustainability embedded throughout the design and delivery of the redevelopment.
Renewable Energy Generation – 123 rooftop PV panels provide 32kW of renewable generation.
Energy-Efficient Building Services – efficient HVAC, lighting, water systems and natural ventilation contribute to improved operational performance.
Enhanced Workplace Environment – natural daylight, indoor environmental quality and active-travel facilities support occupant comfort and wellbeing.
Supporting Wider Regeneration – the redevelopment brings an important existing building back into use as part of the transformation of Kilkenny’s former brewery site.
From historic building regeneration to contemporary commercial developments, Lawler Consulting combines Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineering with sustainability expertise to create workplaces designed around performance, efficiency and long-term value.
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