Lawler Consulting, working alongside Lawler Sustainability, provided integrated Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineering and sustainability expertise for the transformation of the former Mayfair Ballroom at Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny into a contemporary 1,800m² public library – combining adaptive reuse, modern building performance and LEED Gold sustainability standards.
The Mayfair Library forms part of the wider regeneration of Kilkenny’s former Smithwick’s Brewery site at Abbey Quarter.
Previously home to the Mayfair Ballroom, the existing building has been retained, remodelled and extended to create a modern two-storey public library and community facility.
The redevelopment combines the character of the original building with new extensions and a mezzanine within the former ballroom space, bringing an important part of Kilkenny’s social heritage back into active use while creating a contemporary destination for the local community.
Lawler Consulting provided Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineering for the redevelopment, developing and coordinating the building services required to support a flexible, highly accessible 21st-century library.
The completed facility accommodates adult, young adult and children’s library areas alongside study and digital spaces, meeting and exhibition facilities and a dedicated makerspace.
Building services were designed around the varied ways these spaces are used, supporting comfort, environmental quality, flexibility and efficient operation throughout the building.
Working alongside Lawler Consulting, Lawler Sustainability provided LEED consultancy for the project, with the completed Mayfair Library achieving LEED Gold certification.
The sustainable design approach incorporates heat-pump technology, energy-efficient ventilation and intelligent lighting controls alongside measures designed to improve the building’s overall energy and environmental performance.
The result demonstrates how the adaptive reuse of an existing building can preserve its identity while delivering the efficiency, comfort and performance expected of a contemporary public facility.
Mayfair Library opened to the public in April 2024, creating more than 1,800m² of flexible library and community space across two floors.
Designed to support far more than traditional library use, the building provides spaces for learning, study, digital innovation, exhibitions, meetings, events and community activity.
Its My Open Library facilities also enable extended access outside normal staffed hours, helping create an accessible and adaptable public building designed around the evolving needs of the community.
From cultural and community buildings to major visitor destinations, Lawler Consulting combines Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineering with sustainability expertise to create environments designed around people, performance and long-term value.
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