Brewhouse Sustainable Building
High-Performance Commercial Redevelopment – Kilkenny, Ireland
Project Stats
Kilkenny County Council
Client: Kilkenny County Council
Kilkenny
Located at Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny
Commercial
Commercial Sector
€13m
€13m Project Value in construction
The Challenge
The redevelopment of the former Smithwick’s Brewhouse in Kilkenny required the transformation of an industrial heritage building into a modern, efficient commercial workplace – without compromising its character or long-term performance.
The client sought:
- a low-energy building services solution
- improved occupant comfort and wellbeing
- modern workplace standards within a retained structure
- future-ready systems aligned with decarbonisation goals
The project demanded careful integration of building services within an existing fabric, while maintaining architectural integrity.
Our Approach
Lawler Consulting delivered the Mechanical & Electrical design for the redevelopment, embedding low-energy principles from early design through to delivery.
Our approach focused on:
- energy-efficient heating, lighting and ventilation systems
- integration of rooftop solar PV
- natural ventilation supported by an active façade
- water-efficient services design
- flexible systems capable of supporting future operational change
The M&E strategy balanced performance, comfort and efficiency while respecting the building’s industrial heritage.
Project Outcomes
High-Performance Workplace
The completed building delivers a comfortable, naturally lit workplace with efficient building services that support occupant wellbeing and long-term usability.
Reduced Operational Energy
Low-energy systems and on-site renewable generation significantly reduce ongoing energy demand and carbon emissions.
Natural Ventilation Strategy
An active façade provides natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and improving indoor air quality.
Future-Ready Services
The building services design supports future operational change and evolving sustainability requirements.
Independent Sustainability Certification
The project achieved LEED Gold certification, supported by Lawler Sustainability as LEED Accredited Professionals.
→ Read the full sustainability and certification story (link to Lawler Sustainability)
Key Building Services
- Energy-efficient heating and lighting systems
- Natural ventilation via active façade
- Roof-mounted solar PV (approx. 32 kW)
- Water-efficient sanitary systems
- Intelligent building controls
Services Provided
- Mechanical & Electrical Design
- Low-Energy Building Services Strategy
- Renewable Energy Integration
- Building Services Coordination
- Commissioning Support
How can we help?
Designing building services that respect heritage and perform for the future.
Expert
Advice
Simply drop in your contact details and let us know a good time to reach you and one of our expert engineering team will call to discuss your needs and how we might be able to help