Tom Johnson House Deep Retrofit
High-Performance Public Sector Office Transformation – Dublin
Project Stats
Office of Public Works
Client: Office of Public Works (OPW)
Dublin 4
Located at Beggars Bush, Dublin 4
Commercial
Commercial Sector
€40m
€40m Project Value in construction
The Challenge
The Office of Public Works required the deep energy retrofit of Tom Johnson House – a 1970s office building – to create a modern, low-carbon headquarters for the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications.
The project demanded a step-change in building performance while working within the constraints of an existing structure. Key objectives included:
- Achieving best-in-class energy performance
- Eliminating fossil fuel reliance
- Extending the operational life of the asset
- Minimising embodied carbon through reuse
- Delivering a modern, high-quality workplace environment
The retrofit also needed to demonstrate a scalable model for the Public Sector Retrofit Pathfinder Programme.
Our Approach
Lawler Consulting was appointed as Engineer of Record to deliver a fully integrated building services strategy aligned with the OPW’s decarbonisation objectives.
Our approach focused on:
- Designing an all-electric building services solution
- Retaining and upgrading the existing structural fabric to preserve embodied carbon
- Integrating high-efficiency heat pump technology
- Supporting natural ventilation through automated façade design
- Embedding BIM LOD 400 to coordinate complex retrofit works
- Working closely with the wider design team to futureproof building performance
The design prioritised operational efficiency, occupant comfort and long-term asset value.
Project Outcomes
85% Reduction in Primary Energy Use
The retrofit improves the Building Energy Rating from G to A2, delivering a transformational reduction in operational energy demand.
Fossil-Fuel-Free Operation
Legacy boilers were removed and replaced with multifunction heat pump systems, enabling low-carbon heating and cooling across the building.
Significant Embodied Carbon Savings
By retaining the existing concrete frame and façade, the project avoided the substantial carbon impact associated with demolition and new construction.
Future-Ready Government Workplace
The building is being transformed into a high-performance headquarters for the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications, extending asset life and supporting increased occupancy.
Pathfinder Project for Public Sector
Tom Johnson House now acts as an exemplar for deep retrofit of state buildings under Ireland’s climate transition programme.
Key Building Services
- Multifunction chiller heat pump system
- Automated natural ventilation façade
- Roof-mounted solar PV array
- Low-temperature heating distribution
- BIM LOD 400 coordinated design
Services Provided
- Mechanical & Electrical Design
- Sustainable Building Services Design
- Energy & Carbon Strategy
- BIM Coordination
- Public Sector Retrofit Support
How can we help?
Delivering sustainable commercial buildings that perform – from concept to occupation. Speak to our Building Services team to get started.
Expert
Advice
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