600 m2
Ireland
2006, 2012
Axiseng was commissioned by the Athlone Town Council to lead the mechanical and electrical engineering planning for the refurbishment of and extension to the well-known 1897 Father Matthew Temperance Hall in the heart of Athlone Town Centre in County Westmeath. Situated on the banks of the River Shannon, the historical building had held many important roles in prior years including cinema, town hall, library and concert hall. Its presence has played an essential part in the promotion of arts and culture in the local community.
The Luan Gallery is the first purpose-built municipal art gallery located in the midlands region. The gallery aims to promote a dynamic contemporary visual art programme of both established and emerging artists from Ireland and abroad. As well, its new transformation adding significantly to the social fabric of the town will increase tourism to Athlone and bring new businesses to the surrounding area.
The integration of the services with the Architectural design was critical to the success of the project in terms of allowing a maximum amount of the internal space to be utilised as exhibition space.
Axiseng’s project team implemented underfloor and all-air heating and cooling systems to provide the optimal internal environmental conditions. In addition, general lighting, lighting control systems and high tech audio visual were also provided as flexible solutions to allow alternate exhibits to be displayed within the space. The development of the exterior were significantly enhanced by improving the external lighting along the river walk, thus making Luan Gallery a focal point of the town.
RIAI Best Cultural Building Award 2013
