The extension to the UCC Sports Facility involved the construction of a distinctive, triangular-shaped building designed to respond carefully to its surrounding context. The form of the structure is defined by its geometry, with the hypotenuse oriented towards the rugby pitch and running track to the west, one side seamlessly connecting to the existing sports building to the south, and the remaining elevation addressing the GAA pitch to the north-east. This strategic layout maximises views, natural light, and connectivity across the wider sports campus.
The new facility was developed as a dedicated Squad and Athlete Strength & Conditioning Gym, providing a high-performance training environment tailored to elite users. A key feature of the project is its strong commitment to sustainability, achieved through the use of engineered timber construction, including glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements, which are prominently expressed internally to create a warm and visually striking space. The building’s external façade, characterised by its clean, angular profile, complements the modern aesthetic while integrating with the existing campus. Overall, the development delivers a functional, sustainable, and architecturally distinctive addition to UCC’s sports infrastructure, supporting both performance and wellbeing.
Client: UCC Sports Arena
Awards: RIAI Public Choice Award
Services: Full Quantity Surveying Service for a Public Sector Project for UCC.
Value: €1.99m
Completed: August 2023
