Bank of Scotland (Ireland) Headquarters
12,500 sq. m city centre headquarters fit-out
Located in the heart of Dublin City overlooking St Stephen’s Green, RKD’s design for the headquarters of Bank of Scotland (Ireland) reflects a clear consideration for its historical surroundings. This sympathetic approach is demonstrated both externally with a contemporary building blending seamlessly into the neighbouring architecture and internally by the treatment of its interior spaces.
Entering the building one is met with a subtle blend of cool and warm materials. White ceramic floor tile acts as a palette against which vertical planes of beech and red sandstone sit; the latter drawing one into the heart of the building. Here the visitor is struck by an awesome atrium space flooded by natural light. The space is punctuated by a navy blue carpet insert which echoes the client’s corporate colour and upon which is located a soft seating area.
A large scale art installation by the well-known artist Corban Walker was especially commissioned by the client. It lines one of the walls as series of vertical narrow mirrors.
Both natural and artificial lighting plays an important part in the interior design of this building. Glass and timber-clad corridor spaces are uplit from the floor with a warm glow of light, while cool white Louis Poulsen pendant lights are suspended in the front window of reception, visible to passers-by along the Green.
This palette of materials continues into meeting rooms and office areas, while a playful mix of colours is adopted in the employee’s breakout room in the form of a multicoloured striped carpet. Classic furniture pieces from the 1960s including the ‘Orange Slice’ chair, again upholstered in the corporate navy blue complete the space.
Location
- Dublin, Ireland
Area
- 12,500 sq. m
Completion
- 2004
Cost
- €42m