Midway Hotel, Portlaoise
8,000 sq. m landmark hotel destination
The Midway Hotel represents a new landmark destination for Portlaoise and environs on a site that was previously little more than a thoroughfare.
RKD’s design solution was to emphasise the horizontality of the surrounding landscapes, with roof shapes reflecting the undulations of the nearby Dysart Hills while subtly providing a contemporary statement to the adjacent motorway and the 30,000 cars that pass every day. RKD developed three individual seamless roof forms that are silver grey in finish. The varying roof shapes complement each of the three building forms, ranging from two storey Leisure Centre, single storey double height Food Hall, to four storey Hotel with a large overhang to accentuate the surrounding landscape.
The material external finish ranges from rainscreen terracotta cladding, silver grey metal panels and self rendered coloured plaster. There is significant curtain walling to the Food Court and Leisure Centre on the south west facades, creating transparency and allowing natural light to wash throughout the space. It is anticipated that the trees that have been planted will grow to a full mature height in the double height Food Court.
The building is situated well back from the site boundaries and allows for the site to be fully landscaped and integrated into its natural surroundings. All services are to the rear and are well screened from neighbouring sites. There is no high level overlooking of the adjacent site to the east and this is reflected in positioning the rear of the Food Court (no windows) facing into the landscaped and screen boundary.
Location
- Portlaoise, Ireland
Area
- 8,000 sq. m
Completion
- 2005
Cost
- €20m