Science Lab, Gairmscoil na bPiarsach, Rosmuc
Science Lab, Gairmscoil na bPiarsach, Rosmuc.
This new Science Lab of 127 sqm is for a small Irish-language secondary school in Rosmuc, Connemara. The design and construction lasted three years. This new Science Lab is the second phase in the ongoing new development at the school and is placed at right angles to the three Classrooms built in 2018. These new buildings are constructed to a passive house standard within a very restrictive budget from the Department of Education. They use everyday local materials, details and architectural language, which will allow for similar extensions as required. The Lab has natural daylighting and ventilation on three sides. The omission of internal circulation has significant economic, and environmental benefits. Instead, covered external circulation and shelters allow students to wait before and after school on the many wet and windy days. These new shelters are important social spaces which enclose a type of courtyard at the centre of the school, but open at the corners so that there are visual connections between all parts of the school and the small community.
Photos by Ros Kavanagh.
