First major office scheme of 2021 goes on site – with pandemic protection features built-in

This week sees the unveiling of the first major office development to go live on-site in 2021. Located in the heart of Ballsbridge, directly opposite the RDS on the Merrion Road, Glencar House is being developed by Killeen Properties Ltd, part of the Killeen Group. The 6-storey over double basement Grade A office building was designed by award-winning Reddy Architects, and extends to a net internal area of 7,200 sq m (77,500 sq ft)

With construction commencing as soon as permitted under the current guidelines, practical completion is expected in the first quarter of 2023. Glencar House takes its name and its design inspiration from Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim. Focusing firmly on sustainability and treading lightly on our planet, the building takes its cue from nature and will be a magnificent, green, open and collaborative workplace that will make a real and measurable contribution to employee performance.

With high-spec materials and finishes throughout, this prestigious office development will draw on the best of Irish resources including Connemara marble, native wood and stone and rich natural materials. Its green credentials will be further boosted by 128 on-site bicycle spaces (with dedicated bicycle lift), plus e-charging points for all 42 car parking spaces – making Glencar House one of the first office buildings in Ireland with this level of charging infrastructure in place.

An interesting dimension of the building’s specification is the incorporation of pandemic protection features throughout. Reflecting the impact of COVID-19 on office specifications, Glencar House will have touch-free access control, touch-free lifts, touch-free sanitary ware, occupancy sensors for common areas/toilets and automated temperature sensors. It is now anticipated that similar features will be standard in all future prime office developments.

This prime area of Dublin 4 has seen a recent influx of major global players – such as Facebook and Google – which have established their European headquarters here. They have been attracted by the richness and variety of social amenities in the locality for their workforce – everything from Aviva Stadium to the green spaces of Herbert Park. And to complement the local gastro-pubs and restaurants, there has been a recent explosion in new amenity offerings from Irish-owned retailers such as Fresh, Avoca, Cinnamon, Art of Coffee and Butlers, to name but a few.

The sustainability theme that runs throughout the design and construction of the building is evidenced by a targeted A3 BER and LEED Platinum rating. The building is also targeting the highly coveted WELL V2 Core Platinum Certification, Wired Score and Cycling Score Certification (which determines the quality and efficiency of a building's active travel amenities). Glencar House will also have a green roof, incorporating native and adaptive species providing on-site biodiversity.

Internally, the building has been designed to reduce building water consumption by 35%, via rainwater harvesting. There is a fitness studio for a health-conscious generation of staff, in addition to significant terrace spaces and green outdoor areas that promote a healthy working environment and easy access to nature. Finally, Glencar House will have excellent levels of fresh air and a full filtration system will be provided to ensure exceptional levels of indoor air quality.

Walls have been appointed as the main building contractor, and Mitchell McDermott are the designated project managers. For further information on this prestigious development, please contact joint letting agents, Aisling Tannam in Cushman & Wakefield at (01) 6399300, or Keith O’Neill in BNP Paribas Real Estate at (01) 6611233.