Since 1922 Leinster House has been the home of the Oireachtas, the parliament of the Republic of Ireland.  The project is a simple glass pavilion that streamlines and secures the process of entering the Oireachtas. The Pavilion is a trapezoid in plan, due to the orchestration between the existing stone Pavilion, the existing London Plane trees, and the spatial demands of the brief to have adequate waiting space for groups visiting the Oireachtas.  In order to provide as unobstructed view as possible, structure is placed principally in the roof.  Glue laminated ‘X’ beams provide all lateral restraint, allowing the columns to the inside of the courtyard to take vertical (dead) loads only. The desk is the instrument which guides people through the building, creating a generous and secure entry for members of Parliament and members of the public. It is curving around the tree to create a security screening point through which people must pass, and finally providing waiting space once they have been screened.

Photography : Michael Moran

Fig. 1
view from Kildare Street, north elevation

Fig. 2
desk, strucutre and bench
 

Fig. 3
view to Leinster House from waiting area

Fig. 4
view to National Museum, corner detail