The pavilions are designed to provide a transparent and secure entrance for the public to the Government buildings, in which is located the office of the Prime Minister of Ireland. Two wing-like zinc clad roofs present a thin edge to the internal courtyard and the street.

The pavilions are ventilated through glass louvres at high level, and sliding stainless steel vents at low level: Like an automobile, the pavilions incorporate window defrosters and adjustable air nozzles, and sun visors to control the micro-environment. The roof structure is treated as a stiff wing, cantilevered from the rear wall, with pre-stressed connections at the corners removing the snow load. The dead load of the glass is supported along an edge channel at the bottom, and live loads are taken on a continuous glass shelf at high level.

Photography : Michael Moran

Fig. 1

Government buildings, Security pavilion (left), Welcoming pavilion (right)

Fig. 2

Welcoming pavilion west facade facing vehicular entrance, Security pavilion corner

Fig. 3

Welcoming pavilion curved glass corner with suspended roof structure

Fig. 4

Corner detail, Welcoming pavilion

Fig. 5

Corner detail from interior, Welcoming pavilion