Industrial Architecture, Sustainability
Arklow, Ireland
Architects: Clancy Moore Architects
Area of this architecture project
Area: m² 12234 m²
Completion year of this architecture project
Year: 2024
Photographs: Johan Dehlin, Noreile Breen, Piera Bedin, Camilla Crafa
Category: Industrial Architecture, Sustainability
Design Team: Clancy Moore architects (Design, Detailed Design and ER for site works) Clancy Moore Team: Colm Moore, Andrew Clancy, David Magennis, Eerang Park, Alexandra Pickerill, Tobias Beale, Camilla Crafa, Piera Francesca Bedin
Client: Uisce Éireann / Irish Water
Partitions: Suburban Ceilings
Stairs: Mackey Plant
Platforms: Mackey Plant
Stone: Roadstone
Structural, Civil Engineer & Psdp: TOBIN Consulting Engineers
Architecture: Sean Dockry and Associates
Conservation: Trevor Woods Consulting Engineers
Concrete: Tracey Concrete
Cladding: Crown Roofing and Cladding
Structural Steel: Cavan Roofing and Engineering
City: Arklow
Country: Ireland
Arklow Waste Water Treatment Plant marks a pioneering collaboration where architecture is integrated into the design of a wastewater facility. A small architectural firm triumphed in a competition, working closely with engineers to shape the plant’s design. Historically, Arklow lacked wastewater treatment, leading to significant pollution in local water bodies, which hindered the town’s growth and ecological health. Previous attempts to establish a facility failed due to designs not receiving planning approval on sensitive sites.
An Open Conversation – The chosen site was central to the town, offering a low carbon footprint for the plant. Its visibility and proximity to sensitive ecological areas required a thoughtful design approach. The architects engaged in an open dialogue with the community, engineers, and planners, ensuring the design reflected diverse inputs.
Civic Infrastructure – The design adopts a compact, low-energy approach, positioning all works above ground to avoid soil contamination and minimize excavation. The plant’s operations are designed to reduce energy consumption significantly. The architecture incorporates solar panels and a louvred façade that aids in air circulation, odour control, and aesthetic appeal while providing habitats for local wildlife. This innovative design allows for future adaptability as the town grows.
On Materials – The primary material used is reinforced concrete for the tank walls, complemented by decorative elements that support steel structures. The facades of the main processing buildings feature custom panels from Swisspearl, chosen to harmonize with the local context. The entrance laboratory building reflects the same color palette, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
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