carr cotter & naessens builds DLR lexicon library along harbor in ireland

carr cotter & naessens’ design for the ‘DLR lexicon’ creates a public space that will transform the heart of dún laoghaire, leading visitors in a natural progression from the seafront up to the town. when viewed across the water the building is meant to stand as a landmark, with its monumental window dramatically rising up towards the harbor and providing panoramic views from inside.

the library is clad in brick and granite
image © dennis gilbert (also main image) | all images courtesy of carr cotter & naessens

although a distinctly contemporary form, the library is clad in brick on the southern side to reflect the material palette of the victorian high street and in granite across the rest of the building to respond to the historic context of dún laoghaire. the park also takes its cues from the past. the public amenity is stepped to respond to changing levels, with a terraced water feature and bamboo garden on the site of an old granite quarry. meanwhile another civic space on the footprint of the original bowling green is envisaged as a garden room, sheltered by a grove of trees. here, a grand staircase leads up to the institution at the higher level and in turn, the foyer cafe spills out onto the vegetation.

the reading room is bathed in natural light
image © alice clancy 

internally, the complex is presented as a ‘living room’, bathed in natural light from the window facing the sea. this communal area will house the most social elements of the building where groups can meet or individuals can read and access the internet. the library will also supply separate reading rooms, a junior library, an auditorium, a cafe, an art gallery, a history department with study spaces, as well as staff facilities. the materiality is spare, a voluminous concrete shell, into which are inserted oak linings for books and sound modulation.

visitors are given expansive views of the water
image © alice clancy

communal area where groups can meet or individuals can read and access the internet
image © dennis gilbert

oak linings are inserted for books and sound modulation
image © dennis gilbert

exterior view at night
image © dennis gilbert 

looking from the water feature
image © dennis gilbert

when viewed across the water the building is meant to stand as a landmark
image © dennis gilbert

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