The form and structure of our building is inspired by medieval large span buildings such as the early basilica or the aisled barn, reinterpreted in a modern idiom to suit the requirements of the contemporary sports hall. The large pitched roof structure is the building’s defining feature giving visual and physical retreat from the severe weather of the Dublin coastline.

Externally this roof overhangs a continuous covered walkway along the playing fields, providing shelter to students from the occasional passing shower. Its finish in traditional terracotta tiles with a concrete colonnade, is perfectly suited to its seaside location.

Internally the roof structure is simply and beautifully elaborated. The pitched roof helps to bring the scale of the large hall space down to an intimate human scale at the edges integrating it with the smaller pitched roof houses in the area. The sports hall itself is a large and airy room formed by the elegant structure in timber and concrete.

Although this room embraces its function as a sports hall, it creates a beautiful atmosphere for activities and performance - a space to be enjoyed by spectator and participant alike.