Kodak House, Rathmines

PKA's remodelling and conservation of the landmark 1930s Kodak building in Rathmines has given a new lease of life to one of Dublin's few remaining examples of Art Deco architecture.

The client - Cawley Nea, one of Ireland's leading advertising companies - emphasised in its brief that the design be in sympathy with the robust industrial style of the protected structure original, conserving the features that contribute to its special historic interest while adapting it the requirements of a twenty-first century cutting-edge media business.

PKA's most significant intervention was the insertion of a new mezzanine floor - with its curved steel rooflight structure - which runs the length of the first floor to provide extra space and an attractive chill-out environment for management and staff.

The renovation also upgraded the energy performance of the building; the original structure was insulated throughout, new energy-efficient heating and lighting systems were installed, and the main office spaces are almost entirely naturally lit and ventilated.

PKA's goals for the project were that the scheme's combination of architectural conservation and contemporary interventions would deliver state-of-the-art office accommodation, an environment that would be a pleasure to work in, a premises that would enhance the client's corporate image, and that would be an exemplar in the adaptation and re-use of historic structures.

The project has featured in national and international publications on the design principles of remodelling existing buildings for contemporary uses, as well as winning an RIAI Award and the prestigious Glen Dimplex Design Award in 2002. It was also shortlisted for the RIAI Silver Medal for Conservation.

Client: Quirke Lynch Holdings / Cawley Nea Advertising & Marketing,
Value: €1,143,000

Size: 735 Sq.M.

Reference: Mr. Noel Quirke, Quirke Lynch Holdings.
Design: 1999
Completion: 2002