New credit union bank building with associated offices.
The prominence of the site location dictated a requirement for a building of civic quality and permanence. Historical research revealed that a 3-4 storey department store had previously occupied the site up until the 1960s. This gave precedent for the building of a larger structure than the 2 storey building which was at the time occupying the site.
The design approach was influenced by the nature of the Credit Union as a community-driven business and by its importance to the town and community. The central element of the design therefore became a generous double-height entrance rotunda occupying the prominent corner location of the site, allowing the building to address the town most effectively. The geometry of the rest of the building radiates from the centre point of this rotunda.
Elevational treatment is contemporary but based on classical language to lend the building its civic qualities.
The classical influence is also a reference to the history of Bagenalstown which was modelled on Versailles by its founder Lord Bagenal (the local courthouse is based on that of Versailles).
Noble and durable materials have been selected for the walls and roof such as local Carlow limestone and pre-patinated copper.
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