A major refurbishment of Templemore Town Hall in County Tipperary has seen the historic building converted into a modern library and enterprise centre, supported by a new lighting design from Zumtobel and Thorn, brands of the Zumtobel Group.
The project, led by EML Architects and MWP M&E Consultants, included contributions from LeeTherm as main contractor and Tom Kennedy Electrical as electrical contractor.
The new centre offers a library, enterprise spaces, a Makerspace, quiet reading zones, and a glazed extension designed to bring natural light into the building.
Balancing heritage and modern design
The building’s transformation required a lighting scheme that could adapt to architectural constraints while supporting the functional needs of the new spaces.
John Sexton, Electrical Design Engineer at MWP, says, “We needed a flexible solution that could adapt to the unique ceiling conditions of the building.”
Zumtobel’s SLOTLIGHT infinity II luminaires were used in both surface and pendant versions, including a configuration around the building’s central void to enhance depth and flow.
Other products, such as SLOTLIGHT round and TECTON, were used in offices and reading areas.
Thorn luminaires – including Omega, Equaline Mini, Chalice, College, Katona, Graffiti, and Voyager – provided lighting across interior zones and emergency systems.
Exterior spaces were equipped with weatherproof units – such as D-CO LED Bollards, Urba, Caelon, Eroa, and Eyekon – to create safe and welcoming outdoor areas.
A community-focused facility
The lighting scheme was designed to respect the heritage of the building while supporting its new role as a multi-purpose community facility.
The project is the first in Tipperary to introduce advanced public technologies such as robotics and 3D printing. The library also offers more than 15,000 new books.
Philip Dewey, Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, comments, “Templemore is a great example of what’s possible when community investment meets thoughtful design.
“The lighting complements the architecture and purpose of the space, and it’s exciting to see the SLOTLIGHT infinity II range used so creatively in a heritage setting.”
Michael Heffernan, Project Manager at LeeTherm, adds, “From day one, this project was about delivering quality. Working with Zumtobel and Thorn ensured we had lighting that not only performs well but also looks exceptional. It’s a scheme that really enhances the finished environment.”
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