Distillers Building

A digital architectural drawing of a multi-story building with several large windows, storefronts at the ground level, and people walking in front of it. The drawing is white lines on a black background.

Modern multi-story office building with brick and glass facade, situated in an urban area with pedestrians and potted trees.

Modern multi-story building with brick and glass exterior, evening sky, people walking in the park in front, with a small fountain and playground.

City street scene featuring a modern brick building with large windows and a tall construction crane or tower in the background. Two women are walking along the sidewalk.

Modern multi-story building with brick and glass facade, surrounded by a small playground area with a slide, trees, and cobblestone pavement.

City street scene with modern multi-story glass and brick building, tram, street lamps, and sidewalk.

Two women walking along a cobblestone street beside a stone building with arched windows and iron fences, with a tree and modern glass building in the background.

View of a modern glass building with a rooftop balcony, overlooking a historic stone church tower and surrounding cityscape with construction cranes and a clear blue sky.

Modern office lobby with glass walls, a white reception desk, and minimalistic decor.

Three elevator doors with metal finishes, labeled A, B, and C, set within a modern building lobby with gray tiled floors and white walls accented with gold trim.

Interior view of a modern office building lobby with a high ceiling, large glass windows, and a wooden wall feature.

Project Overview

This mixed-use office development on the former Distillers Building site in Smithfield is a contemporary intervention rooted in historical context. The design reintroduces the traditional urban grain of Smithfield Square, retaining parts of the original walls while expressing a modern form recessed at upper levels. The massing is composed of varied block forms over colonnaded bases, articulated with vertical features in brick, stone, or glazing. The approach was informed by a study of historical maps and driven by site-specific constraints, including proximity to the Luas, which led to the use of prefabricated components for quality, safety, and efficiency.

The building prioritises universal access, sustainability, and a strong relationship with the public realm. Multiple entrances, retail at ground level, and connections to the Luas create an active edge and enhance permeability. A central atrium brings natural light deep into the interior, while green roofs, an A3 BER rating, and LEED Gold certification reflect a commitment to environmental performance. The use of post-tensioned slabs and off-site fabrication minimises embodied carbon, while thoughtful detailing and a timeless material palette ensure a lasting contribution to Smithfield’s architectural fabric..

Completed: 2022

Client: The Linders Group

RIAI Stages: 1 to 8

GIA: 23,365m²

BER: A3

LEED: Gold

Air Tightness: 3 m3/hr.m2 @50pa

Line drawing of a modern multi-story building with large windows, a mixture of rectangular and arched entrances, and a brick arch feature on the right side, depicted in white lines on a black background.

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