Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club

The extension of the facilities at Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club included the provision of additional indoor tennis courts, toilets, a club shop, 107 car parking spaces and a spectator gallery for club members. A public plaza space was also incorporated into the design, linking the club with the local pedestrian infrastructure.

The extension structure was similar in form to the original structure for aesthetical continuity and consisted of steel portal frames with blockwork infill panels. A cantilevered gallery was provided at 1^st floor level which overlooks both the external plaza and the indoor courts. For the gallery, floor vibrations and structural deflections were analysed to ensure a comfortable user experience. A detailed assessment of the existing structure was also completed to ensure any interventions did not compromise same.

Architectural timber-board finished precast concrete panels were used for the cladding and EirEng worked closely with the architect and supplier to design and detail structural supports and foundations for the precast cladding panels.

Externally, the plaza and car park were designed to work within the difficult site constraints and the civils works included retaining walls, permeable paving, and site drainage. EirEng also designed the 6m tall centre-piece plaza lighting structures and their foundations, working closely with the architect and fabricator to produce these bespoke elements.

The works were undertaken during the Covid 19 pandemic and government restrictions. The working restrictions imposed due to Covid 19 resulted in a very challenging programme for the works which required all members of the design team to work with a collaborative mindset to ensure a successful delivery.