McCullough Mulvin: arts centre and library, Thurles, Co Tipperary, Ireland.

McCullough Mulvin Architects produce consistently intelligent, sensitive work, integrating intricately planned buildings into strong formal situations, for example, the insertion of a library into a contorted corner site at Waterford (AR January 2004), extending and reinforcing the townscape with their municipal offices in Tubbercurry (AR May 2004), and producing a bold laboratory extension for University College campus in Dublin (AR February 2004). This latest project represents something of a departure for them; a free-standing, formally expressive building relating to a very particular condition on the edge of the medieval town. Sited adjacent to the River Suir in the centre of Thurles, Co Tipperary, the building combines an arts centre, theatre and library, with each function clearly expressed beneath an undulating zinc roof. At this stage, the scheme displays overt references to the popular all encompassing wrap-over-roof motif, which in these images seems at odds with the scale, grain and vernacular of the site. However, being adjacent to the town bridge, opposite the medieval tower houses, and responding to its riverside location, the building's cranked form, tripartite glazed facade and generous boardwalk will help anchor the scheme and bring with it a contemporary civic presence. Through development on site, the scheme will no doubt take on more of McCullough Mulvin's sophisticated mix of bold, contextual intervention. It is due to be completed in December 2005. R. G.

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