One LePole Square

• Client: Luxor Investments Limited 

• Duration: August 2019 – November 2022 

• Final Cost: €57.9 million 

One Le Pole Square, located in the heart of Dublin, is a groundbreaking mixed-use development that seamlessly integrates modernity with the city’s rich heritage. This €57.9 million project spans 21,654m² and features a diverse array of facilities, including a convention centre, cultural gallery, premium office spaces, retail areas, and semi-public landscaped spaces. Designed with sustainability and energy efficiency at its core, One Le Pole Square serves as a vital addition to Dublin’s business and cultural landscape. 

Project Highlights 

Spanning a total floor area of 21,654m², the development incorporates: 

• A 4,200m² convention centre with a capacity of 1,000 attendees. 

• An exhibition and cultural gallery, fostering artistic and community engagement. 

• 10,521m² of premium office space spread across six floors. 

• A double basement with parking for 48 cars and 170 bicycle bays. 

• A public square with landscaped spaces, enhancing pedestrian connectivity and supporting local businesses. 

Designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind, the project achieved certifications such as LEED Gold, WELL Gold, A2 BER, and WIRED, establishing it as a benchmark for environmentally conscious urban development. 

Sustainability Initiatives 

The Dublin Royal Convention Centre, a key component of One Le Pole Square, incorporates sustainability measures that significantly reduce its environmental footprint: 

• Switching to a 100% renewable electricity supplier, reducing carbon emissions from electricity to zero and achieving a 67.5% reduction in total CO2 emissions. 

• Energy-efficient measures such as LED lighting installed throughout the development. 

• Large, flexible floorplates with optimised natural light and city-centre views enhance the office building’s energy performance. 

• Façade detailing for thermal shading, enhanced daylight penetration, and improved energy efficiency, with recycled and low-carbon materials ensuring durability and sustainability. 

• Off-site manufactured unitised façade panels provided precision, airtightness, and an accelerated construction timeline. 

• Integration of combined heat and power (CHP), PV panels, and energy-efficient M&E systems further reduced energy consumption. 

The green roofs and PV cells maximise renewable energy generation, while the inclusion of a biodiversity-rich garden reflects the site’s heritage. Tiles inspired by the design elements of the former Michael Le Pole Church emphasise cultural preservation alongside ecological enhancement. 

Innovative Construction Techniques 

The project used castellated steel beams, enabling large, clear-span floorplates with minimal columns. This design also helped a clear span over the convention centre, improving both functionality and aesthetics. Key construction highlights include: 

• A superstructure forming 1,500 tonnes of structural steel, double basements, reinforced concrete pile caps, and eight-meter reinforced concrete walls. 

• Slip form construction for stair cores and lobbies, ensuring superior concrete finishes. 

The building’s energy-efficient heating system includes high-efficiency, low-NOx condensing boilers and direct-fired gas water heaters. A Building Management System (BMS) oversees all environmental and primary mechanical plant systems, ensuring operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact. 

Sophisticated Interior Design and Features 

The interior features high-quality finishes, including: 

• Conference halls with a capacity of 1,000 attendees and meeting rooms accommodating 600 people each. 

• Advanced mechanical and electrical systems such as photovoltaic panels, eight lifts, and innovative AV installations, supporting live TV, exhibitions, and commercial events. 

• Interior fit outs that combine functionality with elegance, including polished tile flooring, timber wall panelling, and bespoke marble finishes. 

Health, Safety, and Quality Assurance 

Health and safety (H&S) were integral to the project, with JJ Rhatigan adhering to certified management systems, including Safe-T-Cert, I.S. EN ISO 9001:2015, and I.S. EN ISO 14001:2015. Real-time monitoring through the BIM 360 Field app ensured efficient issue resolution and quality assurance throughout construction. 

Impact on Dublin’s Community and Economy 

One Le Pole Square significantly enhances Dublin’s inner-city vibrancy by: 

• Strengthening the conference and exhibition market with the ultramodern Dublin Royal Convention Centre. 

• Supporting the hospitality sector, augmenting the neighbouring Radisson Blu Hotel. 

• Providing much-needed office space in Dublin 8, complementing the city’s growing business landscape. 

• Revitalising public spaces with a landscaped square that encourages community interaction and boosts local business activity. 

 A Testament to Excellence 

Delivered under an Amended JCT Design & Build contract, the project exemplifies seamless collaboration and innovative problem-solving, achieving its timeline despite challenges. Its success was recognised with the Building of the Year 2024 Award in the Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality category at the Building & Architect of the Year Awards. 

A Modern Landmark with Historical Roots 

One Le Pole Square stands as a beacon of modern urban development, enriching Dublin’s cityscape while respecting its historic identity. This development not only meets the demands of the present but also positions Dublin as a global destination for business, culture, and innovation.