The Crumlin Road Gaol, a Victorian prison built in 1845, is one of the most iconic buildings in Northern Ireland and a Grade A Listed structure. The engineers led the design for the adaptive reuse of one wing of the building, converting it into a whisky distillery. This involved both the sensitive conservation and repair of stone and cast-iron elements, as well as more dramatic, contemporary spatial remodelling. Bar areas have been created using cruciform steel columns, and the reception area is framed by distinctive V-columns.
An ambitious reuse and transformation project that goes well beyond typical restoration. This project team took a building of local significance and breathed new life into it by solving complex problems with structurally-led solutions. The structural interventions and statement precast concrete columns are daring and were guided by a commitment to maintaining the aesthetic, history, and character of this unique building. The duality of light-touch, conservation-led engineering and bold design totally reinvigorate the space, making it a showcase for creative reuse.