Tullamore
| PROJECT BRIEF
SDS performed the roles of architect, engineer and assigned certifier for Lidl Ireland GmbH who celebrated the opening of its 200th Store in July 2019, following eight months of construction. Representing a substantial investment into the locality, the modern architectural building measures nearly 30,000 square feet and stands at over seven meters tall, making it a statement development for the town centre of Tullamore.
This new development involved the regeneration of a brownfield, town centre-zoned site, which was formerly the site of the old Bacon Factory, and has provided for a River Walkway along the Tullamore Silver River. A new link road between Church Road and Tanyard Lane road provides a major piece of road infrastructure for the town while providing access into the Lidl car park.
The regeneration of this site dramatically improved the approach into Tullamore and the new store design, incorporating local stone and Kingspan cladding, has enhanced the urban fabric of the town, while being sympathetic to the local vernacular. A striking, inviting entrance area directs customers into a large sales floor with wider aisles and a large bakery. High-level exposed glulam roof beams and side light windows create a bright but warm space.
The store boasts improved facilities, including customer toilets, a baby change area and a spacious staff room.
This new state-of-the-art development is further enhanced by a Community Plaza at the store front, which comprises stone paving and soft landscaping, allowing for pedestrian connectivity with Tullamore town centre.
| PROJECT BRIEF
The design brief for the proposed new store was to create a contemporary new building that was still in keeping with the surrounding areas.
The internal design of the store is continuously changing to meet the demands of the modern customer. This resulted in the need for large 25m clear spans in the shopping area to allow for a better flow throughout. The clear span in the sales area has glulam beams, which add richness to the roof design.
The programme of works required a different approach to traditional construction methods. The construction of the building consisted of precast beams, a clay block wall system and columns, in conjunction with a specially-designed glulam roof. These elements had to be fully co-ordinated and fabricated off site to minimise the construction period of the store.
| Materials
The specific requirements for the store in Tullamore and the local vernacular required the use of stone which would be sympathetic to the local area. The store also has large areas of white render.
The new concept store incorporates the following high quality materials and equipment:
– Large glulam beams span the building providing uninterrupted spaces.
– Full height front glazing and high level windows throughout the store distribute natural light.
– Muted colour schemes and high quality finishes create an enhanced shopping experience.
– Exposed services are kept to a minimum and cleverly concealed.
– New chiller and freezer cells ensure that the highest quality of products is offered to customers, whilst optimising delivery schedules.
| SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability was at the forefront of the design process from the outset and was considered at every point throughout the project. The new Tullamore store incorporates a range of strategies to reduce environmental impact. It is powered by green electricity and has been built to be certified to ISO50001 energy efficiency standards. The store also offers customers free use of a number of electric vehicle charging points. Lidl is the largest provider of electric vehicle chargers in the Irish supermarket sector, enabling customers to charge their electric vehicles free of charge whilst they shop.
The store also incorporates the following sustainable features:
– Sustainably sourced glulam roof structure throughout the building.
– Maximises natural lighting through glazing and high level windows.
– Efficient LED dimmable and presence activated lighting.
– Energy efficient heating system with recovery wheels.
Testimonials
Our clients are in public and private sectors, including government bodies, developers, main contractors and owners. Market areas in which we currently work are commercial, residential, industrial, hotel and leisure, education, and water engineering.
