Criminal Courts of Justice
The building is circular with a central public space (Great Hall) having a 40m diameter. The double-height courtrooms are stacked in groups of 3 around the Great Hall. Access to the courtrooms is provided by large cantilevering walkways projecting into the Great Hall.
Due to the variable nature of the ground conditions the building is founded on pile. A continuous flight augered pile was chosen as the piling solution.
The building superstructure is constructed in reinforced concrete. Walls, core areas and the access cantilevers are in insitu concrete while the large span floors for the courtroom are in precast pre-stressed concrete. The roof of the Great Hall is a structural steel framework providing North lighting into the Great Hall.
Internal glass-surfaced bridges and viewing lifts provide access within the building.
DBFL were awarded the ACEI (Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland) President’s Award (Highly Commended) for Excellence in the Structural Design of The Criminal Courts of Justice Building.
ACEI Presidents Award 2010 – Highly Commended
RIAI Public Choice Award 2010