This will be fascinating to watch.

Work on the first rammed earth public building in Ireland will begin in Tramore Valley Park this autumn.

The building, constructed from earth, wood, and reed, will be used as an EcoLab and will feature a hipped roof, providing a meeting point and a shelter for future activities in the park.

The design is the work of Fuinneamh Workshop Architects and Civil and Structural Engineering Advisors Ltd., the winners of the international KinShip EcoLab Design and Build Competition.

The initiative is part of The KinShip Project by artists LennonTaylor with Cork City Council and local partners supported by the Creative Ireland ‘Creative Climate Action’ fund.

The concept for the project, “den talamh”, refers to the idea that materials come from the ground and ultimately return to the ground and so, should be considered for their environmental impact.

“The building seeks to frame a view to Carroll’s Bog, a wetlands area rich with bio-diversity located in Tramore Valley Park within Cork city.” explains Seán Antóin Ó Muirí, lead architect at Fuinneamh Workshop Architects.

“The process of “compacting earth” albeit above ground, resonates with the recent history of site use as a landfill, in creating a compacted landscape.”

Alongside the construction of the EcoLab, The KinShip Project will continue to host Artists on Placement at Tramore Valley Park and facilitate walks, talks, and workshops including demonstrations in rammed earth building technique, and wooden roofing and thatching.

Several events are taking place in July including a Creative Soundwalk and Mapping Project on World Listening Day (Monday, July 18^th) with KinShip Artist Seán Taylor.

Members of the public are invited to propose their own activities by getting in touch with kinshipapplications@gmail.com.