This lovely handmade EcoLab is about to open to the public in Tramore Valley Park
It’s the only building of its kind in Ireland.
The KinShip EcoLab will officially open to the public in Tramore Valley Park at the end of the month, creating an outdoor hub for public workshops, gatherings and events by local groups and organisations focusing on biodiversity, eco-practices and climate action.
The walls of the KinShip EcoLab have been constructed entirely using hand-building techniques by Seán Ó’Múiri at Fuinneamh Workshop Architects with Kieran Ruane of Civil and Structural Engineering Advisors Ltd., making it Ireland’s first and only rammed earth public building.
According to Seán, the process of compacting earth, albeit above ground, “resonates with the recent history of site use as a landfill, in creating a compacted landscape.”
The roof has been thatched in reed by master thatcher John Barron, complementing the bogland environment by which it stands.
Both John and Seán will speak about the sustainable processes they utilised in bringing to life this design inspired by both Irish thatched cottages and democratic spaces for assembly in Greece known as ‘Agoras’.
The opening event on May 31st (1pm) will include music by the talented Cork-based uilleann piper, Eoin Ó’Riabhaigh and fiddler, Johnny McCarthy and all are welcome to go along.
View this post on Instagram
The EcoLab is located by Carroll’s Bog on the pedestrian path located on the east of the park. You’ll find travel tips to Tramore Valley Park by foot, bike, public transport or car here.
Access for those with limited mobility can be arranged if notice is provided in advance – email Angela Houlihan at kinshipassistance@gmail.com for more on that.
