International Rugby Experience – Subtle Architecture of Community and Dynamics
Photos: Nick Kane
Text: Marcin Szczelina
The International Rugby Experience in Limerick won the Grand Prix and the award in the “Shared Public Spaces” category at the Wienerberger Brick Award 2024. This international competition, which surprises with its diversity in each edition, recognizes projects that creatively use brick, transforming it into a tool for sustainable development. Brick, a natural and durable material, is increasingly becoming a key element in contemporary architecture, enabling environmentally friendly and community-oriented design solutions.
Architecture in the Context of the City
Designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects, the building is situated in the historic Georgian Quarter of Limerick, maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity. Despite its scale, the building subtly integrates into its surroundings without overwhelming the historic fabric. The 33.8-meter-high tower stands as a distinctive yet unobtrusive element, adding dynamism to the urban space. The red brick façade references the local context, while the use of handcrafted materials adds depth and character.
The façade is rhythmically designed, with a clear interplay of vertical and horizontal elements that create an engaging play of light and shadow. The recessed entrance portico creates a semi-public space that fosters meetings and social interaction, while also leading visitors into the building. This architectural gesture merges the structure with the city, enhancing daily life in Limerick without imposing itself.
Interiors – Diversity and Functionality
The interiors of the International Rugby Experience are designed as a series of varied spaces reflecting the themes and dynamics of rugby. From intimate corners to bright, open halls, each area invites a different kind of engagement. The central staircase serves as a compositional axis, smoothly connecting the floors and introducing movement within the interior.
Materials such as raw brick and concrete bring simplicity and authenticity, aligning with the building’s athletic character. Exhibition spaces and interactive installations are designed for flexible use, allowing for various configurations and functions. Architectural details like vaulted ceilings and substantial beams add character, creating a coherent visual narrative.
Modern Approach to Tradition
The building was constructed on the site of former townhouses, which required sensitivity to the historical urban fabric. The architects carefully selected proportions and forms to harmonize with the surroundings while introducing contemporary elements that give the building a new identity. The tower not only complements Limerick’s skyline but also acts as a symbolic reference point, bridging the past and present.
The portico functions as more than just an entrance—it is a transitional space that connects the exterior and interior, encouraging reflection and interaction. Brick, used in both construction and finishing, reinforces the dialogue between the architecture and its context, embodying local tradition and modernity.
Architecture in Service to the City
The International Rugby Experience is a multifunctional space that engages with city life, offering venues for meetings, education, and activities. The building seamlessly combines functionality with aesthetics, supporting the community’s needs without overwhelming its surroundings. The use of brick, along with other materials, creates a cohesive and enduring space that enriches the urban landscape.
The International Rugby Experience exemplifies architecture that emphasizes harmony with its surroundings and attention to detail. Brick, as an ecological resource, underscores the sustainable nature of the building, which not only serves its purposes but also enhances the cityscape. This architecture finds strength in simplicity, creating a space that is open to the future while remaining rooted in tradition.
